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While there are no natural hot springs within the city itself, several hot springs near San Diego make perfect day-trip or weekend retreat options. From resort-style wellness destinations to rustic desert tubs, these soaking spots offer mineral-rich waters with a side of mountain views, desert silence, or spa indulgence.
Whether you’re headed east toward Anza-Borrego or north into the Inland Empire, you’ll find relaxing escapes within two hours of the city — ideal after a long hike, beach day, or just to recharge.
Below, you’ll find four of the best hot springs near San Diego, each offering a different type of experience. For even more soaking spots across the state, check out our full guide to California hot springs.
6 Hot Springs Near San Diego
1. Jacumba Hot Springs Spa and Resort (71.4 Miles)
Just over an hour east of San Diego, Jacumba Hot Springs Spa and Resort is a long-standing favorite among locals and visitors alike — and after a temporary closure, it’s finally reopening its doors.
This historic desert retreat has undergone renovations while still preserving its rustic charm. Guests can look forward to soaking in geothermally heated artesian water, naturally rich in minerals and maintained chemical-free and unchlorinated. The resort features two pools and a spa, with water temperatures averaging a soothing 100°F.
Beyond the soaking experience, the resort is home to 24 newly refreshed guest rooms, a full-service bar, and an onsite restaurant that blends modern design with the community’s desert roots.
Whether you’re returning for nostalgia or visiting for the first time, Jacumba offers a peaceful, small-town escape surrounded by wide skies and rugged mountain landscapes — a perfect off-grid getaway that’s still within reach of San Diego.
2. Elim Hot Springs Resort (80 Miles)
Aptly located on Foolish Pleasure Road in Aguanga, just under 90 minutes northeast of San Diego, Elim Hot Springs Resort is a peaceful retreat nestled at the base of the Palomar Mountains. Operated by the Elim Alliance Church, the resort blends spiritual tranquility with the healing properties of mineral-rich geothermal water.
The spring water at Elim is naturally high in sulfur, which is believed to offer therapeutic benefits for skin, circulation, and joint health. The resort features three outdoor hot tubs of varying temperatures, all under covered structures for shade and year-round use. There’s also an indoor pool, ideal for those who prefer a more sheltered soak during cooler months.
Whether it’s raining or the sun is blazing, the springs are open in all weather, making winter soaks especially popular among returning visitors. While jumping into a tub in colder months might sound intimidating, many find it one of the most rewarding and relaxing ways to experience the mineral water.
Guests should note that sunscreen, lotions, and oils are not allowed in the pools to preserve the purity of the water. You’re also encouraged to bring your own towels, swimsuits, and any personal items, as rentals are not provided on-site.
In terms of accommodations, Elim offers private bungalows, dormitories, and tent camping. There’s also a barbecue area, walking trails, and a chapel space available for church retreats and quiet reflection. While the resort operates as a ministry-focused property, it remains open to all guests seeking rest and rejuvenation in a serene natural setting.
3. Glen Ivy Hot Springs (89.1 Miles)
Glen Ivy Hot Springs is one of Southern California’s most iconic wellness destinations — and it’s just over an hour from San Diego. Tucked into the rolling hills of Temescal Valley, this expansive resort blends geothermal soaking, holistic spa treatments, and lush outdoor ambiance into a full-day retreat.
The property boasts 19 pools and baths, including classic mineral soaks heated to 104°F, Roman-style pools set in columned courtyards, and a tranquil saline pool infused with Epsom salts to ease inflammation. You’ll also find invigorating hot-and-cold plunges, a peaceful Vista Pool shaded by palms, and resort-style swimming areas with hammocks and cabanas for proper lounging.
One of Glen Ivy’s signature experiences is Club Mud — a pool filled with red California clay where guests coat themselves head to toe before basking in the sun and rinsing off, revealing exfoliated, glowing skin. There’s also a lap pool offering aqua fitness classes like Aqua Zumba and Aquafit.
