10 Reasons to Visit Hot Springs, AR

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Fall in love with Hot Springs, Arkansas! No matter what your tastes or interests, Hot Springs has an adventure waiting for you. Outdoors or indoors, singles and families, slow-paced or super-crazy – there is something for everyone here. You will be delightfully surprised at the amazing variety of “things to do and see” in Hot Springs. Following, in no particular order, are ten reasons you must visit Hot Springs on your next vacation:

1. Garvan Woodland Botanical Gardens

Breathtakingly Beautiful

Enjoy 2.5 trail-miles on 40 acres of all-natural beauty as you explore the Garvan Woodland Botanical Gardens. Enjoy live concerts and plays at the Klipsch Amphitheater nestled within the beauty of the gardens. As you explore this magical spot, see how many of the over 70 species of birds you can spot in the Woodland Nature Preserve. Take some time out and play at the Evan’s Adventure Gardens. Children and adults alike will find hours of fun in the mazes, tree houses, and crawdad holes. There’s even a cave with a waterfall. After your walk through the breathtaking sights of Garvan Botanical Gardens, enjoy a picnic lunch of your own or visit the onsite tent-café for sandwiches, soups and salads. For memories of the Gardens that will last a lifetime, you can even get married in the beautiful wood, glass and stone Anthony Chapel overlooking Lake Hamilton. Everything you need from dressing rooms to catering kitchen is at your disposal. The Gardens have much to offer the nature and beauty aficionado – far more than was included here. Visit their website to find out much more.

Garvan Woodland Botanical Gardens
540 Arkridge Road
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913
800-366-4664 or 501-262-9300
GarvanGardens.org

2. Turn Back Time - Historic Downtown Hot Springs

If you love Victorian architecture, historic hotels, and thermal spas, this is a must-see! Journey back to the turn of the 20th century. The beautiful architecture alone offers a day-long “feast for the eyes” for folks who enjoy a walk through another time. Combine that with quaint shops and relaxing bath houses and you have the makings of a complete vacation “in the past.” While there, make sure you stop by Bathhouse Row. Soak your cares away in the luxurious, warm, natural mineral waters of Hot Springs – where do think it got its name? All this and more is here for you in Historic Downtown! If you’re a history buff, or just seek a little unmatchable pampering in the mineral baths, you cannot miss Historic Downtown.

Hot Springs Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
134 Convention Boulevard
Phone: 501-321-2835 or 800-SPA-CITY
Learn more…

3. An Evening at the Theater Dah-ling

You don’t have to go to New York to enjoy an evening of quality live theater. Support the local arts right in downtown Hot Springs with a night out at The Pocket Theatre. Since 1991, the all-volunteer theater has been presenting high-quality live productions for Hot Springs audiences. Previous shows have included “Bus Stop,” “The Miracle Worker,” “The Rainmaker,” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” For a high-quality and down-to-earth theater experience, grab a seat at the Pocket Theater – right on the corner of Ravine and Ramble Streets - conveniently located in downtown Hot Springs.

The Pocket Theatre
170 Ravine Street
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901
501-623-8585
PocketTheatre.com

4. Horseback Riding – Old West Style

While there are numerous horse back riding options for the trail-lover in Hot Springs, AR, you can’t beat the offerings at Panther Valley Ranch. Spend a day or a week in “another time” at Panther Valley. Explore 210 pristine acres at this 100-year-old ranch away from the worries of modern day. One guided horse back expedition along the mountain trails culminates in a delicious rib-eye steak dinner with all the fixins’. What a delicious reward after working up your appetite riding in the great outdoors! Enjoy all the charm of the “Old West” and all the creature comforts of today – Jacuzzis, air conditioning and satellite TV – in one location. You will be astounded at how affordable this getaway is.

Panther Valley Ranch
1942 Millcreek Rd
501-623-5556
PantherValleyRanch.com

5. And They’re Off! Watch the Ponies Run at Oaklawn

If horse back riding isn’t your style, maybe a visit to the track is more your speed. Since 1904, the good folks at Oaklawn Jockey Club have sponsored real thoroughbred racing. All the amenities you’d expect at a full-scale horse track are right in Hot Springs. Live races and simulcast – and the famous Oaklawn corned beef sandwich – are waiting for you. Before heading to the track, make sure you visit their terrific website for the schedule and current offerings. First-timers will find full instructions on how it all works and complete explanations of handicapping and betting right on the website. You’ll be ready place those winning bets as you head out for some good, old-fashioned horse-racing fun. Don’t worry about eating before you go. Choose from a full seafood menu at their Oyster Bar, burgers and pizza at the Pony Express Grill, or go for that famous corned beef at the Arkansas Sports Tavern. There are food items for every taste at the Oaklawn Jockey Club Racetrack. You can also order up beverages from Cappuccino to cocktails. It’s an exciting, and very full, night out!

