Desert Hot Springs (DHS) is a small city in Southern California’s Coachella Valley, famed for its natural hot mineral springs and spa resorts. As of 2025 it has roughly 34,000 residents, making it a quiet, spread-out community. The population is predominantly Hispanic or Latino (by one count, about two-thirds of residents), and the rest mostly White non-Hispanic. Median household income is around $50,350, modest by California standards, and about 19% of people live in poverty. The average age skews younger than the national median. DHS does not have a large corporate sector; the local economy is built on tourism (the spa resorts), light manufacturing (there is a nearby golf ball plant and some distribution centers), and service jobs. The city’s slogan, “City of Eternal Sunshine,” highlights its marketing: literally built on a natural feature, the warm mineral springs.
Geographically, Desert Hot Springs sits at the north end of the Coachella Valley (the “Valley of the Sun”), about 50 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It’s in Riverside County, just a few miles north of Palm Springs and south of the San Bernardino Mountains. The city itself sprawls on the valley floor at about 1,083 feet (330 m) elevation. Surrounding DHS are the low ranges of the San Jacinto and Indio Mountains, which hold both higher-elevation hiking trails and the aquifers that feed the springs. The terrain is typical California high desert: sandy and rocky flatlands dotted with creosote and cacti, bordered by jagged mountain ridges. To the northwest, one can see Mount San Jacinto soaring to 10,804 ft. The defining landscape element is the hot springs themselves – numerous wells and pools across the city fill with geothermally heated mineral water (these produce the city’s signature spa resorts).
Desert Hot Springs’ climate is a classic desert environment: very hot, extremely dry summers and mild winters. According to climate data, summers here are “sweltering, arid, and mostly clear”. Daytime highs from June through September routinely hit 100–110°F (38–43°C), occasionally even higher. Even by desert standards, DHS is hot: July average highs are about 103°F. Summer nights cool off to the 70s°F, giving some relief. Rain is almost non-existent in summer, with only a few thunderstorms at most. Winters are warm compared to much of the U.S.: January sees daytime highs in the mid-60s°F and lows around the mid-40s°F. Frost is possible but snow is extremely rare (seldom more than a trace). This climate, along with the mineral-rich water, is why people call DHS the “Palm Springs for Hippies” or the spa capital of California. The air is exceptionally dry (summer humidity often in the single digits%), so staying hydrated is crucial in summer. All year, sunglasses and sunblock are strongly recommended.
Desert Hot Springs is one of California’s fastest-growing small cities. Its 2020 population was about 32,512, and projections put it above 34,000 by 2025. The growth comes from both local births and migration from elsewhere in California and out-of-state, attracted by affordable housing and sunshine. The city is notably diverse: non-Hispanic whites make up about 36% of the population, while the remainder are largely Hispanic/Latino or of other races (indicating a roughly two-thirds Hispanic share). There are also sizeable communities of multiracial individuals. Economically, the median household income of $50,349 is lower than California’s average, reflecting that DHS is more middle-class. Key industries include tourism (hotels and resorts are major employers), manufacturing (especially golf ball production in nearby factories), and retail. The poverty rate is just under 20%, higher than the national average, owing to the small-city economy and a significant retiree population on fixed incomes. Many households here are family units or retirees drawn by the quiet lifestyle.
Desert Hot Springs occupies a desert basin in Southern California, within the Colorado Desert sub-region of the Sonoran Desert. It lies just north of Palm Springs, at roughly 34°N latitude and 116°30′W longitude. The city’s altitude is about 1,083 ft (330 m) above sea level, which is higher than nearby Palm Springs and thus gives slightly cooler nights. The landscape is flat to gently rolling sand and gravel with sparse vegetation (ocotillo, yucca, creosote bushes). Surrounding DHS are low hills (the Little San Bernardino Mountains) and farther off the high peaks of the San Jacinto Mountains. The defining geographical feature, of course, is the geothermal hot springs percolating beneath the surface. Water from these hot springs (naturally around 120–140°F) is piped into many of the city’s spas and pools. In fact, one can soak in tub-fed warm springs at dozens of spas here – a unique geographical attraction.
