Explore Historic Bathhouses and Lush Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, AR, USA
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In Hot Springs, Arkansas, adventure rises with the steam from the city’s namesake thermal springs. Begin your day with a stroll through the historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park, where families can tour the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum or indulge in a soak at Quapaw Baths & Spa. Outdoorsy travelers head to Lake Hamilton for kayaking, pontoon rentals, or sunset cruises, with Captain Jack’s Lake Cruises offering family-friendly narrated tours.
Adrenaline seekers love Magic Springs Theme and Water Park, with thrill rides, lazy rivers, and seasonal concerts. For a deeper dive into the local ecosystem, the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo has been charming kids since 1902.
Local eats round out the day: try the hushpuppies and fried shrimp at Fisherman’s Wharf or grab a patio seat at The Ohio Club—Arkansas’s oldest bar, once frequented by Al Capone. For sweet endings, Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe—famous from Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars”—is a must.
Don’t miss the Hot Springs Music Festival in June or the family-geared Spa-Con in September, a comic and pop culture celebration held at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Hot Springs has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit Hot Springs National Park, start at the historic Bathhouse Row, where you can explore the ornate bathhouses and experience the centuries-old bathing tradition of the Hot Springs Soak. With no entrance fee, you can freely access the park’s 26 miles of hiking trails, such as those behind Bathhouse Row or atop Tower Mountain, offering stunning views and beautiful forest scenery. Park in one of the free parking areas along the downtown side streets and stop by the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center for self-guided tours and valuable travel information.
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For a seamless and accessible boat launch experience on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, head to Sunnybrook Landing at Entergy Park. This city park offers an ADA accessible boat launch and fishing pier, ensuring ease of use for all visitors. With its convenient location and well-maintained facilities, Sunnybrook Landing is an ideal spot to embark on your watersports adventures or fishing excursions on the lake.
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To rent pontoon boats near Hot Springs, Arkansas, head to Lake Hamilton, where several premier rental services are available. Hot Springs Marina, located at 301 Lakeland Drive, offers a variety of pontoon and tritoon boats, along with other watercraft rentals. Alternatively, you can visit Salty Dog Rentals or Kahuna Bay Boat Rental & Marina, both of which provide top-of-the-line pontoon boats and expert staff to help you find the perfect craft for your family or casual cruising needs. For a worry-free experience, consider JD’s Pontoon Charters, which includes operators with CPR and basic life support certificates and no deposits or fuel charges to worry about.
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In Hot Springs, Arkansas, dogs are warmly welcomed on various hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions. At Hot Springs National Park, dogs can explore all 26 miles of trails, offering stunning views and beautiful forest scenery. The Hot Springs Mountain Trail, a leisurely two-mile hike with scenic overlooks, is another pet-friendly option, though dogs must remain on a leash. For more extensive adventures, Lake Catherine State Park and Cedar Glades Park also provide dog-friendly trails, ensuring a memorable and joyful experience for all.
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For breathtaking scenic views in Hot Springs, Arkansas, hike the Peak Trail to Hot Springs Mountain Loop, a 2.9-mile trek that begins at Bathhouse Row and offers lofty vantage points and shady loops around the mountain. The West Mountain Loop, a 3.3-mile moderate to strenuous hike, rewards climbers with spectacular views of downtown Hot Springs and the Ouachita Mountains. For a more extensive adventure, the 10-mile Sunset Trail is ideal, traversing diverse landscapes from pine forests to rocky ridges and serene lakes, perfect for a full-day hike.
