Get ready to soak up Hot Springs National Park — here’s your 1-day itinerary
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Thermal water surfaces at around 140 degrees and vaporizes when it comes in contact with the cooler air and rocks.
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As a national park, Hot Springs is a little different.
For starters, it’s small. Only three parks in the U.S. National Park system are under 10,000 acres. At just 5,500 acres, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is one of them. In fact, it’s the second smallest out of all 63 parks.
Only Gateway Arch National Park in Saint Louis is smaller.
But what really sets Hot Springs apart isn’t its size. It’s what you’ll find at its center.
Instead of a towering mountain range, deep canyon or dramatic rock formation, the heart of this park is Bathhouse Row. Eight historic buildings, each a former bathhouse built between 1892 and 1923, lined up along Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Not remote. Not rugged. Just woven into the fabric of the town.
Bathhouse Row is less than half a mile long. And yet, between the historic buildings and the surrounding forested hills, you can easily spend an entire day here exploring.
The best 1-day itinerary: Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs, Arkansas
53 miles southwest of Little Rock, Arkansas
186 miles southwest of Memphis, Tennessee
296 miles northeast of Dallas, Texas
You don’t need your hiking poles and boots to enjoy Bathhouse Row. But you do need comfy walking shoes. This 1-day itinerary for Hot Springs National Park is mostly on foot.
And don’t worry, if you want to take to the trails, we have you covered with an option for a late afternoon hike.
But, first, Bathhouse Row.
Morning at Hot Springs National Park
With Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and an ornately tiled dome, Quapaw Baths gives major resort vibes — and after your soak, you’ll feel it.
A quick breakfast and a long soak
How much time to spend: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Highlight
Quapaw Baths & Spa (first opened 1922)
Quick breakfast
Structure the first part of your day at Hot Springs National Park around one simple goal: Be in line by 9 a.m. for a soak in the thermal water at Quapaw Baths & Spa.
That means breakfast may need to be relatively quick.
Eat at your lodging before you head out. Or grab something to go from a local spot, such as Hideaway Coffee Café. You can always nosh while waiting in line.
Just keep it light. Soak right after a big meal and you may come away with a bellyache.
Also take it easy on the caffeine.
That second cup might sound tempting. But caffeine and the baths are a double whammy for dehydration, which can make you dizzy, lower your blood pressure and cause headaches.
And we wouldn’t want that. Not when we’re trying to have a good time exploring Hot Springs National Park.
Quapaw Baths
Ages 14 and up
Quapaw doesn’t open their doors until 10 a.m. And they won’t let you in even a minute early, unless you’ve booked a spa service, such as a private mineral bath and massage. Prices start around $125 — a little splurge-y.
The public baths, on the other hand, are about $32.50 per person with tax.
That gets you access to locker rooms (separate for men and women,) a towel and four coed bathing pools (swimsuit and nonslip pool shoes required), plus a café and lounge area.
Why line up at 9 a.m.? Easy. Being early helps ensure you’re one of the first in the pools. They let 80 people in at a time.
Once you’re in, you can stay all day. Or until last call at 5:45 p.m.
If you’re 81st or higher in line or you arrive later when the baths are full, you can only go in once another bather leaves. There’s no reliable way to estimate the wait time.
So go early and avoid the hassle.
The line forms outside on the north veranda — under the open archways to the left of the striped awnings as you face the building from the sidewalk.
What to bring to Quapaw Bathhouse
Need pool shoes or a swimsuit refresh? How about a wet bag to put your suit in afterward? Our Quapaw Baths collection on RockPorch features gear from REI that’s perfect for your soak. Browse or shop now!
If you make a purchase, we may receive a small referral commission. You won’t pay anything extra.
Midday at Hot Springs National Park
History, hops and thermal water
How much time to spend: 2 to 3 hours
Highlights
National Park Visitor Center and Museum
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Hot Water Cascade
After leaving Quapaw, turn right onto the main sidewalk.
