Montecito’s Hot Springs

The 1870s was the decade when tourism first became an important factor in the South Coast’s economy. An important element in this development was the area’s growing reputation as a health spa. In addition to the mild climate and soothing ocean waters, the region boasted a number of mineral hot springs, the most famous of which were the pools just above Montecito. Travelers from the world over came to Santa Barbara seeking a cure for their aches, pains, and illnesses.

The Montecito hot springs are located about a mile above the end of Hot Springs Road. The Chumash believed the waters had curative powers and used the springs for a number of purposes. During the Spanish and Mexican periods, the Californios would journey up the canyon to do their laundry in the warm waters. Such was the difficulty in getting to the springs, the women would often camp out for several days, making it all a grand social event. The soldiers of the New York Volunteers discovered the springs when they garrisoned Santa Barbara in 1846 during the Mexican-American War. One of the soldiers wrote he “never yet came across a more picturesque sight, nor do I expect it in the future.”

Wilbur Curtiss initially developed the site as a resort. He arrived in Santa Barbara in the late 1850s, in broken health. Reportedly, by drinking the water and bathing in the springs he was rejuvenated in six months. Curtiss bought the property, with plans to build a 46-room hotel with a saloon and two bathing facilities, but he found few investors. The road to the springs was steep, treacherous, and tended to wash out in storms. Initially, facilities were primitive. One newspaper described them as “redwood shanties.” Even these structures were swept away by fire in 1871.