What’s a perfect vacation day for you? Is it soaking up local culture? Conquering gorgeous hiking trails? Or cooling off by the water surrounded by lush greenery?
Here are 5 day trips to do while in Hot Springs, Arkansas!
Welcome to Timbercrest Park, Your Home Base in Hot Springs
Before you set out, you need a safe, quiet, and cozy place to return to every evening. Timbercrest Park gives you exactly that. It’s right in Hot Springs, so you’re super close to all the fun just waiting outside.
Settle into one of our mobile homes or plug your RV into the comforts of home. Either way, you’ll have an unforgettable stay without blowing your budget.
Day 1, Discover Historic Bathhouse Row
Your first day deserves some of that classic Hot Springs charm.
Tour the Fordyce Bathhouse for insight into the city’s spa heritage
You can’t skip Fordyce Bathhouse. Period. It’s the grandest of the historic spa buildings on the row.
Since it now serves as the Hot Springs National Park visitor center, it’s free to explore. Marvel at the lavish interiors. The preserved marble, stained glass, and vintage massage parlours show you what a high-society spa was like a century ago.
Soak in modern thermal baths at Quapaw Baths or Buckstaff Bathhouse
It’s probably no surprise what Hot Springs was named after, and that same steamy water feeds the bathhouses here. Quapaw Baths and Buckstaff Bathhouse both have lovely thermal pools to dip into.
Quapaw is modern, complete with a full spa menu and a cafe. Buckstaff, on the other hand, is where you go for deep traditional pampering. Here, all packages include a whirlpool bath, sitz bath, hot packs, and steam cabinet.
Browse handmade soaps and bath products at Bathhouse Soapery and Caldarium
Cap the day with a little retail therapy! After bathhouse-hopping, you’ve got to grab some homemade goodies from Bathhouse Soapery and Caldarium. Soaps, bath bombs, scrubs, and soaking salts are the perfect fragrant souvenirs to take back to your place at Timbercrest.
Day 2, Explore Hot Springs National Park
Today’s theme: views, trails, and fresh air.
Ride the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for panoramic views
Want the best view in town? Then you absolutely need to ride the elevator up the 210-foot Hot Springs Mountain Tower. The view stretches for miles—the Ouachitas, the city, and the tree tops all laid out beneath you.
Hike scenic routes such as the Sunset Trail or the Peak Trail
Lace up those hiking boots because the National Park offers spectacular trails. For hardcore hikers, the Sunset Trail is a longer loop with tons of scenery along the way. Want something quicker but still rewarding? The Peak Trail is a solid climb, with the same stunning views.
Relax by Lake Hamilton or rent a kayak for the afternoon
Head to Lake Hamilton to cool down after all that serious hiking you did this morning. Pack a picnic, find a shady spot, and just enjoy that amazing breeze coming off the water. If you want to really experience the calm, rent a kayak or paddleboard and glide right out onto the lake!
Day 3, Family Fun and Local Gems
Today is all about easygoing fun and more Hot Springs things to do.
Mine for crystals at Avant Crystal Mine, a favorite for kids and collectors
This is one of the most unique places to visit in Arkansas! Avant is a “dig-your-own” crystal mine where you get to be a treasure hunter for a day. Best part? Whatever shiny gems you find, you can keep.
Visit Garvan Woodland Gardens for seasonal blooms and river views
Garvan Woodland Gardens has various themed gardens, water features, whimsical bridges, and even surprise peeks of Lake Hamilton. Got kids with you? The Children’s Adventure Garden will burn off plenty of energy. And don’t miss the architectural wonder that is Anthony Chapel.
Enjoy mini golf or frisbee golf at Pirate’s Cove or local parks
Wrap up the day on a playful note. The beautifully landscaped Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is full-on swashbuckling fun, with putt-putt courses to keep the whole family challenged and entertained. Prefer frisbee golf? Local parks have plenty of space to test your aim at disc golf.
Day 4, Adventures Beyond the Springs
You’re in Hot Springs, so you might as well sprinkle in a little nightlife, great food, and local flavor.
Take a trip to Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort for dining and entertainment
Make your way to Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. This historic venue is home to both a top-tier casino and a world-famous thoroughbred racetrack. Even if casinos aren’t usually your thing, it’s worth a visit just for the experience.
Explore historic downtown Hot Springs for shops, galleries, and eateries
After that, wander through downtown Hot Springs. This area is packed with restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries that are perfect for trying local flavor, browsing, shopping, and people-watching.
Relax at a local brewery or enjoy live music at nearby venues
Finish the day with a cold drink. Beer brewed with actual spring water and right in a national park? Superior Bathhouse Brewery offers 18 different taps of it, and you can sample everything! Or, if you want to see a band, the nearby bars are always buzzing with live music!
Day 5, Leisure and Local Living
Your last day should feel easy. Take it slow and feel like a local.
Connect with neighbors and enjoy true small-town Southern hospitality
One of the best parts of staying at Timbercrest Park is the wonderfully friendly community. Take a morning walk, chat with neighbors, or simply savor the peaceful morning outside with a cup of coffee. After a busy week of exploring, this slow moment hits just right.
Why You Will Love Staying at Timbercrest
Timbercrest Park isn’t just a place to park your RV or drop your bags. It’s a fantastic home base for exploring all the tourist attractions in Hot Springs, AR.
Affordable, year-round access with flexible stays for RV and mobile home guests
You can grab a short-term spot or settle in for a few months, all without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Every RV lot is equipped with full hookups (water, sewer, electricity), so you get all the essentials plus a sense of home.
Spacious mobile homes are also available! Best of all, you won’t spend hours in the car. Historic Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs National Park, local dining, and shops are all just minutes away.
Ready to lock in your place for your Hot Springs vacation? Book your stay at Timbercrest Park today.