Oaklawn.com
2705 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71902
800-OAKLAWN

6. Quachita National Forest

Endless Adventure for the Outdoor Lover

The Quachita National Forest is truly a wonderland for the outdoor adventure lover. It boasts 1.6 million acres of wide open area for camping, hunting, swimming, hiking and fishing. Bass and a variety of trout are abundant for the enthusiastic angler. Row, row, row your boat gently down the streams (rivers and lakes) within the National Forest. Or jump start the action along the many miles of forest trails - try horseback riding, mountain biking, or go wild on your all terrain vehicle. If you can dream your outdoor adventure, you can experience it at the Quachita National Forest.

Ouachita National Forest
Box 1270
Federal Building
Hot Springs, AR 71902
Phone: 501-321-5202

Find out more…

7. Cruise Lake Hamilton on the Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat

You and 219 of your closest friends can enjoy a leisurely 15-mile cruise along Lake Hamilton on the Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat. As you glide down the river the captain will tell you the fascinating history of the “Spa City.” Enjoy lunch while on board. You’ll have a gorgeous view of the Ouachita Mountains, impressive mansions, and natural islands as you learn all the secrets of the region. A dinner and dancing cruise is a more romantic option for couples who want to enjoy a special meal while watching the sunset together.

Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat
5200 Central Avenue
501-525-4438
BelleRiverBoat.com

8. Magic Springs and Crystal Falls

High Speed Thrills and Soaking-Wet Spills

Voted one of the top three amusement parks in the United States by Better Homes and Gardens, Magic Springs has more to offer than you can do in a day. The highest upside down coaster in the world - 150 feet off the ground, head-down, on the X Coaster – is at Magic Springs Theme Park. They also have a suspended coaster and a classic wooden coaster. The super-fast fun keeps going when you take a chance on the runaway train ride. Lots of high-speed coaster action is yours at Magic Springs. But they have more than just exciting rides. Big name performers appear on the stage at the Timberwood Amphitheater. Finally, the full-sized water park – Crystal Falls - features a river with rapids and waterfalls, a water slide complex, and plenty more soaking-wet fun.

Magic Springs Theme Park and Crystal Falls Water Park
1701 Highway 70 E.
501-624-0100
MagicSprings.com

9. Tennis (or Golf) Anyone? - Full-Scale Luxury Getaway

The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa in Hot Springs is the place to go for a traditional, luxurious and relaxing getaway. Reserve your spot at the beautiful Arlington Hotel and receive full access to the historic Hot Springs Country Club. Since 1898, visitors have enjoyed the 18-hole, 6,715 yard Majestic Golf Course. The club also gives you access to the 18-hole Arlington course and the 9-hole Pineview Course. Truly a golfer’s paradise! Guests at the club may also play tennis on any one of the fifteen tennis courts or go for a dip in the relaxing pool. Also on site are beauty salons and spas, mineral baths, and a variety of delicious cuisine options from any of their three restaurants. They even offer live jazz music and dancing right on site. Lay your claim to one of the 484 guest rooms and get ready for a pampering you’ll never forget!

The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
239 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
800-643-1502 or 501-623-7771
Make reservations at Hotel.com
ArlingtonHotel.com

10. And Now For Something Completely Different – Gators!

How about the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo! Stop by to see alligators up to twelve feet long – up close and personal. Goats and ostriches, llamas and lambs, will all love a little personal attention from you in the petting zoo. Wander the grounds to have a look at a variety of monkeys, mountain lions, turkeys and turtles. And don’t miss the Mer-man at their onsite museum. It’s a fun and fascinating place!

Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
847 Whittington Avenue
501-623-6172 or 800-750-7891
http://hotspringsusa.com/gatorfarm

11. Hot Springs Mountain Tower

Get Lifted 216 Feet High for a 140-Mile Panoramic View

Ok, we said 10 reasons but we just had to squeeze one more in for now. Hot Springs Mountain Tower should definitely be on the to-do list as you can savor sweeping views of Hot Springs, the Ouachita Mountains and the surrounding Diamond Lakes area. View this webpage for more information.

Your First Won’t Be the Last

There is so much to do in Hot Springs, AR, that you’ll hardly be able to scratch the surface in a single visit, but you will fall in love with it. And with year-round mild temperatures ranging from daytime highs of around 40 degrees at the coldest time of year to around 80 degrees during the summer, it’s the perfect vacation destination anytime. Whatever your taste, you will find your adventure in Hot Springs - and your first visit will definitely not be your last.