Murrieta Hot Springs Review: Is the Twilight Soak Pass Worth It?

We’re hot water aficionados and look for a chance to soak anywhere we can. So when the historic Murrieta Hot Springs resort near Temecula reopened after a full renovation, we drove out to try it. It’s about an hour and a half from LA, which makes it an easy day trip. Here’s our honest review.

What Is Murrieta Hot Springs?

Murrieta Hot Springs is a historic hot springs resort that sat mostly abandoned for years before being completely redone. When we visited, it was still in a soft-opening phase in 2024, and early reviews were mixed, so my expectations weren’t very high. I was really impressed.

We have since been back twice and are planning to go again before the end of 2026!

The Twilight Pass

We went with the Twilight Pass, which is $59 on weekdays and $79 for weekends and holidays for unlimited pool access from 4 to 10 p.m. Soaking at night under the stars is a big part of the appeal.

The Pools

There are pools at a range of temperatures, each with a cute name (like “Warm Hug”). Our favorites:

• The individual soaking tubs. There are about a dozen one-person tubs overlooking the big pond in the middle of the property.
• The wide, shallow hot pool across the pond, which was the hottest water open when we visited.
• The adults-only swimming pool. It’s seven feet deep and heated to around 85 degrees, which made swimming at night a treat.

How to Do the Hot and Cold Circuit

The resort recommends a circuit: 10 to 15 minutes in a warm pool, a 30 to 90 second cold plunge, then a few minutes out of the water to let your body temperature adjust. It was nighttime and in the 50s, so we managed one plunge in the 52-degree tub that lasted about ten seconds. It was still invigorating.

Tips for Visiting Murrieta Hot Springs

• Bring layers for between soaks. Desert nights get chilly.
• Go for the twilight session so you can soak after dark.
• If you stay overnight at the resort, you get 24-hour pool access.
• Pair it with a day in Temecula wine country to make it a full trip.

Is Murrieta Hot Springs Worth It?

Yes. We had a wonderful time, I already want to go back, and next time I’d love to stay overnight for the 24-hour access.

Looking for more easy getaways? Check out our Valle de Guadalupe travel guide for a relaxed long weekend from LA.