The 10 Best Things to Do in Desert Hot Springs, United States

July 19, 2017 Milan Banda

Natural hot springs abound in the Coachella Valley. Over 80 "spatels" proliferated in the 1950s and '60s. Several have been restored to their mid-century retro-hip splendor. Escape to the desert and choose decadent desert dens from the venerable Two Bunch Palms to clothing-optional Living Waters.
Restaurants in Desert Hot Springs

1. Cabot's Pueblo Museum

67616 Desert View Ave, Desert Hot Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92240-4114 +1 760-329-7610
Excellent
58%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 287 reviews

Cabot's Pueblo Museum

The structure is hand-made, created from reclaimed and found objects. The Pueblo is four-stories, 5,000 square feet and includes 35 rooms, 150 windows and 65 doors. Visitors will notice many unique features: including windows and doors collected and reassembled from abandoned homesteads, old telephone poles, buck board wagon parts and many other materials used creatively.On the guided tour, visitors journey through the life of Cabot Yerxa and his family including artifacts collected from their adventures dating back over 100 years. Hear his story from the Dakota Territory to Mexico, Cuba, Alaska, France, throughout California and the Southwest, including the founding of Desert Hot Springs, California.

Reviewed By Jim R - California Desert, California

Well, overall, it was odd. It celebrates the life of one gentlemen and his family. The long story (it's mostly about him) ranges across the Dakota Territories, Minnesota, Cuba, Alaska and other parts, exotic or not. I live here, in the California Desert, so I was glad I went, but it's not particularly captivating. And it certainly isn't for young children! There was a young couple with two children, circa four and six, and those two children - remarkably well behaved, by the way - were bored, bored, bored.

2. San Jacinto Mountain

Mountain Station, Palm Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA +1 909-659-2607
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 805 reviews

San Jacinto Mountain

Reviewed By Donna H - Toronto, Canada

I completed this hike on Easter (when tram operated as early as 5:45). We started our hike to the peak around 7:30, checked-in at the park ranger's office and slowly made our way to the top. It took about 3.5 hours to summit and there is very little traffic when you go early in the day. We noticed many more people going up as we headed back down. The views are amazing from the top and worth every energy. There were many parts that were still icy and snowy so bringing proper gear is important.

3. California Hot Springs Resort

42177 Hot Springs Drive, California Hot Springs, CA +1 661-548-6582
Excellent
22%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
13%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 22 reviews

California Hot Springs Resort

Reviewed By Blaize S

I mostly just come here to shower, but since I'm paying $12 anyway, I usually soak too.

I wish the place opened earlier. By 10 o'clock, it's almost too hot to soak in the super hot water. I manage to stay until around 11am, but by that time I'm way too hot. I'd like to get more than two hours or soaking for my $12, but that's impossible since they're not open any earlier. I'd love to be able to come in around 5:30 or 6am and soak when it's still cool out.

As others have mentioned, the mineral water is pumped into a big swimming pool and two smaller (but still roomy) concrete hot pools. I guess the big draw is the swimming pool, especially for families with kids, which I just as soon avoid.

The women's locker room could use some work. It looks like a locker room of a junior high in a poor school district. The colors are drab. The lighting is depressing. Small lockers line two walls. One of the long benches is extremely warped, making the sitting surface angled instead of flat. The toilet stalls are claustrophobia-inducing, and when I sat on a toilet, it rocked. The shower "stalls" are three shower heads separated by rigged up curtains that are too small for the job they are being asked to do. There are no hooks in or near the stall for hanging a towel or robe. There are no shelves to set one's toiletries. I had to put my toiletries on floor (the paint on which is peeling).

This place really makes me miss the bathhouses in Truth or Consequences, NM.

4. Palm Springs Air Museum

745 N Gene Autry Trl, Palm Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92262-5464 +1 760-778-6262
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Palm Springs Air Museum

Rated by CNN as one of the top 14 Air Museums in the World. This facility Gives visitors an up-close look at the legendary fighters and bombers of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

Reviewed By Kyle G - Calgary, Canada

If you’re looking for something to do for an afternoon, I would recommend the air museum. They have lots of planes and many exhibits. The view of the mountains when you go outside is breathtaking. I’ve been here twice and I will go again when I’m back in PS. I would highly recommend this place.

5. Sea Mountain Resort Nude Spa

66540 San Marcus Rd, Sea Mountain Resort, Desert Hot Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92240-2638 +1 760-251-4744
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 58 reviews

Sea Mountain Resort Nude Spa

The awarded SPA a clothing Optional day and night spa-Couples and female only with mineral water nude resort and spaRanked best of by New York Times travel best of Esquire and Maxim and Best celebrity secret MTV VH1 this unique nude couples day spa club resort spa and night club is open every day of the year. With an eclectic mix of guests from across the universe one of earths most upscale and private Lifestyles Experience. 24 hour mineral water hot nude pools and 24 hour lifestyles taboo gardens dance lounge -awarded clean luxury and private all spas include complimentary Lunch and 24 hour snacks and beverages

Reviewed By A62chv - Michigan

We arrived at the address as directed by our "smart phone".....my wife and I looked at each other and questioned how 'smart' our phone really was?! Our first impression was "what did we just get ourselves into?"....we gathered courage, gritted our teeth, and rang the doorbell.......We were soooo glad we checked it out and had a great time!

