With Hot Springs National Park right in our backyard, there are hiking opportunities just minutes from delicious restaurants and shops in downtown Hot Springs. See the itinerary below to enjoy a day outdoors and exploring Historic Downtown Hot Springs.
9:00 a.m.
Park your vehicle at the Exchange Street Parking Plaza, or at the Hot Springs Visitors Center and don’t plan to use it again until you’re ready to go home! Then walk to one of downtown’s breakfast joints, like Colonial Pancake & Waffle House or The Pancake Shop, and fill up with a high-carb tall stack. Extra syrup please!
10:15 a.m.
Fill up your water bottles with delicious spring water! Hot Springs is known for its thermal springs, but there are a few cold springs as well. The cold water jug fountains are located on Whittington Avenue (convenient to the West Mountain hiking trails), and on Fountain Street (convenient to the Hot Springs and North Mountain hiking trails).
10:30 a.m.
Time to hit the trails! Check out the 26 miles of trails in Hot Springs National Park, many of which are accessible right from downtown. There is no gate or entrance fee, so just stroll on in! The three trail systems include North Mountain, West Mountain, and the more remote Sunset Trail which connects to the Northwoods Trail System. Some of our favorite spots to find are Balanced Rock, Goat Rock and the North Mountain Pagoda. Not fond of long hikes? Then stroll The Promenade, an easy and scenic paved trail located directly behind Bathhouse Row. Trail maps are available online and at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum.
1:30 p.m.
Time to rehydrate and refuel! Grab a beer brewed with Hot Springs’ thermal spring water at Superior Bathhouse Brewery and enjoy some of their delicious farm to table fare.
3:00 p.m.
Soothe your sore muscles with a relaxing soak in Hot Springs’ therapeutic thermal waters. While the majority of the bathhouses have been repurposed, two still operate as spas, each with their own unique qualities: Quapaw Baths & Spa and the Buckstaff Bathhouse. Enjoy private baths and public pools at Quapaw Baths & Spa, or the traditional bathing experience at the Buckstaff Bathhouse. Both offer massages and other spa services as well.
5:00 p.m.
Now that you’re feeling refreshed, it’s time to hit the town for an early dinner. Popular restaurants along Central Avenue in the heart of downtown include Deluca’s Pizzaria, Diablos Tacos & Mezcal, Rolando's Restaurante, Brick House Grill, The Porterhouse, and The Ohio Club.
7:00 p.m.
Need something sweet after dinner? Visit one of the delicious sweet shops in downtown Hot Springs for ice cream, candy, fudge, or caramel apples including, Kilwin's, Mamoo's Creamery, Chill & Go, or Pour Some Sugar On Me Sweet Shoppe. After your tasty treat, reunite with your car and a long list of all the things you want to do next time you’re in town!
