When most people think of Southern California, they think of sunny skies, lovely landscapes, inviting shorelines, and the famous Hollywood sign. But if you go a few hours inland to the Palm Springs area near Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll be welcomed with intriguing nightlife, incredible eateries, and of course, soothing, natural hot springs.
The Palm Springs region is home to many relaxing hot spring resorts, located within the town of Desert Hot Springs, CA. Because of the area’s hotter temps, these are the most popular and recommended you visit outside of the summer season.
Although in this desert it cools down at night, so you can always take a dip after hours come summertime and hang out in the A.C. all day long. At least the crowds will diminish during this time of year.
Below are the eight best hot springs sprawled out between the notorious Joshua Tree desert and Palm Springs hot spot, in no particular order:
Caliente Springs Resort
Sitting 20 minutes outside of Palm Springs in an area known as Desert Hot Springs sits the Caliente Springs Resort. This resort is reserved for the 55 and a better crowd. Guests are invited to enjoy the four gorgeous hot spring pools, all heated to pristine temperatures for restorative bathing.
Don’t boogie out after a day trip, though. Bring your RV, camper, or travel trailer along for the ride and stay put at the RV site. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy all of the other leisurely activities that this resort has to offer, including pickleball, golf, and shuffleboard.
If you don’t have an RV or travel trailer (yet), you can opt for one of the stunning, wholly furnished vacation rentals. Each rental comes with one or two bedrooms to accommodate your needs, plus a cable TV, refrigerator, and oven.
Don’t ever want to say sayonara to this attractive resort? Consider purchasing one of the casita homes for sale. This little village comes in four housing styles: the Casita, Courtyard, Cottage, and Chalet Collection. You’re sure to find an architecturally pleasing home to enjoy full-time or part-time.
70200 Dillon Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA | 760-329-8400 | calientesprings.com
Aqua Soleil Hotel and Mineral Water Spa
If “full-service” and “plenty of options” are words that pique your interest, then you might want to check out the Aqua Soleil Hotel & Mineral Water Spa. This intriguing resort comes with plenty of options to suit your relaxation needs. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, heated to a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
Want a more secluded and sophisticated endeavor? Book one of the nine luxury Soleil Suites, where private jetted 6×10 jacuzzis await your arrival. These pools are filled with only the best mineral water directly from the Desert Hot Springs Aquifer. This ensures you have a therapeutic experience that melts your stress away.
When your dip in the hot springs pools is over, don’t forget to enhance your experience with one of the many available spa services. From facials to massages, the Aqua Soleil prides itself on offering the very best treatments using what the facility calls its “enchantingly pure” ingredients.
Want to stay overnight? This location offers a three-star hotel with many room types, including single-bed, double-bed, and the infamous “Soleil Suite.” Long-term travelers can also rent the Chez Soleil Apartments, an apartment building owned by Aqua Soleil, about 2.5 miles out.
14500 Palm Dr, Desert Hot Springs, CA | 760-329-4481 | aquasoleilhotel.com
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Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa
Tourists 21 and over will love the Italian-inspired Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa. This unique destination is just a few minutes from downtown North Palm Springs, so you’re never too far from the action. But when you need to take a moment to soak away your troubles and “escape from it all,” this will be your ultimate getaway.
This location comes with charming, three-star boutique hotel accommodations and a tasty cafe to curb your cravings. The standout feature is undeniably the two jacuzzis and pool, all three water recreations filled with mineral water naturally heated from the Earth. You will enjoy hot temperatures that soothe aches and pains while enveloping you in complete respite.
But the luxury doesn’t stop there. When you’re done with your soak, head over to the on-site La Bella Spa. Here, you can enjoy a myriad of services ranging from massages to facials. There are even some exciting body treatments you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, such as the Vineyard Scalp Treatment and Reflexology.
4366, 68187 Club Cir Dr, Desert Hot Springs, CA | 760-251-0189 | tuscansprings.com
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Desert Hot Springs Inn
Although this may be one of the more simplistic options on this list, it doesn’t mean it flails in quality. The Desert Hot Springs Inn is ideal for minimalists who want to focus on rest and relaxation rather than bells and whistles. The inn is on the small side, with six rooms to choose from. Such spaces include the single-bed, double-room, and suite – and in case you were wondering, yes, your hound is OK to come onsite.
Aside from the small-scale, pet-friendly inn, guests can enjoy a large pool heated to 85 degrees F and a bubbling spa at 102 degrees F – two of the best temperatures to enjoy splashing and relaxing.
When guests are finished with their swim and soak, they can take advantage of some of the luxurious spa treatments this small-scale operation offers. Enjoy their coveted CBD-enhanced massage, or enjoy a lymphatic massage to enhance your health. Regardless, these massages can be done right in the comfort of your room – just book ahead.
67840 Hacienda Ave, Desert Hot Springs, CA | 760-600-0246 | deserthotspringsinn.com
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Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa
The Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa is where miracles happen. It was initially built in 1949, making it one of the very first spas in the area. It’s a “human-centered” resort and is notoriously accepting of dogs, cannabis, and alcohol. With that in mind, this destination is reserved for guests 21 and up.
This welcoming, non-judgemental hot spot provides a large hot springs pool and luxury tub for guests to enjoy. Each hot spring water spot is recharged every 24 hours to ensure you’re getting the most mineral-dense water that’s the perfect temp.
