Hot Springs, Arkansas is a charming city nestled in the Ouachita Mountains. It is known for its natural thermal springs and rich history. To help you plan your trip to this fascinating town we have created this ULTIMATE guide to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
We only live about 45 minutes from Hot Springs so we are constantly exploring this amazing area.
We hope that this comprehensive guide is your key to planning your trip and unlocking the treasures of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Why Should You Visit Hot Springs, Arkansas?
There really is no place quite like Hot Springs, Arkansas! I only live about 45 minutes from the town and we go there all the time.
Located in Southwest Arkansas in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs combines natural beauty, fascinating history, and an impressive number of things to do in one surprisingly walkable destination.
Most people know it as the home to Hot Springs National Park which is one of one the most unique national parks in the country.
This is a park where historic bathhouses line the streets of a bustling downtown district. Visitors come to soak in the famous thermal waters, stroll Bathhouse Row, and learn about the city’s colorful past as a favorite hideaway for gangsters like Al Capone.
But Hot Springs is much more than its history. You’ll also find botanical gardens, scenic lakes, horse racing, family attractions, hiking trails, locally owned shops, and one of the best restaurant scenes in Arkansas.
One of our favorite things about Hot Springs is its variety.
You can spend the morning touring a historic bathhouse, enjoy lunch at a fantastic local restaurant, take an afternoon cruise on Lake Hamilton, and finish the day with a cocktail at the oldest continuously operating bar in Arkansas.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, a girls’ trip, or simply a relaxing weekend escape, Hot Springs offers a little bit of everything. It’s one of our favorite destinations in Arkansas, and we think you’ll quickly understand why.
Frequently asked Questions about Hot Springs, Arkansas
Is Hot Springs National Park worth visiting?
Absolutely. While it is very different from the large western national parks, Hot Springs National Park is one of the most unique parks in the country.
Where else can you stroll historic Bathhouses, drink thermal spring water, hike forested trails, and enjoy a bustling downtown district all within the boundaries of a national park?
How do you Get to Hot Springs
Hot Springs is located in the southwest portion of Arkansas in Garland County. Although there are no Interstates that run to or through Hot Springs there is a good surrounding highway system to get you to Hot Springs from some of the major cities in Arkansas like Little Rock or Fayetteville.
In fact Scenic Highway 7 runs right through downtown Hot Springs and is called Central Avenue while it is in the city.
Hot Springs is only about an hour (50ish miles) from Little Rock. The Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock is definitely the most convenient if you are flying into the state for your visit.
Will I Need A Car While in Hot Springs
Yes. You will need a car to get into town and to experience the lakes and other activities that are outside of town.
Is Hot Springs Walkable?
Yes, although I do believe that you will want a car while in the area, downtown Hot Springs is very walkable.
Bathhouse Row, restaurants, shops, museums, and many attractions are all located within a relatively compact area.
How Many Days Do I Need to Spend in Hot Springs?
We recommend spending at least two full days in Hot Springs. This gives you enough time to visit Hot Springs National Park and explore Bathhouse row, enjoy a spa treatment, and experience some of the area’s other attractions.
If you stay longer you will have time to spend on one of the areas gorgeous lakes!
When is the Best Time to Visit Hot Springs
It depends on what you want to do!
If you are planning a lake vacation then you will want to visit in the summer. Fall and spring are best for sightseeing, hiking, crystal digging, and other outdoor activities.
If I had to choose…I would pick the fall. The leaves in the Ouachita Mountains are glorious and there is less chance of rain or severe weather.
You might want to look at our post about the best times to visit Arkansas!
What is the Weather Like?
Summers all through Arkansas are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s well up into the 90’s and even higher. Of course this is perfect for lake and other water activities.
Spring and fall offer milder weather, making them ideal for hiking and most outdoor activities.
Winters in the area are generally mild, but temperatures can drop below freezing. Hot Springs does receive occasional snowfall, but this is very rare. We actually love winter in Hot Springs!
When is High Season in Hot Springs
Summer is high season in Hot Springs. This is the busiest and most expensive time of the year. The town is bustling and all attractions are opening and operating at full capacity.
Spring and Fall are the shoulder seasons. Temperatures are comfortable and crowds are a little less than summer.
Winter is low season making it the quietest and most affordable time to visit but some attractions do close.
Is Hot Springs National Park Free?
Yes! The national park is free to visit.
Is Hot Springs Family-friendly?
Yes! Hot Springs is a great destination for families. Kids love attractions like Magic Springs Theme and Water Park, Mid-America Science Museum, the Arkansas Alligator Farm, duck boat tours, and even crystal mining.
There are also plenty of outdoor activities including hiking, boating, and swimming.
Where Can I Soak in the Thermal Waters?
There are two Bathhouses that are still open to the public for bathing: Buckstaff Bathhouse and the Quapaw Bathhouse.
There are actually no outdoor spaces where you can experience a soak in the springs. You will have to go to a bathhouse to be in the mineral water.
