Attractions and Places To See around Hot Springs - Top 19
Best attractions and places to see around Hot Springs, Arkansas, blend natural thermal springs with historical and cultural sites. The city is nestled within the Ouachita Mountains, offering scenic beauty and outdoor opportunities. Hot Springs National Park, the oldest federally protected area in the U.S., forms a central part of the city's appeal. The region provides a diverse range of experiences, from botanical gardens to historic bathhouses.
Best attractions and places to see around Hot Springs
- The most popular attractions is Garvan Woodland Gardens, a garden area that blends with the surrounding forest. These 210-acre botanical gardens feature shaded pathways, botanical landscapes, and unique structures like Anthony Chapel.
- Another must-see spot is Hot Springs National Park Historic Baths walk, a historical site that takes you past the iconic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row. It offers a glimpse into the early 20th-century spa tradition with restored architecture and interpretive signs.
- Visitors also love Buckstaff Baths, a historical site offering a traditional thermal bathing experience. Operating since 1912, it is one of the best-preserved bathhouses on Bathhouse Row.
- Hot Springs is known for its natural thermal springs, historical bathhouses, and botanical gardens. The region offers a variety of attractions blending natural beauty with rich history.
- The attractions around Hot Springs are appreciated by the komoot community, with 6 upvotes and 102 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Hot Springs National Park Historic Baths walk
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Buckstaff Baths
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Hot Spring Cascade
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Garvan Woodland Gardens
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The facility is the University of Arkansas Botanical Gardens, made possible by a donation from the late entrepreneur Verna Cook Garvan.
Admission $15 for adults.
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Hot Springs Mountain Tower
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Tips from the Community
The Hot Springs National Park Historic Baths Walk takes you past the iconic bathhouses that made this area famous. Running along Bathhouse Row, the paved route winds through the heart of downtown Hot Springs, where youβll see early 20th-century buildings like the Fordyce, Buckstaff, and Quapaw, each with its own story in the parkβs long spa tradition. Interpretive signs and restored architecture offer a glimpse into the era when this was a major health destination. Itβs a short, accessible walk and you can still step inside for a soak, just as visitors did a century ago.
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Located at the Arlington Lawn, this is the largest visible spring in the park. Hot water emanates from the hill side near the Grand Promenade and flows under the path, down a steep cliff into two pools.
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The Buckstaff Bathhouse, named for controlling shareholders George and Milo Buckstaff, replaced the old Rammelsberg Bathhouse, a brick Victorian structure. The Rammelsberg replaced the A.B. Gaines Bathhouse destroyed in the 1878 fire, but there was a brick bathouse on the site in the late 1850s as well. Designed by Frank W. GIbb and Company, Architects, the Buckstaff cost $125,000 to build and contains 27,000 square feet on three main floors. Because it has been in continuous operation since it opened on February 1, 1912. It is one of the best preserved of all of the bathhouses on Bathhouse Row. However, it has gone over many changes through the years. Originally, it had a large hydrotherapeutic department, which only it, the Fordyce, and the Imperial offered.
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The observation deck can be reached via an elevator and at 1256' elevation you can overlook 140 square miles over Hot Springs and into the Ouachita Mountains, and Diamond Lakes area.
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The best still active bath house, definitely worth a visit to take a hot water treatment for its old-world 'charm' ...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore in Hot Springs?
Hot Springs is renowned for its natural thermal springs. You can experience the unique geothermal activity at the Hot Spring Cascade, the largest visible spring in the park, where hot water flows from the hillside. The region is also nestled within the scenic Ouachita Mountains, offering beautiful landscapes and several lakes like Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine.
Are there historical sites to visit in Hot Springs?
Absolutely. The city is rich in history, particularly around Hot Springs National Park Historic Baths walk. This area features the iconic Bathhouse Row, a National Historic Landmark District. You can visit the Buckstaff Baths, which has been continuously operating since 1912, or see the beautifully restored Fordyce Bathhouse, now the park's visitor center. The Historic Maurice Bathhouse also stands as a testament to the area's spa tradition.
What family-friendly activities are available in Hot Springs?
Families can enjoy the beautiful Garvan Woodland Gardens, which offers shaded pathways and unique structures like the Bob and Sunny Evans Treehouse. The Mid-America Science Museum provides hands-on exhibits for children, and Magic Springs Theme and Water Park offers thrilling rides and water slides for all ages.
What are the best hiking trails around Hot Springs?
Hot Springs National Park offers 26 miles of trails. For easy hikes, consider routes like the Oertel Trail or Gulpha Gorge Trail. The Northwood Trails also provide a world-class system for both mountain biking and hiking. You can find more details and routes in our guide to Hiking around Hot Springs.
Are there accessible trails or attractions for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, the Hot Springs National Park Historic Baths walk along Bathhouse Row is a paved, accessible route. The Grand Promenade, a brick path behind Bathhouse Row, also offers easy access and leads to trails. Many areas within Garvan Woodland Gardens are also designed to be accessible.
When is the best time of year to visit Hot Springs for outdoor activities?
Spring is particularly beautiful for visiting outdoor attractions like Garvan Woodland Gardens, especially when the tulips are in bloom. Fall also offers pleasant weather and vibrant foliage in the Ouachita Mountains. While summer is popular, be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winter can be a good time to avoid crowds and enjoy the bathhouses.
Can I drink the thermal spring water in Hot Springs?
Yes, you can drink the pure, mineral-rich thermal water. There are various fountains throughout Hot Springs National Park where visitors can fill bottles directly from the springs. The water emerges at an average temperature of 143Β° Fahrenheit.
What unique viewpoints are available near Hot Springs?
For panoramic views of Hot Springs, the Ouachita Mountains, and the Diamond Lakes area, visit the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. This 216-foot tower offers 360-degree observation decks accessible by elevator.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, can I do near these attractions?
The area around Hot Springs is excellent for road cycling, with routes like the Hot Springs Mountain loop. The nearby lakes, including Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita, offer opportunities for water sports, boating, and fishing. You can explore various cycling routes in our guide to Road Cycling Routes around Hot Springs.
Are there any unique dining or drinking experiences in Hot Springs?
Yes, Hot Springs offers some unique spots. The Superior Bathhouse Brewery is the only brewery located within a U.S. National Park and uses the thermal spring water in its beers. For a taste of history, visit The Ohio Club, Arkansas's oldest bar, known for its storied past and once frequented by notorious figures.
What do visitors enjoy most about Hot Springs?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and rich history. The unique experience of the thermal springs and historic bathhouses, such as Buckstaff Baths, is a highlight. The serene beauty of Garvan Woodland Gardens and the accessibility of the national park trails are also highly praised.
Can I bring my dog on trails in Hot Springs National Park?
Hot Springs National Park is generally dog-friendly, allowing leashed dogs on all 26 miles of hiking trails and the Grand Promenade. Always check specific trail regulations and ensure your pet is on a leash.
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