Hot Springs

Travel 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 colourful 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 organised 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 centre 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 kilometres) 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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Rockwell

Visitors to Rockwell enjoy its lake views, and if you want to do some exploring, Ouachita National Forest is worth a stop.

Rockwell
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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
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Midtown

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

Midtown
Hot Springs which includes rides and a sunset

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like T-Rex Fun Spot 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
Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa

Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa

2.5 out of 5
239 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
The price is €100 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
€100
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,810 reviews)
"My husband and I really enjoyed our stay here"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 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 €97 per night from 17 Sept to 18 Sept
€97
17 Sept - 18 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Hot Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,809 reviews)
Close to everything
"Overall experience was good. I really loved that the rooms had wood/laminate flooring. I have allergies and this made the room smell fresher than your typical hotel rooms with the smelly carpet in the rooms. There is carpet in the hallways which is understandable to keep the noise down. This place ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

The Hotel Hot Springs
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 €84 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
€84
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hot Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Nice hotel at a good price Pool was dirty and room had an odor upon arrival. Staff was friendly"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Hot Springs On the Lake
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! (337 reviews)
"Brian and Holly did a fantastic job rennovating this cabin. You can tell it's a well loved home. The area where it is located is a peaceful respit from downtown, but it's only about 15 minutes from all the main attractions. The recommendations they gave us for food and activities were great. They ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

“Fun” place! — Exceptional" —near Oaklawn Park, Garvin Gardens and Restaurants
Sweet Lake Get Away in the Heart of Hot Springs

Sweet Lake Get Away in the Heart of Hot Springs

Hot Springs
Stay at this condo in Hot Springs. Enjoy a water park, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Bathhouse Row are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (152 reviews)
"Everything was clean, well stocked, and the view was amazing whole trip."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Sweet Lake Get Away in the Heart of Hot Springs
Brand New Shabby-Chic Cabin Downtown Hot Springs

Brand New Shabby-Chic Cabin Downtown Hot Springs

Hot Springs
Stay at this cabin in Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Hot Springs National Park and Bathhouse Row are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
"My wife and I had a wonderful time staying at the Love Nest in Hot Springs, AR. Great location close to Downtown Hot Springs. We walked from the Cabin down to bathhouse row. Cabin was clean and cozy. Would definitely stay hear again. And would highly recommend it to anyone else planning a visit to ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Brand New Shabby-Chic Cabin Downtown 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.

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