Looking for your next Southern California day trip? Jacumba Hot Springs is it.

Nestled in the serene landscape of Jacumba, just boarding Mexico, the Jacuma Hot Springs offers tranquility and gorgeous amenities, designed with natural and organic materials, hand-craftsmanship and artisanal beauty. Located in the small town of Jacumba, this historic hotel has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Once a bustling resort destination, it has transformed over the decades into a desert oasis, perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature, a good book, a Spicy Mule and maybe some ceviche 😉

The natural hot springs that give the town its name are mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties and flow directly from the earth into pools, completely free of chemical treatments. It contains a unique, 100% natural mineral profile that has been known for its healing and regenerative qualities for centuries. Beyond the springs, the hotel offers a variety of amenities including a quaint on-site restaurant that serves an “international high desert” menu that showcases the farms and ranches of Imperial Valley, the fresh seafood of Baja, and specialty regional purveyors. Here’s how to spend your day!

Start your day by arriving by 9am. Make sure you snag a lounge chair and get there early if you have a big group and want spots together.

Order breakfast. We started with coffees, hibicus tea and fresh squeezed watermellon juice. Highly reccomend the fruit and we honestly dove on in with chips and guac to start! SO good.

Dip in the mineral pool! Once we warmed up, we transitioned to the Solstice Pool. The mineral pool water is Alkaline (10+ pH) and high in Hydrogen Sulfide, Bicarbonate, Silica, Sodium, Lithium, Manganese and many other minerals, yet it feels very soft to the skin. These minerals benefit a wide array of conditions, including pain, inflammation, skin conditions, rheumatological disorders, and more.

Lunch! We stocked up on Spicy Mules, Bloody Mary’s and had the amazing bartender, Kim, make us her signature Spicy Watermelon Marg! We grabbed some ceviche and a protein bowl.

Adventure to the Bathhouse Bazaar & Vintage Market. The hotel offers easy access to the historic bath house next door where every 1st Saturday of the month (from 10AM – 2PM) they host a vintage flea marketing complete with local art, live music and native herbal goods and handscafted items. We actually stumbled upon an incredible fashion show while exploring aaaaand I found some epic sunglasses from a vendor.

Clean up and visit the Desert Hideaway Bar. We used the spa-like bathrooms and emenities to clean up for dinner and then made our way to the hideaway bar for a “high desert elixir.” Looooved the “Time Stops Here” theme of the space.

Dine at the resturant on the shaded patio or in the dining room. The restaurant serves both brunch and dinner. We opted for dinner and had the BEST meal:

• MEZZE TRIO – Babaganoush, hummus, whipped goat cheese, naan
• HARRISA CARROTS – Pan roasted carrots, harrisa, citrus tahini, golden raisins
• JACUMBA RIB EYE – Thick cut Brandt Beef, grilled vegetable, smashed potato, horseradish butter

Head home! It was only an hour drive from San Diego, making it the perfect day-trip and even sweeter to fall asleep at home after a long day in the sun!

In a world that often feels fast-paced and overwhelming, Hotel Jacumba is a reminder of slowing down and simpler times. Leave forgetting about the real world, refreshed and recharged.

*If you want to stay the night, you can book a room at the hotel, or book a private guest house – the Casitas, La Ranchita and the Village House – which are all child and dog friendly and come equipt with their own private mineral spring soaking tubs.