The admission price depends on the season: from March through April, general entry is $75 on weekdays and $95 on weekends, while in the summer months (May through August), prices rise slightly to $95 Monday through Thursdayand $105 Friday through Sunday. For a shorter escape, half-day passes are sometimes available Monday to Thursday (1:00 PM to 5:00 PM) for $45, subject to availability.
On-site, you’ll find four dining venues serving up fresh California fare (including a Starbucks kiosk), and the full-service spa offers everything from deep tissue massages to custom facials and mineral wraps.
Whether you’re planning a solo reset or a spa day with friends, Glen Ivy offers an upscale but approachable hot springs experience — therapeutic, indulgent, and absolutely worth the drive from San Diego.
4. Agua Caliente County Park (93.5 Miles)
Tucked into the southeastern edge of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Agua Caliente County Park offers a relaxed, family-friendly hot springs escape just under two hours from San Diego. Open seasonally from early September through late May, it’s a favorite for winter soaking, stargazing, and desert camping.
The park features three geothermal pools, including a covered indoor therapeutic spa, an outdoor adults-only pool, and a separate shallow pool for kids. While children are welcome throughout the day, the adult pools are reserved for grown-ups only between 9:30 and 10:30 AM, offering a quiet window for uninterrupted soaking. The mineral-rich waters are naturally heated and known to help ease joint pain, arthritis, and general tension.
Beyond the springs, Agua Caliente is a great spot for hiking, with several miles of scenic desert trails winding through rocky hills and narrow canyons. Wildlife is abundant, and the landscape offers stunning vistas, especially at sunrise or golden hour.
Day-use visitors can access the pools for a $5 parking fee, with an additional $3 per person for non-camper pool access. But if you’d like to extend your stay, the park has a range of camping options, including tent sites, RV hookups, and rustic cabins with bed frames, bathrooms, and heating.
Peaceful, affordable, and beautifully remote, Agua Caliente is a must-visit for anyone seeking a natural hot springs experience near San Diego without the resort crowds.
5. Five Palm Oasis (110 miles)
Five Palms Oasis is one of the more unique primitive hot springs near San Diego — a single warm pool bubbling up in the middle of the desert, surrounded by a few tall palms and not much else.
Located about two hours east of the city, this spring sits just outside the Ocotillo Wells area and is free to visit year-round. The water temperature generally sits around 90–100°F, which makes it ideal for a quick soak on cooler days, especially in fall and winter.
This is a true off-grid spot. The spring is accessible via a dirt road and requires either a high-clearance vehicle or a bit of walking. There’s no signage, no restrooms, and no facilities — just a mud-bottomed pool that fits a few people at a time. Camping is allowed nearby on BLM land, but there are no services, so you’ll need to pack in everything you need and pack it all out.
Despite its remoteness, Five Palms has become something of a local secret. If you’re looking for a quiet desert soak without any frills, this is it.
6.Holtville Hot Springs (129 miles)
Holtville Hot Springs is a no-frills desert soak with a loyal local following — and it’s completely free to visit. Located about two hours from San Diego near the U.S.–Mexico border, this community-run hot spring is open daily from 5:00 AM until midnight, making it one of the most accessible natural soaks in Southern California.
The main soaking pool is a concrete tub fed by naturally hot mineral water that hovers around 104°F. It’s set in a desert clearing, with a small covered area offering a bit of shade and a few benches nearby. A second, shallower overflow pool sits just below the main tub.
While the spring itself is simple, it’s well maintained and has been revitalized by the local community over the years. The city recently added some improvements to the site, helping keep it clean and safe for visitors. There are no formal restrooms, but porta-potties are sometimes available during peak season.
Dispersed camping is allowed nearby, and there’s a small fee if you stay overnight during the main season. Just keep in mind that the surrounding land is mostly BLM, so come prepared and pack everything out.
If you’re road-tripping near Imperial Valley or looking for a peaceful soak with sunset views, Holtville Hot Springs is definitely worth the detour.
