Spring always puts me in the mood to travel, so I want to share some recommendations for what to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas this time of year. I visited Hot Springs in April 2024 to join my dad, an astrophotographer, as he documented the total solar eclipse. It was a wonderful trip and I thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring the Hot Springs area.

Spring is an exceptionally beautiful season for popular Hot Springs activities like walking around the national park and Garvan Woodland Gardens. Are you visiting Arkansas in the near future? Save this guide to the top Hot Springs things to do so you can plan the ultimate travel itinerary!

What to Do in Hot Springs, Arkansas: 5 Fun Activities for All Ages

Stargaze

Did you know Hot Springs National Park and the Ouachita National Forest are considered fantastic places in Arkansas for stargazing? These Hot Springs spots offer clear and dark conditions that make them ideal for observing the night sky. Though you might not catch an eclipse like my dad and I, seeing the stars is still an incredible experience.

Check out my dad’s solar eclipse astrophotography here!

Explore Hot Springs National Park

Of course, you can’t go to Hot Springs without exploring the national park! It’s unlike any other national park I’ve visited because it’s situated in the heart of downtown Hot Springs. The highlight of Hot Springs National Park is Bathhouse Row, a series of buildings from the late 1800s.

These bathhouses are full of history and boast elegant architecture, making them a must-see when in Hot Springs. Two of them still offer baths to this day, so you can take a dip in the natural thermal springs if you want! Hot Springs National Park also has plenty of trails for outdoorsy folks eager to hike or bike. As a bonus, there’s no park entry fee.

Check Out Downtown Hot Springs

Make sure to stroll through downtown Hot Springs after seeing Bathhouse Row. It has lots of cute shops, restaurants, breweries, entertainment venues, and more. We didn’t spend a lot of time in downtown Hot Springs since we were only in town for a short visit, but I’d love to see more if I get a chance to return!

Admire the Area from Above

One activity we did make time for was Hot Springs Mountain Tower. It’s located within the national park but isn’t operated by the park service, so you’ll have to pay to go to the top. The tower is over 200 feet tall and offers sweeping views of the national park, downtown Hot Springs, and the Ouachita Mountains. You can climb over 300 stairs to the top like we did, or ride the elevator. Either way, it’s a lot of fun for the entire family and the perfect place to snap some photos.

Stroll Through Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens ended up being the highlight of my trip to Hot Springs. It’s a botanical garden run by the University of Arkansas that spans over 200 acres. The gardens are absolutely stunning with fields of flowers, towering pine forests, and miles of lakefront shoreline.

Garvan Woodland Gardens is also home to Anthony Chapel, a breathtaking building made of wood and glass. Sadly, the chapel was closed for a wedding when we visited, but even seeing it from afar was amazing. There are several other unique structures with distinct architecture that you might stumble across while wandering through the botanical garden.

What are your favorite things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas? Let me know in the comments so I can check them out during my next visit!