This is one of the hot spring resorts created by the failure of oil drilling.
Despite its excellent accessibility, it retains its old-fashioned atmosphere.
Good Old Hot Spring Resort
The drive to San Luis Obispo on the southern Central Coast is about a three-hour drive on Route 101 from Los Angeles.
![Parking 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs15.jpg)
It was uplifting, like going to a resort along a scenic highway by the sea.
![Lodging 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs14.jpg)
Avila Hot Springs is located just off Exit 195.
![Alpaca](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/alpaca150.png)
![Capybara](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/capybara150.png)
![Lodging 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs13.jpg)
Straight down Avila Beach Drive is the famous Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa.
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ReferenceSycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa - Hot Springs in California
If you like hot springs that smell like rotten eggs, you can't miss this place! This luxury hotel is a perfect excursion from Los Angeles. Be careful when booking a stay It takes about three hours to drive northwest along ...
![Parking 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs16.jpg)
The history of Avila Hot Springs dates back to 1907.
A well drilled for oil field development failed to strike an oil vein, and the geothermal water gushed out instead.
![Seasonal front lawn tent camping 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs20.jpg)
Using the hot water, the spa resort began operating under the name Ontario Hot Springs at the time.
![Entrance 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs17.jpg)
Although renovations have naturally taken place over its long history, the area around the pools retained the atmosphere of a good old hot spring resort.
![Inside 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs01.jpg)
Today, Avila Hot Springs offers day trips in addition to lodging options in campgrounds, RV sites, and cabins.
![Inside 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs12.jpg)
All pool areas required clothing, and there were separate changing rooms for men and women.
![Changing Room 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs02.jpg)
Strong Sulfur Smell
There were only two outdoor pools.
![Outdoor Pool 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs19.jpg)
The larger pools do not use natural hot springs but are heated by geothermal water.
![Outdoor Pool 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs04.jpg)
There was a water slide, suitable for children.
Swimming lessons were also offered.
![Poolside 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs10.jpg)
Around the row of showers was a small 20-foot-square pool.
![Poolside 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs06.jpg)
This pool appeared to be covered by a roof, but it was full of gaps and did not serve as a sunshade.
![Hot Pool 03](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs07.jpg)
The water looked slightly bluish in the light and had a strong sulfur smell.
No odor of chlorination was detected.
![Hot Pool 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs09.jpg)
Water was added to the flowing hot water at 135 degrees F, which was 104 degrees F.
![Hot Pool 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs08.jpg)
I enjoyed the freshness and satisfying heat of the water at the far end.
![Soaking 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/avila-hot-springs05.jpg)
Summary
Avila Hot Springs, San Luis Obispo, California, U.S.
My rating
Type: Walk-in, Lodging
Rule: Clothing required
Chemical use: Not detected
Water temp: Up to 135 degrees F