Looking for the best things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas?
Whether you want to soak in the famous thermal waters, explore Hot Springs National Park, visit Garvan Woodland Gardens, ride to the top of Hot Springs Mountain Tower, or spend a day on Lake Hamilton, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.
We live less than an hour from Hot Springs and visit regularly. These are our favorite attractions, museums, outdoor adventures, and unique experiences in Arkansas’s famous Spa City.
Top 10 Things to Do in Hot Springs
- Tour the Fordyce Bathhouse
- Soak in the mineral waters at the Quapaw Bathhouse
- Have a beer and pretzel at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery
- Visit Garvan Woodland Gardens and Anthony Chapel
- See the views from the Hot Springs Mountain Tower
- Visit the Gangster Museum of America
- Spend a day betting on the horses at Oaklawn Racing Casino
- Dig For Crystals
- Ride a Coaster at Magic Springs
- Visit one of the Diamond Lakes
Explore Hot Springs National Park
The biggest attraction in Hot Springs is Hot Springs National Park, one of the most unique national parks in the country.
Unlike many national parks which focus on nature, this one is located right in the heart of downtown and emphasizes history, culture, and the city’s famous thermal waters.
The park is free to visit and is home to the historic Bathhouse Row, a collection of beautifully preserved bathhouses built between 1892 and 1923.
Tour the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum
If you only make one stop in Hot Springs National Park it should be the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum. This provides a great introduction to the park and its history.
It is one of the most fascinating and best things to do in Hot Springs.
This gorgeous historic building is free to enter and there are park rangers available to answer questions. They do a tour at certain times of the day or you can learn about the history of the springs, the town, and the bathhouses on a self-guided tour of the building.
You will love seeing how people used to live and “take the waters” in Hot Springs, Arkansas!
Have a Beer at The Superior Bathhouse Brewery
The Superior Bathhouse Brewery is the only brewery located inside a U.S. national park and the only brewery in the world that brews its beer with thermal spring water.
They have a great patio right on bathhouse row as well as excellent beer and bar food. If you aren’t a beer drinker then I highly recommend that you try their root beer.
Experience a Traditional Bath at the Buckstaff Bathhouse
The Buckstaff has the only traditional thermal bathing experience on bathhouse row! You will be stepping back in time as you step into the Whirlpool mineral bath, followed by experiences such as a steam cabinet, and hot towel packs.
Relax at the Quapaw Bathhouse
This is a modern spa experience. You can schedule massages, facials, or spa treatments.
However, they also have public thermal pools filled with various temperatures of the mineral water for soaking. The pools don’t require a reservation, but they are first-come first-served and attendance is limited.
If you want even more modern spa treatments (Hot Springs isn’t nicknamed Spa City for nothing!) Be sure and check out our list of some of the best spas in town.
Stroll Bathhouse Row
Bathhouse Row runs along Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs. You can stroll the walkway under the shade of huge magnolia trees.
Some of the other bathhouses besides the ones already mentioned include the Hale bathhouse which currently is home to a boutique hotel and a restaurant. You will also find the Lamar Bathhouse which has a gift shop and the Bathhouse Emporium.
Touch the Thermal Water (Outside of a Bathhouse)
Many visitors are surprised to learn that there are no natural hot springs pools where you can soak outdoors in the thermal mineral waters. This is not a recent occurrence. Most of the free-flowing springs were capped and routed to the bathhouses years ago.
Also it is important to remember that the water emerges from the ground at 143 degrees. WAY too hot to submerge your body in.
However there are places in town where you can touch the springs. The first is the Hot Water Cascade which is located across the street from The Arlington Hotel on what is known as the Arlington lawn.
This is a spot where an uncapped spring tumbles down the hillside and into the pools below.
The second is the Display Spring which is located directly behind the Maurice Bathhouse.
There are also various fountains that use the hot water.
Drink the Thermal Mineral Waters
You will be happy to learn that these are not springs that smell or taste like sulfur.
The water is pure and drinkable right from the ground and in our opinion…delicious! It is also said to be extremely good for your health. Locals swear by this water. Many have been drinking it their entire lives.
There are free fountains in town made for the express purpose of filling water. You will see many locals filling jugs with the water to take home for drinking. Be sure and stop by one of these and fill your water bottle!
Stroll the Grand Promenade
The Grand Promenade is a wide brick paved path located up the hill behind the bathhouses. It is a wide and shady walkway that runs parallel to bathhouse row for about 1/2 mile.
