What to Do in Hot Springs, Arkansas | Hot Springs, AR Things to Do

February 28, 2025February 27, 2025Leave a comment

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

What to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

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!

My 2024 Highlights | Canyons, Eclipses, Moving, and More!

December 30, 2024December 30, 20241 Comment

Like many others, I’ve been reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future recently. With 2025 just around the corner, I was inspired to revisit and share some of my favorite memories from the past year. What were your highlights from 2024, and what are you excited about in 2025? I can’t wait to see what the new year has in store!

Staying at the Stanley Hotel

2024 highlights, by lifestyle blogger Wandering the Gap

I’ve wanted to spend a night at the Stanley Hotel (the inspiration behind Stephen King’s “The Shining”) for years, and it finally happened in 2024. My husband, Solomon, and I took an overnight trip there in February, and it was an unforgettable stay.

The hotel was beautifully spooky, and we had a fun time wandering around the property. I highly recommend staying there if you’re a fan of history, horror, or the paranormal.

Witnessing the Total Solar Eclipse

My dad is a phenomenal astrophotographer, so when he asked over a year ago if I’d be interested in traveling to Arkansas with him to see April’s total solar eclipse, I was immediately in! We found a cute and relaxing lakeside Airbnb in Hot Springs and he successfully captured the entire event.

Watching the world go dark was surreal and an insanely cool experience to share with my dad. We also checked out Hot Springs National Park and the Garvan Woodland Gardens, which were stunning.

Visiting Disney World + Universal Orlando

It might be a bit silly, but I made great memories during a trip to Disney World and Universal Orlando with friends earlier this year. I hadn’t been to Universal in over a decade and it was fun to revisit the resort. I enjoyed it so much that I recently returned for a one-day solo trip! Why not, right?

Driving from Georgia to Colorado

Solomon spent a few weeks working in Georgia over the summer, and we road-tripped back home to Colorado after he wrapped up. My best friend joined us and we had quite the eventful journey through Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. I loved having an excuse to spend quality time with some of my favorite people and explore new places.

Taking a Yoga Class at Red Rocks Amphitheater

Going to an event at Red Rocks Amphitheater was one of the top items on my Colorado bucket list. Sadly, things didn’t align for me to see a concert there, but I did attend a sunrise yoga class with a friend. It was 100% worth the early wake-up call and an amazing start to the day!

Selling Our House

At the beginning of 2024, Solomon and I knew we’d be moving out of state before the end of the year. That time officially came over the summer when we sold our home and prepared to move cross-country. If you’ve sold a house, you know how stressful it can be—we learned a lot of tough lessons throughout the process.

As frustrating as selling the house was at times, we were incredibly blessed to have a buyer go under contract the same day it hit the market! I’m grateful that everything worked out, even if there were some bumpy moments.

Going on a National Parks Adventure

One of my favorite experiences this year was going on a weekend adventure to four new national parks. Solomon and I visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Arches, Canyonlands, and Mesa Verde—it was a blast!

We went hiking, took a scenic off-road drive, and stayed in an adorable tiny house in Moab. I’d love to take a longer trip to the parks in the future for more sightseeing.

Spending Labor Day in Newport, Oregon

My parents live on the Oregon coast, so Solomon and I decided to visit over Labor Day weekend. I always enjoy going to Newport because there’s so much to do, from whale-watching to trying local foods, admiring tidal pools, and more.

The highlight of this trip for me was seeing my dad’s astrophotography exhibition at his local arts center. I’m so proud of him and his work never ceases to blow me away!

Moving to North Carolina

When September rolled around, Solomon and I said goodbye to Colorado and hit the road for North Carolina. It was an interesting experience, to say the least—we packed and moved everything out of the house and into a storage unit while staying in an Airbnb for two months, waiting for the military to decide when and where we’d be moving.

Once we got the green light for North Carolina, we moved everything out of the storage unit and into a freight truck to be shipped. We hitched my car to the back of Solomon’s truck, piled in with our belongings and Willie, our dog, and made our way across the country. There were some looong days on the road, but we made the most of it and got to see some friends along the way, too.

