Southern California doesn’t exactly scream “wild hot springs country,” but Murrieta Hot Springs Resort earned a spot on my list, and I drove down from the Eastern Sierra specifically to test it. The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort at 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd, Murrieta, CA 92563, is a full-service geothermal wellness resort with 50+ pools ranging from 48°F cold plunges to 104°F soaking pools, day passes, overnight rooms, and spa access. It sits about 80 miles from Los Angeles and 65 miles from San Diego. For more California travel guides like this, visit catraveltimes.com.
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort: Quick Details
Located at 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd, Murrieta, CA 92563, about 80 miles from Los Angeles and 65 miles from San Diego..The Twilight Pass starts at $49; local SoCal residents save up to 30% on day passes; overnight rooms run $266–$679. Pools range from 48°F cold plunges to 104°F soaking pools. The resort holds a 4.4 Google rating. Best time to visit: weekdays in November or June for the lowest crowds and best pricing.
Where Is Murrieta Hot Springs and How Can I Find It?
- Located at 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd, Murrieta, CA 92563 — GPS: 33°34’21.5″N 116°59’20.8″W, accessible via Murrieta Hot Springs Road off Interstate 215.
Murrieta Hot Springs Photos Stunning & Scenic Views
What Is the History of Murrieta Hot Springs?
The Luiseño people were the first to use these thermal waters, calling the springs Cherukanukna Hakiwuna long before any resort existed. In 1873, Juan Murrieta purchased the surrounding land and gave the area its name.
The Temecula Land & Water Company developed the site in 1884 with a hotel and bathhouse. German immigrant Fritz Guenther bought the tract in 1902, built 2 new hotels, and turned it into a nationally recognized health spa. The resort reopened in February 2024 after a full renovation as a modern wellness destination.
What Time Does Murrieta Hot Springs Open and Close?
The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort pools are open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM, with pool clearance beginning at 9:30 PM. Day pass guests who book spa treatments receive access starting at 9 AM. Overnight guests get 24-hour pool access, which is one of the clearest reasons to stay on-site rather than drive in as a day visitor.
Check-in is at 4 PM and checkout is at 10 AM, though the resort will pre-check you in on arrival and issue a wristband so you can soak while your room is prepared. On the day of checkout, pool access extends until 6 PM a solid policy that makes the most of your time.
How Do I Purchase a Day Pass for Murrieta Hot Springs?
A Murrieta Hot Springs day pass gives full access to the resort’s 50+ geothermal pools, the bathhouse, showers, locker rooms, and included wellness programming for the duration of the resort’s pool hours. Pricing varies by season and day of the week; weekdays consistently run cheaper than weekends.
Local SoCal residents can save up to 30% off day pass pricing; proof of residence is required. All spa treatment bookings automatically include a day pass with access from 9 AM to 10 PM, so if you’re planning a massage anyway, book the spa first, and the pool access comes with it.
Does Murrieta Hot Springs Offer a Twilight Pass?
The Murrieta Hot Springs Twilight Pass starts at $49 and provides evening soaking access, the most affordable way to get into the resort’s pools. If you can’t make it for a full day, or you want to extend a short road trip stop, the Twilight Pass covers you for an evening soak without committing to a full day pass price.
I’d use this on a weeknight when pools are quieter, and the air cools down enough to make the contrast between water temperature and the night air genuinely memorable. It’s the right pick for locals and anyone passing through Murrieta en route to San Diego, and if you’re still deciding between Hot Springs options across the state, this one holds up well against the competition.
How Can I Save Money With Deals and Discounts at Murrieta Hot Springs?
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort offers discount programs for AAA members, AARP members, military, and first responders, plus a SoCal resident rate of $40–$50 off nightly stays. Local day pass visitors save up to 30%. A valid AAA or AARP card is required at check-in; exact discount amounts vary by availability, so book direct through the resort. Seasonal promo codes come through the resort’s email list; that’s the only source I trust. Third-party codes rarely hold up.
Does Murrieta Hot Springs Offer a Special Birthday Pass?
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort offers a birthday package contact the resort directly to confirm current birthday pass pricing and inclusions, as promotions change seasonally. The resort sells gift cards online and at the front desk, which makes a flexible alternative to a fixed birthday package if the timing doesn’t line up with available offers.
An overnight stay at the resort makes for a genuinely good birthday setup: the Hillside Suites have private pool access, and the spa treatments are bookable as add-ons. For group birthday trips, the resort also hosts private events and can customize all-inclusive packages.
