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Desert Hot Springs is located in the foothills above the Coachella Valley, providing its residents with a stunning view of the vibrant lifestyle enjoyed by the rich and famous in nearby Palm Springs. With plenty of sunshine and average temperatures ranging from the mid to upper 80s, visitors can enjoy the area’s numerous resorts, shopping opportunities, and outdoor sports throughout the year.
Long after the discovery of the Agua Caliente Indians, modern-day developers found the springs in the area. They transformed this small town into a Mecca for visitors who wanted to soak in what they believed to be therapeutic waters. Travelers arrive from Canada, the Midwest, and the East, escaping their harsh winter climates in the California Desert. Here is a list of popular hot springs hotels and motels in town, dating back to the 1930s.
Two Bunch Palms: A Hideaway for Hollywood Stars
Established in 1930, this iconic resort is one of the oldest and most famous in Desert Hot Springs. Originally a hideaway for Hollywood stars like Al Capone (rumored to have used it as a retreat), it was built around natural hot springs discovered by homesteader Cabot Yerxa. Its lithium-rich waters and lush 77-acre oasis have drawn celebrities and wellness seekers for decades.
Two Bunch Spa features mineral pools, spa treatments, yoga classes, and a serene adults-only environment. The Grotto spa includes private soaking tubs, and the Essence restaurant serves healthy cuisine. Day passes are available for non-guests. Address: 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs, CA. Book early, as it’s a bucket-list destination. Rates start around $200–$400/night, depending on the season.
El Morocco Inn & Spa: A Boutique Inn
Opened in 1996, this boutique inn is built on the site of historic mineral springs and features a Moroccan riad aesthetic, inspired by the owners’ passion for exotic design. It draws from the same aquifer that made Desert Hot Springs famous, with these springs being used since the early 20th century by Native Americans and settlers.
Features include a Moroccan-themed courtyard, a hot mineral pool, and spa services like massages. Rooms include unique touches like brass beds and hookah lounges. Complimentary breakfast and evening “Moroccotinis” add charm—address: 66810 4th St, Desert Hot Springs, California. Rates range from $150–$250/night. Check for spa packages.
The Spring Resort & Spa: Mid-Century Modern
Founded in the 1990s, this minimalist resort is centered around one of the area’s original hot springs, with connections to the town’s early spa culture from the mid-20th century. The resort features three mineral pools—hot, warm, and cold—fed by natural springs, in addition to spa treatments, yoga classes, and mid-century modern rooms. Its quiet, adults-only atmosphere is particularly appealing to wellness-focused travelers.
Address: 12699 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs. Rates start at $150 to $300 per night. The resort is popular among couples and solo travelers.
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel: Budget Friendly
Dating back to the 1950s, this hotel is one of the town’s original spa resorts, built to capitalize on the mineral springs. The resort was a budget-friendly option for mid-century travelers seeking therapeutic waters—features: Eight mineral pools at varying temperatures, a full-service spa, and simple, affordable rooms. The onsite restaurant offers casual dining. Its central location makes it accessible to downtown.
Desert Hot Spring Spa Hotel is a historic, no-frills option for soaking in the springs, reflecting the town’s early tourism boom—address: 10805 Palm Dr, Desert Hot Springs. Rates are budget-friendly, starting at $100–$200/night.
Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa
Miracle Manor was built in the 1950s and is one of the area’s early spa motels. It was revitalized in the 1990s by owners focused on eco-conscious wellness. The hotel features six rooms, a hot mineral pool, and spa services like massages. Address: 12589 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs, CA. Rates range from $150–$250/night. Limited rooms, so book early.
Why Visit Spa City
Desert Hot Springs is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway with a hint of adventure. You can spend your days soaking in mineral pools, discovering the quirky history at Cabot’s Pueblo, or hiking scenic trails. To enhance your experience in the Coachella Valley, consider combining your visit with day trips to Palm Springs or Joshua Tree. Best Time to Visit: September–November for lower hotel rates and milder weather. In the summer, temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nearby Points of Interest
Explore Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
One of the area’s most exciting attractions is Cabot’s Old Indian Pueblo, a striking adobe building hand-made and created from reclaimed and found objects by a single man, Cabot Yerxa. Cabot began building in 1939 and, over the next 24 years, constructed a four-story, 5,000 square foot structure with 35 rooms, 150 windows, and 65 doors. At the time of his death in 1965, the 81-year-old Cabot had not yet finished the building. 67616 Desert View Ave, Desert Hot Springs, California.
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Coachella Valley Preserve: Great for Hiking
A short drive to the east is Coachella Valley Preserve. It is free and worth a visit; it is one of the best palm oases in the Coachella Valley. Its well-marked trails are great for hiking, and it has terrific vistas overlooking the surrounding valley. You can take an easy two-mile hike to see the oasis, or you can take far longer trails of up to six miles. During the spring, you can see wild desert flowers and wildlife, including lizards, birds, and other critters inhabiting the desert landscape.
National Parks, Tramways, and Fine Dining
Desert Hot Springs is well situated for visiting many areas nearby in the Coachella Valley. Joshua Tree National Park is just to the north, the Salton Sea to the southwest, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountain ranges to the southwest, and the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the northeast.
Desert Hot Springs only offers a few dining options, with many closing up early. There is no need to worry, though; there is almost an unlimited list of restaurants to choose from in nearby Palm Springs.