As noted, the climate is arid desert. Officially, Desert Hot Springs qualifies as hot desert climate (Köppen BWh). It experiences extremely low annual rainfall (less than 6 inches) and high evaporation. Summers are long and brutally hot: official climate data describe the summer months as “sweltering and arid”, with July and August average highs over 100°F. Skies are almost always clear in summer. Winters are brief and mild: December and January highs average in the mid-60s°F, with mild nights. Rainfall is concentrated in the cooler months (December-February can bring a few storms, though winter precipitation is low by U.S. standards). The “rainshadow” effect of the mountains means DHS sees fewer clouds than Palm Springs slightly to the south. Visitors should especially note summer heat: even locals schedule strenuous activities for morning/evening. However, the low humidity and high sun intensity also make for brilliant, dry winter days which attract many out-of-towners escaping colder climates.
The history of Desert Hot Springs is intimately tied to its springs. Indigenous peoples (the Cahuilla tribe) knew about the warm waters for millennia. In more recent times, Cabot Yerxa is a legendary name here. Yerxa was an eccentric homesteader who arrived in the area around 1913 in search of “miracle water.” He built his own straw-roofed cabin (called “Eagle’s Nest Cabin,” now on the National Register) in 1914, and later constructed the impressive Cabot’s Pueblo House on Miracle Hill – a hand-built 35-room pueblo-style stone house and museum. These structures (still standing) are DHS landmarks, symbolizing the early 20th-century pursuit of the springs’ therapeutic promise.
The first formal incorporation of a town around the springs came in 1963, when Desert Hot Springs was chartered as a city (partly in an attempt to capitalize on tourism). Initially, the town was somewhat Spartan – many early motels attracted hippies and New Age seekers. Over the next decades, however, entrepreneurs built increasingly luxurious spa resorts, marketing DHS as a place to relax in warm mineral pools. A pivotal era was the 1980s–90s boom, when major resorts like Two Bunch Palms and Miracle Springs opened or expanded, establishing the city’s identity as “California’s Spa City.” In recent years, DHS has continued developing residential areas, but the springs remain the core of its historical and economic narrative.
Desert Hot Springs has a distinctive “spa resort” culture. The city’s motto, “City of Eternal Sunshine,” hints at its optimistic, laid-back atmosphere. Many residents are involved in the hospitality industry: indeed, it bills itself as “California’s Wellness Oasis.” Mornings might start with yoga classes overlooking the Coachella Valley, afternoons by a hot-spring pool under the palms, and evenings enjoying local Mexican cuisine or jazz at a resort patio. The population is friendly and eclectic. English is widely spoken, but Spanish is equally common (reflecting the city’s ~65% Hispanic heritage). You will often hear spanglish conversations at shops or hear mariachi music at local festivals.
Events in DHS are usually community-oriented or health-and-wellness themed. There used to be annual multicultural fairs, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and art walks (often benefiting local charities). A notable signature event (especially in nearby Palm Springs) is the Wellness Yoga conferences, reflecting the area’s New Age influences. While DHS is not a nightlife center like Palm Springs, it does host occasional concerts, classic-car shows, and cultural festivals at the local amphitheater or schools. In summer, the air carries sounds of people splashing in spa pools; in winter, Christmas light displays often adorn the palm trees, adding festive flair.
Lifestyle in DHS is generally relaxed and mindful. People often dress casually – resort attire can be flip-flops and swimwear even in public, given the year-round warmth. Many homes are modest desert ranches. The pace is slower than L.A. or San Francisco: your neighbors might be spa-goers in the afternoon, then enjoying a quiet evening at home. Locals often emphasize health: it’s common to see people taking daily soaks, walking at the new Rancho Mirage Dog Park (which also has hot springs!), or experimenting with new wellness trends. Politically and socially, Desert Hot Springs is diverse; with a mix of working-class families and prosperous retirees (especially “snowbirds” who summer up north). The overall vibe is one of community and serenity: a place where nature’s thermal gifts shape everyday life.
The hot springs themselves are Desert Hot Springs’ main attraction. Tourists come here specifically to soak in warm mineral-rich water. Standout spa resorts include Two Bunch Palms (a longtime luxury retreat with palm-lined pools and mud baths) and Miracle Springs Resort. Many smaller spas and motels offer day-use pools (some even fill giant bathtubs on street corners with hot spring water). The experience of simply floating in warm water surrounded by desert mountains, day or night, is unique to this region.
One iconic landmark is Cabot’s Pueblo Museum. Visiting Cabot’s Pueblo (built by Cabin Yerxa) is like stepping into an old explorer’s vision: hand-crafted adobe walls, Native American artifacts, and hot spring water piped through an old bathhouse. It sits on Miracle Hill and has a museum on its history – many see it as a piece of living local lore.
