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Greater Palm SpringsNatural hot mineral aquifer, small adults-only spa hotels, views of Mount San Jacinto.

Desert Hot Springs, California

Natural hot mineral water and small spa hotels

Desert Hot Springs, California

Desert Hot Springs sits on the north side of the valley, across Interstate 10 from Palm Springs, on top of two aquifers: one cold and famously pure, one naturally hot and mineral-rich. That geology gave the city its entire identity - dozens of small spa hotels tap the hot water directly, and a soak here costs a fraction of what a valley resort spa charges.

Visiting Desert Hot Springs?

Enter your dates and we'll help plan the trip — hotels, events during your stay and what to do nearby.

The mineral water

Hot mineral water rises here at 90 to 180 degrees and is piped straight into hotel pools without chemical treatment. Properties range from historic mid-century motels with four or five soaking pools to a handful of larger wellness resorts. Many are adults-only and most are small - ten to thirty rooms - so they book out on winter weekends.

The views

Because the city sits on elevated ground north of the valley floor, it has the best straight-on view of Mount San Jacinto and the San Gorgonio Pass wind farm of anywhere in the region. Sunset from a Desert Hot Springs pool deck looks directly at the 10,800-foot north face.

What else is here

Cabot's Pueblo Museum, a hand-built four-storey Hopi-inspired adobe, is the city's main non-spa attraction. Joshua Tree National Park's west entrance is about forty minutes northeast, and Palm Springs is fifteen minutes south, which makes this a common value base for people doing both.

The trade-off

Desert Hot Springs is not walkable and has a thin restaurant scene. People stay here for the water and the rates, and drive elsewhere for dinner.

Events

What's on in Desert Hot Springs

All city events

Where to stay

Desert Hot Springs hotels

Food & drink

Where to eat in Desert Hot Springs

Essence Restaurant at Two Bunch Palms

Californian · Desert Hot Springs · $$$

Seasonal, largely garden-driven cooking inside the Two Bunch Palms grove — open to non-guests by reservation. Essence Restaurant at Two Bunch Palms is a Californian spot in Desert Hot Springs. Prices sit in the upper-mid range. Served here: brunch, lunch, dinner. There is a patio. Best for spa-day lunch, quiet dinner.

Essence Restaurant at Two Bunch Palms
PatioBrunch

Capri Italian Restaurant

Italian · Desert Hot Springs · $$

A red-sauce neighbourhood Italian that has fed Desert Hot Springs for decades. Capri Italian Restaurant is an Italian spot in Desert Hot Springs. Prices sit in the mid range. Served here: lunch, dinner. Kids are comfortable here. Best for dinner after a soak.

Capri Italian Restaurant

Things to do

Sights and activities in Desert Hot Springs

Neighborhoods

Where to base yourself in Desert Hot Springs

Downtown Desert Hot Springs
The Pierson Boulevard core of Desert Hot Springs, with the city's markets, taquerias and civic center.
Miracle Hill
The hillside pocket where Desert Hot Springs' hot mineral aquifer was discovered and where its spa hotels cluster.
Desert Hot Springs Mineral District
The hot-water hotel district north of Pierson Boulevard, built around mineral pools, small spas and quiet soaking stays.

Guides

Desert Hot Springs guides

Desert Hot Springs

Events email

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