Hot Springs, AR

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 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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Lake Hamilton

The lake views, hot springs, and shopping are just a few things travelers enjoy about Lake Hamilton. If you want to experience more of the area, check out Hot Springs Mall or Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf.

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 a sunset and rides

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like T-Rex Fun Spot and Hot Springs National Park.

Downtown
Sitting on the roof with my feet up

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 NT$2,801 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
NT$2,801
NT$3,656 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (1,798 reviews)
"Comfy cozy bed!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

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 NT$2,728 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$2,728
NT$3,124 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,806 reviews)
"Na"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

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 NT$2,067 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$2,067
NT$2,274 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Friendly staff"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

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.
Family Fun House - Pet Friendly-

Family Fun House - Pet Friendly-

4 out of 5
1219 Cedarglade Rd, Hot Springs, AR
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hot Springs National Park and Bathhouse ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Beautiful House, Loved Our Stay
"This house is sooo worth it! It’s absolutely beautiful. We loved our stay and didn’t want to leave! Kiddo friendly. We will be returning in the winter!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/31

Family Fun House - Pet Friendly-
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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