Thom’s Hot Springs Guidebook
Local Food Scene
420eats Food Truck Court has something delicious for everyone in the family. Enjoy hibachi, tacos, or southern comfort food with lots of fun games such as ping pong, giant connect four and more. They also have a stage with live music every weekend and a backstage bar that serves local beer, wine and cider.
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420 Eats
420 Malvern Avenue420eats Food Truck Court has something delicious for everyone in the family. Enjoy hibachi, tacos, or southern comfort food with lots of fun games such as ping pong, giant connect four and more. They also have a stage with live music every weekend and a backstage bar that serves local beer, wine and cider.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery is the only brewery in a National Park. They make both beer and root beer using Hot Springs' famous thermal springs water. Much of their food is sourced from local farms and they have delicious pub fare.
This year they opened up their beer garden on Arlington lawn where there is no wait for a pint and they have giant beer pong.
My favorite of their regular beers is the Spaceforce Hazy IPA, but those who like lighter beers will love the Madden, (which is named after infamous gangster owney Madden and was based on his original beer recipe during prohibition).
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Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery
329 Central AveSuperior Bathhouse Brewery is the only brewery in a National Park. They make both beer and root beer using Hot Springs' famous thermal springs water. Much of their food is sourced from local farms and they have delicious pub fare.
This year they opened up their beer garden on Arlington lawn where there is no wait for a pint and they have giant beer pong.
My favorite of their regular beers is the Spaceforce Hazy IPA, but those who like lighter beers will love the Madden, (which is named after infamous gangster owney Madden and was based on his original beer recipe during prohibition).
What's better than delectable Mexican fare and a frosty margarita? How about delectable Mexican fare and a frosty margarita while being served on a dock on Lake Hamilton! You can arrive by car or boat and they have live music on the weekends. Salud!
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Trejo's Mexican Restuant
4904 Central AveWhat's better than delectable Mexican fare and a frosty margarita? How about delectable Mexican fare and a frosty margarita while being served on a dock on Lake Hamilton! You can arrive by car or boat and they have live music on the weekends. Salud!
Looking for a memorable brunch steps away from Bathhouse Row? The pancake shop is a Hot Springs breakfast institution. Just make sure to get there early if you want to indulge in their fine flapjacks, as they are very popular and often have a line.
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The Pancake Shop
216 Central AveLooking for a memorable brunch steps away from Bathhouse Row? The pancake shop is a Hot Springs breakfast institution. Just make sure to get there early if you want to indulge in their fine flapjacks, as they are very popular and often have a line.
The rooftop bar and grill is located on the roof of the Waters Hotel on Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs across from Bathhouse Row. Go in the hotel and take the elevator to the top.
This is our favorite place to grab an evening cocktail and look down on the city. Best city view downtown for sure.
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The Rooftop Bar
340 Central AveThe rooftop bar and grill is located on the roof of the Waters Hotel on Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs across from Bathhouse Row. Go in the hotel and take the elevator to the top.
This is our favorite place to grab an evening cocktail and look down on the city. Best city view downtown for sure.
Top-notch traditional German Fare such as brats, pretzels, and weinerschnitzel with a cute little courtyard beer garden. If you love German and Belgian beer, Steinhaus Keller has the best selection in town.
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Steinhaus Keller
801 Central AveTop-notch traditional German Fare such as brats, pretzels, and weinerschnitzel with a cute little courtyard beer garden. If you love German and Belgian beer, Steinhaus Keller has the best selection in town.
Best seafood in Hot Springs with an oyster bar as well as a full bar. You can approach this restaurant by car or boat and their shaded lake Hamilton dock patio seating is where it is at for ambiance!
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Fisherman's Wharf
5101 Central AveBest seafood in Hot Springs with an oyster bar as well as a full bar. You can approach this restaurant by car or boat and their shaded lake Hamilton dock patio seating is where it is at for ambiance!
This locally owned Mexican restaurant has an amazing brunch and some really great modern spins on traditional latin cuisine. The have indoor and outdoor seating and great margaritas!
