If you’re looking for a perfect vacation spot that offers relaxation and adventure, Hot Springs is a must-visit destination. Located in the Ouachita Mountains region of Arkansas, Hot Springs is a city that boasts natural hot springs, stunning national parks, world-class museums, and many more.
Whether you want to explore the outdoors or indulge in luxurious spa treatments, This place is the perfect destination for you. In this article, we’ll take a look at 20 things to do in Hot Springs, so pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Table of Contents
1. Enjoy a Relaxing Bath
One of the top things to do in hot springs is to soak in hot spring. With water temperatures averaging around 143 degrees Fahrenheit, these naturally flowing hot springs are believed to have healing properties. You can take a dip in the waters in the hot spring and enjoy your vacation. You cannot miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, you can also book a private bath at one of the local spas here in Arkansas.
2. Visit the gangster museum of America
If you are interested in the rich history of America, especially organized crime in America, then you must visit the Gangster Museum of America. This place is historic and yet has so much entertainment for all the visitors that come here. People of every age group enjoy witnessing this interesting and entertaining museum. This museum tells about one of the most interesting and fascinating parts of American history. Moreover, this museum features exhibits of popular gangs like Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, and the infamous Barker-Karpis gang.
3. Go for a hike in Hot spring national park
If you love nature and want to explore the true side of hot springs, then you must visit the national park in Hot Springs. This is one of the top attractions for tourists, and you are going to love this experience. With over 26 miles of trails, Hot spring national park offer so many activities like bird watching, hiking, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes, and so much more. All of these attractions make hot spring national park a popular destination for tourists and visitors.
4. Visit the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Another popular attraction for tourists is the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. However, if you are feeling adventurous and want to try your luck, then you must visit Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. There is so much to enjoy here while you are trying your luck at the casino. You can enjoy great food and grills here. This race track has been operating since 1904 and is home to live horse racing and casino gaming. So if you want to have a thrilling experience, then you must visit the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in hot springs. This place has a vibe that you have never experienced before.
5. Indulge in Spa Treatments in Hot Springs
Hot Springs is known for its spa treatments, and there are so many places to get a spa from. The rich history of this place has been preserved, and the bathing ritual is still popular among visitors and travelers. So if you want to get pampered, then there are many spas here to relax in. since centuries, travelers from all over the world have flocked here to the hot springs to get spa treatments done. These treatments are amazing for your skin and overall health. Even after the development of modern medicine, there are still plenty of benefits to getting these therapies and spas done.
6. Explore Garvan Woodland Gardens
One of the popular things to do in hot springs is exploring Garvan Woodland Gardens. This garden is a 210-acre garden that features various themed areas such as Japanese gardens, wildflower meadows, and also a children’s garden. So if you want to witness the true color of nature, then you must visit this Garvan Woodland Gardens in hot springs. Visitors can take a stroll through the beautiful trails of the garden. Here you can see more than 128 species of plants and flowers. You will be surprised to see such a huge range of plants and flowers. Here you can also see the beautiful waterfall along with amazingly woven branches. Moreover, during holidays the decorations here are amazing.
7. Dig for crystals at Ron Coleman Mining
If you are looking for a unique and thrilling experience, then you should definitely visit Ron Coleman Mining and dig for your own special crystals. Here you can find some really special gems and crystals. Here you can also find an amazing gift shop from where you can buy a huge variety of gems and crystals. Moreover, it is an amazing place to shop for some souvenirs as well. They also offer special group rates as well. You can buy and dig some amazing and beautiful quality crystals and quartz. So dont miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
8. Go fishing
Hot Springs has 29 lakes and 12 rivers, which are open for fishing. So there are plenty of fishing opportunities in lake hamilton and Lake Quachita. Moreover, you can fish for various species like catfish, crappie, bass, and many more. So if you are someone who likes to go fishing and enjoy the whole experience, then you must go fishing while you are here. Trust me, you are going to love this experience.
9. Visit Bathhouse Row
Bathhouse Row is a collection of eight bathhouses that were built in the early 1900s. These bathhouses were popular destinations for people seeking the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs, and today they serve as museums and visitor attractions. So if you want to enjoy the authentic local culture of the hot springs, you should not miss out on Bathhouse Row. there is so much to explore, and you can also see the local brewery and other shops as well. Basically, this place will give you the real flavor of this place.
