There is something magical about slipping into warm mineral water while the desert sky glows pink at sunset. At Apek Rentals, we have spent seven years welcoming guests to Palm Springs, and one question we hear more than almost any other is where to find the best hot springs in the area.
The short answer is that you have a lot of good options within a short drive. Palm Springs sits right next to Desert Hot Springs, a small town built on top of a natural mineral aquifer, and there are a few more special spots worth the trip a little further out.
In this guide, we share our favorite hot springs near Palm Springs, what makes each one worth visiting, and a few practical tips so you can plan a soak that actually feels restful.
What Makes Palm Springs Such a Hot Springs Destination
Palm Springs sits on the edge of one of the most active geothermal zones in Southern California. Just north of downtown, in Desert Hot Springs, natural mineral water bubbles up from the aquifer at temperatures that can reach around 180°F at the source before being cooled for soaking.
That is why so many small resorts, day spas, and boutique hotels here are built around mineral pools rather than regular chlorinated ones. Locals sometimes call Desert Hot Springs “Spa City” for a reason, and it is only about 15 minutes from downtown Palm Springs.
Downtown Palm Springs has its own historic mineral spring too, cared for by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for centuries. So whether you want an upscale spa day, a quiet mineral soak, or a resort-style pool complex, you can find it all within a short drive of your rental.
Good to know: Mineral water in this region is usually rich in sulfates, calcium, and other minerals that many soakers say leaves the skin feeling softer. It also has a very mild, clean scent, not the strong sulfur smell you might expect from other hot springs regions.
Our Favorite Hot Springs Near Palm Springs
Below are the spots we recommend most often to our guests. We have grouped them by vibe so you can pick the one that fits your trip, whether you are looking for a full spa day, a peaceful adults-only soak, or a family-friendly resort.
Best Hot Springs Resorts and Day Spas in Desert Hot Springs
Desert Hot Springs is where most of the natural mineral action happens. It is about a 15 minute drive from downtown Palm Springs, and it is home to more mineral-fed pools than any other town in the area.
Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis
Azure Palm is one of the most photogenic hot springs in the area, and it is the one we send guests to when they want a full-day escape. The property is adults only, which keeps it quiet, and the layout of mineral pools scattered through the Oasis feels almost like a private garden.
Guests who visit often mention how easy it is to lose track of time here. You can move between hot tubs, cool showers, and the main mineral pool, and by mid afternoon most people forget they had plans to leave. There is also a small cafe on site, so you can stay hydrated and fed without breaking the spell.
- Rating: 4.4 stars from 717+ Google reviews
- Address: 67589 Hacienda Ave, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
- Phone: (760) 251-2000
- Vibe: Adults only, chic desert oasis with multiple mineral pools
- Insight: The Romantic Sunset Oasis Tub is a popular pick for anniversaries and special occasions
Learn more about Azure Palm Hot Springs
Two Bunch Palms
Two Bunch Palms is the classic Desert Hot Springs experience and easily one of the most well-known mineral spots in Southern California. The famous grotto pool at the center of the property is fed by natural geothermal water and shaded by mature palms, which creates a very still, almost cinematic setting.
This is a good pick if you want a slower pace and a real focus on wellness. The property leans into quiet time, so it feels more like a retreat than a party pool. Some guests love the serenity, others wish the rooms felt a little fresher, so know what you are coming for.
- Rating: 4.4 stars from 800+ Google reviews
- Address: 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
- Phone: (760) 676-5000
- Vibe: Peaceful, historic, wellness focused
- Insight: The main grotto is one of the most iconic hot spring photos in California
Learn more about Two Bunch Palms
The Spring Resort & Spa
The Spring is our go-to recommendation when guests tell us they want the calmest, quietest soak possible. There are no televisions in the rooms, the pools are candlelit at night, and the property is built around meditation, mineral water, and long, unhurried afternoons.
If you are traveling for a birthday, an anniversary, or a solo reset, we love pairing a night here with a few days in one of our Palm Springs rentals. It gives you the deep-relaxation day without giving up the space and comfort of a private home for the rest of your trip.
- Rating: 4.4 stars from 270+ Google reviews
- Address: 12699 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
- Phone: (760) 251-6700
- Vibe: Serene, meditation-friendly, adults only
- Insight: Evenings feature a fire pit and calming music instead of TV
Learn more about The Spring Resort & Spa
Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa
Tuscan Springs is a small property with three mineral pools, including one under a lovely open sided pavilion. It is a quieter pick and a favorite of ours during the shoulder seasons, when guests can practically have the pools to themselves.
We usually suggest Tuscan Springs to guests who want a very simple, no-fuss soak without a big resort atmosphere. The staff are welcoming, the setting is calm, and the mineral water is the star of the show.
- Rating: 4.7 stars from 215+ Google reviews
- Address: 68187 Club Cir Dr, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
- Phone: (760) 251-0189
- Vibe: Small, quiet, mineral-first
- Insight: Three mineral pools at slightly different temperatures let you move between hot and warm soaks
Learn more about Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa
El Morocco Inn and Spa Resort
El Morocco Inn brings a completely different mood to your soak. The property is styled after a Moroccan riad, with lanterns, tile work, and quiet garden corners around the mineral pool. It is warm, a little theatrical, and always leaves our guests with photos they love.
Guests who visit talk about how welcoming the vibe is from the moment they arrive. There is a big DVD library, an intimate pool, and the kind of small touches that turn a soak into a mini getaway.
