Desert Hot Springs

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Desert Hot Springs's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Sunrise Desert Awakening
morning
:

Begin your day with a guided meditation as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the desert landscape. Feel the cool breeze and watch the sky transform into a palette of warm colors. Sip on herbal tea from a local café as you take in the panoramic views.

afternoon
:

Embark on a gentle hike along the Painted Canyon Trail, marveling at the unique rock formations and vibrant hues. Stop for a picnic lunch under the shade of cholla cacti. Capture photos of the stark desert beauty and learn about the geology from an expert guide.

evening
:

Return to your resort and unwind with a desert yoga session on a terrace overlooking the valley. As dusk settles, gather around a fire pit to share stories with fellow travelers under a sky filled with stars. End the evening with a soothing soak in mineral-rich hot springs pools.

day 2
Hot Spring Immersion
morning
:

Kick off the day with a private hot spring bath ritual at your resort, using natural mineral waters to awaken your senses. The steam rises gently as you stretch and relax muscles in the thermal pools. Savor a freshly prepared breakfast by the pool, featuring organic fruits and pastries.

afternoon
:

Join a hydrotherapy workshop to learn the benefits of alternating hot and cold plunges for rejuvenation. Lounge poolside with a curated selection of spa teas and healthy snacks. Take time to journal or read in a shaded cabana overlooking palm trees.

evening
:

Experience a candlelit soak under the desert sky, where the quiet stillness enhances the warmth of the water. Enjoy a gourmet dinner al fresco, focused on farm-to-table ingredients. Conclude with a star-gazing meditation, listening to the calm desert night sounds.

day 3
Joshua Tree National Park Adventure
morning
:

Depart early for Joshua Tree National Park to catch the sunrise over the rugged boulder fields. Hike the Barker Dam Trail and spot desert wildlife amid the iconic trees. Pause at a scenic overlook for a light snack and map out the next leg of your exploration.

afternoon
:

Venture deeper into the park on a guided rock climbing excursion, scaling granite walls with an experienced instructor. Enjoy a packed picnic beneath towering Joshua trees and learn about the flora and fauna from a park ranger. Capture stunning vistas of the sprawling valley and distant mountains.

evening
:

Return to Desert Hot Springs as golden hour casts long shadows across the desert floor. Freshen up in a spring-fed plunge pool before heading out to a local eatery for Southwestern-inspired dishes. Finish the evening with live acoustic music and handcrafted cocktails under twinkling patio lights.

day 4
Art and Culture Discovery
morning
:

Stroll through the Desert Hot Springs Art Market and browse handmade crafts, ceramics, and textiles by regional artists. Chat with creators about their inspirations and processes over a cup of specialty coffee. Find a unique souvenir that embodies the spirit of the desert.

afternoon
:

Visit the Cabot’s Pueblo Museum to explore an authentic Hopi-inspired dwelling and learn about indigenous history. Participate in an art workshop nearby, painting desert landscapes with natural pigments. Take a leisurely lunch break at a gallery café, sampling locally sourced ingredients.

evening
:

Attend an open-air performance at a community amphitheater featuring folk music and dance. Mingle with locals and enjoy small plates as the stage lights illuminate the night. Cap off the night with a stroll under lantern-lit pathways back to your accommodation.

day 5
Palm Springs Day Trip
morning
:

Catch an early shuttle to neighboring Palm Springs for a scenic aerial tram ride up Mount San Jacinto. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and admire panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. Enjoy a light breakfast at the mountaintop café before exploring nature trails.

afternoon
:

Descend into Palm Springs’ vibrant downtown to explore mid-century architecture on a guided walking tour. Sample gourmet tacos and fresh juices at a popular lunch spot. Browse chic boutiques and art galleries along palm-lined streets.

evening
:

Return to Desert Hot Springs for an evening soak in a private hot spring pool. Indulge in a rooftop dinner overlooking illuminated mountain silhouettes. Reflect on the day over herbal tea and a quiet desert breeze.

