Most parents don’t need a longer vacation. They need a break that actually feels like one.
Somewhere between coordinating childcare, packing bags, and mentally running through everything that could go wrong, even a one-night getaway can start to feel like more work than it’s worth.
Recently, my husband and I managed to escape for a two-night getaway from Orange County to the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. Yes, we still had to arrange childcare and pack a bag. But that small effort was absolutely worth it for the mineral pools, peaceful grounds, and zero kid responsibilities.
Here’s our complete Murrieta Hot Springs review to help you decide if your effort would be worth it: what we loved, what surprised us, and whether it’s worth the trip for your next couples getaway.
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Where Is Murrieta Hot Springs Resort?
Murrieta is in the southern region of Riverside County. It sits between Los Angeles and San Diego, and is east of Orange County. It’s close to Temecula, which many visitors enjoy for wine country, shopping, and good food.
The resort originally opened in 1902, and the land has a long history of mismanagement and neglect. Eventually it shut down. However, it was recently renovated and reopened in 2024 as a modern wellness resort. There are 50 geothermal pools and water features across 46 acres, a spa, two restaurants, and overnight accommodations.
Peaceful morning retreat © Jessica Lee
Why Murrieta Hot Springs Works So Well for Burned-Out Parents
After daily shoe struggles, meltdowns, activities, and sports, parenting burnout gets real.
Murrieta is about a 1.5-hour drive from Los Angeles and Orange County, depending on traffic. Murrieta Hot Springs Resort offers a place to stay, a relaxing experience, fun activities, dining, spa, and peace all in one property. Once you arrive, you can park and not touch your car again if you want to take a break from driving.
For those with more energy, there are shops and restaurants within walking distance.
Relax, reflect, recharge © Jessica Lee
Staying Overnight Is Worth It
We didn’t arrive until 10:00 PM on a Friday in March. After another night of Southern California traffic, driving onto the resort already felt like a win.
The long path onto the property slowed our pace and made the resort feel tucked away. The property was dark except for soft pathway lights, landscaping spotlights, and the glow around the pools.
After checking in, we brought our bags to our room and immediately changed. A big perk to staying overnight is 24-hour access to the hot spring pools. They provide robes and towels to use around the resort.
Find your way around with easy signs © Jessica Lee
After slowly lowering into the steaming hot water, looking out at the calm lake, it was easy to start feeling the reset.
Two other couples soaked in the other pools, so we weren’t totally alone. But there was enough distance between us that our space still felt private.
We giggled at the creative pool names, like “Clouds in my Coffee” and “Playing with Fire.” As we relaxed into our slower pace, we thought to ourselves, “If we do nothing else, this is enough.”
They got creative naming all the pools © Jessica Lee
Pools and Wellness Spaces
The pools are why we visited, and the resort delivered more than we anticipated. There are 50 geothermal pools and a handful of chlorinated pools. They are grouped into areas mostly around the lake, offering different wellness experiences and vibes.
Peaceful Soaking Options
For a quieter soak, the pools near Spring Lodge and the Relaxation Terrace worked well. They are a little off to the side compared to the others, and not all passes have access to this area. We loved the range of water temps from warm to hot to super hot.
If someone wants a more secluded, private pool, book a spa treatment. The spa has its own set of mineral pools, but only for those with treatment reservations.
Tiered hot tub pools in the Relaxation Terrace © Jessica Lee
Social relaxation
The main pool area beside the Historic Bathhouse gives visitors a more lively experience. Guests can sip drinks at the Tortoise Shell bar and enjoy the music. This area is central, the heart of the resort.
There are chlorinated pools, hot spring pools, cold plunges, and even a small beach area to hang out with friends.
Grab a drink and pick a pool © Jessica Lee
Contrast Experiences
Contrast experiences are variations in temperature between hot and cold. Visitors can have contrasting experiences across a few areas of the resort. If the weather is hot and you need to cool off with a cold plunge, try the cold pools at the indoor bathhouse, beside the beach, or in front of the gym at the Contrast Terrace.
We were shocked by the cold at first, but then quickly acclimated and didn’t want to get out. The Contrast Terrace, with smaller, deeper bathtubs, à la Japanese soaking tubs, became our favorite spot for shifting between cold and warm water.
A real chance to exhale © Jessica Lee
Historic Indoor Bathhouse
The Historic Bathhouse takes visitors back in time with a more communal bathhouse feel. Downstairs, it houses hot tubs, cold tubs, a contrast walking path, and a steam room. Upstairs, visitors can enjoy an impressive sauna on the second floor, with views of the whole resort.
The Historic Bathhouse building © Jessica Lee
Fun With Mud
Clay Cove gives guests an area to lather on as much clay as desired, as a face mask, or even a full body mask, to add to the wellness weekend.
Time to get messy in the clay cove © Jessica Lee
Spa Wellness
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort has its own spa in a separate building from the bathhouse and other facilities. Being able to stay on property and benefit from massages and other spa experiences enhances a wellness retreat for couples.
Spa services are high-quality and convenient. As a bonus, spa guests have access to the spa mineral pools, which are quieter and less crowded. Book treatments in advance for the best timing options.
Resort grounds © Jessica Lee
The Atmosphere Of The Resort
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort caters well to couples’ trips and girls’ weekends. The focus is on adults, though kids are welcome in a few select areas.
During our stay, the resort was quiet in the early morning and at night, but had a buzz through most of the day. This is due to their Day Pass program. Area locals come during mid-day hours to get a burst of relaxation.
Central areas like the main pool and bar are louder and more lively. While the outer areas offer a quieter retreat from the crowds. Couples have options and space to spread out. But for those looking for extreme wellness or a silent retreat, this is not it.
