Does this sound good to you?
awesome food
scenic hiking trails
relaxing thermal baths & cafes
Then you’ll LOVE Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Nestled right in the middle of the state, this small town not easy to reach.
Expect a 53 minute drive from Little Rock, Arkansas. But if you’re driving from the north or south of the state, brace for winding small country roads dominated by large pickup trucks (redneck heaven).
If you can make it through the crucible that is that drive, congratulations!
You’ve arrived at an oasis.
Why Visit Hot Springs, Arkansas?
Childhood home of Bill Clinton and home to countless thermal hot springs, this place is absolutely a hidden gem.
Deep in the middle of the nature state, and without any international airport nearby, it’s hard to access. That’s why it’s awesome. No big crowds. No hefty parking ticket prices.
I was BLOWN AWAY at how serene and quirky this little town is. But NOBODY talks about it. Why?
One reason might just be the long and winding drive to get there, shifting between one and two-lanes shared with obnoxious trucks.
That aside, is it worth going?
THE FINAL VERDICT:
YES. ABSOLUTELY! GO THERE ASAP!
Scenic Natural Hiking Trails that Offer Panoramic Skyline Views
This is the best reason to visit Hot Springs, Arkansas. There’s an abundance of hiking trails in the city which offer some spectacular, scenic views once you get to the top.
These take hours to hike. Allocate your time accordingly during your trip.
Avoid visiting the place during the winter season. It’s just not as pretty.
Relax in the Thermal Bath Houses
Most of them are kind of gross, if I’m being honest.
The communal baths are places that I’d avoid. Get a personal thermal shower. It’s cleaner, offers more privacy, and is more relaxing.
Cozy, Comfy Cafes to Lounge Around in
The coffee shop we went to was actually really nice, spacious, and comfortable. It’s at the tail-end of the strip.
The Best Food to Eat in Hot Springs, Arkansas
The food was shockingly good. I know I’m repeating myself about how “surprised” I was; but hey, it’s Arkansas. My expectations were realistically low. This town blew me away.
Hopefully these recommendations (once you try them) will change your mind on this little town!
Grateful Head Pizza Shop
Ignore the name for a moment. This place is actually GOOD. It’s well worth the visit. From the quality of ingredients and the beautiful terrace that you can sit under, to the excellent service (rare these days),
Avoid their beer. It’s watered down and low on alcohol volume. They brew their own but it just isn’t worth the money. You won’t even feel a buzz.
Mexican Food
I’m tempted to make the 5.5hr drive back JUST to eat at this restaurant. Where I’m from, we just don’t have good Tex-Mex cuisine. If you want descent mexican food, you better drive down to Texas or Oklahoma.
This place? It’s out of this world. Just about anything on the menu is good.
Bask in a Peaceful, Calming Atmosphere
The aura of the town is actually indescribable; it’s THE MOST peaceful and relaxed town I’ve ever visited in America – hands down.
Take a break from the stress-filled chaos of city life and bask in an atmosphere of serenity.
The thermal water fountains are open to the public. So bring a giant water jug from Walmart or Kroger and fill er up.
According to the locals, who have lived there for generations, it’s safe to drink.