- The Grand Promenade — A scenic brick walkway behind Bathhouse Row, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
- Anthony Chapel — A stunning glass chapel nestled in the woods at Garvan Woodland Gardens.
- Hot Springs Mountain Tower — Offers panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains and the city.
- Lake Catherine State Park — A quieter alternative to Lake Hamilton, with waterfalls and hiking trails.
- Superior Bathhouse Brewery — The only brewery in the U.S. that uses thermal spring water to brew beer.
- Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic — A quirky, enchanting magic show in a historic venue.
- Whittington Park — A serene, less crowded park with walking paths and picnic spots.
- The Galaxy Connection — A museum packed with Star Wars and superhero memorabilia.
- Goat Rock Trail — A short hike with breathtaking views, tucked away in Hot Springs National Park.
- Tiny Town — A whimsical, hand-built miniature village that’s been a local treasure for decades.
Beaches & Lakes
- Lake Ouachita — Known for crystal-clear waters, swimming, kayaking, and secluded islands.
- Lake Hamilton — A lively lake with boat rentals, waterfront dining, and swimming spots.
- DeGray Lake Resort State Park — A bit outside Hot Springs, this park offers sandy swim beaches and a resort vibe.
Food & Local Eats
- The Pancake Shop — A historic breakfast spot famous for giant pancakes and old-school charm.
- McClard’s Bar-B-Q — A legendary BBQ joint loved for ribs and tamales with chili.
- Rolando’s Restaurante — Latin American cuisine with a rooftop patio and live music.
History & Culture
- Bathhouse Row — A collection of historic bathhouses, including Fordyce Bathhouse (now a museum).
- Gangster Museum of America — Explore Hot Springs’ wild history with mobsters like Al Capone.
- Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center — Learn about the town’s history and the natural thermal springs.
Outdoor Adventures
- Hot Springs Mountain Tower — Hike or drive up for panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains.
- Garvan Woodland Gardens — A sprawling botanical garden with walking trails, waterfalls, and Anthony Chapel.
- Cedar Glades Park — Great for mountain biking, disc golf, and hiking through rugged terrain.
Beaches & Lakes (Hidden Gems)
- Blakely Dam Beach (Lake Ouachita) — A quieter beach area with scenic views and fewer crowds.
- Camp York (Lake Catherine) — A secluded swimming and picnic spot with access to trails and waterfalls.
- Treasure Isle RV Park Beach (Lake Hamilton) — A small, peaceful beach perfect for relaxing by the water.
Food & Local Eats (Hidden Gems)
- Will’s Cinnamon Shop — A cozy bakery with fresh, gooey cinnamon rolls and locally roasted coffee.
- Deluca’s Pizzeria — Tucked away, this spot serves up massive, mouthwatering pizzas with top-tier ingredients.
- Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden — A funky, laid-back spot with creative pizzas and a patio.
History & Culture (Hidden Gems)
- Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center — Tour the historic headquarters of this iconic spring water brand.
- Dryden Pottery — A family-run pottery studio producing handcrafted pieces since 1946.
- Old Army Navy Hospital (Now Arkansas Career Training Institute) — A striking historic building with a rich past.
Outdoor Adventures (Hidden Gems)
- Balanced Rock Trail (Hot Springs National Park) — A hidden hiking trail with a unique rock formation and views.
- Charlton Recreation Area — A peaceful forest area with swimming holes and shaded picnic spots.
- Crystal Springs Recreation Area (Lake Ouachita) — Ideal for kayaking, fishing, and spotting wildlife.
Food Trucks (Hidden Gems)
- Stubby’s BBQ Truck — Legendary smoked meats, pulled pork sandwiches, and classic Southern sides.
- Red Light Roastery on Wheels — Artisan coffee and pastries, perfect for a morning pick-me-up.
- Itz Gud Füd — Comfort food with a twist, serving up dishes like loaded fries and juicy burgers.
- La Taqueria El Palenque — Authentic street tacos, burritos, and homemade salsas.
- Fat Jaws Soul Food — Southern soul food classics like fried catfish, collard greens, and cornbread.
- Nom Noms Mexican Grill — Flavor-packed Mexican dishes with fresh ingredients and bold spices.
- The Green Goat — A vegan-friendly food truck offering plant-based bowls, wraps, and smoothies.
- Roll It Frozen Cream — Rolled ice cream with customizable toppings for a sweet treat on the go.
Unique Activities & Hidden Experiences
- Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum — A quirky, vintage wax museum with historical and pop culture figures.
- Kollective Coffee+Tea — A cozy spot with local art displays, live music, and an inviting atmosphere.
- Tiny Town — A handcrafted miniature village that lights up and moves — a nostalgic, offbeat treasure.
- Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail — A peaceful walking/biking trail that winds through nature and the city.
- Art Church Studio — A renovated church turned art space, offering workshops and unique exhibits.
- Al Capone’s Secret Vault Tour — A lesser-known guided tour highlighting the town’s gangster past.
- West Mountain Scenic Drive — A quieter alternative to Hot Springs Mountain Tower with panoramic views.
- Magic Springs Crystal Falls (off-peak visits) — While not exactly hidden, going during less busy times makes this theme and water park feel like a secret escape.
- Shady Grove RV Park & Mineral Baths — A low-key spot to soak in natural hot spring water without the crowds.
- Garland County Historical Society — A small, charming spot packed with fascinating local history and artifacts.
Let’s pair those delicious food trucks with nearby hidden gems and activities so you can make the most of your Hot Springs adventure! 🚀
Stubby’s BBQ Truck → Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail
- Plan: Grab some smoky BBQ and enjoy it with a picnic along the scenic trail. Walk or bike off your meal while soaking in nature.
Red Light Roastery on Wheels → Kollective Coffee+Tea & Art Church Studio
- Plan: Start your day with artisan coffee, then head to Kollective for more local art and vibes. Wrap it up with a creative workshop at Art Church Studio.
La Taqueria El Palenque → Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum
- Plan: Munch on tacos, then explore the quirky wax museum for a mix of history and oddball charm.
Fat Jaws Soul Food → West Mountain Scenic Drive
- Plan: Savor some soul food, then drive up West Mountain for breathtaking views and a leisurely walk.
The Green Goat (Vegan-Friendly) → Garland County Historical Society & Tiny Town
- Plan: After a healthy meal, dive into local history at the Historical Society, then embrace the whimsy at Tiny Town.
Roll It Frozen Cream → Al Capone’s Secret Vault Tour
- Plan: Treat yourself to rolled ice cream, then cool off underground with a gangster-themed tour.
Itz Gud Füd → Magic Springs Crystal Falls (off-peak)
- Plan: Fill up on comfort food, then hit the theme park and water rides for some thrill and chill.