Hot Springs Day Trip: Quick Facts for 2025
Planning your trip? Here’s everything you need to know at a glance for the perfect day trip from Little Rock to Hot Springs National Park.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Little Rock | ~55 miles |
| Driving Time | ~1 hour |
| Best Time to Go | Spring (April-May) & Fall (Sept-Oct) |
| National Park Entry Fee | Free! |
| Estimated Day Trip Cost | $88 – $161 per person (excluding spa treatments) |
How to Get from Little Rock to Hot Springs
Embarking on your Hot Springs day trip adventure is incredibly straightforward. While a few options exist, one stands out as the clear winner for convenience and flexibility.
Driving Directions (The Best Option)
Driving your personal vehicle is, without a doubt, the most practical and recommended way to travel. The journey is a scenic and easy one-hour drive, allowing you to set your own pace and explore freely.
- Start on I-30 West from Little Rock.
- Continue for about 25 miles until you reach Exit 111 for US-70 West toward Hot Springs.
- Follow US-70 West directly into the heart of Hot Springs. It will become Grand Ave and then Central Ave, leading you straight to Bathhouse Row.
Crucial Insider Tip: Don’t stress about parking! Head directly to the large, free public parking garage located at 128 Exchange Street. It’s just one block from Bathhouse Row and will save you time and money.
Other Transportation Options
While there is no regular public shuttle service from Little Rock to Hot Springs, other private options are available. However, for a day trip, they are significantly more expensive and less flexible than driving yourself. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Transportation | Avg. Round-Trip Cost (2025 Estimate) | Convenience | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Car | ~$15 (Gas) | High | High |
| Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft) | ~$150 – $200+ | Medium | Low |
| Private Shuttle | ~$200+ | Medium | Medium |
Top 5 Things to Do on Your Hot Springs Day Trip
You’ve arrived! With one day to explore, you’ll want to focus on the highlights. Here are the five must-do activities that perfectly capture the essence of “The American Spa.”
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1. Stroll Historic Bathhouse Row
This is the heart and soul of the park. Walk along the magnificent collection of eight Gilded Age bathhouses, each with its own unique and stunning architecture. It feels like stepping back in time to an era of ultimate luxury and relaxation.
Must-See: Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center
Step inside the Fordyce, which now serves as the park’s visitor center and a free museum. You can tour the lavishly decorated rooms, see the historic bathing equipment, and get a fascinating glimpse into the golden era of thermal bathing.
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2. See and Touch the Thermal Water
What makes Hot Springs unique is the 4,000-year-old thermal water that flows from the mountainside. You can see steam rising from the Hot Water Cascade, an open-air waterfall located on the hillside behind Bathhouse Row. You can also visit the Display Spring behind the Maurice Bathhouse to see the water emerging naturally.
Crucial Safety Tip: The thermal water emerges at a dangerously hot 143°F (62°C). Do not touch it at the source! Only drink from the designated, cooled jug fountains located around town. Bring a reusable bottle to fill up and taste the famous water for yourself!
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3. Get a Bird’s-Eye View from the Mountain Tower
For the best views in the area, head up to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. An elevator will whisk you up 216 feet to an observation deck offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains and the historic city below. The entrance fee is well worth it (around $13 for adults in 2025).
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4. Take a Short, Scenic Hike
Stretch your legs and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the city on one of the park’s well-maintained trails.
Easy Option: The Grand Promenade
This wide, paved, and accessible brick path runs directly behind Bathhouse Row. It offers a peaceful and elevated perspective of the historic buildings and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Moderate Option: Hot Springs Mountain Trail
This rewarding 1.5-mile loop trail takes you up the mountain, offering beautiful forest scenery and culminating in the fantastic views at the base of the tower.
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5. Experience a Modern Thermal Bath (Optional)
If relaxation is your top priority, dedicate 2-3 hours to an actual thermal bath experience. Two historic bathhouses are still in operation:
- Quapaw Baths & Spa: Offers a modern experience with large, communal thermal pools. It’s social and casual, with access starting around $25.
- Buckstaff Bathhouse: Provides a traditional, historic bathing experience from the early 1900s. This is a more private, individual service (whirlpool, sitz bath, steam cabinet) starting around $80.
Sample One-Day Itinerary: Little Rock to Hot Springs & Back
Want a foolproof plan? Follow this schedule for a perfectly paced day trip that covers all the essentials without feeling rushed.
| Time | Activity & Notes |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Depart from Little Rock. Grab coffee for the easy one-hour drive. |
| 9:00 AM | Arrive in Hot Springs. Park for free at the Exchange Street garage. |
| 9:15 AM | Walk to Bathhouse Row. Start at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center to get oriented. |
| 11:00 AM | Stroll the Grand Promenade and see the Hot Water Cascade. Fill your water bottle at a jug fountain. |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch at a spot on Central Ave. We recommend the Superior Bathhouse Brewery! |
| 2:00 PM | Drive or hike up to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for amazing panoramic views. |
| 3:30 PM | Explore the unique shops, art galleries, and history of downtown Hot Springs. |
| 5:00 PM | Enjoy an early dinner at a historic spot like The Ohio Club before the drive back. |
| 6:30 PM | Depart from Hot Springs. |
| 7:30 PM | Arrive back in Little Rock after an amazing day. |
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Hot Springs
From historic gangster hangouts to the only brewery in a national park, Hot Springs offers fantastic dining options for every taste and budget.
