Desert Hot Springs is a desert town just north of Palm Springs, known for its naturally heated mineral waters and wide range of hot spring resorts. Built directly on top of a fault-fed aquifer, the area delivers pure, untreated hot and cold mineral water to dozens of spa hotels and boutique retreats.
Most resorts feature outdoor soaking pools with temperatures between 100°F and 107°F, and many are open 24/7 for hotel guests. Options range from classic mid-century motels to upscale wellness retreats, all surrounded by desert stillness and mountain views.
Conveniently located about 30 minutes from both downtown Palm Springs and Palm Springs International Airport, Desert Hot Springs is ideal for travelers looking to soak in real mineral water without the crowds—or the price tag—of more commercial spa towns.
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What You Should Know Before Going to Desert Hot Springs
Unlike single-location hot springs, Desert Hot Springs is an entire town built around natural geothermal water. With over 20 spa hotels and boutique retreats, each property offers a different experience—some minimalist and retro, others more luxurious and wellness-oriented. Most pools are filled with pure, untreated mineral water, drawn directly from the underground aquifer and naturally heated to temperatures between 95°F and 107°F.
Hotel guests usually enjoy 24-hour access to soaking pools, while day visitors can soak during typical spa hours, usually between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. No reservations are required at many properties, but weekends and holidays can get crowded, so it’s smart to arrive early. Day passes generally range from $10 to $20, with discounts for seniors—especially on Tuesdays.
While this isn’t a wilderness soak, the atmosphere still feels laid-back and restorative, with the desert setting and mountain views adding to the experience. Most resorts offer full amenities, including showers, lockers, towels, and even on-site restaurants or spa services. The majority of resorts are clothing-required, though a few smaller retreats offer clothing-optional pools.
Best Time to Visit Desert Hot Springs
Desert Hot Springs is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the fall (October to early December) and spring (March to May). During these seasons, daytime temperatures are mild, ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s °F (24–30°C), providing ideal weather for soaking and exploring.
Winter (December to February) is also a popular time, especially for travelers escaping colder climates. Days are generally sunny and pleasant, though nights can be cooler.
Summer (June to September) brings extreme desert heat, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). During these months, soaking is best enjoyed early in the morning or late in the evening, and indoor pools or shaded resorts are preferable.
No matter the season, Desert Hot Springs offers a relaxing getaway, but visitors should plan ahead for weekends and holidays, when resorts can become fully booked.
How to Get to Desert Hot Springs
Desert Hot Springs is located in Riverside County, just 30 minutes northeast of Palm Springs by car. The town is easily accessible via Interstate 10, making it a convenient destination for both Southern California locals and out-of-state visitors arriving by air.
If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which offers direct flights from major U.S. cities. From the airport, it’s about a 25- to 30-minute drive to most hot spring resorts in Desert Hot Springs.
Having your own vehicle is highly recommended, as public transportation to the resorts is limited. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available but may be inconsistent in the more residential areas, especially after dark. Parking is available and usually free at most hotels and spas.
Once in town, everything is spread out, so it’s best to have a car to explore multiple resorts or make short trips into Palm Springs for dining, shopping, or hiking in the surrounding desert parks.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs at Desert Hot Springs
Desert Hot Springs offers a variety of spa hotels and resorts, each with its own operating hours and pricing for day passes. Most establishments welcome day visitors, providing access to their mineral pools and spa facilities.
For instance, Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel offers day passes priced at $15 for adults and children aged 3–64, $10 for seniors aged 65 and over, and free for children under 2. During holiday periods, the rate is $20 for all ages.
Other resorts, such as Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis, provide day passes starting at $69 on weekdays and $79 on weekends, granting access to their pools, spas, sauna, and other amenities.
It’s advisable to check with individual resorts for their specific hours and pricing, as these can vary. Reservations are recommended, especially during weekends and holidays, to ensure availability but not necessary.
Where to Stay in Desert Hot Springs
Desert Hot Springs isn’t just a single resort—it’s an entire town built on one of the most active natural hot mineral aquifers in the world. That means dozens of hotels and boutique inns here offer direct access to real, untreated geothermal water.
To help you decide where to stay, we’ve hand-picked several hot spring resorts that are confirmed to have on-site natural mineral pools. Whether you’re looking for a classic mid-century spa hotel or a peaceful wellness retreat, you’ll find solid options here—with day pass info, guest access details, and direct booking links.
All listings below are verified hot spring resorts. For additional hotels nearby, scroll down to the interactive map—but always double-check that the property includes actual hot spring access before booking.
