Hot Springs

Travel Guide
Hot Springs featuring rides and a sunset
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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Lakeland

While there might not be top attractions in Lakeland, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Garvan Woodland Gardens and Central Bowling Lanes.

Lakeland
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Tanglewood Estates

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Tanglewood Estates and surrounding area, you can visit Hot Springs Mall and Garvan Woodland Gardens.

Tanglewood Estates
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Sunset Bay

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sunset Bay and surrounding area, you can visit Hot Springs Mall and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.

Sunset Bay
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Driftwood Estates

When in Driftwood Estates, you can plan a visit to Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Garvan Woodland Gardens, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Driftwood Estates
Baymont by Wyndham Hot Springs On the Lake
Baymont by Wyndham Hot Springs On the Lake
2.5 out of 5
5321 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
The price is HK$698 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
HK$698
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hot Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,019 reviews)
"Beautiful views and away from the hustle and bustle of the more trafficked areas of downtown."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Baymont by Wyndham Hot Springs On the Lake
Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
2.5 out of 5
239 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
The price is HK$931 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
HK$931
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,537 reviews)
"currently under renovation which they have a sign at the front lobby to excuse the mess. Great friendly workers. The rooms are very dated...but clean, need refreshing which they are doing now... The hot thermal bath spa was awesome."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

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 HK$991 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
HK$991
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,687 reviews)
"Very convenient to walk to downtown and Bathhouse Row. Very comfortable, renovated room and friendly service. Decent breakfast and a free drink at the bar included."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

The Hotel Hot Springs
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.
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 onsite parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (353 reviews)
Relaxing weekend getaway
"The cabin was exceptionally clean and very well stocked. Near everything you would need! The deck is amazing. We spent most of our weekend at the cabin relaxing for our anniversary weekend, just myself and my husband. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Beautiful Lake Hamilton Cottage with Deck extending over the lake
LAKE FRONT, Down on the Bayou in Hot Springs, AR
LAKE FRONT, Down on the Bayou in Hot Springs, AR
Hot Springs
Stay at this family-friendly cabin in Hot Springs. Enjoy a water park, WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Hot Springs National Park and Oaklawn Racing ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
getaway
"My husband and I took a few days before my surgery to get away. the cabin was great, clean, very quiet and had all things we could need for our stay. Property managers were so helpful and very sweet. Sent us all types of information on the area and made check in and out so easy and convenient. we ..."

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2024

LAKE FRONT, Down on the Bayou in Hot Springs, AR
“Fun” place! — Exceptional" —near Oaklawn Park, Garvin Gardens and Restaurants
“Fun” place! — Exceptional" —near Oaklawn Park, Garvin Gardens and Restaurants
Hot Springs
Stay at this family-friendly cabin in Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (267 reviews)
Great quiet location
"Everything was great! Just like other reviews."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

“Fun” place! — Exceptional" —near Oaklawn Park, Garvin Gardens and Restaurants
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.

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