Winter Escape At Paso Robles’ Franklin Hot Springs
My partner and I had just finished a beautiful New Year’s in Morro Bay, California but needed some relaxing warm water before heading back to our bay area homes. While the fog, cool sand, and playful otters had warmed our hearts, our bodies needed a little more to get past the winter.
I poked around and we found Franklin Hot Springs on our way home. I took a look at their website and noticed it’s only $11 for an all day pass! I just can’t pass up a good deal so I convinced my partner it could be a fun time.
The hot springs are only 10 minutes from Paso Robles, but you will feel like you dropped into somewhere much more rural. Approaching the hot springs you will be surrounded by the vineyards that fuel Paso Robles’ popular wine businesses.
But when we saw the entrance sign for the hot springs, we took pause. Turning off the driveway into the hot springs, there were cars strewn all over the landscape. We decided to at least pull into the parking lot. That’s where we sat there for about 10 minutes thinking whether we should stay or go. Cue Jeopardy music!
We finally decided to at least take a look and maybe dip our toes in the water because frankly who can resist a hot spring for the cost of a latte at Starbucks?
Plus the waters were packed with bliss inducing and relaxing minerals like lithium and magnesium.
Water Quality: 4 stars. Pure, natural, and chemical-free, with a beneficial mineral composition (lithium, sulphur, calcium, magnesium). However, the natural sulphur odor and presence of algae on the rocks and bottom of the pools make the water less clear.
Ease of Access: 4 stars. Very close to Paso Robles and major highways. ADA access is limited but could be possible as the only stairs are going into the pools.
Ability to be Alone: 2 stars. When we were there, a number of families were there. There is a large pool and 3 smaller pools, but only 3 pipes that shoot out hot water and are popular to stand under.
Water Temperature: 3.5 stars. The water comes out around 100F which feels hot at first, then becomes more like a warm bath.
Health Benefits: 5 stars. Documented therapeutic benefits from the rich magnesium, lithium, and sulphur content, actively promoted for pain relief and circulation.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars. Very close to wineries, restaurants, and other activities in Paso Robles. Stay nearby at High Ridge Manor, a bed & breakfast in Paso Robles with a rooftop terrace, an outdoor pool, steam sauna, and free breakfast.
What We Liked
When we arrived we were greeted by Norman and Cindy Franklin, the family of the original owners. We loved that this was a family owned hot spring and were happy that the original owners had discovered hot springs instead of the oil they expected when drilling a well.
The pool area had plenty of seating and tables for leaving our belongings and hanging out. It looks like they have a bar area for the high season.
I liked the large pool they had built for swimming and moving around in the mineral water. The above ground pipes with flowing spring water were nice to get immediate relaxation.
We did not try it but they have a lake next to the springs that then feeds water for nearby cities. On warmer days people boat here and even fish here.
The price of $11 for a day pass is very accessible for anyone and makes it well worth it. I also appreciated the family friendly vibe here and how friendly the people were. This is clothing required hot springs as well.
What Could Be Improved
Franklin hot springs has camping and it’s these campers that make the place look messy and made us question whether to come. It might help to add some walls, trees or bushes or other barrier so these campers are not the first thing visitors see.
The area around the hot spring was also a bit disorganized and I think having more storage containers would help with that.
But I think the hardest part for my partner was the shower area. The shower is a private room (plus one for not having to share space), but the floors and ceilings were messy and a bit dirty. Cleaning this area up a bit would definitely improve the feel.
Lastly, some may have an issue smelling like sulphur for a few days, but in my opinion the health benefits are well worth it.
All in all, I would come to Franklin hot springs again and enjoy the relaxed and affordable health and wellness benefits here.
If you are wandering around California, there are plenty of hot springs whether you are in northern California or southern California.
