Hot Springs National Park: Scenic Driving & Walking Tour

What your day looks like

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Your tour begins with the walking section along Bathhouse Row. You’ll start at the south end of Bathhouse Row, outside the Hot Springs Visitor Center. From there, you’ll walk north along this historic street. First, you’ll stop outside the former Lamar Bathhouse, a relic of the early 1900s. Then you’ll continue on to the Buckstaff Bathhouse, one of only two in the park where you can still head inside for a soak if you so choose. As you admire the architecture of these luxurious houses, you’ll uncover their fascinating history as well. Next up are the Ozark Bathhouse and the Magnesia Baths, where you’ll hear about this area’s tumultuous Civil War history. Then, swing by the largest bathhouse in Hot Springs, which has since been repurposed as a visitor center and museum. Hotel Hale is up next, the oldest bathhouse still standing in the row and the one with the most history. Here, you’ll get a glimpse into the seedier side of 20th century Hot Springs, before continuing on to the Arlington Hotel, a beautiful property that harkens back to Hot Springs’ golden age. After that, you’ll head back to your car to begin the driving portion of the tour. During the driving tour, you’ll wind your way up Hot Springs Mountain and hear more about how this remarkable landscape formed. Then you’ll make a pit stop at the observation tower atop the mountain for some truly breathtaking views of the park. Next, you’ll cruise back down the mountain and head out into the lush wilderness directly next to the town. As you follow the scenic North Mountain Drive, you’ll hear about historic expeditions through these mountains and have the opportunity to hike a few trails as well. At last, you’ll swing by the Sunset Trail for the perfect concluding note to your tour. Whether or not you choose to hike the trail, you’ll then head back into town, where your tour will conclude.