If public displays of affection irritate you, if you are offended by people in the 'lifestyle', if you are the asexual naturist who holds those purist beliefs to others....STAY AWAY! THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR YOU!.....however; If you enjoy a party and are non-judgmental, this venue is worth a try! The people and staff here were great and we had a blast.

Although situated on a small footprint the resort did not feel small. The pool and hot tub areas were clean and nicely decorated. The loungers were dated and sun faded but all-in-all everything was nice.

This is not a cheap place to stay and the food choices were very limited and simple. If you are expecting a 'desire' type of lodging and dining experience this will not meet your expectation. This place is much simpler and less sophisticated. Some of the people we met at the resort stayed elsewhere, ate elsewhere, but purchased day passes to enjoy the resort and party atmosphere.

Overall we were pleased with our visit and would recommend trying the place.

6. Miracle Springs Spa

10625 Palm Dr, Miracle Springs Hotel and Spa, Desert Hot Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92240-2534 +1 760-251-6000
Excellent
50%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 34 reviews

Miracle Springs Spa

Reviewed By Greatlostbear - San Diego, California

Great place to stop by and soak in some relaxing warm waters that rejuvenate the soul. The pools have a nice view of the mountains and this place is fairly popular. It is one of my favorite spots to stop after a long weekend to relax.

7. The Grotto at Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa

67425 Two Bunch Palms Trl, Desert Hot Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92240-6034 +1 800-472-4334
Excellent
49%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
15%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 58 reviews

The Grotto at Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa

The GrottoGrotto FB 2 300x199 The GrottoThroughout history, cultures have been drawn to water. The practice commonly known as ‘taking of the waters’ refers to thousands of years of social, medicinal & spiritual rituals created to experience the preventative, therapeutic, and restorative benefits of water. It is in these same rituals that we find the root of Spa.*The mineral waters found in The Grotto are first cooled and then they cascade into the two carved pool areas – one at 104 degrees and the larger at 99 degrees. It is one of the few mineral springs with no sulfurous odor, simply a woodsy scent. A canopy of trees filters the desert sun, but opens to the shimmer of moonlight, the sparkle of stars and the occasional nighttime flyover by our resident guardian white owls. The Grotto experienced at midnight is a heavenly delight, a thoroughly romantic indulgence.Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa was named “Best for Mineral Springs” each year 2004 through 2010 by the readers of Spa Finder Magazine.

Reviewed By YUKIKO T - Los Angeles, California

I went there in the end of last year with my boyfriend. This is the first time to visit. I love this place because the hotel is cozy and compact! They have a small restaurant, breakfast and dinner was wonderful! Also spa and hot pool...MoreThank you and we look forward to sharing with you our improvements!

8. The Spring Resort and Spa

12699 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92240-4762 +1 760-251-6700
Excellent
70%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

The Spring Resort and Spa

Reviewed By LGS782 - Brooklyn, New York

My husband and I each had great 90 minute massages and enjoyed full use of the spa grounds and pools. The spa is small, with one main pool and 2 smaller hot tubs of different temperatures. The setting is quiet and relaxing and we had a wonderful afternoon.

9. Living Waters Spa

13340 Mountain View Rd, Desert Hot Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92240-6444 +1 760-329-9988
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 10 reviews

Living Waters Spa

Reviewed By W_and_CSeattle_WA - Seattle, WA

We just enjoyed another wonderful stay at Living Waters Spa Resort, a small naturist resort with fabulous pools featuring a "flow-through" system of natural mineral water without chemicals. Jeff and Judy and their staff are always so welcoming and accommodating. They offer wonderful relaxing massages, delicious simple breakfast (Jeff brews Starbuck's coffee every morning), and many rooms have small kitchens. What a great place to relax and enjoy the sun. Every day at 3 PM they gather guests into the hot tub for social time to meet and greet and enjoy refreshments. This all adult small resort (8 rooms plus condos across the street for longer stays) is welcoming to all people, singles and couples and day-users, too. We usually have a friend who joins us for a relaxing week. We will be back again next year!

10. Desert Dunes Golf Course

19300 Palm Dr, Desert Hot Springs, Greater Palm Springs, CA 92240-7333 +1 760-251-5366
Excellent
27%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
14%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 69 reviews

Desert Dunes Golf Course

The first desert course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. features 18 challenging holes laid out among large dunes and mature desert trees.

Reviewed By ABTraveler64 - Edmonton, Alberta

This is an average course. It not very challenging, but it's in pretty good shape. There are windmills all around the area, and now I know why... It was SO windy, it was hard to enjoy the day. I would suggest you keep that on mind when booking your round of golf here.

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