Water Temperature & Best Time to Visit Murrieta Hot Springs
The resort pulls geothermal water from hundreds of feet underground no additives needed for the 20+ pure geothermal pools. Temperatures across the 50+ pools and water features span a wide range, from 48°F cold plunges in the Kneipp Walk to soaking pools at 103–104°F. The adult-only Bathhall, Roman Spa, and family-friendly pools use chlorination to meet California state standards. Knowing the season before you go will make a real difference in how you plan your visit.
| Season | Why Visit | Best Time | Water Temperature |
| Summer | Hot dry weather; outdoor pools are at their best at night | Twilight Pass hours, weekdays | 98°F–104°F across pools |
| Winter | Mild SoCal winters make soaking comfortable; fewer crowds | Weekday mornings | 98°F–104°F; cold plunge at 48°F |
| Spring | Comfortable outdoor temps; landscapes around the resort look their best | Anytime; book ahead for weekends | 98°F–104°F |
| Fall | Best shoulder-season value; November is one of the cheapest months | Weekdays in November | 98°F–104°F |
| Year-Round | Resort open 365 days; pools accessible in all conditions | Anytime | 48°F–104°F across all pool types |
Tips for Visiting Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
Every time I visit a resort hot spring versus a wild soak, the packing list shifts. Murrieta has facilities lockers, showers, robes included with spa bookings but there are still things worth knowing before you pull into the parking lot.
Clothing & Footwear
- Swimsuit — clothing is mandatory in all pools and public areas; no clothing-optional areas at this resort
- Towel — bring one if you’re on a day pass; overnight guests and spa guests receive resort towels
- Water Shoes — useful for the Kneipp Walk contrast bathing experience, where you wade through alternating pools
- Change of Clothes — the showers are good, but you’ll want dry clothes for the drive home
Comfort & Protection
- Water Bottle — the resort provides reusable bottles at check-in for overnight guests; day pass visitors should bring their own
- Sunscreen — the outdoor pools get direct Southern California sun; apply before you arrive since pool etiquette limits what you reapply poolside
- Sunglasses — afternoons at the outdoor pools face direct sun
- Hat — pack one for the walk between pools and outdoor areas
Food & Personal Items
- Snacks or Picnic — the resort has Talia Kitchen, Café Azuli, Tortoise Shell Bar, and Guenther’s Lounge on-site; outside food is not permitted in pool areas
- Cash — parking is available on-site; have cash for incidentals
- Camera — the Spanish and California Mission architecture photographs well; no professional gear without prior arrangement
Things to Do at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
The resort isn’t just pools and a lounge chair. There’s a full activity calendar worth checking before you book — aqua yoga, sound baths, cold plunge sessions, and guided property tours run on rotation. Here’s what’s on and around the property worth building time around.
- Contrast Bathing (Kneipp Walk) – Walking through alternating hot and cold pools inside the adult-only Bathhall to stimulate circulation; genuinely effective for recovery and one of the more unique features of this resort.
- Geothermal Mud Experience – A throwback to the resort’s 1900s mud bath tradition; applied at the beach area with showers nearby for rinsing off.
- Aqua Yoga & Aqua Sound Bathing – On-site wellness programming held poolside; check the activity calendar at booking since schedules rotate.
- The Spa at Murrieta Hot Springs – Full-service spa with massages, facials, and body treatments; all spa bookings include pool access from 9 AM to 10 PM.
- Old Town Temecula – 15 minutes from the resort; historic walkable district with wine tasting rooms, restaurants, and weekend farmers markets.
- Riverton Park – Local park in Murrieta for a walk or picnic before or after your soak; good if you’re traveling with kids who need to burn energy.
- Temecula Valley Wine Country – 20 minutes away; over 40 wineries in the Temecula Valley make this an easy add-on day before checking in.
- Discovery Park – Murrieta city park with open green space; a low-key stop for families.
What to Know Before You Going to Murrieta Hot Springs
- Clothing is mandatory: No clothing-optional areas anywhere on the property. Swimsuit required in all pool areas and public spaces — no exceptions.
- Pets are not allowed: The resort does not permit pets anywhere on the property. Plan accordingly if you’re road-tripping with animals.
- Day pass access is single-entry: If you leave the property mid-day, you cannot return on the same day pass. Spa treatment access follows the same single-entry policy — choose your timing around your treatment, not around coming and going.
- Children’s pools are available: The resort has dedicated children’s pool areas. The adult-only Bathhall, Serenity Garden, and Relaxation Terrace are restricted to adults; the family-friendly sections are clearly marked.
- Discounts don’t stack: AAA, AARP, military, SoCal resident rates, and seasonal promos cannot be combined. Pick the one that gives you the best value and apply it at booking.
- No glass containers: Standard pool policy — no glass anywhere near the water areas.
Murrieta Hot Springs: Road Conditions & Access
The resort sits at 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd, Murrieta, CA 92563. From Interstate 215, take the Murrieta Hot Springs Road exit and head east — the resort entrance is clearly marked. The road in is fully paved, no 4WD required, and the surrounding area is suburban Southern California. This is not a remote backcountry drive. Parking is available on-site with ample space.