10. Take a scenic drive on the Talimena National Scenic Byway
The Talimena National Scenic Byway is a 54-mile stretch of road that offers breathtaking views of Oklahoma and Arkansas. If you love long drives then this stretch is just perfect for you. This drive will take you through the Quachita National Forest and is incredibly stunning during the fall when the foliage changes colors. You have to drive along thai beautiful stretch. Here you will have an experience like never before. So while in hot springs you must visit the Talimena National Scenic Byway.
11. Visit the Mid-America Science Museum
Mid-America Science Museum located in hot springs has more than 100 hands-on exhibits. This is a great place for families and kids as well. This museum is one of a kind and has features like hands-on exhibits on topics like energy, physics, and engineering. This museum is built on a wooden park and is spread over 6.5 miles. So if you are traveling to hot springs with your family and kids then you must visit this Museum.
12. Go Mountain Biking
Do you love adventure and want a thrilling experience? Then you must go for mountain biking in the hot springs. The Quachita Mountains offer plenty of opportunities for mountain biking, and there are several trails in the area that cater to all skill levels. Even if you are a beginner or an expert this is just perfect for you. These trails have stunning views as well. So you must go mountain biking while your stay in the hot springs.
13. Visit the Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum
The Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum is a unique attraction that features wax figures of historical figures, celebrities, and even infamous criminals. If you love exploring new places are museums then Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum is a paradise for you. You must visit this museum while your trip to the hot springs. This is a popular tourist attraction and it has to be on this list of things to do in hot springs.
14. Take a Cruise on Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita is the largest lake in Arkansas, and one of the best ways to explore it is on a cruise. Several companies offer cruises, and you can choose from a variety of options including sunset cruises, dinner cruises, and sightseeing cruises. If you love exploring nature and want to experience the true flavors of the hot springs then you must Take a Cruise on Lake Ouachita.
15. Visit the Hot Springs Mountain Tower
The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a 216-foot-tall observation tower that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding areas. The tower also features an elevator ride to the top and a gift shop. You can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view from the hot spring mountain tower. From here you can get the views of Hot Springs Mountain, Ouachita Mountains, and diamond lake. So while in the hot spring, you must visit the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. You are going to love this experience.
16. Go Horseback Riding
There are several stables in Hot Springs that offer guided horseback rides through the Ouachita Mountains. This is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area. In hot springs there are many stables that offer horseback riding for visitors and tourists. So if you are looking for some adventure then you must go horseback riding in hot springs. You are going to love this experience. Even if you are a beginner you will enjoy this a lot.
17. Explore Downtown Hot Springs
Downtown Hot Springs is a charming area that features bathhouses, art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. You can spend hours exploring this vibrant downtown area. Downtown Hot Spring has so much to offer. From national park to adventure park here you can explore so much. Every festival and occasion is celebrated wildly in the downtown hot springs. So while you are in Hot Spring you have to visit the downtown area.
18. Visit the National Park Aquarium
The National Park Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. The aquarium features exhibits of fish found in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as local species found in the area’s lakes and rivers. If you want an adventurous and thrilling experience then you must visit the national park aquarium. Especially if you are traveling with kids they are going to love this whole experience. However, they have a spectacular variety of fishes and reptiles. This is a great destination to visit with your family and friends. Thus, you cannot miss out on this experience.
19. Explore the Ouachita National Forest
The Ouachita National Forest covers over 1.8 million acres and offers opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and more. The forest is home to numerous rivers, lakes, and streams, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This is the oldest national forest in the southern, United States. This place has a rich history and this is a popular destination for tourists and visitors.
20. Visit the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum
The Fordyce Bathhouse Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Hot Springs. This bathhouse was built in 1915 and has been preserved as a museum that showcases the history of Hot Springs and its bathhouse culture. The Fordyce Bathhouse Museum is the largest bathhouse in the hot springs. This museum has been restored in 1989 and since then it has been a popular tourist attraction. So while you are in the hot springs you have to visit the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum.
The Bottom Line
Hot Springs is a charming city that offers something for everyone. From the natural hot springs to museums, outdoor activities, and luxurious spas, Hot Springs is a great destination for a memorable vacation. With this ultimate guide, you’re now equipped with 20 things to do in Hot Springs, so grab your travel buddy and start planning your trip to this beautiful destination. Go and tick off all these things to do in hot springs from your bucket list.