Getting Settled

We’ve been in North Carolina for a little over three months now and it’s definitely starting to feel like home. While no location is 100% perfect, there’s a lot to love about living in North Carolina. Our current house has much more outdoor space than our previous one, including a screen porch and a fenced-in backyard, which Willie loves.

The cost of living is significantly lower compared to Colorado, and we’ve already hosted friends and family several times. We’ve also been exploring the state and have taken trips to Carolina Beach and Hot Springs. After all the moving chaos, I’m so thankful we’re finally settled in a safe and comfortable living space that’s just right for us.

Cheers to 2025—I hope it’s your best year yet!

5 Most Underrated National Parks to Escape the Crowds

August 26, 2024August 25, 2024Leave a comment

These are some of the most underrated national parks in the U.S. where you can get off the beaten path and unwind in nature. Great Smoky Mountains, the country’s most-visited park, saw over 13 million visitors in 2023. That’s a recipe for busy trails, limited parking, and sitting in traffic when you should be out exploring. If you want to leave some of the crowds behind for a more authentic outdoor adventure, plan a trip to these underrated U.S. national parks.

Underrated national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

5. Great Sand Dunes – Colorado

Visit for: otherworldly landscapes, stargazing, photography

While most tourists head to Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes is also worth visiting. It’s dog-friendly, which is rare for national parks, and offers unique views of the dunes against distant mountain peaks.

Don’t underestimate how challenging it is to hike to the top of a dune—from there, you can try sand-boarding to the bottom. There’s plenty of room to spread out at Great Sand Dunes, so it never feels crowded, and you can stay past sunset to enjoy incredible stargazing.

4. Badlands – South Dakota

Visit for: wildlife, venturing off-trail, fossils

I consider the entire state of South Dakota underrated—especially Badlands National Park. From the striking rock formations to the fascinating exhibits on fossils and gems, the park has much to offer.

Watch for bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep while visiting. The Badlands are also one of the few outdoor areas where off-trail hiking is allowed, letting you wander to your heart’s desire.

3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Colorado

Visit for: dramatic viewpoints, intense hiking

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is another Colorado national park worth adding to your sightseeing itinerary. Admire sweeping overlooks of the canyon from accessible viewpoints, ideal for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. For a physical challenge, consider hiking into the canyon to gain a new perspective on the stunning natural area.

2. North Cascades – Washington

Visit for: rugged wilderness, year-round activities

I technically haven’t been to North Cascades National Park, but the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that borders it is one of my favorite places to hike in Washington. I’ve heard fantastic things about the North Cascades area and its hiking trails. It also gives visitors the opportunity to rock climb, bike, boat, and more.

1. Canyonlands – Utah

Visit for: epic views, off-roading

Many overlook Canyonlands for other Utah national parks like Arches and Zion—this vibrant desert area is as captivating as the Grand Canyon but far less popular. I visited over July 4 weekend and it was almost empty compared to Arches.

Canyonlands boasts picturesque viewpoints, hikes, and remote roads leading you through dramatic canyons. It will make you feel like you stepped onto the set of a thrilling Western movie!

Have you been to any of these underrated U.S. national parks? Let me know what you thought in the comments.

Looking for more national parks info? Check out my other travel guides:

Top 5 U.S. National Parks (Plus 3 On My Bucket List)

One Day in Yellowstone

Skyline Trail – Mount Rainier National Park

10 Best National Parks I’ve Visited (So Far)

July 22, 2024July 22, 20241 Comment

From Washington to South Dakota and everywhere in between, these are the 10 best national parks I’ve visited (so far). Over the years, I’ve seen 16 of the 63 national parks located throughout the United States. I’d love to visit them all someday, and I try to explore at least one new national park every year.

Regardless of how many national parks you’ve visited, I hope this inspires you to plan a trip of your own!

10. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Best national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado was a pleasant surprise. My husband and I visited during a road trip and had no expectations—we were blown away by the dramatic scenery. While I didn’t have much time to explore Black Canyon, I was in awe of the views from each overlook we stopped at.

