A Hot Springs Arkansas Romantic Getaway 2024 [And Why You’ll Love It]
Planning a romantic getaway? Consider a Hot Springs, Arkansas, Romantic Getaway – the perfect destination for lovebirds.
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs offers a blend of many things; in addition to a unique national park known for its thermal springs and the city surrounding it, this famous area is a nature lovers’ paradise mixed with the history of famous sports players and infamous gangsters. Making this a perfect destination for your romantic getaway.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why the variety of activities Hot Springs, Arkansas, has to offer is the ideal balance for couples seeking a romantic getaway. So grab your partner and join us as we explore all this amazing place has to offer.
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Hot Springs Arkansas Romantic Getaway
Whether you’re looking for a weekend away or a more extended vacation with plenty of time to relax, have fun, or dig into some of Hot Springs’ secrets. A romantic getaway to Hot Springs will not disappoint either of you!
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike along the park’s trails through wooded hills or drive to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for panoramic views, visit breathtaking Garvan Gardens, enjoy a day at a state park, or even mine for diamonds.
If you enjoy history, not the stuffy textbook facts but real fascinating details about gangsters, sports, and national parks. Hot Springs is where you will find the real stories you won’t find in textbooks.
Much of our honeymoon was spent at Hot Springs. It offered us surprises and fun we did not expect.
Visit Garvan Woodland Gardens
Our first surprise was Garvan Woodland Gardens. This magical garden is home to a million-dollar boomerang-shaped treehouse that beckons you to come and explore and a unique glass chapel that offers an almost unobstructed view of your surroundings.
This beautiful botanical garden spans over 200 acres and includes exotic flowers, plants, and trees alongside a scenic bridge, a fairy garden, and a koi pond.
You can stroll through the gardens while holding hands, taking in the beautiful scenery and fresh air while using your surroundings as the backdrop for amazing photos of your adventure.
Additionally, the garden often hosts events and concerts, allowing you to enjoy live music and entertainment in a stunning natural setting.
The gardens are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a small admission, and payments are by credit card or exact cash.
Visit The Unofficial First National Park
In 1832, President Andrew Jackson declared Hot Springs a national wonder. This declaration was more than 40 years before the term “national park” was used and over 40 years before Yellowstone became the first (or so they claim) National Park.
Hot Springs National Park is one of the smallest national parks and the most unique national parks. In addition to being located in the middle of a historic downtown, it is also home to the famous Bathhouse Row, with a visitor center and museum housed in one of the original bathhouse buildings.
Located behind the Bathhouse Row are welcoming trails with areas of greenery going in and out of the city.
You can take a relaxing walk through the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of Hot Springs, a popular destination for centuries. The trails also feature scenic overlooks, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Spend The Day At A Spa
One popular destination in Hot Springs is the historic Bathhouse Row, where you can visit beautifully preserved bathhouses dating back to the early 1900s. You can take a guided tour of the bathhouses and learn about the history of bathing and the spa culture that was so popular during its time.
After touring the bathhouses, you can head to one of the many local spas and indulge in a relaxing massage or other spa treatments.
Two of the original Bathhouse Row bathhouses, Quapaw Baths and Buckstaff Bathhouse, still welcome guests and offer opportunities to soak in the therapeutic waters of the hot springs, enjoy a natural steam cave, mineral scrubs, massages, or enjoy complete spa services.
Enjoying one of the first spas in the U.S. together is very romantic. It’s a chance to walk through history and enjoy the breathtaking architecture of the original building.
The spa services may not be what you expect at a spa, but many are still the same as they were hundreds of years ago, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime experience to share.
Check out The Ultimate Guide to Bathhouse Row Hot Springs, and see our honeymoon adventure at the Bathhouses.
Visit Hot Springs Downtown Shopping
Hot Springs, Arkansas, has a charming downtown area directly across from Hot Springs’ bathhouses. It is perfect if you are looking for unique and charming gifts.
After a visit to Hot Springs National Park, it’s a leisurely stroll across the street to enjoy some one-of-a-kind window shopping.
Many of the downtown shops are owned and run by true artisans—the perfect place to find those one-of-a-kind designs.
Eight blocks of downtown shops, such as the Bathhouse Soapery, Evilo Oils & Vinegars, Riley Art Studio, and Hot Springs Hat Company, are waiting to be explored.
After a day of exploring the park, head to one of the many local restaurants in downtown Hot Springs and enjoy a romantic dinner.
Enjoy A beer Brewed With Thermal Spring Water
Superior Bathhouse Brewery is the only brewery in a national park and produces the only beer in the world using thermal water.
