Desert Hot Springs Mineral District

The mineral district is the cluster of streets north of Pierson Boulevard where dozens of small hotels tap the natural hot aquifer. Properties range from six-room adults-only inns to full spa resorts, and most are built around a series of pools at different temperatures.

There is little to do in town beyond soaking, which is largely the point. Palm Springs is 15 minutes south, so a Desert Hot Springs stay pairs easily with dinner and shopping down the hill.

Summer is genuinely quiet here and rates fall hard; winter weekends sell out and the smallest properties book months ahead.