Bathhouse Row Walk
Eight grand bathhouses lined up along Central Avenue, a National Park Service landmark district, and the one place in America where a national park sits in the middle of a downtown. Free to stroll, easy to love.
Arkansas
Hot Springs
Hot Springs is the only American city wrapped around a national park, a Ouachita Mountain valley where rain that fell thousands of years ago rises at about 143 degrees Fahrenheit and has been drawing soakers, ballplayers, gangsters and racing fans since the 1800s.
This guide books the town properly: a traditional bath at the Buckstaff or a social soak at the Quapaw, the Fordyce museum and the free thermal fountains, the Gangster Museum, Oaklawn and the Arkansas Derby, then Garvan Woodland Gardens, Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita, mountain biking at Northwoods, and a day trip to dig for diamonds. It then matches you to a base, from the landmark Arlington on Bathhouse Row to a Victorian bed and breakfast, because in a spa town where you sleep sets the pace.
Don't miss
Bathhouse Row Walk
Eight grand bathhouses lined up along Central Avenue, a National Park Service landmark district, and the one place in America where a national park sits in the middle of a downtown. Free to stroll, easy to love.
Buckstaff Bathhouse Traditional Thermal Bath
The bathhouse that has never stopped bathing people since 1912. A full traditional soak in steaming mineral water, a scrub and a towel wrap, run by attendants in a building that has barely changed.
Gangster Museum of America
A guided tour of the town's wide-open gambling years, when Al Capone, Owney Madden and Lucky Luciano relaxed in a spa city where the casinos ran and the law looked the other way.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
A 210-acre botanical garden on a Lake Hamilton peninsula, with a glass chapel, an Asian-style garden, a four-story treehouse and the biggest holiday light show in the region.
Things to do in Hot Springs
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Buckstaff Bathhouse Traditional Thermal Bath
The bathhouse that has never stopped bathing people since 1912. A full traditional soak in steaming mineral water, a scrub and a towel wrap, run by attendants in a building that has barely changed.
Quapaw Baths and Spa
A restored 1922 bathhouse with a tiled dome, shared thermal pools at different temperatures and private soaking tubs. The modern, social way to use the same spring water.
Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum
The most lavish bathhouse on the row, restored as the national park visitor center. Stained glass, a Turkish-style cooling room, hydrotherapy gear and a free look at how the bath cure worked.
1 hourDetails →
Hot Springs National Park Self-Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour
An app-style audio guide that narrates the park on foot and by car, from the bathhouses to the mountain drives. Go at your own pace with the story in your ears.
Thermal Spring Fountains and the Grand Promenade
Fill a jug with free, steaming spring water at public fountains, then climb the brick Grand Promenade behind Bathhouse Row for tree-shaded views and a quiet break.
30 to 90 minutesDetails →
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
A 216-foot tower on Hot Springs Mountain with a 360-degree open-air deck over the Ouachitas, a small history museum and an elevator or stair climb.
Gangster Museum of America
A guided tour of the town's wide-open gambling years, when Al Capone, Owney Madden and Lucky Luciano relaxed in a spa city where the casinos ran and the law looked the other way.
Hot Springs Baseball Trail
A free, self-guided trail of 33 markers across town honoring the city as the birthplace of Major League spring training, with stops tied to Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron.
1 to 3 hoursDetails →
Oaklawn Racing, Casino and Entertainment
A century-old thoroughbred track that hosts the Arkansas Derby, plus a large casino, a spa, an event center and restaurants. Winter and spring racing is the draw.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
A 210-acre botanical garden on a Lake Hamilton peninsula, with a glass chapel, an Asian-style garden, a four-story treehouse and the biggest holiday light show in the region.
Mid-America Science Museum
More than 100 hands-on exhibits, a conical Tesla coil, a dinosaur trail outdoors and a planetarium dome. The rainy-day answer for families.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
Downtown / Bathhouse Row
The grand 1924 landmark at the head of Bathhouse Row, famous for Al Capone lore, a vast lobby and a spa. The classic Hot Springs address.
Check rates →The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Downtown / Central Avenue
A downtown Central Avenue hotel in Hilton's Tapestry Collection, with a boutique feel, easy access to the baths and Hilton Honors earning.
Check rates →Embassy Suites by Hilton Hot Springs Hotel and Spa
Convention Center / Downtown
An all-suite Hilton connected to the convention center, with an atrium, a spa and room to spread out. A reliable choice for families and groups.
Check rates →The Hotel Hot Springs
Hot Springs
A mid-range Hot Springs hotel rated three-star on its page, with straightforward rooms and a base in the Spa City at sensible rates.
Check rates →1890 Williams House Inn
Quapaw Avenue / Near Downtown
A Victorian bed and breakfast on Quapaw Avenue, a short distance from Bathhouse Row, with a personal touch and a home-style morning meal.
Check rates →The Gables Inn Bed and Breakfast
Hot Springs Area
A small bed and breakfast in the Hot Springs area, popular for its homelike rooms and a morning meal. A quiet alternative to big hotels.
Check rates →Hilltop Manor Bed and Breakfast
Hillside / Near Downtown
A hillside bed and breakfast in Hot Springs, suited to travelers who want a quiet, personal stay close to the town's baths and trails.
Check rates →Best Western Winners Circle
Hot Springs
A brand-name Hot Springs hotel with a racing-inspired name, reliable standards and a base for track days and bathhouse visits.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Bathhouse Row WalkStay
Arlington Resort Hotel and SpaDowntown / Bathhouse Row
Do
Buckstaff Bathhouse Traditional Thermal BathStay
1890 Williams House InnQuapaw Avenue / Near Downtown
Do
Gangster Museum of AmericaStay
The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by HiltonDowntown / Central Avenue
Hot Springs guides
Hot Springs in Three Days: Baths, Gangsters and the Lake
A three-day plan that starts with Bathhouse Row, adds a gangster-era afternoon and a garden or lake day, and leaves room for a mountain view and a soak.
Hot Springs Bathhouse Guide: Buckstaff, Quapaw and the Fountains
How to choose between a traditional bath and a modern thermal soak, what to expect, how to book, and how to use the free fountains and the Fordyce.
Where to Stay in Hot Springs: Downtown, Inns and Chains
How to choose between a downtown landmark, a bed and breakfast, an all-suite hotel and a chain, with notes on racing season, location and what to confirm.
Eating and Drinking in Hot Springs: Barbecue, Pancakes and Spring-Water Beer
A flavor-by-flavor guide to Hot Springs' diner culture, barbecue, brewery, coffee and track-day food, with tips on timing and what to confirm.
Best Time to Visit Hot Springs: Season by Season
What each season offers, from March tulips and racing season to summer lakes, fall color and holiday lights, plus when to avoid crowds.
Hot Springs With Kids: Science, Dinosaurs, Lakes and Rides
A family guide to Hot Springs with the science museum, Magic Springs, Garvan's treehouse, lakes, diamonds and kid-friendly ways to see the park.
