11 Things to Do in Desert Hot Springs

Desert Hot Springs is a SoCal gem that deserves more attention. Located near Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley, this getaway destination boasts a unique desert ecosystem and the most incredible hot springs resort spas that’ll have you feeling relaxed more than ever. Relaxing spa treatments, scenic desert hiking trails, and quaint boutique hotels—the things to do in Desert Hot Springs are all about taking a step back and connecting with your better self.

Things To Do In Desert Hot Springs, CA With Your Boo

1. Spend the Weekend at Two Bunch Palms

Want to cut off the rest of the world and pretend like you and your beaux are the last two people in the world? Book a room at the beautiful Two Bunch Palms. A miraculous oasis in the otherwise barren desert, this contemporary wellness escape boasts natural hot springs filled with low-sulfur and high-lithium waters, which have been flowing under the surface for 600 years. 

Soak for hours in the pools, do yoga in the mornings, take part in workshops, and enjoy vegetable-forward, SoCal-inspired foods at the restaurant. Two Bunch Palms is all about enjoying classic Desert Hot Springs activities in a sleek and relaxed environment.

2. Enroll in the Popular We Care Program

For a more focused detox program in Desert Hot Springs, sign you and your partner up for the celeb-endorsed We Care Program. Taking place at the upscale We Care Spa, this program has been making the list of the ultimate Desert Hot Springs things to do for decades. 

Check in for three, six, or eight days and prepare to have juice cleanses and receive colonics and massages every day. This Desert Hot Springs attraction is the reset button for your body and soul.

3. Hike the Hidden Horseshoe and Pushawalla Palms Trail

A moderately rated four-and-a-half-mile hike in the Coachella Valley Preserve, the Hidden Horseshoe and Pushawalla Palms Trail is a super fun hike to discover with your partner. As you embark on this Desert Hot Springs activity together, you’ll come across sand dunes, desert fan palms, and an array of wildlife that includes the rare fringe-toed lizard. Don’t forget to apply mineral-based sunscreen before you head out—you won’t be getting much shade along this trail.

4. Take a swing at Desert Dunes Golf Club

If you’re looking to be more bougie on your trip, add visiting Desert Dunes Golf Club to your list of things to do in Desert Hot Springs, CA. The best example of a links-style course in the desert, this golf club is a great place to play no matter your skill level.

Desert Hot Springs Things To Do With Your Family

5. Visit Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is perhaps the most famous non-spa-related Desert Hot Springs attraction. This American historic house museum was built by Cabot Yerxa, an early pioneer of the Colorado Desert; it’s one of the best museums in the Greater Palm Springs area. 

With a mission to promote and preserve Cabot Yerxa’s legacy of cultural respect, art, and community, this museum gives you an educational Desert Hot Springs thing to do with the family that’s equally exciting. 

6. Spend a Day at the Mission Creek Preserve

Plan a family day trip to the Mission Creek Preserve and discover an unexpected lush wetland against the backdrop of eroded hills and the looming Mount San Gorgonio. Located in a transition zone between the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, this Desert Hot Springs attraction hosts deer, bears, sheep, and mountain lions with beautiful displays of wildflowers during spring. Camp, hike, picnic, birdwatch, and enjoy a slew of other things to do in Desert Hot Springs at this one-of-a-kind locale.

7. Check in at Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel

Make the Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel the base of your family trip and you won’t regret it. A historical landmark of the city and a classic example of a mid-century modern house, this awesome spa hotel offers natural mineral waters, year-round sun, and clear blue skies. 

The hotel is close to other major attractions such as Joshua Tree, Mission Creek Preserve, and Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. Basically, by staying here, not only do you get a relaxing stay, but you also get to dabble in all the best things to do in Desert Hot Springs.  

8. Plan a Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park

Practically adjacent to Desert Hot Springs, Joshua Tree is an excellent choice for a family day trip out to the desert. This sprawling national park in California offers attractions, trails, tours, and outdoor adventures that’ll keep you occupied for an entire weekend. We recommend narrowing down your list of must-dos before you head out to the park to avoid assembling an emergency family trip on the grounds.

Desert Hot Springs Activities To Engage in Solo

9. Eat Authentic Indian Food at Its Taste of India

Although Desert Hot Springs offers an array of cuisines and restaurants to visitors, one of the most popular options is Its Taste of India. Visit this awesome restaurant for delicious authentic meals and a pleasant atmosphere—we hear the vegetarian menu is amazing at this Desert Hot Springs attraction.

10. Enjoy a Healing Stay at Azure Palm Hot Springs

Azure Palm Hot Springs is an awesome local hotel to book for a solo stay. Offering a peaceful adult environment (guests under the age of 17 are not allowed), this awesome hotel invites you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. With the hottest mineral water wells in the region, a generous spa menu, and a healthy on-site cafe, Azure allows you to enjoy all the popular Desert Hot Springs activities without leaving the grounds.

11. Hike the Mission Creek Preserve Trail

There’s nothing like going on a solo hike with only nature keeping you company. The Mission Creek Preserve Trail is an easy, one-and-a-half-mile out-and-back trail that’ll definitely be the highlight of your getaway. With beautiful scenery, flat roads, and no crowds in sight, this is an awesome thing to do in Desert Hot Springs on a solo adventure.