Near DHS, the Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs (south of town) showcases desert plants in glass “cactarium” houses – worth a short detour. Hiking is popular on the nearby hills: Indian Canyons (Palms to the south) and Palm Canyon (rock art and palm oases) lie just a few miles away. The Indian Canyons trails are famous for palm groves and waterfalls (Ivy Park, Murray Canyon). A must-drive lookout is Keys View (in nearby Joshua Tree NP or Palm Springs side), where you can see all the way to the Salton Sea and Mexican border on a clear day.
Within the city, Miracle Park and the Civic Center area host small public events and farmer’s markets in cooler months. In winter especially, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a short drive away (local tradition is to take the tram up to 8,500 ft on Mount San Jacinto for snow and views). Golfers flock to Desert Hot Springs as well; the city has its own Desert Dunes Golf Course set against the dunes. Overall, visitors to DHS spend most of their time either soaking in a spa or exploring the surrounding natural scenery. The city itself is quiet – its main “sights” are the thermal springs and the relaxing vibe.
Desert Hot Springs is accessible by car, and is best reached via Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), about 15 miles south (roughly 20 minutes). Major airlines fly into PSP from across the U.S., and from there you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to DHS. For international flights or more options, Los Angeles Intl (LAX) is about 120 miles west. By road, I‑10 (east-west) passes south of the city (Exit at Palm Drive/ CA-62). From Los Angeles or San Diego, drive east on I‑10 to Indio, then north on CA-62. There is no train service. Greyhound does run buses to Palm Springs and Indio; from those you must take a local taxi north.
Desert Hot Springs is a low-density city, so renting a car is most convenient. Roads are wide and clear; there is seldom traffic congestion here. GPS or maps are helpful – the streets are laid out in a grid but numbering can be sparse. There is no local public transit aside from a Dial-a-Ride for seniors. Taxis can be called, and ride-shares serve the city sporadically. Most visitors simply drive from their hotel/spa to attractions. The central areas (Palace Drive, Palm Drive) have sidewalks for short walks, but overall distances are too large to cover on foot comfortably. Speed limits tend to be 35–45 mph in town (watch for pedestrians near resort hotels and in downtown DHS).
Basic Tips:
Currency & Payment: U.S. dollars. Credit cards are widely used; carry some cash for small purchases or tips. A handful of ATMs are located in town and on resort grounds.
Language: English and Spanish are common. Hotel and spa staff will happily speak either. Basic English is usually enough, but knowing a few Spanish greetings can be handy.
Local Etiquette: Desert Hot Springs residents are generally informal. A friendly nod or “hola” is common. Remember, this is California: do not leave valuables in plain sight in your car (lock it and take or cover belongings). Lodges typically give robes and towels, but it’s polite to ask rather than take extras.
Climate and Attire: In summer, plan for extreme heat. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and light clothing. In winter, days can still be warm, but nights require a sweater or jacket. Evening hot-spring dips often call for a light robe. Desert Hot Springs has very dry air, so carry lip balm and moisturizer. Hydration (water bottles) is important at all times here.
Safety: The desert is overwhelmingly safe, but standard precautions apply. Always apply plenty of sunscreen and drink water in summer to avoid heatstroke. When hiking, watch for rattlesnakes (especially in spring) and carry a walking stick. Avoid hiking at midday in summer. Moderate wind or occasional dust storms can occur; if roadways look dusty, use caution (flashers on). Crime is low but not zero; visitors should lock hotel doors and car doors, and use hotel safes for valuables. Emergency services: dial 911. Hospitals in nearby Palm Springs serve DHS residents.
Other: The time zone is Pacific (UTC–8, PDT in summer). Restaurants are casually dressed; though some spa restaurants might prefer no poolwear, you’ll often see guests in shorts or sandals. Tipping around 15–20% in restaurants and for spa service is standard. The local water is hard but safe; many visitors enjoy the free mineral spring in Rancho Mirage (a short distance south) or the hot tubs at their resorts.
In essence, Desert Hot Springs offers a tranquil, wellness-focused stay. Its practicalities are easy for English-speaking travelers: the people are helpful, and the amenities are Western-standard. Learn a few Spanish courtesy phrases, drink extra fluids, and respect the desert environment, and your visit will go smoothly. The city’s charm lies in its simplicity – follow the locals’ lead and soak away your worries in the warm springs under the desert sky.
Currency
Founded
Area code
Population
Area
Official language
Elevation
Time zone
