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 Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf 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 Mall and Hot Springs National Park 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

If you're spending some time in Side Town, Hot Springs National Park and Family Park are top sights worth seeing.

Side Town
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$263 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
AU$263
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 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! (1,781 reviews)
"We checked in and our bathroom had a half inch of dirt on the floor and a trashcan in the sink. Housekeeping came and cleaned. Much better, lots of dust bunnies/dirt globs left on the floor. Definitely not worth the price. Not sure we would stay again. This is not a good 1st impression. Edit: The ..."

Reviewed on 13 Feb. 2025

Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
The Hotel Hot Springs
The Hotel Hot Springs
3 out of 5
305 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
The price is AU$224 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
AU$224
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 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! (1,670 reviews)
"Only Hotel I ever stay in in Hot Springs. Staff is always great."

Reviewed on 15 Feb. 2025

The Hotel Hot Springs
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$191 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
AU$191
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 Feb
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! (1,129 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)
Mom & Daughters Getaway
"This was a perfect place for me, my sister, and our mom to spend a weekend away from the hustle & bustle of city life. Brian & Holly were great hosts. I appreciated Brian’s timeliness of clear and kind communication (such as providing check-in instructions a couple of days before our arrival date, ..."

Reviewed on 13 Feb. 2025

“Fun” place! — Exceptional" —near Oaklawn Park, Garvin Gardens and Restaurants
Beautiful Lake Hamilton Cottage with Deck extending over the lake
Beautiful Lake Hamilton Cottage with Deck extending over the lake
Hot Springs
Stay at this cottage in Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Oaklawn ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (395 reviews)
Loved the place
"My husband and I were very happy with this booking. There were a few bumps in the road during our stay, however, Marie went out of her way to handle them and see to it that we were taken care of, even when we had to move to another cottage because of the inconvenience. With that being said, Marie ..."

Reviewed on 8 Feb. 2025

Beautiful Lake Hamilton Cottage with Deck extending over the lake
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! (289 reviews)
It was great
"Loved the little cottage. Will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on 29 Jan. 2025

Lakefront Studio Getaway, Perfect for Two!
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

Activities

Cities near Hot Springs