Hot Springs Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Visit Hot Springs
Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism
This Arkansas city has it all: a colorful past of gambling and gangsters, vintage stores, restored Victorian architecture, national parks and famous natural springs.

Hot Springs has been a popular destination for centuries. The city draws visitors from all over the world with its intriguing past, natural thermal springs and a revived arts scene.

Immerse yourself in the history of the city. Hot Springs in the 1800s was a hotbed for organized crime. Infamous gangsters like Al Capone, Bugs Moran, Frank Costello and Lucky Luciano came here to hide amid the corruption that was endemic to the city. Visit the Gangster Museum of America to learn about this side of Hot Springs’ history. At the museum, you’ll see vintage slot machines and old roulette tables while you learn about the city’s notorious gambling past.

The historic Victorian downtown has beautifully restored buildings housing independent boutiques, galleries and art studios. Ride on a riverboat to Historic Bathhouse Row, the eight bathhouses built between 1912 and 1923. Two of the structures, the Buckstaff and the Quapaw, are still in operation as bathhouses. The the Fordyce Bathhouse is now a visitor center where you can see rooms restored to what they would have looked like when the building was operating as a bathhouse in the early 1900s.

In the Fine Arts District, do a Gallery Walk or Antique/Boutique Walk and peek into the historical buildings that have been transformed into art studios. Sports fans can explore the Hot Springs Baseball Trail and walk in the footsteps of White Stockings players the team is now the Chicago Cubs.

With plenty of parks and the Ouachita Mountains surrounding the city, Hot Springs has a wealth of outdoor activities. Bring a tent and camp at Catherine Lake, Hamilton Lake or Ouachita Lake. Walk through Garvan Woodland Gardens, hike through the Hot Springs National Park or boat around St. John's Island. After a long day of sightseeing, unwind in a relaxing spa with a massage.

The nearest airport to Hot Springs is in Little Rock, which is 55 miles (89 kilometers) northeast. With most attractions in walking distance and an effective public transportation system, Hot Springs is an easy city to get around or simply relax in.

Where to stay in Hot Springs

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Lake Hamilton

Lake views, hot springs and shopping are some highlights of Lake Hamilton. You might stop by Hot Springs Mall or Garvan Woodland Gardens while you're in the area.

Lake Hamilton
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Lake District

If you're spending some time in Lake District, Hot Springs National Park and Hot Springs Mall are top sights worth seeing.

Lake District
Hot Springs which includes rides and a sunset

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Bank of the Ozarks Arena and Hot Springs National Park.

Downtown
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Oaklawn District

While visiting Oaklawn District, you might make a stop by sights like Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and NPS Visitor Center.

Oaklawn District
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Midtown

While visiting Midtown, you might make a stop by sights like Family Fun Park and Central Bowling Lanes.

Midtown
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Side Town

While there might not be top attractions in Side Town, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Quapaw Baths.

Side Town
The Hotel Hot Springs
The Hotel Hot Springs
3 out of 5
305 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
The price is AU$203 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
AU$203
includes taxes & fees
16 Feb - 17 Feb
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Hot Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,659 reviews)
"My 3 night stay here was great. Staff were helpful. The room and common areas were clean. The hotel is attached to the convention center, which was excellent since there was heavy rain during my stay. Hot Springs National Park and bathhouse row are just a couple blocks away and easily walkable."

Reviewed on 6 Feb. 2025

The Hotel Hot Springs
Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
2.5 out of 5
239 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
The price is AU$266 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
AU$266
includes taxes & fees
9 Feb - 10 Feb
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,777 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 4 Feb. 2025

Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
Embassy Suites by Hilton Hot Springs Hotel & Spa
Embassy Suites by Hilton Hot Springs Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
400 Convention Blvd, Hot Springs, AR
The price is AU$193 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
AU$193
includes taxes & fees
9 Mar - 10 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hot Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,127 reviews)
"I enjoyed my stay in this beautiful property. It's under reconstruction but the quality is top notch."

Reviewed on 2 Feb. 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Hot Springs Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
“Fun” place! — Exceptional" —near Oaklawn Park, Garvin Gardens and Restaurants
“Fun” place! — Exceptional" —near Oaklawn Park, Garvin Gardens and Restaurants
Hot Springs
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Bathhouse ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (313 reviews)
Better than expected
"Great experience, would love to return again."

Reviewed on 29 Jan. 2025

“Fun” place! — Exceptional" —near Oaklawn Park, Garvin Gardens and Restaurants
Lakefront Studio Getaway, Perfect for Two!
Lakefront Studio Getaway, Perfect for Two!
Hot Springs
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Hot Springs. Enjoy a water park, a garden, and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (288 reviews)
Very nice
"2 night stay"

Reviewed on 6 Jan. 2025

Lakefront Studio Getaway, Perfect for Two!
Beautiful Views of Lake Catherine Cozy Comfy Quite Area Cabin Cottage
Beautiful Views of Lake Catherine Cozy Comfy Quite Area Cabin Cottage
Hot Springs
Stay at this cabin in Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Lake Catherine State Park and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (329 reviews)
Relaxing
"Came for a short stay with my 2 pups. It had a beautiful view of Lake Catherine and was small and cozy. My only complaint would be the dust and cobwebs. Could use a deep cleaning, but i would stay here again."

Reviewed on 9 Jan. 2025

Beautiful Views of Lake Catherine Cozy Comfy Quite Area Cabin Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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