It is a beautiful stroll with benches, picnic tables, and pretty views.
See the Views From the Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Way up the hill behind the bathhouses you will find the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
You can hike up to it but do be aware that the hike is over a mile…all uphill. If you don’t want to hike you can take the very scenic drive.
There is a charge to go up in the tower. Once at the top you can step out onto the observation deck and enjoy panoramic views of the national park, the city of Hot Springs, and the gorgeous Ouachita mountain countryside.
Do a Little Hiking in the National Park
There are several great hiking trails in the area! Check out this list of trails from the National Park Service. This should be enough to get you started!
Experience Downtown Hot Springs
One of the reasons that this is such an interesting national park is that it sits smack in the middle of the town.
Just across from bathhouse row you’ll find gangster history, the oldest bar in Arkansas, incredible shopping, and some of the best bottled water in the world…all within easy walking distance.
Learn About Gangsters at the Gangster Museum of America
You may be surprised to learn that Hot Springs was a favorite haunt of gangsters during the 1920’s and 30’s, frequented by Al Capone among many others.
Hot Springs, Arkansas had become such an important spa destination during this time that it was attracting people from all over the world. Gangsters followed in order to set up various “gangster-type activities” such as gambling, bootlegging, and setting up hidden speakeasies during prohibition..
You can learn all about the gangsters in Hot Springs at the Gangster Museum of America.
Have a Sip of the Famous Mountain Valley Spring Water
Pop into the Mountain Valley Spring Water museum visitor’s center and museum for a look at the history of some of the best bottled water in the world.
Mountain Valley has been bottling the spring water for 150 years! The water is naturally mineral-rich, pure, crisp, healthy and delicious. They don’t mess with it or add anything to it.
Best of all Mountain Valley Spring Water still comes in glass bottles!
Enjoy a Cocktail at the Oldest Bar in Arkansas
The Ohio Club was a gambling joint and speakeasy during the time of the gangsters and is the oldest continually operating bar in Arkansas.
You can still see some of the memorabilia from that era in the restaurant. In addition to being a bar this is also a restaurant with great food. On certain nights they have live music so you might want to check their calendar.
Shop for Amazing Bath Products
You will find lots of shopping in Hot Springs along Central Avenue. Our very favorite shop is the Bathhouse Soapery and Caldarium. I simply can’t go to Hot Springs without stopping in.
These are small batch, hand-blended bath and body products and they are so good. The scents are amazing. Hot Southern Mess is one of my favorites.
Step into the Lobby of the Historic Arlington Hotel
Even if you aren’t staying at the Arlington you should take a look at this gorgeous old hotel. You can’t miss it if you are in downtown Hot Springs as it stands proudly at the end of Bathhouse row with its double towers and intricate architectural details.
The grand lobby is adorned with chandeliers and crown molding. There is also an expansive veranda, and be sure and take the marble stairs down to the basement of the hotel. This area feels a little like a vintage underground shopping mall.
Pick up a “Made-in-Arkansas” Gift
Another store we love is All Things Arkansas. As you might guess from the name they carry unique handcrafted gifts by Arkansas artisans.
We believe in shopping locally as much as possible and you will love seeing the pottery, candles, jewelry, blown glass art, and other creations by Arkansas craftspeople.
Watch the Horses Run at Oaklawn Racing Casino
Oaklawn racing casino resort has horse racing, a casino, a hotel and spa, restaurants, and bars. It is so much fun to stand at the rail and watch the horses go thundering past. There are also some excellent restaurants at the race track.
Horse racing is not a year round activity so be sure and check the schedules before you go.
Walk Through Garvan Woodland Gardens
Just outside of Hot Springs you will find Garvan Woodland Gardens. This is not only our favorite garden in the state but one of our favorite places!
This botanical garden is a must visit any time of year but if you are visiting in the spring you will definitely want to stop by and see the tens of thousands of tulips!
At Garvan Gardens you walk along shaded pathways bordered by botanical landscapes with flowering plants for each season. The park is located on the shores of Lake Hamilton which is one of the Diamond Lakes in Hot Springs.
The gardens include gorgeous lake shoreline, streams, small waterfalls, and beautiful bridges.
You will even discover breathtaking architectural structures and fantastic photo opportunities at every turn. If you are visiting with kids be sure and check out the Bob and Sunny Evans Tree House.
