Hot Springs National Park

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 centre. From this 216-foot-high (65-metre) 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 centre 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 centre 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 travellers. Enjoy your trip to the urban and woodland areas of Hot Springs National Park.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

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
Gold-Inn Hot Springs

Gold-Inn Hot Springs

2 out of 5
741 Park Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
Gold-Inn Hot Springs
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, AR
Cedar Blossom Bungalow - Pet friendly getaway with a 5 min walk to downtown
The Happy Hollow

The Happy Hollow

2 out of 5
231 Fountain Street, Hot Springs, AR
The Happy Hollow
Unit 18 Double queen fast wifi Smart TV

Unit 18 Double queen fast wifi Smart TV

Hot Springs, AR
Unit 18 Double queen fast wifi Smart TV
Unit 8 · Unit 8*Queen Room, Mini Fridge, Coffee Maker, Wifi

Unit 8 · Unit 8*Queen Room, Mini Fridge, Coffee Maker, Wifi

Hot Springs, AR
Unit 8 · Unit 8*Queen Room, Mini Fridge, Coffee Maker, Wifi
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 variety of popular activities for visitors, including indulging in the area's famous spas and enjoying live music performances. The unique blend of natural thermal springs and vibrant entertainment makes it an ideal destination for relaxation and enjoyment.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Cathy's Quiltin Square, located 1.2km from Hot Springs National Park, perfect for unique gifts. The Ohio Club, also 1.2km away, offers a blend of local charm and history. If you're up for a drive, visit the Hot Springs Mall, which is 2.5km away.

Recreation

At Quapaw Baths, indulge in soothing thermal baths that promote relaxation and wellness. Buckstaff Bathhouse offers traditional baths and rejuvenating treatments in a historic setting. For a fun twist, T-Rex Laser Tag combines adventure with family-friendly activities, perfect for a day of excitement amidst the natural beauty.

Adventure

Experience a thrilling game at Central Bowling Lanes, located 2.5km from Hot Springs National Park. For outdoor excitement, visit North Garland County Youth Center, 6.2km away, which offers various adventure activities. Don't miss the Zip Lines at Ouachita Bend, 12.5km from the park, for an exhilarating aerial experience.

Nightlife

In Hot Springs, T-Rex Fun Spot and Funtrackers Family Park offer vibrant arcade adventures perfect for families. For a cultural evening, the Theatre of Magic presents captivating performances, blending entertainment and romance, all within a short distance of the national park.

Find the best attractions near Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas offers a delightful mix of attractions for every type of traveller. Visitors can explore the visitor centre, historic sites, and museums, all while enjoying the stunning outdoor experiences. With a focus on family-friendly activities and cultural insights, this destination is perfect for those looking to discover the charm of the hot springs and the top attractions within and around the park.

  • Bathhouse Row: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Hot Springs at Bathhouse Row, where stunning architecture and spa culture converge. This historic area offers a glimpse into the healing traditions that have attracted visitors for centuries, making it a unique cultural experience.
  • Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center: Enjoy an adventurous outing at the Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center, where you can explore the natural springs and learn about the water's journey. This family-friendly destination offers outdoor activities and a chance to taste one of the purest waters in the United States.
  • Mid-America Science Museum: Engage your curiosity at the Mid-America Science Museum, featuring interactive exhibits that captivate both young and old. This cultural hub fosters a love for science through hands-on experiences and educational displays, perfect for a family day out.

Best time to go to Hot Springs National Park

The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 trip to Hot Springs National Park, consider visiting from November to January when accommodation prices are lower. Booking on a Tuesday can also yield better rates than on a Saturday. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, filtering for eco-certified options if you prefer sustainable stays. Look into package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Take advantage of free activities in the park and use public transport where possible to keep travel costs down.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially save money by booking a package with Expedia, which combines your hotel stay at Hot Springs National Park with your flights and activities.