A City Built on Healing Water
Discover what makes Desert Hot Springs one of the country's most unique wellness destinations and why travelers have been drawn here for generations.
A vintage postcard showcasing one of Desert Hot Springs' early mineral hot spring pools. Long before wellness travel became a trend, visitors were drawn here to soak in the city's naturally heated, mineral-rich waters beneath the San Jacinto Mountains.
When people think of wellness travel in California, places like Palm Springs, Ojai or Big Sur often come to mind. Yet tucked just over the hill from Palm Springs is a small desert city with something few places in the world can offer: naturally heated, mineral-rich hot springs.
For more than a century, visitors have traveled to Desert Hot Springs to soak in these remarkable waters, drawn by the opportunity to slow down, recharge and reconnect with nature. Today, the city continues that tradition, blending peaceful desert landscapes with boutique hotels, spas and wellness experiences centered around its most valuable natural resource.
A Rare Natural Resource
Desert Hot Springs sits at the intersection of unique geological fault lines that allow naturally heated mineral water to rise from deep underground. Unlike water that's heated mechanically, these hot springs are warmed naturally as they travel through layers of rock over thousands of years.
Along the way, the water collects minerals before emerging at the surface, creating the naturally heated pools that have made Desert Hot Springs famous.
One of the things that makes the region especially unique is that the mineral water is naturally odorless. Unlike many sulfur hot springs, you can enjoy long, relaxing soaks without the strong smell many people associate with hot springs.
Wellness Beyond the Water
The mineral water may be what brings people here, but it's not the only reason guests leave feeling refreshed.
Desert Hot Springs offers wide-open desert skies, beautiful mountain views and a slower pace that encourages visitors to unplug from everyday life. Whether you're spending the afternoon soaking in mineral water, enjoying a massage, practicing yoga or watching the sunset from the pool, wellness here feels effortless.
At The Good House, we've embraced that philosophy by creating a peaceful oasis where nature is part of the experience. More than 50-year-old native trees, fragrant rosemary and lush gardens surround our natural mineral pools, creating a setting that feels worlds away from the busy pace of everyday life.
More Than a Spa Destination
Many visitors are surprised by how much there is to explore nearby.
Palm Springs is just a short drive away, offering shopping, restaurants and mid-century architecture.
Joshua Tree National Park is close enough for a memorable day trip filled with hiking, stargazing and breathtaking desert landscapes.
Many guests spend the morning exploring, then return to Desert Hot Springs for an evening soak beneath the stars.
Planning Your Wellness Getaway
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or simply spending the day, Desert Hot Springs offers countless ways to relax.
Many visitors choose to:
Soak in natural mineral hot springs
Book a massage or spa treatment
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before exploring the desert
Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park
Watch the sunset from the pool
Unplug and enjoy a slower pace of life
Sometimes the most meaningful part of a getaway isn't having a full itinerary. It's giving yourself permission to slow down.
An aerial view of The Good House in Desert Hot Springs, where naturally heated mineral hot springs, lush gardens and a peaceful desert setting have welcomed guests seeking wellness for generations.
Experience Desert Hot Springs at The Good House
At The Good House, we've built our boutique hotel and spa around everything that makes Desert Hot Springs special. Natural mineral hot springs, thoughtfully designed gardens, peaceful outdoor spaces and genuine hospitality come together to create an experience that's equal parts relaxing and restorative.
Whether you're planning an overnight stay, booking a spa treatment or visiting with a Day Pass, we invite you to discover why so many travelers return to Desert Hot Springs year after year.
Ready to experience the healing waters for yourself? Explore our Natural Mineral Hot Springs page or book your stay today
CardCow. (n.d.). Desert Hot Springs, California vintage postcards & images. https://www.cardcow.com/viewall/69336/
City of Desert Hot Springs. (n.d.). 5 reasons why Desert Hot Springs is one of the best places in Southern California. https://www.cityofdhs.org/5-reasons-why-desert-hot-springs-is-one-of-the-best-places-in-southern-california/
Desert Hot Springs Historical Society. (2025). Historical photo archive. https://dhshistoricalsociety.org/photos/
Visit California. (n.d.). Desert Hot Springs. https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/desert-hot-springs/