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Taco Mama
1209 Malvern AveThis locally owned Mexican restaurant has an amazing brunch and some really great modern spins on traditional latin cuisine. The have indoor and outdoor seating and great margaritas!
The Bugler is our top High End Dining Recommendation. They are located in the famous Oaklawn Casino. If you want to dress to impress and go out on a fancy date night, this is the place.
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The Bugler
2705 Central AveThe Bugler is our top High End Dining Recommendation. They are located in the famous Oaklawn Casino. If you want to dress to impress and go out on a fancy date night, this is the place.
SQZBX Pizza and Brewery was started by a local couple. They also started a solar powered radio station next door. We love sitting in the cute backdoor patio on a nice day. In addition to excellent pizza they make, (in my opinion), the best salads in all of Hot Springs!
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SQZBX
236 Ouachita AveSQZBX Pizza and Brewery was started by a local couple. They also started a solar powered radio station next door. We love sitting in the cute backdoor patio on a nice day. In addition to excellent pizza they make, (in my opinion), the best salads in all of Hot Springs!
Grateful Head is on the alley right behind Central downtown across from Bathhouse Row. They are a Hot Springs Pizza Institution with delicious pies, salads and local brews.
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Grateful Head Pizza Oven and Beer Garden
100 Exchange StGrateful Head is on the alley right behind Central downtown across from Bathhouse Row. They are a Hot Springs Pizza Institution with delicious pies, salads and local brews.
There is some great asian cuisine at the 420 Food Truck court, but Pho Hoang My is the best sit down Vietnamese in all of Hot Springs! Love their soups and their appetizers!
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Pho Hoang My - Vietnamese Food and Coffee
608 E Grand AveThere is some great asian cuisine at the 420 Food Truck court, but Pho Hoang My is the best sit down Vietnamese in all of Hot Springs! Love their soups and their appetizers!
These local roasters make the best cup O Joe in Hot Springs!
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Brick City Slice House
765 Park AveThese local roasters make the best cup O Joe in Hot Springs!
Hot Springs National Park Sites and Trails
Hot Springs Reservation was protected in 1832 by President Andrew Jackson before the National Park Service ever existed. Some say this makes it the oldest National Park in the nation, (even older than Yellowstone).
I have hiked every trail in the park and experienced every bathhouse, all the springs and other sites. This is a collection of my favorite things to see and trails in Hot Springs National Park.
The Fordyce opened March 1, 1915 and it was the most expensive and prestigious of all the bathhouses in it's time. It was built by Samual Fordyce an ex-union soldier who came to the famous hot spring's healing waters to nurse his wounds after the Civil War.
It is the largest bathhouse on the Row. It has three main floors, two courtyards, and a basement under most of the building. The Fordyce became the first bathhouse on the Row to go out of business when it suspended operations on June 30, 1962, but it was extensively restored by 1989 and is now enjoying a renaissance as a historically furnished museum.
From 9AM - 5PM everyday you can go on a free self-guided tour of all four floors. You can also talk to a Park Ranger and get more information about the National Park and it's many trails and sights.
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Fordyce Bathhouse
369 Central AveThe Fordyce opened March 1, 1915 and it was the most expensive and prestigious of all the bathhouses in it's time. It was built by Samual Fordyce an ex-union soldier who came to the famous hot spring's healing waters to nurse his wounds after the Civil War.
It is the largest bathhouse on the Row. It has three main floors, two courtyards, and a basement under most of the building. The Fordyce became the first bathhouse on the Row to go out of business when it suspended operations on June 30, 1962, but it was extensively restored by 1989 and is now enjoying a renaissance as a historically furnished museum.
From 9AM - 5PM everyday you can go on a free self-guided tour of all four floors. You can also talk to a Park Ranger and get more information about the National Park and it's many trails and sights.
Our houses have arguably the best views of the valley you can get, but if there is one place that may have a better view, it is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, (you can see it from our porch on Hot Springs Mountain across the valley in the distance).
From 6AM - 10PM you can drive up Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive, (which begins at the end of Fountain Street right by the Arlington Hotel). Near the top there is parking for the tower.
