Explore Montecito Hot Springs in Santa Barbara

I got lost on the way to the hot springs, but luckily some friendly hikers pointed me in the right direction. I eventually heard laughter echoing through the trees — that’s when I knew I was close. The place is absolutely beautiful and feels tucked away from the world. There isn’t a lot of room, so you really need to come early in the morning if you want a spot. Most people there are fellow hikers — open-minded, laid-back, and usually happy to make a bit of space. The pools themselves are warm at the top, and they get cooler as you move down — still nice, just not as hot. But be careful: the trail can be confusing, and I nearly ended up at the top of the mountain by mistake. Totally worth the trip, just plan ahead and bring a good sense of direction.

Absolutely loved it!!! The hike was moderate definitely not for the weak. . Parking was horrible about 5 spaces unless you park down the street and around the corner where there are another 10 spaces. But overall beautiful. Water was perfect. About 6 pools different temperatures.

Pretty easy out and back hike, where at the end, you are rewarded with being able to soak in some nice hot springs, hence the name of the trail! Total distance was roughly 3.10 miles, with a bit of it going uphill. Parking can be rough, so I ended up just taking an Uber to avoid the headache of worrying about that, but also did go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. By the time I had left the springs, around 9am, it had started to get a bit more crowded

I thought this was a great hike, I recommend going early to beat the crowds. We went at about 10 am on a Monday and there were only a couple people at the hot springs. When you hike up, you pass by several cold springs before reaching the hot springs, and it's fun to do a cold(ish) plunge and then a hot plunge! Be careful of the bees that swarm around some of the hot pools. Otherwise, lovely trail and springs. Clothing optional at the hot springs, by the way.

✨ One of my absolute favorite hikes! It takes about 30–40 minutes uphill, and along the way you’re surrounded by peaceful nature and plenty of shade. At the top, you’re rewarded with a series of wild natural hot springs — from cooler pools at the bottom to beautifully warm ones higher up. Each spot has its own energy, and some feel deeply private and serene. These are natural sulfur-rich springs (hydrogen sulfide) — known to be deeply healing for the skin and nervous system. You can soak, restore, and reconnect with yourself in such a gentle, powerful way. 💛 Tip: In summer, try to arrive early. There’s more parking and a quieter atmosphere before the crowds come in. And don’t forget to bring plenty of drinking water! This place is a gift. Every time I go, I leave feeling renewed.