Any time of year Garvan Woodland Gardens is a special place.
Visit the Breathtaking Anthony Chapel
Situated just outside the main entrance of Garvan Gardens is the stunning Anthony Chapel. However, you don’t have to pay the admission for the botanical gardens to visit the chapel and its nearby bell towers. These are free and accessible separately.
You really must make a stop here. It is one of the three famous glass chapels in Arkansas designed by Arkansas architect, E. Fay Jones.
Embrace Your Inner Nerd at The Retroverse Museum
The Retroverse Museum (formally known as Galaxy Connection) is an interactive museum featuring Star Wars and superheroes. You will be able to interact with all the props and have a myriad of photo opportunities. You can put on a jedi robe and wield a light saber.
This is the personal collection of a superfan and the tour is semi-guided. It is a great place for Star Wars geeks of superhero fans of all ages.
Browse Dryden Pottery
Throughout Hot Springs you will find a collection of interesting art galleries. In fact Hot Springs has been noted as one of the top art towns in the US.
One of our favorite galleries is Dryden Pottery. Four generations of the Dryden family have been making pottery in Hot Springs for over 75 years. You will be impressed with the craftsmanship and quality of this pottery. They even use locally mined quartz in their clay and glazes.
We think the pottery is beautiful!
Dig For Crystals
The unique geology of the Ouachita Mountains has created some of the finest deposits of quartz crystals in the world. The largest clusters are found in the mountains surrounding Hot Springs.
At the Ron Coleman mines just about 30 minutes outside of town you can dig for your own quartz crystals. You can even take a tour of the commercial mines, the digging areas, and see museum quality pieces that have been unearthed.
Take a National Park Duck Boat Tour
What is a duck boat? It is a vehicle that can run on both the street and the water and although the name might imply otherwise the boats are not actually part of the national park system.
On the unique duck boat tour you will climb aboard an interesting open-air vehicle and embark on an informative and funny tour of Hot Springs.
After learning how this city became a hangout for gangsters you will drive to Lake Hamilton and enter the water for a ride around St. John’s Island.
Take a Dip in the Coldest Water at Charlton Recreation Area
Most visitors would never know about this spot, but only about a 20 minute drive from Hot Springs you will find one of our favorite swimming holes in Arkansas. Charlton Recreation Area has camping, picnic tables, restrooms, and best of all the best and coldest swimming hole!
We’ve talked a lot about the hot springs in the area, but there are also cold water springs! The water in this swimming hole is fed by a cold water spring and is refreshing even on the hottest days.
Explore the Mid-America Science Museum
The award winning Mid-America Science Museum sits on 21 wooded acres near Hot Springs National Park. It has over 100 hands-on exhibits both permanent and traveling.
The museum is sprawling, well maintained, and pretty. The cavern exhibit is always a big hit. This is an excellent place for family fun and education.
Experience the Thrill of Magic Springs Theme Park
Magic Springs is a seasonal theme park with roller coasters and other thrill rides, kids rides, and all kinds of fun. There is also a water park with slides, boogie boarding and so much water fun.
Magic Springs also has a concert series and a variety of events so if you are going to be in Hot Springs in the summer you will want to check out what is happening there!
Swim in a Lovely Lake Near Hot Springs
When summer temperatures soar in Arkansas there is nothing better to do than go to a lake! There are five lakes near Hot Springs that are called the Diamond Lakes.
Each one is different but each is special. They range from huge Lake Ouachita with tons of little islands that allow free camping to narrow Lake Catherine which is known for fishing, to urban Lake Hamilton which is surrounded by homes and restaurants.
The world seems better and time moves more slowly on a beautiful Arkansas lake!
Feed the Gators at the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo
Yes, there is an alligator farm in Arkansas. and it also happens to be one of Hot Springs oldest attractions. Want to feed a baby alligator meat on a stick? This is the place to do that!
And for those wondering…yes, there ARE alligators in Arkansas.
See A Pretty Waterfall
We mentioned hiking in the National Park above, but if you want to go a little further afield, one of my favorite short hiking trails in the state is Falls Branch Trail which is located at nearby Lake Catherine state park.
If there have been recent rains then this pretty little waterfall is sure to be flowing.
Ready to plan your Hot Springs trip? Start with our complete Hot Springs travel guide for everything you need to know before you go — from where to stay to the best restaurants in the city.
