19 Coolest Things To Do In Hot Springs, Arkansas

Explore the wonders of Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, where nature meets history. Discover historic bathhouses, scenic trails, and soothing thermal springs. Dive into the park's past at the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum and enjoy activities like birdwatching and picnicking.

With its rich history dating back to the 1830s, this park offers stunning views, relaxation, and outdoor adventures for all to enjoy. Exploring this place is one of the best things to do in Arkansas Hot Springs for a peaceful retreat.

Nestled in the scenic Ouachita Mountains, Garvan Woodland Gardens offers a visually stunning experience. This 210-acre botanical garden boasts diverse plants, including 160 types of azaleas and a 4-acre Asian garden with a 12-foot waterfall.

Attractions include the Sunrise Bridge, cascades, springs, Garvan Pavilion, and Anthony Chapel. Families can explore the interactive Evans Adventure Garden and Evans Tree House. Winter visitors enjoy the Holiday Lights: 5 million lights over 18 acres.

Standing at 216 feet tall, the Hot Springs Mountain Tower in Arkansas offers breathtaking views of the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs National Park, and downtown. Its observation deck, 1,256 feet above sea level, provides an unobstructed panorama of the surrounding area.

The upper deck is open-air, showcasing 140 square miles of countryside, while the lower deck features exhibits on park and local history. The tower is a must-visit attraction for those seeking awe-inspiring views of the region's natural beauty.

With over 30 miles of mountain biking trails in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the Northwoods Trails cater to riders of all levels. Designed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, these trails include single-track, multi-track, flow trails, and jump lines.

Moreover, trailheads at Waterworks, Pullman, and Cedar Glades provide easy access, with amenities like bike wash stations. Trails are marked by difficulty level for a safe and enjoyable ride.

As the largest hands-on science center in Arkansas, the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs offers over 100 interactive exhibits exploring energy, matter, life, and perception. Since 1979, it has been a hub of learning and enjoyment, recently enhanced with 75 new exhibits.

Visitors can also experience space research programming at the fifty-seat Oaklawn Foundation Digital Dome Theater. Visiting this place is one of the fun things to do in Arkansas Hot Springs.

Crafted by the Moshinskie family for over 75 years, Tiny Town, one of the major attractions in Hot Springs AR is a miniature marvel. Its interactive model railroad displays scenes from 22 states, including iconic landmarks like Niagara Falls and Mount Rushmore.

The railroad boasts animated parts, and visitors can even operate trains, including a narrow-gauge steam engine. This attraction is perfect for families and anyone intrigued by handcrafted art made from everyday objects.

Boating on Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs is serene and beautiful. As the state's largest lake, it boasts over 66,000 acres and 600 miles of shoreline. Surrounded by the untouched Ouachita National Forest, the lake is renowned for its natural splendor.

Visitors can partake in boating, fishing, and swimming. The nearby state park provides amenities like marinas with boat and kayak rentals. With its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife, Lake Ouachita offers a peaceful escape into nature.

Strolling along Bathhouse Row offers the chance to explore eight historic bathhouses built between 1892 and 1923. This area, along with the Grand Promenade, received National Historic Landmark District status in 1987.

Visitors can appreciate the distinctive architecture of each bathhouse, each with its unique design while discovering the history of the bathing industry in the park and the city. The Fordyce Bathhouse, the largest one in the row, serves as both the National Parks Visitor's Center and a museum furnished with historical artifacts.

Enjoy a peaceful getaway at Lake Catherine State Park by the 1,940-acre Lake Catherine. Enjoy amenities like a marina, boat rentals, picnic areas, playgrounds, and trails, including one to a waterfall.

Additionally, you can stay in campsites, tent sites, or cabins with fishing piers. Park staff offer hikes, lake tours, and programs year-round, with seasonal horseback rides. The park is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends and weekends in fall and winter.

With a wide range of entertainment options for all ages, the amusement park and water park at Magic Springs provide endless fun. Crystal Falls, located within, offers an array of water attractions including wave pools and thrilling slides for a refreshing and exciting experience.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy various amenities such as dining options, souvenir shops, and cabana rentals to relax and make the most of their visit. It is a must-visit destination for family fun.