From Los Angeles, the drive runs approximately 80 miles south, about 1 hour 15 minutes without traffic, longer on Friday afternoons. From San Diego, the resort is 65 miles north roughly 55 minutes in normal conditions. French Valley Airport (FAA designator F70) is nearby for anyone flying private or regional.
Where to Stay & Eat Near Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
The resort itself has 150 rooms from standard comfort rooms to Hillside Suites with private pools which is the obvious first choice. But if you’re traveling with a larger group or want separate accommodations nearby, Murrieta and Temecula have solid options within a short drive.
Hotels Near Murrieta Hot Springs
- Hampton Inn & Suites Murrieta Temecula – Standard hotel rooms and suites, approximately 5 miles from the resort; reliable chain option with pool.
- Courtyard by Marriott Temecula Murrieta – Modern Marriott property, business-friendly, approximately 6 miles out; good for groups who want reliable points-eligible stays.
- Best Western Country Inn – Budget-friendly option in Murrieta; straightforward rooms without resort pricing for travelers focused on keeping costs down.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Murrieta – Temecula by IHG – Comfortable mid-range IHG property; breakfast included, about 5 miles from the hot springs.
- Comfort Inn & Suites Murrieta Temecula Wine Country – Temecula-area location, good for pairing a wine country day with a resort soak; affordable nightly rates.
Restaurants near Murrieta Hot Springs
- Talia Kitchen – On-site at the resort; locally sourced California cuisine, whole-food focused menu; breakfast and dinner available for guests.
- Kan Zaman Restaurant – Middle Eastern cuisine in Murrieta; full menu with mezze and grilled dishes; good for a post-soak dinner.
- Rustico Ristorante & Pizzeria – Italian restaurant in Murrieta; pizza, pasta, and a comfortable sit-down atmosphere; solid local option.
- French Valley Cafe – Casual American cafe near French Valley Airport; breakfast and lunch staples at reasonable prices.
- The Pit BBQ – Murrieta barbecue spot; smoked meats and Southern sides; a good call if you’ve been soaking all afternoon and want something substantial.
Murrieta Hot Springs Reviews: What Do People Think?
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort holds a 4.4 rating on Google across a wide base of reviews. Visitors consistently praise the mineral pool quality, the variety of water temperatures across the 50+ pools, and the cleanliness of the facilities.
The Spanish Mission architecture gets mentioned often the setting is genuinely attractive, not just a row of concrete tubs. A few reviewers note that day pass crowds on weekends can reduce the experience, and that locker room space feels tight at peak times. Overnight guests tend to rate the stay higher than day pass visitors, which tracks with the 24-hour pool access and smaller crowd dynamic.
My Honest Review on Murrieta Hot Springs
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is not a wild soak. It’s a full resort experience with infrastructure, programming, and pricing to match. That’s not a criticism, it’s just what it is. For someone coming from Los Angeles or San Diego who wants real geothermal water, spa access, and a place to stay overnight, this delivers.
California has no shortage of soaking options. Remington Hot Springs draws those who want a more rugged, free riverside soak, and Saline Valley Hot Springs is built for the backcountry-minded but Murrieta is the pick when you want the full resort treatment without sacrificing genuine geothermal water. I’d recommend it for couples, solo wellness travelers, and anyone celebrating something worth marking with a proper stay. Skip the weekend day pass crowds and book a weeknight
FAQs
Q. How much does a Murrieta Hot Springs day pass cost?
Day pass pricing varies by season and day of the week, with weekdays running lower than weekends. SoCal local residents save up to 30% off standard day pass rates proof of residence required at the gate.
Q. What is the Murrieta Hot Springs Twilight Pass?
The Twilight Pass provides evening access to the resort’s pools starting at $49. It’s the most affordable entry option and works best on weeknights when pool congestion is lower.
Q. Does Murrieta Hot Springs offer a birthday pass or special package?
The resort sells gift cards online and at the front desk, and can build custom birthday packages. Contact the resort directly for current birthday offer availability, as seasonal packages change.
Q. Can I get a Murrieta Hot Springs promo code or discount online?
The resort offers documented discounts for AAA members, AARP members, military, first responders, and SoCal residents. Sign up for the resort’s email list for seasonal promo codes third-party coupon sites do not reliably carry active codes.
Q. Is camping allowed at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort?
No. The resort does not offer camping. Accommodation options are hotel rooms and suites only, ranging from $266–$679 per night.
Q. Are there facilities at Murrieta Hot Springs for day pass visitors?
Yes day pass guests have access to locker rooms, showers in the bathhouse, fitness center, and pool areas. Towels and robes are provided to overnight guests and spa treatment guests; day pass visitors should bring their own towel.
Q. Is Murrieta Hot Springs clothing-optional?
No. Clothing, meaning swimwear, is mandatory in all pools and public areas throughout the resort. There are no clothing-optional areas.