Casual Bites & Breweries ($ – $$)
- Superior Bathhouse Brewery: A must-visit! Housed in a former bathhouse, it’s the only brewery in a U.S. National Park and the first to use thermal spring water as the main ingredient. Great pub fare and a fantastic beer selection.
- The Ohio Club: Step into history at Arkansas’s oldest bar. Frequented by gangsters like Al Capone, it’s famous for its amazing burgers, live music, and incredible ambiance.
Delicious Sit-Down Meals ($$)
- Rolando’s Restaurante: Enjoy vibrant Latin American cuisine on their beautiful multi-level patio. A local favorite for its unique flavors and lively atmosphere.
- Deluca’s Pizzeria: Known for having some of the best pizza in the state, if not the country. They make a limited number of pies each day, so plan ahead or go early—they can sell out!
Planning Your 2025 Visit: Know Before You Go
A little planning goes a long way. Here are the key details for a smooth trip.
- Opening Hours: The park grounds and trails are generally open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The Fordyce Visitor Center is typically open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Businesses like Quapaw and Buckstaff have their own hours, so check their websites before you go.
- Best Times to Visit: For the most pleasant weather for walking and hiking, plan your trip for Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November). Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) are significantly less crowded than weekends.
- Accessibility: The sidewalks along Bathhouse Row and the paved Grand Promenade are accessible. The Fordyce Bathhouse has an elevator. Modern spas like Quapaw are also accessible, but some historic structures and rugged hiking trails may have limitations.
Insider Tips for Your Day Trip
Make your trip even better with these local secrets:
- Park for Free: We can’t say it enough! The Exchange Street parking garage is your best friend.
- Bring a Bottle: Don’t miss the unique experience of filling up on the famous thermal water for free at the designated jug fountains.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, from the historic downtown to scenic trails. Your feet will thank you.
- Check the Calendar: Look up events for your travel date. Major events like the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade can impact traffic and crowds.
- Visit on a Weekday: If your schedule allows, a Tuesday-Thursday visit will give you a much more relaxed and crowd-free experience.
What to Pack for Hot Springs
Keep it simple for a day trip. Here’s a quick checklist:
- ✅ Comfortable walking shoes
- ✅ Reusable water bottle (to fill with thermal water!)
- ✅ Camera or smartphone
- ✅ Sunscreen and a hat (especially in summer)
- ✅ Light jacket for cool evenings or air-conditioned museums
- ✅ Swimsuit and towel (only if you plan to visit Quapaw Baths)
- ✅ Small backpack to carry your items
Estimated Day Trip Budget Breakdown (2025)
Hot Springs can be a very affordable day trip. Here’s a realistic cost estimate to help you plan.
| Expense | Cost (1 Person) | Cost (2 People) |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | ~$15 | ~$15 |
| Lunch | ~$20 | ~$40 |
| Dinner | ~$30 | ~$60 |
| Attractions (Tower) | ~$13 | ~$26 |
| Coffee/Snacks | ~$10 | ~$20 |
| TOTAL (Low End) | ~$88 | ~$161 |
*Note: This excludes spa treatments, shopping, and alcoholic beverages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many days do you need in Hot Springs National Park?
You can easily see the main highlights on a fantastic day trip. However, to fully relax, enjoy a long spa treatment, explore more of the hiking trails, and visit nearby attractions like Garvan Woodland Gardens, 2-3 days is ideal.
How far is it from Little Rock to Hot Springs National Park?
The distance is about 55 miles. The drive is very straightforward and typically takes approximately one hour without significant traffic.
Is there a shuttle from Little Rock to Hot Springs?
No, there is no regularly scheduled public bus or shuttle service. Driving a personal car is the most common, affordable, and recommended way to travel between the two cities for a day trip.
Can you do Hot Springs National Park in a day?
Absolutely! A day trip is the perfect amount of time to explore historic Bathhouse Row, take a short hike on the Grand Promenade, enjoy the incredible views from the Mountain Tower, and grab a great meal. This guide is designed to show you exactly how to have an amazing and complete experience in just one day.
TL;DR: The Perfect Day Trip in 5 Steps
In a hurry? Here’s the short version:
- Drive one hour from Little Rock via I-30 W to US-70 W.
- Park for free at the Exchange Street Garage.
- Walk Bathhouse Row and tour the free Fordyce Bathhouse museum.
- Hike the Grand Promenade and drive up to the Mountain Tower for views.
- Eat at Superior Bathhouse Brewery or The Ohio Club before heading home.
Conclusion
A trip to Hot Springs National Park is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can take from Little Rock. It’s a rare destination that seamlessly blends fascinating history, beautiful nature, and unique relaxation. So pack your bags, follow this 2025 guide, and get ready for an amazing day trip to The American Spa!