- Rating: 4.5 stars from 360+ Google reviews
- Address: 66810 4th St, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
- Phone: (760) 288-2527
- Vibe: Moroccan-inspired, romantic, intimate
- Insight: Great pick if you want a photo-worthy setting for a couple’s soak
Learn more about El Morocco Inn
Hope Springs Resort
Hope Springs is one of the smallest and most peaceful mineral pool properties in Desert Hot Springs, and that is exactly why we like it. The property is midcentury, thoughtfully kept, and truly focused on rest.
Regular guests will tell you it is the kind of place you go to read, soak, and completely detach. Breakfast is served on site, other visitors tend to respect the quiet, and the pools are pristine.
- Rating: 4.7 stars from 100+ Google reviews
- Address: 68075 Club Cir Dr, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
- Phone: (760) 329-4003
- Vibe: Small, quiet, midcentury design
- Insight: Popular with guests who want a truly silent, screen-free soak
Learn more about Hope Springs Resort
Tips for Visiting Hot Springs Near Palm Springs
Over years of hosting guests here, we have picked up a few small things that make a soaking day much better.
Pick your season carefully. The most comfortable months for outdoor hot spring soaking are roughly October through May. Summers in the Coachella Valley are very hot, and the mineral pools stay warm year round, so most soakers prefer the cooler months for open-air pools. Winter is our personal favorite: cool desert air, warm mineral water, and clear night skies.
Reserve in advance. Most of the smaller Desert Hot Springs properties limit day passes or restrict them to overnight guests. Call ahead or check the website before you drive out. Weekends and holidays book up quickly, especially in high season.
Pack simple. A swimsuit, sandals, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a good book cover most of what you will actually use. Many properties provide towels, but confirming ahead saves you a trip back to the car.
Hydrate more than you think. Soaking in warm mineral water for a few hours can leave you dehydrated faster than you might expect, especially in the desert. We suggest drinking water between soaks and taking cool breaks in the shade.
Respect the quiet. Most of these properties are adults only and lean into peaceful, low-noise atmospheres. Leaving phones in the room and keeping conversations soft is part of the etiquette that makes these spots so special.
Quick insight: Alternating short soaks in hot mineral water with a few minutes in a cold plunge or cool shower is a favorite ritual for many regulars here. It leaves you feeling both relaxed and clear-headed.
Where to Stay for the Best Hot Springs Trip
You can stay overnight at some of the mineral resorts, but many of our guests love the balance of soaking during the day and coming home to a private home in the evening. That way you have space to cook, host friends, hang out by your own pool, and start each morning at your own pace.
Our Palm Springs vacation rentals put you within a short drive of every hot spring on this list. Most of our homes have their own pools and hot tubs, so you can keep the soaking going right up until bedtime. If you want to be a little closer to the golf and shopping side of the valley, our Palm Desert rentals are another easy option.
For guests who want to keep the wellness theme going all week, we recommend browsing our homes with private hot tubs. Coming back from a mineral soak to sink into your own bubbling tub under the desert stars is one of the best simple pleasures in the valley.
And if you want to build out the rest of your trip, our guide to the best things to do in Southern California has more ideas to pair with your hot springs day.
Plan Your Palm Springs Hot Springs Getaway With Us
Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs make one of the most special hot springs regions in the country, and half the joy is choosing which soak fits your mood. Whether you want a candlelit meditation pool, a Moroccan garden hideaway, or a full wellness resort with saunas and cold plunges, you have a great pick within an easy drive.
At Apek Rentals, we have hosted more than 15,000 stays across Southern California, and we love helping guests build a trip that mixes real relaxation with the beauty of the desert. If you are ready to start planning, browse our Palm Springs vacation rentals and pick the home that feels right for your group. We will handle the rest so your only job is to show up and soak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s better, Palm Springs or Desert Hot Springs?
For the actual mineral water experience, Desert Hot Springs is better. The natural hot mineral aquifer sits under this small town about 15 minutes north of downtown Palm Springs, so almost every resort and spa there uses natural mineral water in its pools. Palm Springs is better for restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and downtown convenience, and it has one excellent mineral spa of its own at Séc-he.
Are there any free hot springs in Palm Springs?
Not really. There are no easily accessible free natural hot springs inside Palm Springs or Desert Hot Springs. Almost all mineral water in the area is pumped into resort or spa pools, which require a day pass or an overnight stay. If you are looking for truly wild, undeveloped hot springs, you will need to drive several hours from the Coachella Valley.
How hot is the mineral water in Desert Hot Springs?
Water at the source in Desert Hot Springs can reach around 180°F before it is cooled for soaking. Pools at the various resorts are typically kept in a comfortable soaking range, usually around 98 to 104°F, though some properties offer cooler and hotter options so you can move between temperatures.
When is the best time of year to visit hot springs near Palm Springs?
Fall, winter, and spring are the most comfortable times to visit, roughly October through May. Cooler outdoor temperatures make warm mineral pools feel especially inviting. Summer visits still work if you plan around early mornings or shaded pools, but the daytime desert heat can be intense.
Are hot springs near Palm Springs family-friendly?
Some are, and some are not. Many of the boutique Desert Hot Springs resorts are adults only, focused on quiet and wellness. Larger properties like Glen Ivy and Murrieta Hot Springs are more family-oriented, and a few resorts allow kids during certain hours. Always check the property’s age policy before booking.
Do you need to stay overnight to use the hot springs?
Not always. Several properties offer day passes to their mineral pools, though availability varies. Others are reserved exclusively for overnight guests. Booking a day pass in advance is the safest way to guarantee your soak, especially on weekends.