Most of the springs were capped many years ago and routed to the bathhouses and spas. In addition the water comes from the ground too hot for bathing. In fact, the bathhouses actually have to cool the water in order for patrons to bathe.
Can I Drink the Thermal Spring Water?
Absolutely! These Hot Springs come out of the ground pure and drinkable. There is no smell or taste of sulfur. We think it is delicious!
You will see fountains around town where locals fill jugs with the water for free to take home for drinking.
Where to Stay in Hot Springs
Whether you’re looking for a downtown hotel, a lakeside resort, a cozy cabin in the woods, or an RV park near the water, Hot Springs has accommodations to suit every type of traveler.
First, you’ll want to decide where you want to stay.
Some visitors prefer the convenience of downtown Hot Springs, where Bathhouse Row, restaurants, shops, and attractions are all within walking distance.
Others choose to stay at the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and still others along the shores of Lake Hamilton, where you’ll find beautiful waterfront properties and easy access to boating and lake activities.
If you’re looking for a quieter getaway, there are plenty of cabins tucked into the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. Campers and RV travelers will also find several excellent campgrounds and RV parks in the area.
One of our favorite places to look for lake rentals is Overnight Digs, which manages some of the nicest and most unique vacation properties around Lake Hamilton.
We’ve put together several guides to help you find the perfect place to stay in Hot Springs:
Where to Stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park
The Hot Springs National Park is a small, but interesting National Park. At only 5,400 acres it is one of the smallest of the national parks and also one of the few that is located in the middle of a city.
Not only that but Hot Springs was federally protected to preserve the waters in 1832. Y’all that predates Yellowstone by 40 years! This little tidbit of information causes some people to say that this was the FIRST national park!
Start your visit at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center where free ranger-led tours bring the history of the thermal waters to life
Where to Eat in Hot Springs
Although it is a small town Hot Springs is definitely a foodie paradise. You will have so many great choices here from a fine steak dinner, to an iconic barbecue restaurant, to the best pizza this side of New York City.
Speaking of that pizza, one of our favorite places to recommend is DeLuca’s Pizzeria. Be sure and call ahead to reserve your pizza crust. They are that good and that busy.
Seriously, there is good food in this town.
Here is a list of all of our favorite restaurants in Hot Springs.
Things to do in Hot Springs
From soaking in thermal waters and touring the Gangster Museum to crystal mining in the Ouachita Mountains and spending a day at Garvan Woodland Gardens …Hot Springs has more to offer than most people expect.
We’ve rounded up 29 of our favorite experiences in our comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Hot Springs.”
Spas in Hot Springs
Hot Springs has the nickname of Spa City. Honestly, from the beginning of its known history Hot Springs was a spa town. The American Indians called it Valley of the Vapors and considered it to be a sacred place of healing.
There were settlers and guests coming as early as 1810. However, it became a true resort towards the end of the 1800’s. Doctors would even prescribe the thermal baths as treatment.
Today, two of the Bathhouses still operate as places to have treatments and soak in the thermal waters. The Buckstaff Bathhouse is the more traditional of the two while the Quapaw Bathhouse has more modern spa treatments along with soaking pools.
If you want to soak in thermal waters from the comfort of your own room, the Hale Hotel in the Hale Bathhouse offers luxury suites with private soaking tubs filled with hot mineral water
In addition to the spas named above, you will find many other amazing spas in town including the Astral at Oaklawn Resort which is the only Forbes rated four star spa in the state!
Where to Have a Drink in Hot Springs
If you look into the history of Hot Springs you will discover that it was once a gambling and drinking town frequented by high profile gangsters. During prohibition illegal speakeasies proliferated and illegal moonshine continued to be produced and sold.
These days you will find the oldest continually open bar in Arkansas (it was continually operating because it kept going illegally during prohibition) to the only brewery in the US that is situated in a National Park to some great cocktail patios with views.
Here are some great places to have a drink in Hot Springs.
Lakes Near Hot Springs
Many people come to the area just to enjoy one of the amazing lakes that are near Hot Springs. There are 5 lakes in the area called the Diamond Lakes.
Some are perfect for water sports while others are known for fishing.
Lake Hamilton is an urban lake right in town, Lake Ouachita is not only the largest lake in the state but is considered to be one of the cleanest lakes in the whole country.
History of Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs has a fascinating history. What started as a sacred place for the American Indians, then a place for settlers to come and take the healing waters, then became a hot bed for gambling and gangsters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano.
Today, you will find legal gambling at the Oaklawn Casino and Resort.
We also have an entire post about the history of Hot Springs where you can learn even more about it!
Are You Ready to Start Planning Your Trip?
Hot Springs is one of those rare destinations that rewards every kind of traveler. Whether you come for a weekend or a week you’ll leave wishing you’d stayed longer.
Be sure and pin this guide so you can find it when you’re ready to plan your trip!
