Things To Do
in Hot Springs
Hot Springs, Arkansas is a small city built around natural thermal springs and an unusually intact downtown of historic bathhouses, oak-lined promenades and a compact National Park. The city blends Southern hospitality with outdoor recreation — hiking in the Ouachita foothills, boating on Lake Ouachita and soothing spa visits on Bathhouse Row. You’ll find a mix of independent restaurants, craft breweries and a growing arts scene anchored by local galleries and festivals.
Hot Springs is easy to explore in a short visit but also rewards slower stays focused on wellness, nature and regional history.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying some freshly baked pastries and coffee. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of the Historic District, where you can admire the unique architecture of the turn-of-the-century buildings. Don't forget to stop by the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center to get a map and learn about the area’s rich history.
Visit the Bathhouse Row, where you can explore the historic bathhouses, some of which date back to the 1800s. Take a guided tour of the Fordyce Bathhouse to discover how people used to enjoy the healing waters. For lunch, try a local eatery and savor some traditional Southern cuisine.
As the sun sets, take a scenic walk around the Grand Promenade, enjoying the beautiful views of the Ouachita Mountains. For dinner, make a reservation at a fine dining restaurant that specializes in local ingredients and craft cocktails. End your evening with a relaxing soak in one of the many natural hot springs in the area.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local diner, fueling up for a day of adventure. Head to the Hot Springs National Park and embark on one of the many hiking trails, such as the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, where you can enjoy a beautiful view from the summit. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer and various bird species.
After your hike, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the park’s serene picnic areas, surrounded by nature's beauty. Spend the afternoon exploring more trails or visit the park's thermal water features to learn about their geothermal activity. Don't forget to take plenty of photos of the picturesque landscapes.
Head back to town and unwind with a casual dinner at a popular local spot known for its comfort food. Afterward, take a stroll through the downtown area, where you can explore local shops and boutiques. Cap off the evening with a visit to a nearby bar or brewery for some live music and local craft beer.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $50-80 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-7 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique historic Bathhouse Row and thermal spa culture
- Close access to hiking, lakes and outdoor recreation
- Compact downtown with walkable attractions and local dining
- Lower costs than many tourist destinations and friendly local hospitality
- Limited public transportation — a car or rideshare is helpful
- Smaller city amenities compared with larger urban centers (fewer late-night options)
- Hot, humid summers and occasional stormy weather
- Some businesses have seasonal hours and may be closed off-season
Places to Visit in Hot Springs
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic sandstone bathhouses along Central Avenue — excellent architectural shots, details, and reflections from the street on bright days.
Panoramic views over the city, Ouachita Mountains and Lake Hamilton — ideal for sunrise/sunset and wide landscape photography.
Tree-lined promenade with historic lamps and steps; good for wandering street scenes and evening photography when lights are on.
Seasonal floral displays, woodland paths and the Glass Chapel provide colorful compositions, especially in spring and fall.
Expansive water views, pine-studded islands and sunrise/sunset reflections — great for nature and water-focused images.
Food in Hot Springs
Hot Springs Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-smoked pork and beef served with tangy or sweet sauces — McClard’s Bar-B-Q in Hot Springs is a long-standing local favorite for authentic plates and sandwiches.
Must-Try!
Pan- or deep-fried farm-raised catfish served with hushpuppies, coleslaw and fries; commonly found in local diners and seafood spots.
Classic Southern sides like collards, black-eyed peas and fried green tomatoes appear on many menus and pair well with grilled or smoked mains.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market (spring–fall) offering local produce, baked goods, preserves and prepared foods—great for picnic supplies or sampling regional honey and produce.
Regular food truck gatherings and pop-up vendors near events and parks serving tacos, BBQ sliders, wood-fired pizzas and desserts—check local event calendars for schedules.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents value politeness and friendly greetings — saying hello, using 'please' and 'thank you' and light small talk are common and appreciated.
Bathhouse Row and National Park sites are protected; follow posted rules, stay on trails, and avoid climbing on historic structures.
For public bathhouses and spas, follow posted dress codes and appointment policies; be considerate of other guests and keep noise low in relaxation areas.
Safety
Tipping in Hot Springs
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in restaurants is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill; tip bartenders $1–2 per drink, bellhops $1–2 per bag, and taxi/rideshare drivers 10–15% or round up. Spa services normally expect 15–20% gratuity for therapists.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops; smaller businesses and some markets may prefer cash. Mobile payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) and contactless cards are increasingly accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens make this a pleasant time for hiking, garden visits and festivals; expect occasional rain showers and muddy trails after storms.
Hot and humid afternoons, but mornings and evenings are comfortable for outdoor activities; lakes and water sports are popular—bring sunscreen, insect repellent and stay hydrated.
Crisp air and vibrant fall foliage in the Ouachita foothills attract hikers and photographers; pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler nights are ideal for outdoor adventures.
Generally mild winters with occasional cold snaps; some trails can be wet or icy — most attractions remain open and off-season lodging rates may be lower.
Hot Springs at Night
Hiking in Hot Springs
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails leading to Hot Springs Mountain and the observation tower — offers short to moderate hikes with city and valley views.
Popular, shaded trail along a stream with picnic spots; good for families and cooler summer walks.
A scenic trail offering ridge-top views and colorful sunsets — moderate difficulty with rocky sections.
Long-distance trail system through the Ouachita Mountains; day-hike sections near Hot Springs provide backcountry scenery and solitude.
Trails around the lake offer shoreline views, quiet coves and chances to spot birds and other wildlife.
Airports
How to reach Hot Springs by plane.
Small municipal airport serving general aviation and some charter flights; convenient if you have private or chartered access but limited commercial service.
Major commercial airport in Little Rock, about 45–60 minutes by car from Hot Springs; offers numerous domestic connections and car rental services.
Regional airport serving northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville/Springdale) — about 2–2.5 hours drive, an alternative for some flights with good regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many multigenerational families and locals with deep ties to the area live in Hot Springs, contributing to local traditions and small-business culture.
Hot Springs attracts retirees drawn to the mild climate, spa culture and lower cost of living; retirees contribute to a measured pace of life in parts of town.
Visitors and seasonal outdoor recreationists come for hiking, boating and festivals; weekend tourism is important to the local economy.
The population includes significant White and African American communities with rich cultural and historical contributions to the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Recreational fishing (bass, crappie, catfish) and boating on Lake Ouachita and Lake Hamilton are widely enjoyed by locals and visitors.
Several local golf courses attract players year-round due to mild winters and scenic layouts.
Hot Springs has deep ties to baseball history — early spring training was held here — and the sport remains popular in local leagues and community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hot Springs.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at most cafes and midrange restaurants (salads, grain bowls, veggie sandwiches); ask about seasonal market vegetables and substitutions. Some Southern dishes are meat-heavy, so mention dietary needs when ordering.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are increasingly common but limited compared with larger cities; look for farm-to-table restaurants, bakeries with GF items, and markets for fresh produce. Call ahead for strict allergy accommodations.
Most restaurants can accommodate common allergies with advance notice; smaller kitchens can be more flexible but verify cross-contamination policies if you have severe allergies.