A sauna large enough for an entire party © Jessica Lee
Walking around the grounds reminded me of a modern, luxurious, wellness summer camp.
They recently updated the resort. The manicured grounds and mix of historic buildings and fresh spaces add to the exclusive experience. It has luxury touches, but it’s not at all pretentious or stuffy.
The resort was clean and well-kept.
It felt like a welcoming getaway space where parents can relax and focus on caring for themselves for a change.
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Rooms and Overnight Experience
We stayed in the Stone Lodge, which marries the historic with the modern.
Stone Lodge exterior © Jessica Lee
We enjoyed the wellness touches to help set the mood and intention for the weekend. On our bed was a sleep hygiene tray containing: earplugs, a phone hideaway pouch, a protein snack, an aromatherapy stick, and informational cards. This set the tone right away, and we could relax and let the resort take care of us.
A sleep hygiene tray gift for tired couples © Jessica Lee
The space was well decorated in earthy tones, tying in the historic clay tiles and soft textiles. Not extravagant and ultra-luxurious, but nice and comfortable.
Comfy bedding in a Stone Lodge room © Jessica Lee
The Stone Lodge is the next building over from the spa building. Access to the spa area for our massages was easy from our room.
Food Is Convenient, Not the Main Event
We ate both on and off the property. The resort has a café in the main pool area, which works well for casual lunches and snacks. It wasn’t stand-out food, but it was sufficient. And more than anything, it allowed us to keep our flow. We didn’t have to change or drive to find food. We were able to grab a bite, still in our swimsuits, and move on to our next soak right after eating.
There’s a more formal, wellness-oriented restaurant, Talia, but it’s only open for dinner, and we didn’t get to try it. You’ll find a coffee shop with breakfast goods too. For travelers seeking more options, Temecula is seven miles away.
You don’t need to go far to get your morning coffee © Jessica Lee
The Pacing Is the Whole Point
Being able to just slow down is half the reason this type of couple’s trip works so well.
On this weekend, we finally had some space to breathe. We didn’t set any alarms. We wandered slowly, and not because of little legs. We had uninterrupted conversations. Stepping away from the rush of a chaotic schedule was a relief.
Imagine yourself here © Jessica Lee
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
Next time, I would arrive earlier to make the most of the weekend. And I would also try to visit in January or February.
If we ever visit on a day pass rather than overnight, I would book a cabana to have a dedicated space.
I really wanted to try some of the wellness classes, but unfortunately, they happened during our lazy, slow Saturday morning. Hopefully, next time I get a chance to try them out.
Comfy cabanas available to rent © Jessica Lee
Best Time To Visit
Winter is the ideal time to visit this resort. The contrast of the cooler outdoor temperatures with the natural hot springs is the perfect sensation.
Spring and autumn can work well too, depending on how the season is going. If you get a hot weekend, you may need to try some more contrast bathing with the cold pools and hydrate well.
A relaxing setting to recharge © Jessica Lee
Who Should Visit Murrieta Hot Springs?
- Couples
- Moms’ getaway groups
- Wellness travelers
- Day-trippers from Los Angeles
- Temecula wine country visitors
This trip shines for couples who need to reconnect. For busy parents and couples, this is an easy trip, without the mental work of figuring out a bunch of moving parts.
And the resort is really fun for girls’ trips. Next time, I plan to visit with my girls! It can also appeal to wellness-focused travelers.
While the resort technically allows children, there isn’t any programming for them, and their movements are restricted.
Lounging and escaping © Jessica Lee
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Murrieta Hot Springs Resort FAQ
How much does a Murrieta Hot Springs day pass cost?
A standard Hot Spring Day Pass runs $109 on weekdays (Mon–Fri) and $129 on weekends and holidays, with pool access from 9am to 10pm. Local residents start at $59, an after-4 pm Twilight Pass is $59 weekdays and $79 weekends, and the adult-only Relaxation Terrace Pass is $139 weekdays and $179 weekends. Overnight room rates vary by date and season, and every overnight stay includes 24-hour soaking access for two adults.
Where is Murrieta Hot Springs Resort located?
The resort is at 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd, Murrieta, CA 92563, in southern Riverside County between Los Angeles and San Diego and just east of Orange County. It sits about seven miles from Temecula’s wine country.
How far is Murrieta Hot Springs from Los Angeles?
Plan on roughly 1.5 to 2+ hours by car from Los Angeles depending on traffic, and about 1 to 1.5 hours from Orange County. The closest airports are Ontario International (ONT) and John Wayne / Orange County (SNA).
How many pools does the resort have?
There are more than 50 geothermal pools and water features spread across 46 acres, including hot mineral pools, invigorating cold plunges, and the deeper Champion Plunge. Temperatures range widely, so you can move between hot soaks and contrast bathing.
Are kids allowed at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort?
Yes, day passes include access to family-friendly pools, but the resort also has adult-only areas like the Relaxation Terrace and Serenity Garden. There is no dedicated kids’ programming, so it leans toward couples, girls’ trips, and wellness-focused adult travelers.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Winter is ideal — cool outdoor air against the hot mineral water makes for the best contrast. Spring and fall also work well; on hot days, lean on the cold plunge pools and hydrate often.
Should you stay overnight or visit on a day pass?
Overnight guests get 24-hour soaking access for two adults, exclusive hotel-guest pools, a sleep ritual tray, unlimited robe and towel exchange, and complimentary wellness activities — ideal for couples reconnecting. Day passes (9 am–10 pm) suit locals and girls’ spa days, and you can add a cabana for a dedicated home base.
Do spa treatments include pool access?
Yes. Every spa treatment includes a Day Pass to the hot spring pools plus access to the Serenity Garden, an adults-only sanctuary with additional natural geothermal pools. Book treatments in advance for the best time slots.
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