I recommend visiting Black Canyon if you’re in the area, as it makes a great itinerary add-on. However, I don’t think centering an entire trip around the park is worth it unless you plan to do some serious hiking.

9. Badlands

Badlands National Park holds a special place in my heart, as I have family in South Dakota and first visited the area as a kid. I consider South Dakota a criminally underrated travel destination, and the Badlands are a must-visit.

Expect to see wildlife like bighorn sheep and bison, unique rock formations, and centuries of history while exploring the park. Don’t forget to visit the nearby town of Wall, a quirky location that’s famous worldwide.

8. Rocky Mountain

You can’t go to Colorado without seeing Rocky Mountain National Park. There are many beautiful hikes ranging from easy to strenuous, and the mountains are stunning year-round.

In the summer, you can swim in alpine lakes, while winter is the perfect time snowshoe or cross-country ski. Rocky Mountain is an excellent vacation spot for adventurers of all ages.

7. Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is another one that took me by surprise. I only spent 24 hours in the park, but it was an unforgettable experience. The rocky landscape looks otherworldly, and I loved seeing all the cacti and desert plants. My favorite thing about camping in Joshua Tree was staying up late to watch the night sky—I’ve never seen so many shooting stars in my life!

6. Olympic

Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse parks I’ve been to. It has everything from coastlines to glaciers and rainforests. The scenery here is lush and captivating—you could spend days exploring without seeing the same thing twice. Make your way out to the Olympic Peninsula next time you’re in Washington.

5. Arches

You’re probably familiar with Arches National Park for its iconic Delicate Arch formation. It’s definitely a bucket list-worthy sight, but the park offers so much more.

Regardless if you’re exploring on foot or by car, you’ll be awestruck by the colorful rocks and desert views around every corner. Of Utah’s five national parks, Arches is one you can’t overlook.

4. Grand Teton

Seeing Grand Teton National Park in person feels like stepping back in time to the 1800s. The jagged peaks, rushing rivers, and rugged forests are so stunning, you’ll never want to leave. Grand Teton boasts some of the country’s most picturesque scenery and feels like a true wilderness area.

3. Canyonlands

Get off the beaten path to explore the best that Canyonlands National Park offers. This park ranks so highly for me because my husband and I embarked on a spontaneous journey along an unpaved, 4WD road while there. The canyon views were like nothing I’ve ever seen, and we had the best time escaping the chaos of the park’s main paved roads.

2. Yellowstone

You probably aren’t surprised to see Yellowstone National Park in second place. Yellowstone is an incredibly famous park, and for good reason. The geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife areas throughout it offer something new with every visit. This is another park I only had one day to explore but would 100% return to.

1. Mount Rainier

Of all the parks I’ve visited, Mount Rainier National Park is the best, in my opinion. Seeing Mount Rainier in person for the first time was a dream come true, and I fall in love all over again every time I return.

Something about the mountain’s imposing beauty sparks my sense of adventure, and the surrounding glaciers, meadows, and forests feel like a fairytale. If you only have time for one hike in the park, make it the Skyline Trail (Naches Peak Loop Trail is another favorite).

What do you think of my national parks ranking? Let me know which one I should visit next down below!

Top 5 U.S. National Parks (Plus 3 On My Bucket List)

October 29, 20224 Comments

Over the years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to visit 11 of the 63 National Parks that can be found throughout the U.S. While all were unique and interesting in their own way, there were definitely some I loved more than others. This is my ranking of the Top 5 U.S. National Parks that I’ve visited so far. As a bonus, I’m also sharing the top 3 National Parks on my travel bucket list that I haven’t yet been to!

Top 5 U.S. National Parks

5. Badlands

Fun fact: I actually used to live in South Dakota as a kid! I have a lot of family there and still love going back to visit because I think South Dakota is a super underrated state. Similarly, I don’t see too many people talking about Badlands National Park, even though it’s one of my favorites. The landscape is super unique and looks like something you might find on another planet. Plus, the park is full of wildlife ranging from bison and bighorn sheep to prairie dogs.