National Park Visitor Center and Museum
Formerly the Fordyce Bathhouse (opened 1915)
More than 8,000 pieces of glass form Neptune’s Daughter, glowing from the ceiling above the de Soto fountain in the men’s bath hall at Fordyce Bathhouse.
Free to explore, the visitor center spans three floors accessible by elevator or stairs. You’ll learn about the hot springs, the town and the people who once visited and worked at the baths.
You can also get your Hot Springs National Park stamp, watch a short film or join a ranger-led walk.
As you ramble through the former bathing facilities, take note of how different the men’s and women’s sides are. Both have rows and rows of dressing rooms with private changing stalls.
But only on the men’s side is there a fountain depicting Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, thought to have visited the area in the 1540s. Sitting under a stained-glass skylight, it’s surrounded by loungers and bathing stalls.
The women’s side has some small stained-glass panels but nothing as swanky as that. Hmph.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Formerly the Superior Bathhouse (opened 1916)
Our 4-ounce pours at Superior Bathhouse Brewery came with a view — people passing by on Bathhouse Row and traffic along Central Avenue.
After leaving the visitor center, turn right onto the main sidewalk.
The brewery is worth a stop for two key reasons. It’s the only one located in a national park. And, apparently, the only one in the world to use thermal spring water in their brewing process.
To be clear, the National Park Service (NPS) doesn’t run the brewery or make the beer. They simply lease the building to a brewer who does.
We sampled 4-ounce pours of the Northwoods West Coast IPA (thumbs up — nice and bitter) and Space Force hazy IPA (thumbs down — the lactose is funky).
For nibbles, we shared the soft pretzel (just try to resist after watching them spin enticingly in their display case) and a smash burger with sweet potato waffle fries. The bacon horseradish dip with the pretzel was a delight. The funnel cake dipping sauce with the fries, kind of strange, honestly.
Note: Be careful drinking alcohol, as you may be dehydrated from the baths.
Hot Water Cascade
Thermal water from one of the park’s many springs collects in two holding pools at the Hot Water Cascade. Dip your hand in slowly — the water comes to the surface at about 140 degrees. No swimming or wading allowed.
After leaving the brewery, turn right onto the main sidewalk.
There’s no place to bathe outdoors at Hot Springs National Park. Bummer, right?
And most of the hot springs are covered up to prevent you from doing so. But at least you can see one on the north end of Bathhouse Row.
At the Hot Water Cascade on Arlington Lawn, across from the Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa, thermal water makes its way down the rocky hillside into a pair of manmade pools.
Go ahead and give the water a temperature check with your finger or hand. Just go slow — it’s hot.
Afternoon at Hot Springs National Park
A grand stroll, a bottle fill, an iconic sign and some swag
How much time to spend: 2 to 2.5 hours
Highlights
The Grand Promenade
Thermal water fountain
Hot Springs National Park sign
Bathhouse Row Emporium
The Grand Promenade
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Designated a National Recreational Trail in 1982, the Grand Promenade took more than 20 years to complete. It began taking shape in 1933, but funding delays pushed its completion to 1957.
Access the Grand Promenade from the stairs going up from Arlington Lawn or the ramp at Fountain Street.
This wide, brick-lined path cuts through the hillside behind Bathhouse Row. It’s relatively flat, stretching for about a half-mile between Fountain and Reserve streets in downtown Hot Springs. But warning: The sun can be a little intense at times.
Look west over Bathhouse Row and beyond to West Mountain with its scenic drive and hiking trails. (Stay an extra day if you want to explore those.)
Around the halfway point, you’ll see spring boxes dotting the eastern hillside. Each box covers either the point where a hot spring surfaces or else equipment that helps pump the thermal water into the bathhouses.
More than 100 years ago, when the springs on this hillside were uncovered, you may have come across a rather different scene.
Not everyone could afford the bathhouses. Those who couldn’t soaked outside in makeshift baths so they, too, could experience the thermal water.
It was thought to have some pretty powerful healing properties.
