Location: Hot Springs
Top Things to do in Hot Springs
10 Things to do in Hot Springs That You Shouldn't Miss
Hot Springs is the eleventh-largest city in the state of Arkansas and the county seat of Garland County. The city is located in the Ouachita Mountains among the U.S. Interior Highlands, and is set among several natural hot springs for which the city is named. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a population of 35,193. In 2015 the estimated population was 35,635.
Restaurants in Hot Springs
1. Lake Ouachita
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 509 reviews
The largest lake in Arkansas covers 48,300 acres.
Reviewed By heidilore1976 - Prattsville, United States
This lake makes Lake Hamilton look downright silly. Crystal clear water, great beaches, and quartz all over! Highly recommended..
2. Anthony Chapel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 551 reviews
The Anthony Chapel Complex is a part of Garvan Woodland Gardens, the 210 acre botanical garden of the University of Arkansas located on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Visitors may park near the lovely glass chapel in the woods and take a short walkway to the Chapel. The Chapel is open during normal business hours, UNLESS it is rented for a private wedding or event. Visitors are not allowed in the Chapel when it is rented for a private event. The Chapel is currently a free area of Garvan Woodland Gardens. Visitors to the Gardens enter at the Welcome Center and pay admission.
Reviewed By charlieb692 - Roseville, United States
Located in the woods by Garvan Woodland Gardens, the Anthony Chapel is an amazing structure of glass and wood. One of several scattered around the country, it's clear glass walls and soaring ceiling make it seem much larger.
3. Lake Catherine State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
Offers good hikes, but it can be humid.
Reviewed By Kates9999
There aren't enough good words in my vocabulary to describe what an amazing adventure we had at this state park! We hiked the entire Falls Trail loop, then went back after a rainfall to see a bit more falls action. We walked the ADA-compliant Slunger Creek Nature Trail, & watched the sunrise over the lake from our waterfront campsite. While the site was nowhere near level, & the water access was on the "wrong" side of the camper, the site location was absolutely amazing & worth any inconvenience in getting set up. We chose site 31 in Area B, & had a swimming pier over the water right at our site. The bath house was close to our site, & the facility itself was great. The Visitor Center (& camp store) is open, with a maximum of 3 people inside at a time, but the Nature Center is closed. We also went horseback riding with the separate business on premises. FABULOUS! This park was exactly what we needed to get our nature fix, relax, & re-set.
4. Bathhouse Row
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,311 reviews
A collection of historic bathhouses where people flocked in the early 20th century for therapeutic hot springs baths.
Reviewed By 448lucindas - Lafe, United States
In less than a mile, Bathhouse Row offers volumes of history, learning, and benches to to sit a bit and soak in the archival past. Magnolia Trees offer shade for a gentle stroll in and and out of Entertainment, Museums, eclectic eateries plus unique shops, galleries, parks, hiking trails, Hotels, Famous landmarks. and Yes, Ahh, the SPAS.
5. Mid-America Science Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 561 reviews
The mission of Mid-America Science Museum is to stimulate interest in science, to promote public understanding of the sciences, and to encourage life-long science education through interactive exhibits and programs. The Museum also serves as a premier tourism attraction in Arkansas. The purpose of Mid-America Science Museum is to explain scientific knowledge and concepts to the public through interactive exhibits, activities, workshops, and educational programs. The Museum seeks to stimulate a lifelong interest in science, spark curiosity, reshape attitudes and stir the imagination. Our goal is informal science education that encourages learning in ways not ordinarily found in the workplace, classroom, or home. To achieve this purpose, the Museum will maintain the highest standards in providing quality exhibits, programs, and services for students, citizens, and visitors to Arkansas.
Reviewed By HollyHamm - Texas, United States
I took my six year old son and we loved it. Lots of hands-on activities and the Dino trek was hilarious with each dinosaur decorated in a Christmas theme. The Spinosaur was eating the Christmas tree! We spent two hours there. I suggest getting there when they open because it filled up quickly. It was nice doing all the hands-on exhibits without a crowd. The staff was friendly and helpful. The building was very clean.
6. Garvan Woodland Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,600 reviews
Open to the public hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission payments by CREDIT CARD or EXACT CASH only. Garvan Woodland Gardens is the 210 acre botanical garden of the University of Arkansas, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas on beautiful Lake Hamilton.
Reviewed By 448lucindas - Lafe, United States
Close to Hot Springs National Park and even accessable by boat from Lake Hamilton. Garvin Gardens and Anthonys Chapel are soo worth the visit. The walking paths are easy, and such a visual reward. Book a golf cart/guide and breeze around with a personalized tour of many nuances of this groomed, yet wild grounds. Waterfalls, Birds, Fish and seasonal themes. Christmas season is a must. Great gift shop adds to nature's beauty. Chipmunk Cafe, offers a quick beverage and varied menu. Wheel chair accessable. Childrens treehouse an added sestination. *on leash/call Gardens for specifics.
7. Fordyce Bathhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,090 reviews
Once one of the bathhouses on Bathhouse Row, this building has been renovated and now serves as the visitors center.
Reviewed By dennisk359 - Waterloo, United States
By all means do not pass by this visitor center. The volunteers are extremely knowledgeable about everything Hot Springs. The self guided tour is fascinating and videos explain everything from the history of the area to detailed explanations of a trip to a bathhouse in days gone by. As visitor centers go they are seldom as interesting as this.
8. Hot Springs National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 918 reviews
Reviewed By barbiewalker72 - Lake Wales, United States
Hubby and I are trying to visit every National Park- We enjoyed this one- very hot day and traveling with our 6 yr old granddaughter- visitor center was very helpful- gift shop was good-- She participated in the Jr Ranger program- had a booklet that she had to complete activities from around the park- then she got a ranger pin- after that every ranger or staff person would see her pin and say something to her about it.- you can still take a bath in one of the bath houses- but since children under 14 are not allowed to do that- we passed for us- lots of history, and information- enjoyed getting a root beer made from the springs there- they will give you cups and you can walk down and get a drink from one of the places-we saw people actually walk up their with gallon jugs to fill up the water and take home-free
9. Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,687 reviews
The Tower is OPEN!! Come visit us and enjoy the beautiful views and hike on some amazing trails. Don't forget to grab an ice cream on your way down from the tower!
Reviewed By USAtraveler365
It is definitely worth it. We enjoyed the views of the town from the top, an elevator ride and walking around on a nice sunny spring day. There is a little store inside and staff were nice, helpful and professional.
10. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 984 reviews
An unusual feature to see in a National Park is this world-class horseracing track.
Reviewed By Cyclonegup
Oaklawn just opened their newly expanded casino. It's a jewel. The wide aisles and space between slot machines are most appreciated. The Players Desk staff were friendly and helpful. I have two suggestions that I make for most casinos -- enlarge the non-smoking area and increase the number of cocktail servers on the floor.