4. Yellowstone

I would actually love to return to Yellowstone National Park and explore some more because my husband and I only got to spend one day in the park when we visited. Still, Yellowstone is such a classic that I highly recommend everyone take a visit. There’s a huge variety of wildlife and landscapes, and it’s unreal to see the massive hot springs and geysers in person. There’s a reason Yellowstone is one of the most popular National Parks!

3. Olympic

Olympic National Park is one of those places you have to see for yourself to believe. I mean, where else in the U.S. can you spend a day exploring rocky beaches, snow-capped mountains, glacial rivers, and thick rainforests? Olympic National Park is full of biodiversity that makes every visit unique from the last.

2. Grand Teton

In my humble opinion, Grand Teton National Park is probably one of the prettiest areas in the entire country. The mountains look absolutely unreal in person, and the whole park feels wild and rugged. Grand Teton is another park I’d love to return to and spend more time exploring because there’s so much to see and do!

1. Mount Rainier

Of all the National Parks I’ve gotten to visit so far, Mount Rainier National Park is undoubtedly my favorite. Seeing Mount Rainier up close and personal is an amazing experience, and you truly can’t fathom its grandeur until you’re seeing it with your own eyes. Plus, Mount Rainier National Park is where I saw my first wild bear! The whole park feels so magical and is absolutely stunning year-round.

Top 3 U.S. National Parks Bucket List

3. Glacier

Glacier National Park in Montana is one National Park I’ve been wanting to visit for years. The mountains look insanely dramatic and I’ve heard the park is absolutely full of wildlife. Plus, I’d love to pay a visit to RightOnTrek’s EDGE Backpacking Gear Rental Facility that just opened this year. I love that RightOnTrek works to make the outdoors accessible for as many people as possible. And, they make delicious backpacking meals!

2. Yosemite

As someone who loves both hiking and rock-climbing, Yosemite National Park sounds like an absolute dream. I’ve seen so many documentaries about Yosemite and I would love to pay the park a visit in the next couple years. I’ve actually never been to California, so I hope to make a trip out of it and explore a few different areas throughout the state!

1. Gates of the Arctic

Image courtesy of Travel Alaska

Alaska seems to be one of the last truly wild places left in the U.S., and I would absolutely love to spend some time exploring Gates of the Arctic National Park. The wilderness of Alaska looks intimidating but also incredibly beautiful, and I definitely plan on taking a trip to the state – hopefully, sooner rather than later!

What’s your favorite U.S. National Park, and which one would you like to visit next? Let me know in the comments!

Wandering the Gap

Tag: national parks

What to Do in Hot Springs, Arkansas | Hot Springs, AR Things to Do

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

Stargaze

Explore Hot Springs National Park

Check Out Downtown Hot Springs

Admire the Area from Above

Stroll Through Garvan Woodland Gardens

My 2024 Highlights | Canyons, Eclipses, Moving, and More!

Staying at the Stanley Hotel

Witnessing the Total Solar Eclipse

Visiting Disney World + Universal Orlando

Driving from Georgia to Colorado

Taking a Yoga Class at Red Rocks Amphitheater

Selling Our House

Going on a National Parks Adventure

Spending Labor Day in Newport, Oregon

Moving to North Carolina

Getting Settled

5 Most Underrated National Parks to Escape the Crowds

5. Great Sand Dunes – Colorado

4. Badlands – South Dakota

3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Colorado

2. North Cascades – Washington

1. Canyonlands – Utah

10 Best National Parks I’ve Visited (So Far)

10. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

9. Badlands

8. Rocky Mountain

7. Joshua Tree

6. Olympic

5. Arches

4. Grand Teton

3. Canyonlands

2. Yellowstone

1. Mount Rainier

Top 5 U.S. National Parks (Plus 3 On My Bucket List)

Image courtesy of Travel Alaska

Crags Trail + Fern’s Diner Review