Thermal water fountain
One of the most coveted souvenirs from Hot Springs National Park doesn’t cost a thing: thermal mineral water. This fountain on Reserve Street, between Bathhouse Row and the Grand Promenade, makes it easy to fill a jug or growler.
Turn right after going down the Grand Promenade south stairs.
Once you’ve completed the Grand Promenade, there’s still a little of Bathhouse Row left to enjoy.
But first, check out the thermal water fountain on Reserve Street.
This is one of several places on or near Bathhouse Row where you can fill a container with the town’s famous thermal water — a free and practical souvenir.
Yes, you can drink the Hot Springs National Park water, as well as bathe in it.
But you can’t fill up containers of it to sell. At least, you’re not supposed to.
Be sure your container is safe for hot liquids.
Hot Springs National Park sign
Bonnie and Clyde marked their first-ever visit to a national park by posing with the NPS sign in Hot Springs.
At the corner of Central Avenue and Reserve Street
No national park visit is complete without a picture of or with the iconic sign.
The best time for a photo here is usually between mid-afternoon and early evening — it faces southwest.
Try for around 2:30 or 3 p.m. Later in the spring and summer would also be fine. Perhaps even earlier at the start of winter.
Note: There’s another national park sign at the opposite end of Bathhouse Row. It faces northwest, with Arlington Lawn in the background.
Bathhouse Row Emporium
Glass growlers for sale at the park’s gift shop can hold 64 ounces of spring water.
Formerly the Lamar Bathhouse (opened 1923)
Head back up Bathhouse Row.
If you love a good gift shop — especially a national park gift shop — this stop is for you.
It has all the usual park swag, including books, stickers and shirts.
Plus, glass growlers in case you’d like some spring water to go. Backtrack to the fountain on Reserve Street if you buy one to fill up.
There’s also a fun photo op moment inside an old bathtub.
If your pup is with you, they can get their Bark Ranger badge here.
Late afternoon / evening at Hot Springs National Park
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A hand-carved stone fountain rests in an alcove of the ornate Grand Promenade staircase, dating back to the 1890s.
A short hike or mountain drive
How much time to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours
Now that you’ve seen what Bathhouse Row is all about, why not see it — and the surrounding area, including the Ouachita Mountains — from above?
You can either continue on foot or hop in your car, but there are a few things to know first.
Driving Hot Springs Mountain
The drive up Hot Springs Mountain behind Bathhouse Row is one way up and one way down — and limited to vehicles 30 feet long or shorter. Larger vehicles aren’t allowed.
The route up is about 1.5 miles with seven switchbacks along Hot Springs Mountain Drive. The way down is similar in distance, with four switchbacks.
Hiking Hot Springs Mountain
Peak Trail, a steep paved-then-gravel trail that’s 0.6 mile one way, starts on the west side of the Grand Promenade.
From Bathhouse Row, walk along the north side of Fordyce Bathhouse to Shell Fountain, a charming historic drinking fountain. Then go up the Grand Promenade staircase.
Cross the promenade and look for the trailhead sign on the hillside to your left.
Mountain Tower
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Take the stairs or elevator to the top of Hot Springs Mountain Tower for 360-degree views from the enclosed and open-air observation decks. Hours vary by season.
Whether you go by car or on foot, you’ll end up in the same place: Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
There’s been an observation tower on Hot Springs Mountain since 1877. This third iteration was built in 1982.
Ride (or walk) to the top for an extra 216 feet of elevation and even better views. There’s also a gift shop if you haven’t yet gotten your fill of Hot Springs swag.
General admission for the tower is currently $13 per person. Last entry is at 4:30 p.m. in winter and 7:30 p.m. in spring, summer, and fall.
Linger for sunset before heading back down — but don’t stay too long if you’re on foot. Hiking down in the dark sounds a little dicey.
Late evening / nighttime at Hot Springs National Park
Dinner and a nightcap
How much time to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours
To wrap up your day at Hot Springs National Park, grab dinner on Bathhouse Row, in a charming garden or at a local pizza fav. Then, head to a former speakeasy with an infamous past for a nightcap before turning in.
