California has hot springs everywhere, but there are 2 areas with especially high concentrations of springs. One is the Calistoga area, the other is Desert hot springs. Desert hot springs is about 11 miles from the more famous Palm springs, where you’ll fly into. Palm Springs has been the home or vacation spot for stars like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope for many years. It’s a popular vacation and golf destination.
Desert hot springs is better known for its water. Its one of several places in the world with both hot and cold springs. There are almost 20 hot springs hotels in the area, most small with a pool or 2. Two of the bigger ones are Miracle springs and spa, and only a block away is Desert hot springs spa and hotel. A few years back, we stayed at Miracle, which seems more popular, so this time we tried Desert hot springs hotel and spa. There are 8 pools of different sizes and temperatures here, with the hotel in an L shape on the edges of the pools. One nice thing about most of the pools is the built-in ledges and chair areas to sit on while soaking. The other side of the courtyard has a restaurant and gift shop. The last side of the courtyard has cabana like rooms for spa treatments and massages as well as a sauna. The place was built in the 60’s and our hotel room looked like the original décor from then, but it gives it a kind or retro/ rat pack era look. The pools are open 24 hours if you’re a hotel guest, which is nice for a middle of the night soak.
For a day pass soak, its only $15. Get more info and reservations at https://www.dhsspa.com/.
The whole Desert hot springs area is supposed to be an energy vortex, a mix of 5 energy sources, Geothermal water, sun, wind, Mountain peak alignment, and Earthquake faults.
In the background of the city is the San Jacinto mountains, with the Palm springs aerial tramway climbing from the desert floor to an alpine forest 8500 ft up. About a 45-minute drive away is also Joshua tree national park. It has a big Mohave desert area full of Joshua trees which are a type of cactus. With these in the area as well as Palm Springs, there is plenty to keep you busy and wanting a relaxing soak afterwards.