Why Hot Springs, Arkansas? As I have said before, I greatly underestimated the beauty of this state. When I first started coming to Arkansas to visit family, I visited Hot Springs. I was immediately in love with this little town. I love old towns for their history, architecture, and their charm. Check out this link for more on Hot Springs history. Hot Springs definitely has it all, and more. Now, we find ourselves looking for property to make Hot Springs a home base when we are not traveling. Read on to find out why we love it, and all there is to do here.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, renowned for its thermal waters and rich history. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a glimpse into the past, Hot Springs offers something for everyone.
Unwind in the Thermal Waters
The centerpiece of Hot Springs is its thermal waters, which have been drawing visitors for centuries. Take a soak in one of the city’s historic bathhouses, where you can relax and rejuvenate in the naturally heated mineral waters. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the unique sensations of these therapeutic baths. Are their outdoor thermal springs to visit? No, there is not. The thermal hot springs can be found in the local Bathhouses, and at The Arlington Hotel. I’ve included the links to each place, as well as some more in-depth information at Hot Springs National Park website.
Want to know more about the thermal waters, and how they came to be? Click the link to our post Hot Springs, Arkansas: Unique facts about the water.
Explore Historic Bathhouses
Hot Springs is home to several historic bathhouses, each with its own unique architecture and atmosphere. Visit the Bathhouse Row Historic District to explore these iconic landmarks and learn about their fascinating history. Some of the most popular bathhouses include the Arlington Hotel Bathhouse, the Buckstaff Bathhouse, and the Quapaw Bathhouse. Interesting fact….The National Park Service actually owns all the bathhouses and leases out ones they are not currently using.
My favorite happens to be the Fordyce Bathhouse. You get a tour of the museum which has information about the thermal waters. Additionally, you tour what an original bathhouse looked like. Here’s a look at the history of all the bathhouses and what they are today.
Discover Nature
Hot Springs National Park offers stunning natural beauty, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from forests and meadows to hot springs and thermal features. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike to Goat Rock, a popular destination with breathtaking views.
My love of hiking started here at Goat Rock. It has amazing views and the hikes are perfect for almost any ability. Once we started camping at Gulpha Gorge in Hot Springs National Park, we hiked more often and discovered such amazing places. Here’s a few I’ve added a link to that we enjoy.
- Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails~ Goat Rock is definitely my favorite, and it’s a trail for most hiking abilities.
- West Mountain– The scenery here is breathtaking, but the trails are a bit steeper on West Mountain.
- Lake Catherine~ Falls Branch Trail has a great waterfall and the hike is good for all ages. It’s my favorite.
- Lake Ouachita~ We currently camp host on this lake, and absolutely love the trails out here.
Indulge in Delicious Cuisine
Keith and I love to try out new restaurants wherever we are traveling. Over the time we have spent in Hot Springs we have found a few favorites. Hot Springs offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. We opt for local specialties anytime we can. Here are a few we definitely recommend.
Breakfast~
- Kollective Coffee & Tea~ Many of our mornings start out at this cute little coffee shop on Central. The coffee and chai lattes (my favorite), are yummy and the food is homemade. You have to try the chocolate chip scones! Tucker gets to join us and they always have a treat for him.
- Colonial Pancake and Waffle House~ If you are looking for a more traditional breakfast, Colonial is our definite pick. It’s family owned, the staff is friendly, and the food is excellent. And every time we walk in the door they have a plate of bacon for our sweet Tucker. They greet him by name every time we walk in the door. You have to love a place that loves your pup.
Lunch/Dinner~
Deluca’s Pizza~ Can you say amazing? Deluca’s, by far is one of the best pizzas we have eaten, and I’ve tried a ton. I even ran a pizza place for years and this definitely gives it a run for it’s money. All the ingredients are fresh, the dough is homemade and the service is great. Be warned….if you go on the weekends you will need a reservation. They only make 250 pies a day, so once they run out, you are out of luck.
Grateful Head~ Can you tell we love pizza? Grateful Head is a thicker pizza than the previously mentioned Deluca’s. They have great combinations, service is good, food is yummy, but their outdoor patio beats most. You are nestled in the mountain, surrounded by trees. Absolutely beautiful, and makes for a nice lunch or dinner.
