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 Hot Springs National Park 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
The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

2.5 out of 5
340 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Gold-Inn Hot Springs

Gold-Inn Hot Springs

2 out of 5
741 Park Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
Gold-Inn Hot Springs
The Happy Hollow

The Happy Hollow

2 out of 5
231 Fountain Street, Hot Springs, AR
The Happy Hollow
Pet-friendly Home, Near Hot Springs National Park!

Pet-friendly Home, Near Hot Springs National Park!

3 out of 5
Hot Springs
Pet-friendly Home, Near Hot Springs National Park!
Best  Court

Best Court

3.5 out of 5
638 Ouachita Ave, Hot Springs, AR
Best Court
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 delightful array of activities, including rejuvenating spa experiences and vibrant live music. Visitors can enjoy the natural hot springs, picnic areas perfect for relaxation, and scenic hikes that showcase the park's stunning landscapes. For family fun, a water park nearby adds to the excitement, ensuring a memorable vacation filled with both adventure and relaxation.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Cathy's Quiltin Square, only 3.2km from Hot Springs National Park, offering unique gifts. Ohio Club, also 3.2km away, is perfect for souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Hot Springs Mall, located 6.4km away, for a wider selection of shops.

Recreation

At Quapaw Baths, indulge in rejuvenating body treatments amidst a serene atmosphere. For a fun-filled family day, T-Rex Laser Tag offers an exciting mini-golf experience. Buckstaff Bathhouse provides traditional bathing therapies in a tranquil setting, perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Central Bowling Lanes offers a lively atmosphere for bowling enthusiasts, located 6.4km from Hot Springs National Park. For a thrilling experience, the North Garland County Youth Center, 16.1km away, provides exciting adventure activities. For water fun, visit Arkadelphia Aquatic Park, situated 43.5km from the park, perfect for family entertainment.

Nightlife

In Hot Springs, T-Rex Fun Spot and Funtrackers Family Park provide thrilling arcade adventures, perfect for those seeking excitement. Meanwhile, the Vienna Theatre offers a more cultured experience, blending romance and family entertainment in a charming setting, all just 3.2km from the national park.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas offers a rich tapestry of attractions, including visitor centres, historic sites, and museums, perfect for families and those seeking cultural and outdoor experiences. Explore the rejuvenating springs bathhouses, indulge in local attractions, and consider visiting nearby theme parks for a complete holiday. This destination is a charming blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an ideal spot for an enriching getaway.

  • Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center: Nestled 3.2km from Hot Springs National Park, this visitor centre offers an adventurous experience with family-friendly outdoor activities. Guests can explore the history of the renowned Mountain Valley Spring Water while enjoying the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
  • Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center: Situated 3.2km from the park, this historic house immerses visitors in the cultural heritage of the area. The Fordyce Bathhouse showcases elegant architecture and provides insights into the bathhouse era of the early 20th century.
  • Bathhouse Row: Also located 3.2km from Hot Springs National Park, Bathhouse Row is a historic place that reflects the rich culture of the region. Visitors can stroll along this iconic row, admiring its unique architecture and learning about its significance in the development of spa culture.

Best time to go to Hot Springs National Park

The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is dependent 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 visit to Hot Springs National Park, consider travelling between November and January, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay on a Tuesday can also help reduce costs, as Saturdays tend to be the priciest. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and explore exclusive discounts, while considering package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. For budget-friendly transport, look for public transport options and free activities within the park to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • 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 specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels at a glance. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Hot Springs National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.