Hot Springs National Park Tours and Activities

Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park
Photo by Evae
Photo by Troy Burrus


Escape into secluded woodland and breathe in the scent of mineral-enriched water that bubbles from the ground in America’s original spa district.

Stroll through pine forests and see steaming water flowing from rocky sources in Hot Springs National Park. Dip your feet in a stream to feel the liquid’s mystical healing powers or fully immerse yourself at a luxurious bath house. 

Make your way through forest near the city of Hot Springs to discover hiking trails that twist and turn through more than 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) of park land. Hawks and kestrels glide through the clear skies above the mixture of pine, oak and hickory. Set off to find one of the park’s famous springs where 143˚F (62˚C) water seeps into trickling streams. Feel this natural phenomenon for yourself and bring a bottle in order to collect a unique souvenir. 

Before you leave the forest behind, take a trip to the mountain tower, a 10-minute drive northeast of the visitor center. From this 216-foot-high (65-meter) lookout, gaze for miles across the forest canopy all the way to Lake Ouachita to the west. On your way out, stop at the gift shop on the ground level of the tower. 

After a morning in the wilderness, return to the bustling city and check out the park visitor center located right in the old Fordyce Bathhouse. Find out more about the region’s intriguing history and look inside an Edwardian-period bathhouse. 

No trip to Hot Springs would be complete without a visit to one of the modern spas. Simply put your feet up and relax in a bath of the area’s famous water, taken straight from the ground. 

Hot Springs National Park was established as a national reservation in 1832. The park surrounds historic Bathhouse Row buildings developed as bathhouses as early as 1912. The park itself is free, but bathing and camping have fees. The woodland paths are open for use year-round. Get information from the visitor center in the city. 

From hiking rugged terrain to exploring caves to relaxing in natural hot springs, U.S. national parks offer affordable adventure for all types of travelers. Enjoy your trip to the urban and woodland areas of Hot Springs National Park. 

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Hot Springs National Park

Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa

Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa

2.5 out of 5
239 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
The Hotel Hot Springs

The Hotel Hot Springs

3 out of 5
305 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
The Hotel Hot Springs
Embassy Suites by Hilton at Hot Springs Convention Center

Embassy Suites by Hilton at Hot Springs Convention Center

3.5 out of 5
400 Convention Blvd, Hot Springs, AR
Embassy Suites by Hilton at Hot Springs Convention Center
The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

2.5 out of 5
340 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Red Roof Inn Hot Springs

Red Roof Inn Hot Springs

2 out of 5
1125 E Grand Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
Red Roof Inn Hot Springs
Northwoods Contemporary w/ POOL and HOT TUB!

Northwoods Contemporary w/ POOL and HOT TUB!

Hot Springs
Northwoods Contemporary w/ POOL and HOT TUB!
Gold-Inn Hot Springs

Gold-Inn Hot Springs

2 out of 5
741 Park Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
Gold-Inn Hot Springs
Mountain Bungalow-Walk to Downtown & pet friendly!

Mountain Bungalow-Walk to Downtown & pet friendly!

Hot Springs
Mountain Bungalow-Walk to Downtown & pet friendly!
Cedar Blossom Bungalow - Pet friendly getaway with a 5 min walk to downtown

Cedar Blossom Bungalow - Pet friendly getaway with a 5 min walk to downtown

Hot Springs
Cedar Blossom Bungalow - Pet friendly getaway with a 5 min walk to downtown
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.

Things to do near Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park offers a range of enjoyable activities, including visits to the famous hot springs and rejuvenating spa treatments. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the park’s excellent hiking trails, perfect for soaking in the natural beauty. For a taste of local culture, enjoy live music in the area. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Hot Springs has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Hot Springs Mall, located 6.4km away, offering a variety of family-friendly stores and entertainment. Cathy's Quiltin Square and Ohio Club are both 3.2km away, featuring unique gifts and souvenirs in a welcoming, city atmosphere.

Recreation

Quapaw Baths offers a tranquil experience with soothing thermal baths, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Similarly, Buckstaff Bathhouse provides traditional spa treatments in a historic setting, ensuring a serene atmosphere. For a fun twist, T-Rex Laser Tag combines adventure and family-friendly excitement in a lively mini-golf environment.

Adventure

At Central Bowling Lanes, enjoy a lively bowling experience 6.4km from the park, perfect for friendly competition. For thrills, the Zip Lines at Ouachita Bend, located 16.4km away, offers exhilarating rides through the treetops. For family fun, the Arkadelphia Aquatic Park, 43.5km distant, provides splashes and entertainment.

Nightlife

In Hot Springs, T-Rex Fun Spot and Funtrackers Family Park offer exciting arcade adventures perfect for families. For a more cultural experience, The Five Star Dinner Theatre provides a romantic atmosphere with entertaining performances, making it an ideal spot for a night out in this charming area.

Find the best attractions near Hot Springs National Park

Whether you're seeking family fun, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas offers a variety of attractions. Explore the visitor centre, historic sites, and museums, or soak in the famous hot springs. This destination is perfect for those looking to enjoy the beauty of national parks while indulging in the unique charm of Hot Springs. Enjoy a memorable vacation filled with diverse activities and scenic views!

  • Bathhouse Row: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Bathhouse Row, a stunning collection of historic bathhouses that showcase the therapeutic mineral waters once sought after by visitors. Stroll along this picturesque row and discover the unique architecture that reflects the town's spa heritage.
  • Mid-America Science Museum: Perfect for families, the Mid-America Science Museum offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that engage visitors of all ages. Explore the wonders of science while enjoying a fun and educational environment filled with fascinating experiments.
  • Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center: Begin your adventure at the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center, where you can gather information about hiking trails and outdoor activities. The center offers a gateway to exploring the park’s natural beauty and family-friendly adventures.

Best time to go to Hot Springs National Park

Visitor numbers around Hot Springs National Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Hot Springs National Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Hot Springs National Park falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June78.6°F (25.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August80.6°F (27.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September74.7°F (23.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hot Springs National Park

To save money on your visit to Hot Springs National Park, take advantage of the free entry and explore nearby attractions such as Bathhouse Row and Lake Ouachita State Park. Consider travelling during the off-peak months from November to January for lower accommodation prices, and aim for a Tuesday stay, which is typically cheaper than Saturdays. Use Expedia to find great hotel deals and consider package options to combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Sorting by price on Expedia can help you find the best deals suited to your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hot Springs National Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hot Springs National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Hot Springs National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Hot Springs National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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