“The town where nature checks you into the spa.”
That’s the magic of Hot Springs, Arkansas. A place where steaming thermal waters rise from the earth and history soaks through every stone.
Long before Gilded Age millionaires came to unwind here, Native American tribes treated these springs as sacred healing grounds. Later, gamblers, gangsters, and presidents would all stroll Bathhouse Row, drawn by its reputation for health, wealth, and a touch of mischief.
Today, Hot Springs National Park is the only park where trails lead through both forest and Downtown Areas. You’ll find mountain views, steaming fountains, and tiled bathhouses standing like time capsules from the 1920s.
With this self-guided driving and walking audio tour, you’ll explore both sides of the park—its wild beauty and its historic charm. On foot, you’ll stroll past iconic stops like Buckstaff Bathhouse, the Arlington Hotel, and Hotel Hale, learning how hydrotherapy, spring training, and bootlegging all converged here. Then hop in the car and wind up to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for sweeping views and cool breezes. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of exploration, geology, and the park’s surprising presidential past.
Highlights include the Grand Promenade, Gulpha Gorge, North Mountain Drive, and the peaceful Sunset Trail, perfect for ending the day on a quiet note.
Disclaimer: No velvet robes or cucumber water provided, just good stories and great views.
Download the Hot Springs National Park Trip Planner for more details on how to reach the park, must-see stops, best places to stay, when to visit, activities to do, packing tips, and more!
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
Know Before You Go
Note: For all road closure updates and more, please visit the National Park Service website.
Nearby Tours
Driving 16 Stories 1 - 2 Hrs 
Driving 25+ Stories 2 - 3 Hrs 
Driving 95+ Stories 2 - 3 Hrs Driving 34 Stories 1 - 2 Hrs Driving 44 Stories 1 - 2 Hrs Map Of Hot Springs National Park
Where To Start?
The tour begins at the Hot Springs City Visitor Center parking lot. Please note, this is a suggested starting point. We are not affiliated with the visitor center or any businesses in the area, so their staff will not have information about this tour.
The tour begins near the Hot Springs City Visitor Center on Central Avenue. As you approach northbound on Central Avenue, the storefronts should be on your left, and the Visitor Center on your right. Please note, this is a suggested starting point. We are not affiliated with the visitor center or any businesses in the area, so their staff will not have information about this tour.
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Hot Springs National Park is famous for its natural hot springs, historic bathhouses, and scenic beauty. Visitors can experience thermal baths, hiking trails, and learn about the area’s history in the park’s museum.
Hot Springs National Park is located in central Arkansas, near the city of Hot Springs.
Yes, the hot springs are safe to visit, but the water temperature can reach over 140°F (60°C), so visitors should not enter the springs directly. Instead, many visitors enjoy the historic bathhouses that have been carefully regulated to provide safe thermal bathing experiences.
Yes, there are several bathhouses in the park where you can enjoy a soak in the thermal waters. The Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Baths & Spa are popular places where visitors can enjoy these services.
The best time to visit is during spring and fall when the weather is mild, making it ideal for both soaking and exploring the trails. The summer can get quite warm, but it is also a popular time to visit.
It’s highly recommended to make a reservation for the bathhouses, especially during peak seasons, as they can get busy. Click here to check directly with the bathhouses for specific booking information.
There is no entrance fee to access the park, though fees may apply for specific services, like bathing at the bathhouses. For more information, visit here.
Yes, the park offers several scenic hiking trails, including the Hot Springs Mountain Trail and the Gulpha Gorge Trail. These trails provide views of the surrounding mountains and the thermal springs.
Pets are allowed in certain areas of the park but must be on a leash. However, pets are not allowed in the bathhouses or on most trails, so be sure to plan accordingly.
While the park offers some seasonal ranger-led tours, our Hot Springs National Park Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour allows you to explore at your own pace. You’ll still enjoy fascinating stories and history through GPS-based audio, without needing to follow a group or stick to a fixed time.
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours. Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever. Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators. At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace. Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction. Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, get travel tips, hear narrated guides, and see hidden gems. Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks. Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route. Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station. 