Hot Springs Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, this historic getaway combines natural thermal waters, Gilded Age architecture, and a notorious gangster past within a National Park setting.
Steaming water cascades down moss-covered rocks right in the center of town, a surreal reminder that Hot Springs is no ordinary city. Nestled in the zig-zagging valleys of the Ouachita Mountains, this Arkansas gem holds the unique title of being the only American city located entirely within a National Park. It is a place where Gilded Age opulence meets rugged mountain terrain, and where the lines between a wellness retreat and a roaring 20s playground are delightfully blurred.
Visitors have been drawn here for centuries, first by Native American tribes who called it the “Valley of the Vapors,” and later by baseball legends like Babe Ruth and mobsters like Al Capone. Today, the thermal waters still flow at a scorching 143°F, piped directly into historic bathhouses and public fountains where locals line up with jugs to capture the mineral-rich liquid. It is a destination that invites you to slow down, soak up the heat, and step back into a fascinating chapter of American history.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Gangsters and the Gavel
While the springs are the main attraction, the city’s “dark” history is what gives it character. During the Prohibition era, Hot Springs was an open town where gambling and bootlegging flourished under the nose of the law. Major gangsters from Chicago and New York vacationed here, brokering peace treaties in hotel lobbies while the local police looked the other way. This legacy is preserved in the underground tunnels of the Arlington Hotel and the artifacts at the Gangster Museum. Beyond crime, the city was the birthplace of Major League Baseball spring training, hosting teams who believed the thermal baths would cure their injuries and improve performance.
This duality of vice and virtue defines the culture here. You can spend your morning hiking a pristine mountain trail and your evening sipping cocktails in a bar that once served as a speakeasy. The architecture reflects this golden era, with Art Deco touches and grand promenades that make a simple walk downtown feel like a movie set tour.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Soak on Bathhouse Row
Experience a traditional thermal bath in one of the historic bathhouses along Central Avenue, using water directly from the park's 47 hot springs. Choose between the communal pools at Quapaw or the private tubs at the Buckstaff.
Explore Garvan Woodland Gardens
Wander through 210 acres of botanical landscapes featuring the stunning Anthony Chapel, a glass-and-wood structure nestled in the forest. The gardens offer miles of shoreline on Lake Hamilton and seasonal floral displays.
Visit the Gangster Museum of America
Dive into the illicit history of the 1920s and 30s when Al Capone and Owney Madden turned the city into a safe haven for mobsters. The guided tour reveals how gambling and bootlegging thrived in the spa city.
Hike the Sunset Trail
Tackle this 10-mile loop (or smaller segments) that circles the mountain peaks surrounding the city. It offers solitude and sweeping views of the Ouachita Mountains away from the downtown crowds.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Bathhouse Row - The crown jewel of the park, featuring eight historic bathhouse buildings constructed between 1892 and 1923. While some are now museums or breweries, two still operate as traditional spas. Located right on Central Avenue.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower - Rising 216 feet above the park, this steel tower offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Diamond Lakes area. It is accessible via a scenic drive or a steep hike. Located 2 miles from downtown ($13).
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort - A historic thoroughbred racetrack that hosts the Arkansas Derby. It has expanded to include a full casino and luxury resort, acting as the modern entertainment hub of the city. Located 1.5 miles south of downtown on Central Avenue.
Anthony Chapel - A breathtaking architectural work by Maurice Jennings, this 57-foot high glass and wood structure is located within Garvan Woodland Gardens. It is a favorite for photographers and weddings. Located 8 miles southeast of downtown.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Hot Springs is straightforward, with the city located just an hour’s drive southwest of Little Rock’s Clinton National Airport (LIT). While the downtown historic district is incredibly walkable, having a car is highly recommended if you plan to visit the lakes, botanical gardens, or crystal mines in the surrounding area. Rideshare services are available but can be sparse late at night or outside the city center.