Superior Bathhouse was the smallest bathhouse in operation from 1916 to 1983. It offered massages and basic hydrotherapy.
Today, the bathhouse offers something very different for relaxation. It is home to Superior Bathhouse Brewery—a full-service restaurant and beer tasting room.
Whether you are in the mood for a bite to eat or a flight of beer or looking for a “Beer Bath” that includes all 18 brews on tap, this is a great way to relax at the end of a busy day.
A visit to Hot Springs, Arkansas, would not be complete without a visit to try “Hot Springs On Tap.” It was our favorite stop of the day.
Enjoy A Day On Lake Hamilton
Lake Hamilton is only a 10-minute drive from Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is a beautiful destination to visit and explore with its picturesque landscapes, tranquil waters, and endless recreational activities. Lake Hamilton offers a range of romantic experiences for you to enjoy.
A romantic sunset boat cruise is one of the best things to do in Lake Hamilton. Several companies offer guided boat tours of the lake, providing you with stunning views of the sunset over the water.
Relax and enjoy each other’s company while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and forests. The boat tours typically offer snacks and drinks, making it the perfect romantic evening activity.
Take a land and water tour of Hot Springs
The National Park Duck Tours in Hot Springs is a unique and exciting way to explore the city and the surrounding national park. The tour will take you on a land and water adventure aboard an amphibious vehicle known as a “duck.”
The Duck tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and takes you on a journey through the historic downtown area and then plunges into the water for a scenic boat ride on Lake Hamilton. The tour guide provides an interesting commentary on the city’s history and natural surroundings, making it informative and entertaining.
The National Park Duck Tours operates daily from March through October, with tours departing at various times throughout the day.
Take the Historic Baseball Tour
For the baseball lover, you’ll enjoy knowing that baseball runs deep in Hot Springs. You can follow a historic baseball tour through Hot Springs.
From historic baseball fields and recreational retreats to Bathhouse Row as entertainment for baseball’s finest, a connection to history is around every turn.
Babe Ruth trained nine times in Hot Springs. He played golf, enjoyed the bathhouses, hiked the mountain, and played in the casinos that once existed in Hot Springs.
You can download an app (available on the app store) where together you will be your own tour guides and follow one of the greatest stories of America’s favorite pastimes. Following the app lets you set out on an adventure and see where history happened.
Check Out Hot Springs Connection to Al Capone
Spend an afternoon walking where infamous gangsters like Al Capone, Bugs Morgan, Frank Castello, Lucky Morgan, and others spent time. After breaking parole, Frank Nash enjoyed underworld protection for years by hiding out in Hot Springs.
Hot Springs was once a hideout for many mobsters who quickly discovered the area was off the beaten path and a safe place to meet, discuss business, relax, and rejuvenate while having a little fun at the local nightclubs and doing a little gambling.
Stop at the Gangster Museum to hear the stories of life in Hot Springs when mobsters and gangsters roamed the streets. Then, visit Arkansas’s oldest bar and former speakeasy, the Ohio Club, which was where Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Bugsy Siegel, Frank Costello, and others frequented.
Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the Al Capone statue.
Visit Hot Springs Mountain Tower
The Hot Springs Mountain Tower offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The tower stands 216 feet tall and provides visitors with panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains, the city of Hot Springs, and the surrounding national park.
The tower has two viewing levels accessible by elevator or stairs. You can enjoy the views or use the free telescopes on the viewing platforms to get a closer look at the surrounding landscapes.
Additionally, the tower features a gift shop and a snack bar, providing visitors with a place to relax and refuel after taking in the stunning scenery. Hot Springs Mountain Tower offers an unforgettable perspective on the area’s natural beauty.
How to get to Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Getting to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower is relatively easy. You have several options. The tower is located within the Hot Springs National Park and is accessible by car or foot.
When driving, you can follow the signs to the tower from the city center, taking the winding road up the mountain. Ample parking is available at the tower.
If you prefer to hike, you can take the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, which leads to the tower. The trail is moderate, with a distance of approximately 1.2 miles and an elevation gain of 500 feet. The trail offers beautiful scenic views of the surrounding forest and is a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts.
If you prefer not to drive or hike, a trolley service is available from downtown Hot Springs. The trolley provides transportation to the tower and offers a guided tour of the national park along the way.
Take on the Challenge of a Zipline Tour
The zipline tour is an exhilarating adventure offering breathtaking views of the Ouachita Mountains. The tour is designed for adrenaline seekers looking for an exciting way to experience the area’s beauty.
