Franklin Hot Springs sits in the rolling hills of Paso Robles, about 4.5 miles from downtown. It’s a simple California hot springs spot where you can soak, swim, and fish. Hours are long, prices are low, and the family-run vibe feels welcoming and calm.

The lake next to the pools is stocked with fish, so with your day pass, you can also fish and boat - no fishing license required on-site.

If you’re searching for an easy hot springs day with warm water, wildlife views, and room to stretch out, you’ll find it here. Franklin Hot Springs is minutes from Highway 101, Paso Robles wineries, and casual dining. The entrance is right off paved Creston Road with clear signs and ample parking.

Franklin Hot Springs Experience

The hot mineral water at Franklin Hot Springs emerges at 100.1°F (38°C) and maintains a consistent temperature in the soaking area.

The main pool, approximately 40 feet wide and 80 feet long, is cooler, at around 98°F (36–37°C), and feels warm, soft, and inviting for extended sessions. The pool's sand-and-gravel bottom slopes from about 3 feet to 8 feet.

Simple rinse-off pipes located near the hot spring allow you to quickly wash before or after soaking. Historically, flow has been measured in thousands of gallons per minute, which keeps the water circulating and fresh.

A light sulfur scent mixes with a mineral profile that includes sodium bicarbonate, potassium, fluoride, and calcium.

Swimwear is required in public areas.

The property offers basic facilities, including portable toilets, two small changing rooms, and picnic tables for casual breaks.

Massage is available by appointment.

Your day pass unlocks more than soaking. You can fish the lake for largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie, or paddle a small non-motorized boat.

Around the lawns, you can play giant Connect Four, ladder ball, cornhole, and ping pong. It’s screen-free, low-key fun that works well for families and small groups.

Wildlife is part of the charm here. Great White Egrets and Blue Herons glide across the water. Ducks, Canadian geese, killdeer, and swallows work the shoreline and sky. Turtles sun on logs, and you might spot muskrats or even beavers near the reeds. Dragonflies and monarch butterflies bring bright color to warm days.

If you want to explore, Paso Robles offers easy add-ons: downtown tasting rooms and restaurants, vineyard views on backroads, and another soak at nearby River Oaks Hot Springs Spa. It’s simple to build a mellow day without having to drive far.