10 of the best · California, USA
Spas, Hot Springs and Hospitals in California
California invented the destination spa: a historic retreat in the hills above San Diego, desert mineral springs, Esalen’s baths above the Pacific, and, if you need them, world-class hospitals.
Our 10 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
Browse by type
Insiders' picks
Our first three calls on this list, from editors who know California from Napa to San Diego.
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Video 8 photos -
Hot springs above the Pacific
Esalen Institute
The Big Sur retreat of 1962, with cliff-top hot springs.
The full list: Health & Spas, A–Z
More areas 4
Health & Spas
Destination spas & hot springs 5
Retreats and mineral springs.
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Calistoga’s mineral springs since 1952
Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
A Calistoga resort of mineral pools and spa treatments, on Lincoln Avenue since 1952.
1507 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515Explore View on map
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Hot springs above the Pacific
Esalen Institute
The Big Sur retreat of 1962, with cliff-top hot springs.
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Video 2 photos19 pools and Club Mud
Glen Ivy Hot Springs
A classic hot springs day spa with 19 pools and mud baths.
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Video 8 photos
Health & Spas
Hospitals & emergencies 5
Leading medical centres.
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Police, fire and ambulance
Emergency number 911
Call 911 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in the United States.
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Santa Barbara’s main hospital
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
The main hospital of Cottage Health, Santa Barbara’s not-for-profit hospital system.
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University of California, San Diego
UC San Diego Health
The University of California, San Diego’s health system, with hospitals in La Jolla and Hillcrest.
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University of California, San Francisco
UCSF Health
UCSF’s hospitals, a leading academic medical centre.