day 6
Local Cuisine and Markets
morning
:

Head to a farmers market bursting with seasonal produce, artisanal breads, and handcrafted cheeses. Chat with local growers about desert-adapted crops and sample fresh heirloom tomatoes. Collect ingredients for a DIY picnic later in the day.

afternoon
:

Join a cooking class led by a desert-based chef to prepare dishes inspired by indigenous and Mexican flavors. Learn to roast chiles, craft fresh salsas, and make tortillas from scratch. Enjoy your culinary creations paired with local wines in a communal dining setting.

evening
:

Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant showcasing creatively plated vegetable-forward cuisine. Pair inventive cocktails with smoky grilled vegetables and savory stews. End the night with a decadent dessert featuring date syrup from local palm trees.

day 7
Spa and Wellness Retreat
morning
:

Begin with a sunrise breathwork session in a glass-walled studio overlooking the springs. Enjoy a nutrient-rich smoothie bowl while discussing wellness goals with a resident nutritionist. Take a calming hot mineral bath to continue the mind-body reset.

afternoon
:

Indulge in a series of spa treatments, including a rhythmic desert sand body scrub and a massage using organic oils. Relax in a steam room infused with desert sage and lavender. Follow up with a guided nap in a hammam lounge shaded by palm fronds.

evening
:

Join a restorative yin yoga class as twilight colors the sky. Sip on calming herbal tea while a practitioner leads a sound bath with quartz bowls. Drift off to the gentle resonance and let the day’s worries melt away.

day 8
Coachella Valley Exploration
morning
:

Set out on a sunrise photography tour of the valley’s hidden hot springs and historic aqueducts. Capture reflections in still pools and learn composition tips from a professional photographer. Enjoy a breakfast picnic among wildflower patches during peak bloom.

afternoon
:

Tour local date farms and olive groves with a knowledgeable guide, sampling sweet fruit varieties and pressing your own olive oil. Pause for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch beneath shaded pergolas. Visit a desert wildlife sanctuary to meet rescued animals and hear their stories.

evening
:

Return to town for an outdoor film screening showcasing regional documentaries. Snuggle under provided blankets as you watch beneath the stars. Conclude with a late-night soak in a communal thermal pool, lit by lanterns.

day 9
Sunset Jeep Safari
morning
:

Fuel up with a hearty Southwestern breakfast before hopping into an open-air Jeep for desert exploration. Learn about indigenous history and desert ecology from your knowledgeable driver-guide. Traverse rugged trails toward secluded hot springs tucked away among rocky spires.

afternoon
:

Stop for a gourmet picnic lunch on a scenic plateau overlooking the Coachella Valley. Take a short guided nature walk to identify native plants and wildlife tracks. Refresh with a quick dip in a hidden spring accessed only by off-road vehicle.

evening
:

As the sun begins its descent, elevate to a high dune for panoramic golden-hour views. Toast the sunset with craft beers or sparkling water while capturing the changing sky hues. Return to your hotel for a late dinner and an evening soak to soothe any lingering travel fatigue.

day 10
Farewell Starlit Soak
morning
:

Spend your final morning meditating beside a private infinity pool that overlooks rugged desert mountains. Savor a celebratory brunch of freshly baked pastries, smoked salmon, and seasonal fruit. Take a few moments to journal your favorite memories from the trip.

afternoon
:

Enjoy complimentary access to a luxury on-site spa for one last treatment of your choice. Lounge in a shaded courtyard with a signature mocktail as you reflect on your journey. Pack your belongings slowly to savor each remaining minute in this tranquil haven.

evening
:

Conclude your getaway with a final starlit hot spring soak under the Milky Way. Share stories with new friends as lantern light dances on the water’s surface. Drift to sleep feeling completely rejuvenated and connected to the desert’s timeless serenity.

Discover Desert Hot Springs

Read more in our Desert Hot Springs 2025 Travel Guide.

Desert Hot Springs Travel Guide