It costs $10 to go up. On the top level you get a 360 degree view of the entire valley. One level below, they have many exhibits that teach you fun facts about the park as well as the cities colorful baseball and gangster history. The bottom level has a souvenir shop and drinks.
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Hot Springs Mountain Tower
401 Hot Springs Mountain DrOur houses have arguably the best views of the valley you can get, but if there is one place that may have a better view, it is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, (you can see it from our porch on Hot Springs Mountain across the valley in the distance).
From 6AM - 10PM you can drive up Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive, (which begins at the end of Fountain Street right by the Arlington Hotel). Near the top there is parking for the tower.
It costs $10 to go up. On the top level you get a 360 degree view of the entire valley. One level below, they have many exhibits that teach you fun facts about the park as well as the cities colorful baseball and gangster history. The bottom level has a souvenir shop and drinks.
Quapaw is one of two bathhouses on the row that still operates as a bathhouse. It has been renovated to be more modern and has a communal soaking area with multiple pools as well as private baths. They also offer massages and other spa treatments and have a small cafe.
They are open 10AM - 6PM Wednesday - Monday, (CLOSED Tuesdays). Definitely call ahead of time if you want a massage or any kind of special treatment as they often book out way in advance.
For walk in soaks, I recommend arriving the day you want to soak at least half an hour before they open to guarantee you get in with the first group. 14 years old and older.
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Quapaw Baths & Spa
413 Central AveQuapaw is one of two bathhouses on the row that still operates as a bathhouse. It has been renovated to be more modern and has a communal soaking area with multiple pools as well as private baths. They also offer massages and other spa treatments and have a small cafe.
They are open 10AM - 6PM Wednesday - Monday, (CLOSED Tuesdays). Definitely call ahead of time if you want a massage or any kind of special treatment as they often book out way in advance.
For walk in soaks, I recommend arriving the day you want to soak at least half an hour before they open to guarantee you get in with the first group. 14 years old and older.
This is the only bathhouse on Bathhouse Row that has never closed since it opened in 1912. They still offer the traditional treatments that they offered back during the heydays of hydrotherapy. Reservation Only! A bathing attendant takes you through the whole historic healing process. This includes a steam chamber, sitz baths, mini-massage, needle shower, bath, and wrapping you towels afterwards.
They are open 8 AM - 3PM everyday. 14 years old and older.
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Buckstaff Bathhouse
509 Central AveThis is the only bathhouse on Bathhouse Row that has never closed since it opened in 1912. They still offer the traditional treatments that they offered back during the heydays of hydrotherapy. Reservation Only! A bathing attendant takes you through the whole historic healing process. This includes a steam chamber, sitz baths, mini-massage, needle shower, bath, and wrapping you towels afterwards.
They are open 8 AM - 3PM everyday. 14 years old and older.
The Hot Water Cascade is Hot Springs National Park's biggest of two open display springs that you can see in the park. The thermal waters on Hot Springs Mountain come out at an average of 142 degrees, so touch the water with caution. No bathing is allowed except in the bathhouses.
This water trickling down the rock face into two pools is 4400 years old and fell to the earth as rain when the pyramids of Egypt were being built!
This spring is located in Arlington lawn right across from the Historic Arlington hotel.
Hot Spring above Ground in Park
The Hot Water Cascade is Hot Springs National Park's biggest of two open display springs that you can see in the park. The thermal waters on Hot Springs Mountain come out at an average of 142 degrees, so touch the water with caution. No bathing is allowed except in the bathhouses.
This water trickling down the rock face into two pools is 4400 years old and fell to the earth as rain when the pyramids of Egypt were being built!
This spring is located in Arlington lawn right across from the Historic Arlington hotel.
This scenic drive is open from 6 AM - 10 PM everyday and has many pull-off points and beautiful overlooks. There are several parking areas where you can access many of the trails and you don't have to hike all the way up the mountain to get to them. It also has several great picnic areas with grills.
The Hot Springs Mountain tower is also at the top of this drive.