An outdoor adventure park in Arkansas, Adventureworks Hot Springs offers thrills for all ages. With ten zip lines soaring through trees and over water features, plus a treetop aerial course, visitors can challenge themselves to walk, climb, and swing through obstacles.

Moreover, the park also hosts year-round events like a Polar Bear Zip Tour on New Year's Eve and a Haunted Forest Zip Tour in October. Sturdy shoes and advanced reservations are recommended for visitors.

Known for its beloved barbecue, Hot Springs boasts several highly recommended spots. One of these is McClard's Bar-B-Q Restaurant, an iconic establishment serving delicious barbecue for decades, a must-visit for barbecue enthusiasts.

Additionally, other popular barbecue spots like Smokin in Style BBQ and Stubby's BBQ, each with its unique take on mouthwatering dishes are also available. Whether you crave ribs, pulled pork, or brisket, Hot Springs has a variety of top-notch barbecue joints to satisfy your cravings.

Experience captivating magic at the Maxwell Blade Theatre, a family-friendly show that features large-scale illusions, close-up magic, comedy, and music. With twelve cast members, the 27th season promises two mesmerizing hours of entertainment in a 300-seat venue.

Additionally, nightly shows are available throughout the summer. Known for its fun performances and audience participation, it's located in the newly renovated Malco Theater and is one of the popular things to see in Hot Springs Arkansas.

Step into history at the Gangster Museum of America in Hot Springs. Explore the city's rich and notorious past from the 1920s to 1940s, where infamous criminals co-existed with the quaint population.

With seven galleries featuring figures like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, visitors can delve into this captivating era. Experience an antique casino and hear historians share stories about gangsters who visited Hot Springs, such as Bugs Moran and Frank Costello.

Experience family fun at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf in Hot Springs. Navigate two 18-hole miniature golf courses filled with exciting obstacles, including caves, bridges, and waterfalls.

With an 18th-century pirate theme, complete with a pirate ship and snoozing pirates overhead, it's a thrilling adventure for all ages. Awarded the "Best in Metro" for "Miniature Golf," it's a perfect family outing. Admission fees vary by course and age, with children aged 3 and under playing for free.

Immerse yourself in the rich history, natural beauty, and therapeutic springs of downtown Hot Springs. Explore Bathhouse Row, including the historic Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center, and stroll along the Grand Promenade for scenic views of the city and the Ouachita Mountains.

Discover shops, galleries, restaurants, and music venues. With its vibrant art scene, family-friendly attractions, and rich history, downtown Hot Springs offers a diverse and engaging experience for all.

Hot Springs Village in Arkansas offers a perfect retreat to relax and reconnect with nature. Visitors can enjoy various activities like swimming, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking in the lakes. With over 30 miles of nature trails, hiking and exploration opportunities abound.

Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in the area's natural beauty, including stunning gardens, bathhouse museums, and microbreweries, for a truly relaxing experience. Hot Springs Village provides an ideal setting to unwind and appreciate the outdoors.

Experience the Grand Promenade, a picturesque half-mile stroll blending natural beauty with historical charm. As you walk the brick-paved pathway, observe natural hot springs seeping across, creating a serene atmosphere.

Enjoy panoramic views of historic downtown, the Arlington Lawn, and the hot springs cascade, while marveling at quartz veins in sandstone formations. This easy trail takes about 16 minutes, perfect for a leisurely walk or peaceful break, offering a chance to appreciate Hot Springs' natural wonders.

Discovering Ouachita National Forest, one of the major attractions in Hot Springs presents an array of outdoor activities. You can hike, bike, or horseback ride on the extensive trail system, including the picturesque Ouachita National Recreation Trail. The Winona Scenic Trail is particularly beautiful year-round.

In addition to its natural splendor, the forest offers unique botanical, mineral, and prehistoric resources, along with opportunities for hunting, fishing, and dispersed camping. With its picturesque waterways, the forest offers an esteemed setting for outdoor recreation.