Hot Springs
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is one of the best day trips from Arkansas for some rest and relaxation. The resort city is named after the area's natural heated springs, which have been enjoyed by residents and visitors for centuries. Whether you choose a rejuvenating spa treatment or a meditative walk in the woods, you'll leave Hot Springs feeling renewed in both body and mind.
Bathhouse Row, which was designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1987, provides insight into Hot Springs' history as a resort destination. The National Park Service manages the site, which includes eight bathhouse buildings built between 1892 and 1923. The majority of the structures have been repurposed, but the Buckstaff Bathhouse has been open since 1912 and continues to provide thermal treatments today. The modern spas in Hot Springs offer a wide range of treatments, from thermal baths to Swedish massage to Reiki healing.
If you prefer to unwind through exercise, head to Hot Springs National Park. The park has 26 miles of trails in total, and the forested surroundings will make you forget you're only a short distance from the city. Visitors can spend the night in nature at the park's Gulpha Gorge Campground, which also has areas for swimming and picnicking.
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
- Website: https://hotsprings.org/
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Admission: Free
- Location: Arkansas