Hot Springs Mountain Drive
Hot Springs Mountain DriveThis scenic drive is open from 6 AM - 10 PM everyday and has many pull-off points and beautiful overlooks. There are several parking areas where you can access many of the trails and you don't have to hike all the way up the mountain to get to them. It also has several great picnic areas with grills.
The Hot Springs Mountain tower is also at the top of this drive.
West Mountain Scenic Drive is open from 6 AM - 10 PM and it is the best place in the park to view sunset. It has several picnic areas and it's parking areas connect to all the West Mountain Trails
West Mountain Drive
West Mountain DriveWest Mountain Scenic Drive is open from 6 AM - 10 PM and it is the best place in the park to view sunset. It has several picnic areas and it's parking areas connect to all the West Mountain Trails
The grand promenade is a half mile paved brick trail that sits up in the hillside and runs parallel to Central Avenue downtown and Bathhouse row. It is a beautiful, shaded trail that is accessible to those with disabilities and can be accessed by ramps on fountain street and behind the Fordyce Bathhouse. There is also a staircase entrance near the Administration Building on the corner of Central and Reserve St.
If you combine this trail with Bathhouse Row it is a lovely one mile loop where you will get to see many of the dozens of spring boxes they installed in the 1950s to protect the source water.
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The Grand Promenade
The Grand PromenadeThe grand promenade is a half mile paved brick trail that sits up in the hillside and runs parallel to Central Avenue downtown and Bathhouse row. It is a beautiful, shaded trail that is accessible to those with disabilities and can be accessed by ramps on fountain street and behind the Fordyce Bathhouse. There is also a staircase entrance near the Administration Building on the corner of Central and Reserve St.
If you combine this trail with Bathhouse Row it is a lovely one mile loop where you will get to see many of the dozens of spring boxes they installed in the 1950s to protect the source water.
The Hot Springs National Park Book Store is located in the Lamar Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row. They sell park souvenirs, books, games and even jugs, which you can fill up there to taste the 4400 year old thermal water.
This is also where you can buy National Park passes.
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Bathhouse Soapery
366 Central AveThe Hot Springs National Park Book Store is located in the Lamar Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row. They sell park souvenirs, books, games and even jugs, which you can fill up there to taste the 4400 year old thermal water.
This is also where you can buy National Park passes.
Whittington Spring is the most alkaline of the cold water springs where you can freely fill up your water bottles to "quaff the elixir" as they used to say in times past.
It is located on Whittington Avenue and is right across from Whittington Park which is a beautiful shaded park with a creek and a 1 mile flat looping sidewalk which is a great place to walk your dog while you drink the delicious spring water.
Whittington Spring
Whittington Spring is the most alkaline of the cold water springs where you can freely fill up your water bottles to "quaff the elixir" as they used to say in times past.
It is located on Whittington Avenue and is right across from Whittington Park which is a beautiful shaded park with a creek and a 1 mile flat looping sidewalk which is a great place to walk your dog while you drink the delicious spring water.
Goat Rock Trail by itself is a moderate 1.1 mile trail with a pretty sweet overlook. You have to connect to it through other trails.
I recommend a 2.5 mile loop that combines Goat Rock Trail and Upper Dogwood Trail, as well as a little bit of gulpha gorge trail, and Hot Springs Mountain Trail. This loop is fairly moderate, can be done with families and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
TRAILHEAD: I recommend passing the first big parking area on Hot Springs Mountain Drive and looking for a smaller parking area on the left, (right across from a little stone shelter).
From there take the Gulpha Gorge trail switchbacks down for about .3 miles until you see Goat rock trail on the left. After a mile of hiking on Goat Rock Trail you will see the 1 mile long Upper Dogwood Trail on your left. Take that until it ends at Hot Springs Mountain Trail. Take a left on Hot Springs Mountain Trail and shortly after you will arrive right back at your car.
Hike in the morning to stay cool and bring lots of water!
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Goat Rock Trail
Goat Rock Trail by itself is a moderate 1.1 mile trail with a pretty sweet overlook. You have to connect to it through other trails.
