Hot Wells Hotel & Spa Ruins

Tour the historic ruins of relaxation

What makes it fun

Beginning as a simple bathhouse in the late 19th century, the Hot Wells site was a popular refuge for those seeking to enjoy the therapeutic powers of the hot sulfuric waters flowing from the well and supplying multiple small resorts at the time. The Hot Wells Hotel was added on in 1901 but by 1923 the resorts and spring itself had closed. The site has recently been reborn as a museum, with much of the original architecture preserved, and can be toured for free everyday as part of the Mission Reach Trails experience. The park is also a beautifully fascinating location on its own and offers visitors a glimpse into the history of rest and relaxation at the turn of the previous century.

Google Reviews

Hot Wells Hotel Ruins

4.7

Based on 455 reviews

Paul Ybanez

7 months ago

Cesar “Danger” Barrera

7 months ago

Was just walking the the Riverwalk hike and bike trail and came across this hidden gem. I'm not originally from here, so I had no idea that the Hotel was there. Being a history buff I read all the informational signs around the park. Again I had no idea that there were even sulfer springs in the area. Next door was Hot Wells Camp. Even more of a surprise, this place is nice. They offer bath suites to take a sulfer bath yourself. Didn't get the pricing, but if you stay and have a adult beverage you are welcome to soak your feet in a, what looks like a brink horse troff for water. You can soak your feet for free and enjoy a beer or wine. Course you have to pay for the drink. Check out there webpage for more info.

John Huoni

8 months ago

I enjoyed walking around the structure and admiring it for what it was. You really need to know the history, the info on the boards explain quite a bit.

Pink Sealfood

8 months ago

Maria Barrera

8 months ago

A Jarvis

2 years ago

Dope wine, great bartender, great price.

Lamberto Coss

2 years ago

I've been walking this park going on 4 years. You could easily walk 12 or more miles. Plenty of trail to go through. I usually do 5 miles but I have walked up to 14 miles. The trail is easy on your shoes, make sure you take the appropriate gear for long walks or jogs/runs. The ruins in particular use to be a getaway for the rich and famous, when looking at the ruins, it may not look like much, but if you try to imagine a roof over the ruins, you will notice that it is well preserved. You would be able to get an idea of what it use to look like.

Maddie Oglesby

2 years ago

Was so glad to see this place refurbished and open to the public! Such an interesting historical site with rich history! Great way to spend a morning!

Sam Garcia

2 years ago

FolksyPegasus 91

2 years ago

carol eckelkamp

3 years ago

When one looks at the old photos, it’s so hard to image the amount of fun activities and the sheer size of the original resort and baths. So happy the bike trails now hook up to it. Lovely bicycle ride from San Juan Capistrano.

Stephanie Moore

4 years ago

This area was beautiful. It was nice to learn some history as well as looking at the old building. After exploring that area they had some really nice trails we walked. It was peaceful and fun.

Madeline Garcia

4 years ago

Amazing historic ruins with informative signs! Really enjoyed the visit! Underrated free visit along the walking trail and a nextdoor snack shop and little park. Cool place to stop for families along the trail. 25 min walk from the San Jose Mission.

Richard Miller

4 years ago

Great stop to visit historical site for about 30 minutes. Walk next door to Camp Hot Wells and grab a drink and snack and soak your feet in the hot sulfur springs. Little smelly, but supposed to have healing properties. Just ask the store clerk on how it works.