“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!
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Know Before You Go
Note: For all road closure updates and more, please visit the National Park Service website.
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Map Of Hot Springs National Park
Starting Point
You can begin the tour at the suggested starting location provided below.
Hot Springs City Visitor Center, 629 Central Ave, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, USA
Start the tour outside the Hot Springs Visitor Center, located on your right.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
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 230+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