I recommend a 2.5 mile loop that combines Goat Rock Trail and Upper Dogwood Trail, as well as a little bit of gulpha gorge trail, and Hot Springs Mountain Trail. This loop is fairly moderate, can be done with families and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
TRAILHEAD: I recommend passing the first big parking area on Hot Springs Mountain Drive and looking for a smaller parking area on the left, (right across from a little stone shelter).
From there take the Gulpha Gorge trail switchbacks down for about .3 miles until you see Goat rock trail on the left. After a mile of hiking on Goat Rock Trail you will see the 1 mile long Upper Dogwood Trail on your left. Take that until it ends at Hot Springs Mountain Trail. Take a left on Hot Springs Mountain Trail and shortly after you will arrive right back at your car.
Hike in the morning to stay cool and bring lots of water!
If you are an adventurous person ready to do an all day 13.5 mile loop, then let's go! This is the longest trail in all of Hot Springs National Park. It goes over all 5 mountains and it is my favorite trail in the park.
There are several places you can begin this loop, (For more info ask a ranger at the Fordyce). Beginning at this location at the top of West Mountain starts you on the top of the ridgeline, but you end your hike with quite a bit of elevation gain going up west mountain.
I love this trail because it really gives you a full picture of the beautiful natural diversity Hot Springs National Park has to offer. You get to see geological formations, overlooks, creeks, old homesteads, an old dam, ricks pond and much more.
I recommend visiting the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center before you go on your hike and ask them for their free printout trail guide for sunset trail. There, a ranger can answer any questions you may have. You can also find more info here: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/sunset-trail.htm
After hiking this trail, my wife and I always go for a delicious thermal springs victory beer and some grub at Superior Bathhouse Brewery!
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Sunset Trail
201 Martingale DrIf you are an adventurous person ready to do an all day 13.5 mile loop, then let's go! This is the longest trail in all of Hot Springs National Park. It goes over all 5 mountains and it is my favorite trail in the park.
There are several places you can begin this loop, (For more info ask a ranger at the Fordyce). Beginning at this location at the top of West Mountain starts you on the top of the ridgeline, but you end your hike with quite a bit of elevation gain going up west mountain.
I love this trail because it really gives you a full picture of the beautiful natural diversity Hot Springs National Park has to offer. You get to see geological formations, overlooks, creeks, old homesteads, an old dam, ricks pond and much more.
I recommend visiting the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center before you go on your hike and ask them for their free printout trail guide for sunset trail. There, a ranger can answer any questions you may have. You can also find more info here: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/sunset-trail.htm
After hiking this trail, my wife and I always go for a delicious thermal springs victory beer and some grub at Superior Bathhouse Brewery!
Lake Hamilton
Rent a pontoon, ski boat, or jet ski and live your best lake life - Woohoo!
Make sure to call in advance to make sure you get the boat you want on the date you want.
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Hot Springs Marina
301 Lakeland DrRent a pontoon, ski boat, or jet ski and live your best lake life - Woohoo!
Make sure to call in advance to make sure you get the boat you want on the date you want.
Hill Wheatley Park
Free local park with a small swim beach, a dock, a boat ramp, and a 1 mile trail.
Best place to drive up your boat and grab a slice of pie and a beer. Great sunset views!
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Sam's Pizza Pub & Restaurant
401 Burchwood Bay RdBest place to drive up your boat and grab a slice of pie and a beer. Great sunset views!
If you wanna grab some fried American food, get a beer and watch the game. This brewery has three levels, all with TVs and it can be accessed from the lake by boat.
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Bubba Brews - On Lake Hamilton
1252 Airport RdIf you wanna grab some fried American food, get a beer and watch the game. This brewery has three levels, all with TVs and it can be accessed from the lake by boat.
Kahuna Bay Boat Rentals and Full-Service Marina is a family owned boat rental spot right next to our favorite Mexican restaurant on the lake, Trejos Del Lago.
They rent boats as well as skis, tubes and the like. Call in advance!
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Kahuna Bay
4904 Central AveKahuna Bay Boat Rentals and Full-Service Marina is a family owned boat rental spot right next to our favorite Mexican restaurant on the lake, Trejos Del Lago.
They rent boats as well as skis, tubes and the like. Call in advance!