Overview
A restored Southern California hot springs resort, now set up for day passes
Murrieta Hot Springs is a historic spring site that reopened as Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, offering both overnight stays and day passes. It’s a fully developed property, you’re soaking in built geothermal pools and moving between amenities on paved paths, not searching for a creekside pool. The resort describes more than 50 geothermal pools and water features spread across a landscaped campus, and day passes are sold for set hours (listed as 9am to 10pm).
The experience is organized around zones. The resort sells day passes that include access to both family-friendly pools and adult-only areas, plus add-ons like an adult-only terrace pass. That split matters for trip planning: if you want quiet, you’ll have a better time aiming for adult-only spaces and visiting at lower-demand times.
What makes it different from other SoCal soaks
It’s urban-adjacent and easy. You can be here from Temecula in minutes and from much of inland Orange County or San Diego County without a mountain drive. If you want “hot springs water on your skin” with minimal friction, Murrieta is one of the simplest choices in the region.
Location & Access
Where it is
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is at 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd, Murrieta, CA 92563, in southwest Riverside County, just east of I-15 and close to Temecula.
By car
This is drive-up access on paved roads, no hike. Most visitors come via I-15, then follow city streets to Murrieta Hot Springs Road. Plan for normal Southern California traffic patterns, and don’t assume a “short distance” means a quick arrival during commuter hours.
Entry timing
The resort lists day-pass soaking access from 9am to 10pm. In practice, earlier arrival usually means easier parking flow and more choice of quieter pool edges. If you only want a shorter visit, a late-afternoon or evening window can feel calmer, but bring a dry layer for the walk between pools after sunset.
What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, and sandals with grip. Add a refillable water bottle, sun protection, and a light cover-up for moving between pools. If you’re using lockers, bring only what you need. Wet decks and extra gear are a bad mix.
Booking and checks
Day passes are sold online by the resort and prices vary by day. Before you drive, confirm your reservation details, current rates, and any pool closures or maintenance notices posted by the operator.
Suitability & Accessibility
Murrieta Hot Springs is best for travelers who want a managed soak day with choices: warmer pools, cooler dips, and sauna-style amenities in one place. It’s a strong fit for people who don’t want to gamble on a wild spring being accessible, clean, or safe.
Families
Yes, but choose your plan. The resort explicitly separates family-friendly pools from adult-only areas. If you’re visiting with kids, treat it like a pacing day: shorter soak rounds, snack breaks, and plenty of water. Warm pools make kids feel sleepy fast, then they melt down right when you want to stay longer.
Adults seeking quiet
Go on a weekday if you can, and prioritize adult-only zones. Even with separate areas, a popular day-pass resort can feel social. Your best “quiet” strategy is timing and choosing the calmer edges of pools rather than chasing the most central basins.
Mobility realities
No hike, but you’ll still be walking on wet surfaces and crossing between zones. Expect steps in places and narrow transitions around older buildings. If you have mobility limitations, plan a simpler loop: pick one main pool area, a nearby restroom, and a clear path back to your locker, then repeat instead of roaming.
Wheelchair expectations
If step-free access is essential, check the resort’s accessibility information and ask about distances, ramps, and which pools have the easiest entry before you buy passes.
Safety & Etiquette
Heat and cold are the two things to manage
This resort is designed for contrast, warm pools and cold plunges. The safe way to do it is short rounds and lots of breaks. Don’t bounce from very hot to very cold if you’re not used to it, and don’t treat cold plunges as a dare. If you feel lightheaded, shaky, or unwell, stop, sit down, and drink water.
Slips are the most common real-world risk
Wet stone and tile are slippery, especially near stairs, showers, and pool lips. Keep sandals on outside the water, slow down on corners, and keep one hand free when you’re carrying towels or a phone. If you’re taking photos, don’t lean in over slick edges.
Kids need tighter rules than adults
Warm water can overwhelm children faster than you expect. Keep soak sessions short, enforce breaks, and supervise constantly around steps and deeper areas. If your group spans ages, set a meeting point and do head counts when you move zones.
Hygiene and shared-water etiquette
Rinse before entering pools when facilities allow. Avoid heavy lotions and oils right before soaking, they can make surfaces slick and leave residue in shared water. Keep glass away from wet areas and use bins, wind and water move trash fast.
Respect the zone structure
If an area is marked adult-only, treat it as adult-only, no “just for a second.” Keep voices lower in quieter pools, don’t camp on entry steps, and don’t block narrow walkways while you chat. The place works when everyone keeps traffic moving and lets others have space.
FAQs
Is Murrieta Hot Springs open for day passes?
Yes. The resort sells hot spring day passes online, with access listed from 9am to 10pm. Check the operator’s current availability and any maintenance notices before you drive.
Are there adult-only pools?
Yes. The resort markets both family-friendly and adult-only pool areas, and it also sells an adult-only terrace-style pass option. Plan your visit around the zone that matches your group.
Do you need to hike to reach the pools?
No. This is a developed resort on paved access roads. The “effort” is walking between pools on wet decks and paths, not trail access.
What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towel, and sandals with grip. Bring water to drink, sun protection, and a light cover-up. Pack light, moving gear around wet surfaces is annoying and increases slip risk.
Is it good for families?
Yes, if you treat it as a paced day. Use family-friendly pools, keep soak sessions short for kids, and build in breaks. If you want a quieter experience, visit on a weekday and avoid peak holiday periods.