When packing, bring comfortable walking shoes for the promenade and sturdy boots if you plan to hit the mountain trails. Even if you don’t plan on a full spa treatment, bring a swimsuit for the hotel pools or swimming in Lake Ouachita. Don’t forget several large, empty water bottles or jugs; filling them up with the piping hot, pristine spring water at one of the public fountains is a rite of passage for every visitor.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Spring (Racing Season)
Pros
- Vibrant atmosphere with horse racing events
- Beautiful blooming gardens
- Ideal temperatures for walking downtown
- Full roster of festivals and parades
Cons
- Highest hotel rates of the year
- Restaurant wait times can be long
- Traffic congestion on Central Avenue
- Rain showers are frequent
Shoulder Season: Autumn
Pros
- Stunning fall foliage views
- Comfortable hiking temperatures
- Lower humidity
- Film festival and cultural events
Cons
- Water levels in lakes may be lower
- Days start getting shorter
- Some seasonal attractions reduce hours
Off-Peak: Winter
Pros
- Lowest accommodation prices
- Thermal baths feel amazing in cold air
- No crowds at popular hiking trails
- Holiday lights are spectacular
Cons
- Too cold for lake swimming
- Risk of ice on mountain roads
- Vegetation is dormant and brown
Whether you come for the horse racing in the electric spring season, the vibrant foliage of autumn, or the quiet steam of a winter retreat, Hot Springs offers a restoration for the body and a kick for the spirit. It is a rare American town that feels both frozen in time and bubbling with life.
Sample Itineraries
Classic Hot Springs Weekend
A relaxed timeline focusing on the historic downtown area, thermal waters, and culinary staples of the city.
Day 1: Soaking in History
- Morning: Start your trip with a hearty southern breakfast at The Pancake Shop on Central Avenue, where the bill will run about $30 for two people. After eating, walk across the street to the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center to tour the museum for free and learn about the spa history.
- Afternoon: Experience the waters firsthand with a traditional bath at the Buckstaff Bathhouse, costing approximately $90 per person for the full package. Afterward, take a leisurely 1-mile stroll along the Grand Promenade behind the bathhouses to cool down and enjoy the view.
- Evening: Head to The Ohio Club for dinner and drinks, where you can enjoy a burger in the same spot Al Capone once gambled. Expect to spend around $50 for dinner before listening to live blues or jazz music to end the night.
Day 2: Views and Brews
- Morning: Drive up the switchbacks to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower and pay the $13 admission to see the mist rising over the Ouachita Mountains. Spend an hour at the top taking photos before hiking the easy 1.5-mile Peak Trail back down toward the city center.
- Afternoon: Visit the Gangster Museum of America for a guided tour that starts on the hour and costs $15 per adult. Following the history lesson, grab a late lunch at Superior Bathhouse Brewery to try a flight of beer made with thermal spring water.
- Evening: Conclude your trip with a scenic dinner at The Vault, located in a historic bank building, where a fine dining meal will cost around $100 to $150. Walk off the meal by strolling down Central Avenue to see the historic buildings illuminated at night.
Outdoor & Nature Adventure
An active itinerary for travelers who want to explore the mountains, lakes, and unique geology of the area.
Day 1: Gardens and Granite
- Morning: Drive 15 minutes south of town to Garvan Woodland Gardens and spend three hours exploring the botanical landscapes and the Anthony Chapel for a $20 entry fee. Be sure to walk the camellia trail if you are visiting in early spring.
- Afternoon: Rent a pontoon boat at a marina on Lake Hamilton for the afternoon, which typically costs around $250 for four hours. Cruise the shoreline to see celebrity homes and stop for a swim in the cleaner channels of the lake.
- Evening: Return to the mainland for a casual dinner at Bubba Brews on the lake, enjoying catfish and hushpuppies on the patio for about $45. Watch the sunset over the water before heading back to your accommodation.
Day 2: Mountain Trails and Crystals
- Morning: Pack a picnic lunch and drive 30 minutes west to the Ron Coleman Mining area to dig for quartz crystals. The fee is approximately $25 per person, and you are guaranteed to find unique souvenir rocks to take home.
- Afternoon: Return to Hot Springs National Park and hike the Sunset Trail, focusing on the 2.8-mile West Mountain section for moderate terrain and wildlife spotting. This trail is less populated, offering a quiet connection with the dense hardwood forest.
- Evening: Clean up and head to Morrison’s Fried Pies, a food truck staple, for a quick and cheap $10 dinner treat. Afterward, drive to the West Mountain summit overlook to watch the city lights flicker on in the valley below.
Day 3: The Healing Waters
- Morning: Hike the Goat Rock Trail on North Mountain, a moderate 2.2-mile trek that leads to a spectacular rock outcropping view. Bring plenty of water as the humidity can make this climb feel more strenuous than the elevation suggests.
- Afternoon: Cool off by visiting the Quapaw Bathhouse for a soak in their communal thermal pools, which costs $25 per person for a day pass. Unlike the private tubs, you can wear your swimsuit here and socialize while you relax your muscles.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Steinhaus Keller, a German rathskeller tucked into the bedrock of the city, where schnitzel and beer will cost around $60. Toast to your adventure in the authentic beer garden atmosphere.
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