Dinner options in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Dinner at Eden inside Hotel Hale gives you another chance to soak up the ambience of Bathhouse Row.
Eden at Hotel Hale
On Bathhouse Row
If you haven’t yet had enough of the historic bathhouses, have dinner in one at Eden in Hotel Hale (formerly the Hale Bathhouse, opened 1892).
It’s a touch swanky but don’t worry, you can dress casually.
Eden’s dinner menu ranges from surprising (vegan wings, eggplant fries) to classic (Caesar salad, pasta) to upscale (surf & turf).
Bar, table and indoor garden seating
Currently open Thursday through Tuesday
Takes reservations
Rolando's Nuevo Latino Restaurante
Just north of Bathhouse Row
It’s good vibes only in the outdoor garden at Rolando's Nuevo Latino Restaurante — at least when the weather cooperates. String lights wrap around the trees, greenery drapes down the stone walls and live music sometimes fills the air.
It’s one of the most charming restaurant gardens you’ll find anywhere.
Start with the queso flamado (flaming cheese). Then move on to enchiladas, burritos and more.
Table and outdoor garden seating
Currently open daily
No reservations
SQZBX Pizza
Just south of Bathhouse Row
Settle into a comfy booth at SQZBX Pizza and order a pitcher of something hoppy. Next up: cheesy garlic knots and pepperoni chips. Then dig into a main course of salad (if you must) and pizza.
They have all the standard pizza toppings, plus standouts like spinach, kalamata olives, feta cheese and roasted garlic.
Bar, booth, table and patio seating
Currently open Thursday through Tuesday
No reservations
Nightcap in Hot Springs, Arkansas
When the Ohio Club first opened in 1905, you may have spotted a horse and buggy out front — but certainly not a car.
The Ohio Club
Across from Bathhouse Row
The Ohio Club, open since 1905, is billed as the oldest bar in Arkansas. Not a bad claim to fame.
But it’s the famous faces that really put this place on the map. Infamous gangster Al Capone, baseball great Babe Ruth and iconic actress Mae West all spent time here.
Stop in for a nightcap and become part of that legacy — if only for a little while.
Bar and table seating
Currently open daily
No reservations
Where to stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Campsites, vacation homes, hotel rooms — Hot Springs, Arkansas, has lodging options for all types of travelers. We’ve done a little digging to help kickstart your search.
Details are current as of April 2026. Be sure to read the latest reviews and policies before you book your Hot Springs stay, as things can change. If you book a vacation home or hotel room using one of our links, we may receive a small referral commission. You won’t pay anything extra.
Where to set up camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Site D22 at Hot Springs National Park KOA Holiday offers a distant view of Hot Springs Mountain Tower (not shown) and a great spot to watch the sunset (reflected in Camper Van Beethoven). The site sits along McClendon Road and includes a small fenced dog area.
There are no campsites within walking distance of Bathhouse Row, but these four campgrounds are all less than a 10-minute drive away.
