Developed hot spring pool · California
Montecito Hot Springs
Santa Barbara County, California · 1.9 miles north of Montecito, CA
Last updated
- Type
- Developed Developed hot spring pool
- Water temperature
- 118°F (48°C) at the source
- Cost
- Free
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Montecito, CA (2 mi / 3 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Very hot: above comfortable soaking temperature for most people. Enter slowly.
About Montecito Hot Springs
Montecito Hot Springs is a developed hot spring pool in Santa Barbara County, California, about 1.9 miles north of Montecito, CA. The nearest large city is Santa Barbara, CA, roughly 4 miles away as the crow flies.
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 118°F (48°C). That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
This is a developed site with built pools, tubs or a bathhouse, so there is usually an entry fee, set opening hours and basic facilities.
Water temperature
Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, OpenStreetMap mappers, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks Montecito Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 34.46348, -119.64044.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Montecito, CA. The spring is about 1.9 miles (3 km) north of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Santa Barbara, CA, about 4 miles (6 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Oxnard, CA.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Weather forecast
Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.
Hot springs near Montecito Hot Springs
- Little Caliente Spring 90°F
- Big Caliente Hot Spring Not recorded
- San Marcos Hot Spring 109°F
- Vickers Hot Springs 124°F
- Stingleys Hot Springs 124°F
- Matilija Hot Springs 109°F
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Montecito Hot Springs?
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 118°F (48°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Where is Montecito Hot Springs?
Montecito Hot Springs is in Santa Barbara County, California, about 1.9 miles north of Montecito, CA. The GPS coordinates are 34.4635, -119.6404.
Is Montecito Hot Springs free?
Yes. It is recorded as free to visit. Parking passes or recreation fees may still apply on public land.
What hot springs are near Montecito Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Little Caliente Spring, about 5.4 miles north. Big Caliente Hot Spring is about 6.8 miles away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines OpenStreetMap, the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.