When you’re done enjoying the therapeutic waters, you can relish in one of the many spa treatments. Take your enlightenment a step further by engaging in a world-class 75-minute yoga session, where you and your body will truly “become one.”
Want to experience everything this unique site has to offer? Consider staying in the cozy 8-room hotel. Each room is filled with reclaimed organic materials that look lavish and feel sumptuous, too. Wake up to a delectable organic breakfast, and breathtaking views of the nearby mountains, and prepare for what the day offers by reading the daily meditation card.
12589 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs, CA | 760-329-6641 | miraclemanor.com
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Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
If you’re looking for a hotel and spa that truly has it all, look no further than the astounding Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel. This legendary resort has plenty to offer, whether you’re stopping by for the day or enjoying a weekend escape.
This location showcases an impressive eight hot spring pools and an Olympic-sized pool, all of which are surrounded by California’s renowned palm trees and attractive mid-twentieth-century architecture. No matter what pool calls your name, you’ll experience all-natural mineral water with luscious temps ranging from 94 to 104 degrees F.
The Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel may be known for its panoramic California views, vibes, and hot springs, but spa treatments are another standout element. Here, you can find over 40 spa services, including massages, masques, facials, and other beauty treatments to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
This hotel touts using only the very best products for their treatments. For example, you may stumble across high-end products like Mistral and Sothys inside the facility.
There’s no need to leave this incredible destination when you get hungry. There is an on-site cafe (The Sunshine Cafe) where you can enjoy delightful fare all day. There is also a Sports Lounge open until 2 AM, so you can sit around and enjoy the “buzz” with your buds or try your hand at singing karaoke.
There’s a lot to enjoy at the Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel. It is almost impossible to see it all in one day. That said, consider staying in one of the 50 rooms complete with a king bed or two queen beds. You can also enjoy mini-suites and poolside rooms or stay at one of the magnificent Villas exclusive with private hot tubs and barbecues.
10805 Palm Dr, Desert Hot Springs, CA | 760-329-6000 | dhsspa.com
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Miracle Springs Resort & Spa
Last but not least, you have the option of indulging in the epitome of luxury at the Miracle Springs Resort & Spa. Staying here truly feels like a “miracle” as you escape the hustle and bustle of Southern California and finally feel your mind and body at ease.
The Miracle Springs Resort & Spa has an incredible eight hot springs pool to enjoy, all situated inside a scenic courtyard with views of Mount San Jacinto. The pools are filled with natural mineral water pumped from 300 feet underground. This keeps the water an inviting 90 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring you have a truly cozy experience.
This spot is a first-class spa designed to offer an “unparalleled experience.” Here, you can find anything your body craves. From scrubs to manicures, pedicures to waxing, and indulgent massages, this is your one-stop place to go for a restorative venture from head to toe.
While you might walk out feeling like a new person, you might feel a hunger pang. And when that twinge hits, head over to the Capri Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge. Here, you can fill up with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options focusing on freshness and Italian flare.
The night might be young, but when you’re ready to sit back, relax, and submit to your spa and beauty treatments, make sure you book a stay at the Miracle Springs Resort. There are several old-school room types, from the Presidential Suite to the poolside rooms.
10625 Palm Dr, Desert Hot Springs, CA | 760-251-6000 | miraclesprings.com
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Sam’s Family Spa & Hot Water Resort
Situated on 50 acres at the edge of Joshua Tree National Park, Sam’s Family Spa & Hot Water Resort is a haven for camping in the greater Palm Springs area. This family-friendly resort has 175 RV sites, a full-service motel, and park model units that can accommodate up to six people.
The property is loaded with amenities and even has a dog park for RV travelers venturing with their four-pawed companions (no pets allowed in the motel or park models).
There are four naturally-heated mineral pools open all year long. The hot pools, fed by three springs, have temperatures between 99 and 104℉, while the wading and swimming pools are much cooler. Day passes for soaking and swimming are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but reservations for the camping sites can be booked in advance.
Other property amenities include a horseshoe area, playground, tetherball, and a grassy volleyball court. A recreation room has billiards, ping ping, and a library for indoor entertainment on hot days. Additionally, there’s a beautiful lake space outside equipped with a picnic area and various birds living on the property.
Sam’s is an excellent destination for family trips, reunions, or a getaway from the chaos of daily life. It’s also close to the location Coachella Valley Festival and could be an ideal retreat after the multiple-day concert. Aside from Joshua Tree NP, the Salton Sea, San Bernardino NF, and Indian Canyons are also within day-trip distances.
70875 Dillon Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA | 760-329-6457 | samsfamilyspa.com
If you have the lucky opportunity to visit any of the aforementioned resorts in Desert Hot Springs, CA, you’ll be very glad you did. One more option with its very own hot springs-fed pools is the Palm Springs/Joshua Tree KOA. This option has a tent and RV campsites, plus deluxe cabins and 500-square-foot glamping tents complete with patios and air-conditioning.
Remember that summer temps regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so book yourself a stay between October and May, avoiding June through September, to beat the heat; or to beat the crowds, reserve your stay in summer and face it head-on. Have a safe and relaxing time visiting Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.
If you’ll be visiting other parts of The Golden State, consider some of Cali’s other hot springs to add to your itinerary. Happy travels!
Baker Hot Springs – Juab, Utah