Gulpha Gorge Campground — 40 campsites
Hot Springs National Park
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Google Maps
Electric, water and sewer hookups
Reservations for the month open 6 months prior
Pet-friendlyHot Springs National Park KOA Holiday — campsites and cabins
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Google Maps
Hookups and other amenities vary by site
Book up to 11 months in advance
Pet-friendlyHot Springs Campground & RV Park — 49 campsites and 9 cabins
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Google Maps
Electric, water and sewer hookups
Book up to 8 months in advance
Pet-friendlyJ&J RV Park — 46 campsites
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Google Maps
Electric, water and sewer hookups
Book up to 12 months in advance
Pet-friendly
Top-rated vacation homes in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Studio with king bed — sleeps 2
Rated 10 out of 10 on VRBO
Walk to Bathhouse Row in 2 minutes
Pet-friendlyLoft with two king beds — sleeps 4
Rated 10 out of 10 on VRBO
Walk to Bathhouse Row in 10 minutes
Pet-friendlyHistoric bungalow — sleeps 7
Rated 10 out of 10 on VRBO
Walk to Bathhouse Row in 10 minutes
Pet-friendlyEntire home with hot tub — sleeps 10
Rated 10 out of 10 on VRBO
Drive to Bathhouse Row in 2 minutes
Pet-friendlyVictorian home — sleeps 15
Rated 10 out of 10 on VRBO
Walk to Bathhouse Row in 10 minutes
Pet-friendly
Hotel rooms in in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Holiday Inn Express — rooms for up to 6 people
Rated 9 out of 10 on Expedia
Drive to Bathhouse Row in 10 minutes
Pet-friendlyHotel Hot Springs — rooms for up to 4 people
Rated 8.8 out of 10 on Expedia
Walk to Bathhouse Row in 7 minutes
Service animals onlyEmbassy Suites by Hilton — rooms for up to 6 people
Rated 8.6 out of 10 on Expedia
Walk to Bathhouse Row in 8 minutes
Pet-friendlyArlington Resort Hotel and Spa — rooms for up to 4 people
Rated 7.8 out of 10 on Expedia
Walk to Bathhouse Row in 3 minutes
Pet-friendly
Timed itinerary for a 1-day trip to Hot Springs National Park
Fordyce Bathhouse, opened in 1915, is now the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center — still full of life more than a century later.
If you’re the type of person who prefers a timed itinerary, give this a try.
Just remember, it doesn’t matter if you see or do everything. It only matters if you have a good time.
Because travel should light you up, not stress you out.
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Quapaw Baths & Spa
Keep breakfast light — and quick, unless you’re up early — and get in line at Quapaw Bathhouse by 9 a.m. That positions you to be among the first bathers when they open at 10 a.m.11:45 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.
National Park Visitor Center and Museum
Get your Hot Springs National Park stamp. Then, walk around learning all about the celebrated waters and evolution of Bathhouse Row.12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Grab some lunch and a taster-size beer or two at the only brewery in a national park.1:45 to 1:55 p.m.
Hot Water Cascade
Enjoy a brief pause to listen to (and watch) thermal water splashing into a manmade pool.2 to 2:45 p.m.
The Grand Promenade
Stroll the half-mile, brick-lined path modeled off Paseo del Prado in Havana, Cuba.2:50 to 2:55 p.m.
Thermal water fountain
Fill a bottle or two with thermal mineral water to take with you.3 to 3:10 p.m.
Hot Springs National Park sign
Get a mandatory photo with the iconic sign. Lighting is usually best later in the afternoon.3:15 to 3:45 p.m.
Bathhouse Row Emporium
Shop for gifts — it’s ok if they’re for you — in the national park store.4 to 5:30 p.m.
Mountain Tower
Hike or drive to Mountain Tower, with the option of going up into the tower. Plan your trip for mid- to late-spring, summer or early fall if you plan to hike. It will be too dark for an afternoon hike in winter.6 to 8 p.m.
Dinner and nightcap
Enjoy a nice meal and then settle in for a nightcap at a bar with a storied past.
With its mix of history, bathhouses and outdoor fun, Hot Springs is unlike any other national park in the U.S. It’s not rugged and remote like some of the most popular parks, but it has its own charm — and plenty of reasons to visit.
Bonus: Its small size means you can hit all the must-see spots in a single day.
Or stay longer and take it all in at a slower pace.
Book a massage or linger in the pools at Quapaw Bathhouse. Try a few more restaurants. Catch the sunrise at the end of Goat Rock Trail. Wander through Garvan Woodland Gardens.
No matter how long you stay, Hot Springs won’t feel like just another checkmark on your national park list. It’ll feel like a delightful treasure. Like stepping into the past. Like a place you’ll urge all your friends: You have to go!
So go forth, explore and have fun — responsibly, of course. Be kind, don’t litter and support the local businesses and people who make this place special.
