Hot Springs, AR
The historic city of Hot Springs, Arkansas is situated in the Diamond Lakes area and surrounded by the gigantic Ouachita Mountains. The city and surrounding area are probably most famed for the unique hot natural springs that erupt from the earth. Water from a hot spring contains an abundance of minerals and emerges at just under 150 degrees. This combination makes the natural mineral water extremely popular with health seekers, and many visitors and locals alike even bottle the mineral water for themselves. It isn’t unusual to see people looking to improve their health traveling from all around the world in a bid to cleanse themselves using the hot spring water.
Here is just a glance of other things Hot Springs, AR has to offer:
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park isn’t just another national park; it is in fact the oldest property that the US National Park commission has on its books, 40 years before Yellowstone Park. It was originally established in order to protect the hot springs that flows down from Hot Springs Mountain. The protection the Park authorities offer the 47 springs means tourists and visitors can enjoy the many activities while taking comfort knowing the springs remain intact and under constant supervision.
The Park occupies parts of downtown Hot Springs, making the trails and camping areas easily accessible. In total there are about 26 miles of hiking trails for the avid walkers. The walks take you past a myriad of streams, waterfalls and springs and once you reach the top, you will be able to go up in an elevator to the top of Hot Springs Mountain Tower, providing you with a unique panoramic view.
Bathhouse Row
Located in the center of the city, Bathhouse Row is home to a large number of art galleries covering most genre and style of art. In the Fordyce Bathhouse, you will find the visitor center for the national park and you will be able to learn about the uses of the bathhouses in past times. Check out the Buckstaff Bathhouse, the only remaining operational bathhouse within the Hot Springs National Park area.
Botanical Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens are the home to the University of Arkansas’ botanical gardens, situated on the shoreline of Lake Hamilton. Once in the botanical gardens visitors are treated to an exquisite combination of streams, waterfalls, floral landscapes and much more. For the plant lovers there are collections of unusual and rare plants, flowers, shrubs and trees.
Theme Park
Families with young children are also catered to with the Magic Springs and Crystal Falls water park. Featuring log flumes, roller coasters, wave pools and numerous water-slides it provides an action packed day for the whole family. It really does have something to offer every member of the family.
Music & Entertainment
And for those who prefer music and live entertainment, the theme park also houses live events throughout the year and with several festivals and concerts throughout the year there is always something a little bit different for you to take part in. The Jazz Festival, Music Festival, Film Festival and wide array of other live festivals make Hot Springs a city that is buzzing with life throughout the year.
Hot Springs Civic and Convention Center
Known for its world-class facility and service, the non-union Hot Springs Civic and Convention Center can be the place for your next meeting, convention, trade show, exhibition or reunion in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.
The Hot Springs Convention Center offers 360,000 square feet of space to accommodate the needs of the most intimate gathering as well as conventions or trade shows that require seating for thousands. Having recently expanded the facility with the completion of the Summit Arena, the Hot Springs Convention Center can now host concerts and sporting events with 6,000 in attendance. You can see their upcoming events at the Summit Arena website.
Hotels and Bed & Breakfast
A stay in Hot Springs simply wouldn’t be complete without a relaxing and revitalizing visit to the spa and the natural springs. Waterfall pools and whirlpools are in abundance and most are housed within hotels. Most hotels also have therapists and beauticians as well as exercise and relaxation equipment. Some of these historic hotels feature beautiful Victorian architecture, and combined with the modern elegance of art studios and bars and restaurants, makes for a satisfying stay.
If you’re looking for a more personal and intimate stay, check out Hot Springs’ spectacular Bed & Breakfast choices.
Let’s Go!
Whatever you want from your next vacation, there is a good chance that Hot Springs can provide it, from the breathtaking scenic backdrops offered by the region to the more adventurous outdoor entertainment that the Ouachita Lakes have to offer.
If you are planning a get-away to Hot Springs, a great hotel to stay in is Embassy Suites. The suites are really nice and the piano bar sets a romantic atmosphere.
My husband and I went to Hot Springs for our ten year anniversery . We had A GREAT time .The River Belle is a treat for everyone. Even without a lot of money, you can enjoy so much this town has to offer. The sights are great and the spa house row is a place to go shop and look at all the different things. A great place we plan on coming back — This time with our entire family. -Mary
My family & I vacationed in Hot Springs one week every year from the time I was 5 until the year I turned 22, just a few years ago. From staying at The Wharf to floating around on the Belle, from Magic Springs to parasailing…there is no better place that we’ve found to spend a family vacation. There’s something for everyone. You will love your time in Hot Springs! My memories have made this Texan want to move there, and it’s hard to get a Texan to leave Texas!
I grew up in Hot Springs. I moved away with my husband when I was 23 years old. My husband is in the military. I have been many places and overseas. I have never found a place as beautiful and as much fun as Hot Springs. My husband and I are planning to move there as soon as he retires from the military. And after all I have seen and done in the 20 years of being away, none come as close to my heart as Hot Springs. There is no place in the world that compares to the wonderful people, good water to drink, beautiful scenery, activities. Hot Springs, simply has it all. My love for this beautiful city will forever be.
I went to Hot Springs for my first time last weekend. I had a blast! My family and I went and stayed at Crystal Springs in a cabin on the lake it was beautiful and the people are so friendly! I also convinced my parents to go and ride go carts that was a rush. The Hot Springs Mountain Observation Tower was one of the best things I experienced in Hot Springs.
Thank You, Krystal
We went to Magic Springs for a week and had a ball. We rode the ducks at Magic Springs. We ate on a dinner cruise boat called Belle. We went put golfing and indoor bumper cars. We went to the Mid America science museum, the Wax Museum, the town acquarium and the Sky Tower. Our hotel was right across the street from Oaklawn. I highly recommend Hot Springs.
My husband and I were visiting family at Hot Springs Village and decided to stay at Hilltop Manor Bed and Breakfast in the city of Hot Springs for a couple nights. It was outstanding with huge, home-made breakfast served in our suite one morning and on the front porch another. The room was gorgeous and large with a fireplace and Jacuzzi tub, plus cute bistro table. Faith is the innkeeper and had great ideas of where to go, made dinner and spa reservations for us, as well as, supplied us with maps and directions to our destinations. We loved the lobster bisque at Belle Arti restaurant. Hilltop Manor’s “Elegent Touch” package was well worth the cost to add a little extra romance to our evening with a cake, toasting glasses and champagne all set-up in our suite while we were at dinner and ready to enjoy when we returned. It was like a second honeymoon. We enjoyed walking around the estate which borders the National Park Forest. Faith showed us an old barn which Jessie & Frank James use to hide out in. Very relaxing and romantic. We will be back!