Thermal, CA

Travel Guide

A vast desert landscape with mountains in the background, a large body of water, and a road leading through the area.
A palm plantation, a rocky hill, and a mountain in the background.
A vast body of water with a clear sky and distant mountains.
A golf course with water features and residential areas.
Rows of palm trees with dried fruit hanging from the branches.

Where to stay in Thermal

Find the best Thermal areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Thermal
Learn more about Thermal
A coastal town with a mountain range, a beach, and a golf course.

Vista Santa Rosa

While visiting Vista Santa Rosa, you might make a stop by sights like San Jacinto Mountains and Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Indian Wells Resort Hotel

3.5 out of 5
76-661 Highway 111 Indian Wells CA
$104 nightly
The price is $120 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$120 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf resort in Indian Wells. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,070 reviews)
"Great stay over all, thank you"

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2026

Indian Wells Resort Hotel
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

5 out of 5
44600 Indian Wells Lane Indian Wells CA
$364 nightly
The price is $420 total per night from Nov 18 to Nov 19
$420 total
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Indian Wells. Enjoy free WiFi, 9 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,199 reviews)
"Awesome and family friendly"

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2026

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
74-855 Country Club Drive Palm Desert CA
$306 nightly
The price is $349 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$349 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Palm Desert. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 8 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
See all 9,486 properties in Thermal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II

3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln Palm Desert CA
Book a stay at this golf aparthotel in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,586 reviews)
"Great value"

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2026

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
The Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas, Palm Springs

The Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas, Palm Springs

4 out of 5
71777 Dinah Shore Drive Rancho Mirage CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rancho Mirage. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 hot tubs, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,059 reviews)
"Everything was perfeect"

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2026

The Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas, Palm Springs
Marriott's Shadow Ridge I-The Villages

Marriott's Shadow Ridge I-The Villages

3.5 out of 5
9003 Shadow Ridge Road Palm Desert CA
Book a stay at this golf aparthotel in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
Marriott's Shadow Ridge I-The Villages
See all properties in Thermal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Thermal attractions

Desert International Horse Park

You can take time to visit Desert International Horse Park during your travels to Thermal. Discover the area's mountain views and casinos.
See properties

Things to do

Fun photo opportunities

San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert

$175
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert
San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Springs

San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour (Greater Palm Springs)

$175
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour (Greater Palm Springs)
Coachella Valley Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Toast

Coachella Valley Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Toast

$275
per adult
Coachella Valley Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Toast
See all activities in Thermal

Frequently asked questions

Is Thermal worth visiting?
Thermal is worth visiting for its unique attractions, including the Desert International Horse Park and the scenic Date Gardens. Travelers can also find local specialty stores, such as Dulce Medjool Dates and Golden State Herbs, which are great for self-catering or picking up local products.
When is the best time to visit Thermal?
The best time to visit Thermal is from November through March, when the climate is most pleasant for travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of June through September are a good option, with warmer weather perfect for enjoying poolside activities.
What is Thermal known for?
Thermal is known for the Desert International Horse Park, a prominent equestrian venue. Travelers can also visit the unique Date Gardens, offering a taste of local agriculture. For those seeking excitement, the Thermal Club Karting Circuit provides high-speed racing experiences.
What is a good itinerary length for Thermal?
A good itinerary length for Thermal is two to three days to experience highlights like the Desert International Horse Park, Date Gardens, and Thermal Club Karting Circuit. For a more relaxed trip, consider four to five days, allowing extra time to enjoy the local Latin American and North American cuisine and explore at a leisurely pace.
What are the top things to do in and around Thermal?
Thermal offers unique experiences, from equestrian events to agricultural sights and racing:


How do I plan a trip to Thermal?
To plan your trip to Thermal, book your flights and accommodations in advance. You can enjoy activities like visiting the Desert International Horse Park, Date Gardens, or the Thermal Club Karting Circuit. For outdoor plans, aim for early morning or late afternoon. A rental car is recommended for getting around and exploring the area.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Thermal?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Thermal by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Thermal with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Thermal trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Thermal?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Thermal can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Thermal trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Thermal trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Thermal trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Thermal trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Thermal?
If it's your first trip to Thermal, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Thermal hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Thermal hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Thermal

A golf course with a lake, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

Indio

A vast desert landscape with rugged terrain and distant mountains under a clear sky.

Borrego Springs

A mountainous landscape with a river and a bridge.

La Quinta

A park bench with a stone wall and grass, surrounded by trees and mountains in the background.

Coachella

Explore a world of travel with Expedia