California South
One hot mineral tub (enclosed and open all night) and an outdoor cool pool for swimming
bathing suit requirements: unknown
fee $$
notes: High desert, sulfur smell.
address: 44500 Old Hwy 80, P.O. Box 371, Jacumba, CA 91934
how to get there:: Located 100 yards north of the Mexican Border between San Diego and Yuma just off I-8. Use the Boulevard or Jacumba exits from the interstate.
phone unknown
shelter: hotel (at least)
food: restaurant with bar
payment accepted: unknown
massage: unknown
temperature: unknown
Jacumba hot springs is absolutely a dirty dump. But…if you don't mind black mold on the walls and a jacuzzi that smells like someone washed their camel in it the day before…it's for you.
The innkeeper is sullen and as far as I can tell, spends his time in his bar. Never ate there. The algae was enough.
Do not pay with credit card as they charge/debit your card immediately and will give no refunds nor change your room. How do I know? Lived the experience of reserving "suite" which was a mold/spore thriving room with leaking ceilings and windows, a "private jacuzzi" that safety/building codes were totally ignored (could loose body parts) and could boil you alive. Pools were only warm and spa was dirty and warm as well. Steam room was acceptable. Restaurant was overpriced and served "border" cuisine which was fair. Wine bar consisted of "Two Buck Chuck" wines and beers were the usual.
The manager/innkeeper were sullen, unfriendly, at times rude and intimidating when asking for anything. One manager was not only rude but bullied you when asking for something. Had to find a screen for the window and install myself after being told none of the existing screens fit that particular window. Never expected a 5 Star suite but for $150 a night surely could have stayed in Desert Hot Springs/Palm Springs in Calif., Ojo Caliente in New Mexico, and many other 4-5 Star resorts elsewhere. I've stayed at some "funky" places but Jacumba is pitiful. The ambiance that former/present guests express is due to the fact that they were intoxicated on whatever the substance they prefer. I would never recommend the Jacumba "Spa" or ever return. The innkeepers need to find another profession as they suck at what they do.
4/10
We enjoyed the Hotspring pool and Jacuzzi. This place is definitely a well kept secret. Keep in mind that this Hot spring is high in Sulfur in which produces a rotten egg smell. Also they boast about not having to add chemicals into the pool due in part to the law which is grandfathered allowing them exclusion for adding Chlorine or Bromine. This may be a problem for a weak stomach individual. I noted mucus looking substances in the pool when the sunlight was shining in the pool. Personally I would welcome a little additives for safe keeping. But all in all it is a gem.
12/21/04
Excellent restaurant – hot springs on 94 near desert tower/Interstate 8. Indoor pool heavily sulphur but outdoor pool surrounded by shade. Peaceful – massage available. Cool in winter but spring and fall delightful. Suits required.
Kay – Lakeside
I took one look and ran for my life! Slimey, old, small and dingey. The outdoor pool had class and the restaurant and bar looked funky and interesting, but the hot spring looks like it could be harboring a parasite or two!!!! We headed to Aqua Caliente which was great!!
Jane K
What a great site.
I’m an avid motorcycle roamer living in Denver and involved in new development to bring a full day spa facility to the Jacumba Spa in Jacumba, California. By the way, here is some information for your site regarding our facility.
Jacumba Spa
44500 Old Hwy 80
P.O. Box 371
Jacumba, CA 91934
Located 100 yards north of the Mexican Border between San Diego and Yuma just off I-8. High desert beauty tucked into a little valley that ignores the international border. Use the Boulevard or Jacumba exits from the interstate then enjoy.
Lots of motorcyclists stop on their way to/from Phoenix and San Diego. It’s a great day trip from Southern California, take Hwy 79 from Temecula through Julian to I-8, then East to Jacumba, or Hwy 94 parallel to the border in California, or to Tijuana, B.C. then east along Mexico 1D to Tecate, then back across the border to Hwy 94 east to Jacumba. There are also longer loops along the Salton Sea, etc.
TEL: (619)766-4333 call for reservation (all credit cards & cash)
FAX: (619) 766-9017
20 room motel currently under renovation, rates $55/night and up
Large outdoor pool fed by mineral springs
Indoor hot pool and dry sauna
Massage services on weekends and others by appointment
Great restaurant & bar favorite of locals & visitors
Day use = $10 includes both pools
Area activities hiking, jeep trails
Thanks again for the great listing of hot springs. I’ve enjoyed some of them already in past travels but now have a thorough check list for the future.
Ray Bruce