Taco Mama’s~ Keith would tell you that I could eat Mexican food for every meal, and he’s probably right. Out of our first five dates, I believe we ate Mexican food three times. Taco Mama’s has a wide variety of traditional and unique Mexican food dishes. We’ve tried several and have never been disappointed. The white queso is what led us there (it’s Keith’s favorite), but the delicious fresh food and service has kept us.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery~ Gotta love a great brewery and Superior is definitely up there. Their beers are brewed with Hot Springs thermal spring water, and they are the only brewery in a national park. Their food is good and the beer even better. Even their root beer is made with thermal spring water. The patio is perfect to enjoy the beautiful weather and hang out with your dog, and your people as well.
501 Prime~ Are you looking for some finer dining while you’re in town? Keith and I tend to be more casual diners, but I visited 501 Prime with some friends, and the food is fantastic. In fact, it melts in your mouth with flavor I never thought possible. I’m sure I exaggerate a little, but it was by far one of the best meals I’ve had. There is a decent variety of food, the service was great, and the atmosphere was a comfortable rustic feel.
Side note…..It’s not a restaurant, BUT if you have the time during your stay, take a minute to visit the Hot Springs Farmers Market. Keith and I often attend, and they have a little bit of everything. Fresh produce, baked goods, and a variety of vendors that I rarely see at a farmers’ market. It’s worth a stroll!
Downtown Charm
Hot Springs is a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage. Downtown is charming with local shops offering a various goods. The walk through this charming downtown is rich with history, architecture and natural beauty. We love all of downtown, but here are a few places not to miss.
- The Gangster Museum of America~ I had no idea the incredible history of this town. We visited The Gangster Museum, and though a bit quirky, we learned so much. It’s a tour that covers the mob, baseball, and so much more.
- Arkansas Walk of Fame~ It’s always interesting to me to see who is from the places we visit. I was intrigued to see the famous people who hailed from this state.
- Mamoo’s Ice Cream~ It’s ICE CREAM! Enough said! It’s homemade, people are great, and it’s some of the best ice cream out there.
What Else to Do
- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort~ Oaklawn has a bit of everything. It’s a full casino that’s probably the busiest during horse racing season(Dec-May). The casino is clean with plenty to keep you busy, and a variety of places to eat. They host concerts, both indoor and outdoor. Keith and I saw both Martina McBride and Lee Greenwood in concert here, and it was perfect. You can enjoy a good spa treatment after your gambling days.
- Garvan Woodland Gardens~ Garvan is beautiful during every season, but fall is my favorite. Walk through the trees that are just beaming with color. Stay for Christmas and you are truly blessed to see lights that will create wonder in anyone. There truly isn’t a bad time of year to visit. Make sure to check out Anthony Chapel while you visit. Its architecture, meandering walkways, and beautiful surroundings allow for some serious relaxation.
- Magic Springs~ So most people know that I’m not a huge amusement park person, but I have visited here a couple of times for concerts. The park is clean, the rides are crazy scary (for me that is), and the concert area is perfect for a night out enjoying some music. It’s a great stop for the family while you’re here.
Places to Stay
- The Waters Hotel ~ The Waters Hotel is located in downtown Hot Springs, and is the perfect accommodation for your exploration of everything this beautiful area offers. The Waters offers a couple of dining options, the most unique being the rooftop bar. The rooms are are spacious, and comfortable for your stay.
- Hotel Hale~ Hotel Hale gives you a unique boutique hotel experience. It has nine individual suites, and each room has a large soaking tub that has hot spring mineral water pumped directly into it. The Hale is also home to beautiful and beloved restaurant, Eden, which features a living wall that gives guests the experience of enjoying their delicious meal surrounded by a fresh and flourishing garden beneath a heavenly skylight.
- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort~ You get it all here. You can gamble a bit, take in the spa, or see a concert. The rooms are clean, and spacious, with quick access to the fun. Check it out during racing season to get in all the action!
Plan Your Visit
Hot Springs is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique charm. Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor activities, while winter offers a festive atmosphere with holiday events and decorations. Summer is a popular time to visit, with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a taste of history, Hot Springs, Arkansas, has something to offer. Plan your visit today and discover the magic of this charming town.
Now you see why Hot Springs, Arkansas should be one of your places to definitely visit. The beauty alone is something to love, but with so much to discover here, it makes for a great getaway. Want more info? Message me and I would be happy to share with you more in depth places to visit.
