Hot Springs, Arkansas - Things to See and Do

Things to see and do at Hot Springs, Arkansas

Visited March 2021

Booking through these agencies from here will help support this site at no extra cost to you.

Save on tours & activities with Viator US Ghost Adventures and Haunted Pub Crawls

Hot Springs, Arkansas: Where Nature, History, and Relaxation Meet

Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a city like no other. Tucked into the Ouachita Mountains, it’s known for its naturally heated springs, historic bathhouses, and a quirky mix of small-town charm and big-city attractions. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, a dose of history, or a chance to recharge, Hot Springs has something for everyone.

A City Built on the Springs

The hot springs that gave the city its name have been attracting visitors for centuries. Native American tribes once considered the waters sacred, using them for both healing and ceremony. When settlers arrived in the 1800s, the springs quickly gained a reputation as a natural spa. By the late 19th century, Hot Springs was a booming resort town where the wealthy came to “take the waters.”

Today, the springs are still flowing—nearly a million gallons a day at an average of 143°F. You can experience them firsthand at Bathhouse Row, a lineup of eight historic bathhouses built in the early 1900s. Two of them still operate as spas, offering everything from traditional thermal baths to modern wellness treatments. Walking through Bathhouse Row feels like stepping back in time, but with all the comforts of today.

History and Legends

Hot Springs isn’t just about soaking. It’s a city with a colorful past. In the early 20th century, it became a gathering place for baseball players during spring training. Legends like Babe Ruth spent time here, enjoying the baths and the nightlife.

But it wasn’t just athletes who flocked to town. During Prohibition, Hot Springs was known as a haven for organized crime. Notorious gangsters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano made the city their playground, mixing gambling and bootlegging with spa treatments. The Gangster Museum of America dives into this wild chapter, blending history with a dose of true crime intrigue.

Natural Beauty All Around

Beyond the baths and stories, Hot Springs National Park makes the city truly special. It’s the oldest unit of the National Park System, predating even Yellowstone. The park covers both the springs and the surrounding mountains, offering miles of trails with stunning views. Hike up Hot Springs Mountain or West Mountain, and you’ll get panoramic looks at the city below.

For a more relaxed outdoor experience, Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita are just a short drive away. Both are favorites for boating, fishing, and swimming, making Hot Springs a year-round destination.

Modern Vibes with Old-School Soul

While Hot Springs embraces its history, it also feels modern and alive. Downtown is filled with galleries, breweries, and local restaurants. The Ohio Club, the state’s oldest bar, still serves drinks and live music, while craft breweries like Superior Bathhouse Brewery brew beer using the city’s spring water. Festivals like the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade add to the quirky local flavor.

Why Hot Springs Should Be on Your List

Few places combine relaxation, history, and adventure the way Hot Springs does. You can start your day with a spa treatment, explore trails in the afternoon, and finish with dinner in a historic bar once frequented by gangsters. It’s a city that doesn’t just preserve its past—it lives it, while continuing to reinvent itself. For travelers looking for a destination that’s both soothing and exciting, Hot Springs is more than worth the trip.

Thinking of visiting? Viator offers numerous tours in Arkansas. Click here for details. vi.me/9dKGp