El Morocco Inn & Spa
A colorful, Moroccan-themed boutique inn with a relaxed, adults-only atmosphere. Features a natural mineral water pool, complimentary breakfast, and cozy décor.
Pool access: Hotel guests only
Booking: El Morocco Inn & Spa
The Spring Resort & Spa
An intimate, wellness-focused resort with three mineral pools, spa treatments, and minimalist desert design. Ideal for couples and solo travelers.
Day pass: From $35
Booking: The Spring Resort & Spa
Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis
A modern luxury retreat with multiple soaking pools, a Himalayan salt room, and expansive mountain views. Adults only.
Day pass: From $69 (weekday)
Booking: Azure Palm Hot Springs
Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa
One of the most iconic wellness resorts in the region, set in a palm oasis with a peaceful, adults-only atmosphere. Known for its hot spring grotto, yoga classes, and sustainability efforts. Ideal for a quiet, rejuvenating escape.
Pool access: Hotel guests only
Booking: Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa
Aqua Soleil Hotel and Mineral Water Spa
A modern, budget-friendly hotel offering indoor and outdoor mineral pools. Great for casual travelers looking for comfort without the spa price tag. Some rooms feature private jetted mineral tubs. Be careful, this hotel may be fully booked.
Day pass: Available, prices vary
Booking: Aqua Soleil Hotel and Mineral Water Spa
Miracle Springs Resort & Spa
A larger resort with eight hot mineral pools, an on-site steakhouse, and full-service spa. Suitable for families, groups, or solo visitors seeking a mix of relaxation and amenities.
Day pass: From $15; hotel guests have 24-hour access
Booking: Miracle Springs Resort & Spa
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
A mid-century classic offering a retro vibe and multiple outdoor hot mineral pools. Family-friendly, affordable, and conveniently located on Palm Drive. If you are interested in this hotel, let’s check our new post about Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel.
Day pass: $15 adults / $10 seniors / $20 holidays
Booking: Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
Looking for more places to stay nearby? Use the map below to explore hotels in the area.
Please double-check if hot springs are available before booking.
What to Do Nearby Desert Hot Springs
While the main draw of Desert Hot Springs is its soothing mineral pools, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and cultural enrichment. Whether you’re craving a deep desert adventure or a bit of history and charm, there’s no shortage of things to do nearby.
For those looking to connect with the desert landscape, a Jeep tour along the San Andreas Fault is a top pick. This small-group experience takes you off-road into remote areas where underground springs create lush desert oases. The tour lasts about three hours and is guided by a naturalist who explains the region’s dramatic geology.
Another unforgettable outdoor experience is the Joshua Tree Backroads Hummer Tour. This four-hour adventure offers access to rugged backcountry roads inside Joshua Tree National Park, taking you to scenic lookouts and hidden corners that most visitors miss. Riding in a powerful Hummer H2, it’s a mix of desert solitude and pure fun.
If you prefer to explore on foot, join a 2.5-hour hiking tour through the desert oases of the Coachella Valley. A knowledgeable local guide will lead you through palm-lined trails, sharing stories about native plants, wildlife, and ancient cultures that once called this region home.
Those more inclined toward culture and history shouldn’t miss a visit to Cabot’s Pueblo Museum. This hand-built Hopi-style adobe structure is a local icon, offering insight into the life of early desert pioneer Cabot Yerxa. The museum is open most days and gives a fascinating look into Desert Hot Springs’ roots.
Just a short drive away in Palm Springs, the Legends & Icons Tour offers a fun glimpse into the city’s glamorous past. This 1.5-hour guided tour takes you to the former homes of Hollywood legends like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, with plenty of juicy stories and photo stops along the way.
And for design lovers, there’s no better way to experience Palm Springs than on the Modernist Architecture Bike Tour. Over the course of 2.5 to 3 hours, you’ll cycle past stunning examples of mid-century modern homes and public buildings while learning about the architects who shaped the look of this iconic desert city.
Other Hot Springs Nearby Desert Hot Springs
The Palm Springs region is full of geothermal activity, and Desert Hot Springs sits right at its heart. Just a short drive south, Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona offers a luxurious spa environment with mineral pools and mud baths. To the east, Agua Caliente Hot Springs in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park provides a quieter desert escape surrounded by rugged landscapes. A bit farther north, Tecopa Hot Springs near Death Valley offers a rustic soaking experience with stargazing opportunities under some of California’s clearest skies.