“The town where nature checks you into the spa.”
That’s the magic of Hot Springs, Arkansas. A place where steaming thermal waters rise from the earth and history soaks through every stone.
Long before Gilded Age millionaires came to unwind here, Native American tribes treated these springs as sacred healing grounds. Later, gamblers, gangsters, and presidents would all stroll Bathhouse Row, drawn by its reputation for health, wealth, and a touch of mischief.
Today, Hot Springs National Park is the only park where trails lead through both forest and Downtown Areas. You’ll find mountain views, steaming fountains, and tiled bathhouses standing like time capsules from the 1920s.
With this self-guided driving and walking audio tour, you’ll explore both sides of the park—its wild beauty and its historic charm. On foot, you’ll stroll past iconic stops like Buckstaff Bathhouse, the Arlington Hotel, and Hotel Hale, learning how hydrotherapy, spring training, and bootlegging all converged here. Then hop in the car and wind up to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for sweeping views and cool breezes. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of exploration, geology, and the park’s surprising presidential past.
Highlights include the Grand Promenade, Gulpha Gorge, North Mountain Drive, and the peaceful Sunset Trail, perfect for ending the day on a quiet note.
Disclaimer: No velvet robes or cucumber water provided, just good stories and great views.
Download the Hot Springs National Park Trip Planner for more details on how to reach the park, must-see stops, best places to stay, when to visit, activities to do, packing tips, and more!