Our Favorite spots in Hot Springs/Lake Hamilton
Food scene
As life-long locals to Hot Springs, these are some of our favorite places to eat and drink
An institution in town for 70+ years. It has a small, intimate diner-like feel with a lunch counter and our family has been eating there for generations
77 locals recommend
McClard's Bar-B-Q Restaurant
505 Albert Pike RdAn institution in town for 70+ years. It has a small, intimate diner-like feel with a lunch counter and our family has been eating there for generations
Cafe 1217
1217 Malvern AveReally great lunch spot with a variety fresh choices and pies too!
SQZBX
236 Ouachita AveLocated in a former piano shop, these is our go-to place for pizza
Great Mexican foot inside of a cool kitchen/restaurant supply store in a historic building downtown
Taco Mama's Side Town
510 Ouachita AvenueGreat Mexican foot inside of a cool kitchen/restaurant supply store in a historic building downtown
A local brewery insight one of the historic bathhouses on Bathhouse Row: "THE FIRST BREWERY IN A U.S. NATIONAL PARK AND THE WORLD'S FIRST TO UTILIZE THE THERMAL SPRING WATER AS OUR MAIN INGREDIENT"
152 locals recommend
Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery
329 Central AveA local brewery insight one of the historic bathhouses on Bathhouse Row: "THE FIRST BREWERY IN A U.S. NATIONAL PARK AND THE WORLD'S FIRST TO UTILIZE THE THERMAL SPRING WATER AS OUR MAIN INGREDIENT"
A bit pricey, but really great food at a recently-restored historic motel downtown
31 locals recommend
Best Cafe
632 Ouachita AveA bit pricey, but really great food at a recently-restored historic motel downtown
Fat Bottomed Girl's Cupcake Shoppe
502 Central AveAlways a hit with the kids/family
Long-time local favorite spot that's great if you need a birthday or other celebratory cake/baked good; they also have tasty quiches and sandwiches
21 locals recommend
Ambrosia Bakery
307 Broadway StLong-time local favorite spot that's great if you need a birthday or other celebratory cake/baked good; they also have tasty quiches and sandwiches
Alexa's Crêperie
238 Cornerstone BoulevardGreat spot for crepes near the house
Long time local favorite for Italian food, including sea food. Located a few minutes from the house
Luna Bella
Long time local favorite for Italian food, including sea food. Located a few minutes from the house
Hot Springs best steak house and a great spot to commemorate a special occasion, located downtown
93 locals recommend
501 Prime
215 E Grand AveHot Springs best steak house and a great spot to commemorate a special occasion, located downtown
Sightseeing
This is where many of the locals (including everyone in our family) goes to get spring water; Fun place for kids to fill up a jug with local water before taking a stroll on the Grand Promenade or down Central Avenue or a hike up the mountain
The Happy Hollow
231 Fountain StreetThis is where many of the locals (including everyone in our family) goes to get spring water; Fun place for kids to fill up a jug with local water before taking a stroll on the Grand Promenade or down Central Avenue or a hike up the mountain
Great place for a casual stroll downtown and our go-to spot for a picnic downtown
48 locals recommend
The Grand Promenade
The Grand PromenadeGreat place for a casual stroll downtown and our go-to spot for a picnic downtown
For the best view of the region and easily accessible from downtown
136 locals recommend
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
401 Hot Springs Mountain DrFor the best view of the region and easily accessible from downtown
If you're a fan of baseball, don't miss the Hot Springs Baseball Trail, which explores the often over-looked but fascinating history of baseball in Hot Springs, including tales of Babe Ruth and other legends adventures in the Spa City: https://hotspringsbaseballtrail.com/
Hot Springs: The Birthplace of Spring Baseball Historic Marker
847 Whittington AveIf you're a fan of baseball, don't miss the Hot Springs Baseball Trail, which explores the often over-looked but fascinating history of baseball in Hot Springs, including tales of Babe Ruth and other legends adventures in the Spa City: https://hotspringsbaseballtrail.com/
Great place to take the kids for a change of pace after a few days on the lake
144 locals recommend
Mid-America Science Museum
500 Mid America BlvdGreat place to take the kids for a change of pace after a few days on the lake
Wonderful place to roam around, especially with the family. The kids LOVE the treehouse. Also, they have an annual holiday lights display which is another fun experience for the family.
231 locals recommend
Garvan Woodland Gardens
4819 Arkridge RdWonderful place to roam around, especially with the family. The kids LOVE the treehouse. Also, they have an annual holiday lights display which is another fun experience for the family.
For an authentic bath experience in one of the original bath houses on "Bathhouse Row" downtown
106 locals recommend
Quapaw Baths & Spa
413 Central AveFor an authentic bath experience in one of the original bath houses on "Bathhouse Row" downtown
Belle of Hot Springs
5200 Central AveGreat way to see the lake!
Great place to rent a bike for touring downtown or checking out the growing mountain bike trail system
10 locals recommend
Hot Springs Bicycle Touring Company
436 Broadway StGreat place to rent a bike for touring downtown or checking out the growing mountain bike trail system
Good place for Boat Rentals or to purchase Life Jackets, Fishing Accessories, Water Skis, Tubes and Tow-ables, etc.
21 locals recommend
Hot Springs Marina
301 Lakeland DrGood place for Boat Rentals or to purchase Life Jackets, Fishing Accessories, Water Skis, Tubes and Tow-ables, etc.
For those looking to experience a hot springs bath/spa experience, the Buckstaff has been continuously operating since 1912 and offers the most traditional experience. It's not a fancy or high-end spa, but a great experience and very rejuvenating!
78 locals recommend
Buckstaff Bathhouse
509 Central AveFor those looking to experience a hot springs bath/spa experience, the Buckstaff has been continuously operating since 1912 and offers the most traditional experience. It's not a fancy or high-end spa, but a great experience and very rejuvenating!
For those looking for a more modern spa experience, Quapaw Bath is a favorite. Be sure to book an appointment in advance.
106 locals recommend
Quapaw Baths & Spa
413 Central AveFor those looking for a more modern spa experience, Quapaw Bath is a favorite. Be sure to book an appointment in advance.
Outdoor Activities
31.5+ miles of world class mountain bike trails just five minutes from downtown Hot Springs and about 20 minutes from the house. The Northwoods system includes Green, Blue and Black single track, multi-track, flow trails, jump lines and the Lucky 13 expert section. The Cedar Glades trailhead includes a bike skills park. Northwoods is home to the annual Gudrun MTB Festival each November. Bikers, hikers and trail runners are all welcome.
49 locals recommend
Northwoods Trails
300 Pineland Dr31.5+ miles of world class mountain bike trails just five minutes from downtown Hot Springs and about 20 minutes from the house. The Northwoods system includes Green, Blue and Black single track, multi-track, flow trails, jump lines and the Lucky 13 expert section. The Cedar Glades trailhead includes a bike skills park. Northwoods is home to the annual Gudrun MTB Festival each November. Bikers, hikers and trail runners are all welcome.