Hot Springs holidays

The healing waters of this wooded valley town in the Ouachita Mountains have been soothing weary travellers for generations, from early Native Americans to 20th-century gangsters. Trips to Hot Springs, Arkansas, get the mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation just right. Spend long days pulling bass from Lake Hamilton or kicking up your heels at a summer festival before soaking in one of the town’s famous bathhouses. 

Hot Springs: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)

High season

June – August

Low season

November – February

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The best neighbourhoods in Hot Springs

Historic Downtown

Known as ‘Sin City’ when gangsters like Al Capone came to Hot Springs to unwind, today Historic Downtown is a hot spot for families, artists and outdoorsy types. The neighbourhood is home to Bathhouse Row, galleries, boutique hotels and the city’s best restaurants. And best of all, you’re never far from hiking and biking trails.

Good for: Spas, hotels, hiking trails

Lake Hamilton

Lake Hamilton is the best place to stay in Hot Springs if you want to get on the water. Fill your days paddling or fishing for bass and rainbow trout, or take a relaxing riverboat cruise on the Belle of Hot Springs. Rather stay dry on your Hot Springs holiday? There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from. And staying here means you’re all but guaranteed to wake up to stunning views.

Good for: Fishing, boating, hiking

Whittington Park

Wondering where to stay in Hot Springs to experience local life? Our pick is Whittington Park. In this laid-back residential district join locals jogging or walking along the Whittington Trail, which follows a creek. This neighbourhood is the perfect place to chill after a busy day seeing the attractions in and around Hot Springs. Plus, it’s within easy cycling distance of both Downtown and the mountains.

Good for: Jogging, cycling, trails

Things to do in Hot Springs

Visit Hot Springs

Shopping

There must be something in the waters of Hot Springs that inspires creativity. The city is filled with galleries and boutiques overflowing with one-of-a-kind treasures and artisanal crafts. Pop-up stores and artisan workshops are a great way to meet local makers. If handmade jewellery, pottery and soap is your thing, you’ll love the shopping in Hot Springs.

Places to eat

Hot Springs may be small, but it doesn’t skimp on quality or choice when it comes to its food scene. From cafes to family-owned diners, upscale dining to international eats, the restaurants in Hot Springs satisfy all tastes and budgets. Lake Hamilton offers a bounty of freshwater fish. Keep an eye out for pan-seared local trout on menus, or catfish to takeaway at roadside shacks. 

Take in the culture

Discover colourful local history at museums in Hot Springs. The Gangster Museum of America delves into the city’s organised crime connections up until the casino crackdown of 1967. A two-minute walk away, the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum traces the area’s evolution into a resort destination. Looking for something more child-friendly? The Mid-America Science Museum offers heaps of hands-on fun.

FAQs about Hot Springs holidays

Wondering what you can fit in on a holiday to Hot Springs
There are many free ways to have fun on holiday to Hot Springs. There is no admission fee for Hot Springs National Park or to explore Bathhouse Row, and budget street food options will keep you satisfied. For good deals on flights and hotels in Hot Springs, visit during the winter months.
The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency. From tipping to shopping at local markets, keeping a little cash handy during your trip to Hot Springs will be helpful.
July is the hottest month in Hot Springs, with temperatures hitting highs of 36ºC (97ºF).
English is the language you'll encounter most during your city break in Hot Springs.
January delivers the coolest conditions for a Hot Springs holiday. Go during this time and you'll experience lows of -2ºC (28ºF).
Bathhouse Row and Garvan Woodland Gardens are only a small taste of what's in store for you here. Explore the list of things to do in Hot Springs and see why it's the ideal getaway.
Hot Springs is generally seen as a safe city for visitors, but like anywhere, it's a good idea to exercise caution. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, store emergency numbers in your phone and only get in licensed ride-share services or cabs. Also, stick to well-lit areas if you're walking late at night during your holiday to Hot Springs.
Come in spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for red and orange foliage, and summer for the warmest weather and the liveliest festivals and events. If you’re after bargain flights and hotels in Hot Springs, the winter season offers fewer visitors and lower prices.
The wettest month is May, which receives an average rainfall of 19 cm. But don't let the weather take the shine off your Hot Springs trip — there's still loads to do indoors like shopping, visiting museums, or hanging out in cafes.