Your tour begins with a safety briefing, after which you are outfitted with gear and sent on a thrilling ride over the forest canopy. Your tour consists of several zipline runs, each varying in length and height, providing a unique and thrilling experience every time.
The zipline tour is an excellent choice for a bit of adventure on your romantic getaway.
Check out The Ultimate Guide to Bathhouse Row Hot Springs, and see our honeymoon adventure at the Bathhouses.
Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt
A Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt is an excellent activity if you are looking to add some excitement and adventure to your romantic getaway.
The Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt is a unique and exciting activity involving exploring different hot springs while solving clues and completing tasks.
The game’s objective is to hop from one hot spring to another, following a set of clues that will lead you on a journey of discovery and adventure. The challenges can range from identifying a specific hot spring to taking a dip in the water or collecting a unique natural item.
The hot springs offer a serene and tranquil environment that allows you to connect with nature and each other on a deeper level.
Hot Springs are known for their relaxing and therapeutic properties, making them an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. A scavenger hunt adds a layer of fun and challenge to the experience as you work together to solve clues and complete tasks to find each hot spring.
Ultimately, the Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt is an enjoyable and memorable way for you to explore the natural beauty of hot springs while engaging in a playful and challenging activity together.
Best Places To Eat in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Good food is no stranger to Hot Springs. This resort town serves everything from pancakes to some of the best BBQ you’ll ever have.
Best Places for Breakfast
- The Pancake Shop – This iconic restaurant is very popular thanks to its delicious food. It’s no wonder with pancakes as big as your plate and fresh squeezed orange juice.
- Alexa’s Creperie – This place was a real surprise. However, it’s nothing fancy to look at, but the crapes are amazing. The best selection of crapes you will find anywhere.
- Kollective Coffee & Tea – A great place to grab your morning coffee or tea and a bagel or sweet breakfast.
Best places for lunch
- Superior Bathhouse Brewery – The food is delicious. We loved eating here—nothing fancy, just darn good food, especially the burgers, and even better brews. Don’t leave without trying the homemade pretzels and beer cheese.
- The Ohio Club – The Ohio Club has a limited menu, but what they have is done right. This is the only remaining saloon still open of the original casinos and is the place to go for history.
Best Pizza in Hot Springs
Deluca’s Pizzeria is well known for its delicious pizza and Italian dishes. The restaurant is cozy and simple but is said to serve some of the best pizza around. Just make sure to ask for the homemade mozzarella.
Best BBQ in Hot Springs
Yes, we said BBQ, Hot Springs has some amazing restaurants and selections of food, but they are best known for their BBQ. And there seems to be a tie among locals and tourists regarding who has the best Bar-b-q..
McClard’s Bar-B-Q has been a favorite since 1942. It is known for its rib and fry plate—a generous rack of ribs covered in sauce and served with fried potatoes.
Stubby’s Hik-Ry Bar-B-Que, where everything is done the old-fashioned way. They brew their own sauce in the back room, and meats are slow-smoked over hickory.
Best Places To Stay On A Hot Springs Arkansas Romantic Getaway
Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers many adventures for love birds, making it an ideal place to vacation. It also offers fantastic places to stay for couples seeking to enjoy Hot Springs National Park, a nature getaway, or a vacation focused on romance. These are the top accommodations we recommend in Hot Springs.
Capones Loft
✨For an over-the-top experience, sleep where Al Capone slept. You’ll have one of the best views of the strip from your third-floor balcony and be just a short walk to many of Hot Springs’ best restaurants, bars, and shops.
This is a one-of-a-kind place to stay. Capones Loft is full of amazing artifacts and filled with history. Take a trip back in time by staying in Capones Loft.
1890 Williams House Inn
✨The 1890 Williams House Inn, located in the historic downtown district of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion that offers a unique and romantic lodging experience.
Its elegant architecture, charming decor, and luxurious amenities make it the perfect place for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
The inn features seven guest rooms, each individually decorated with antique furnishings, plush bedding, and modern amenities. Guests will enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast each morning and tea and refreshments in the afternoon.
The inn’s location in the heart of downtown Hot Springs means that couples can easily access the city’s many restaurants, shops, and attractions, making it an ideal starting place for exploring the area.
With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, the 1890 Williams House Inn is the perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic and memorable trip.
Lookout Point Lakeside Inn
✨Lookout Point Lakeside Inn is ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway. This charming inn is nestled on the shores of Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and offers breathtaking views, luxurious accommodations, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The inn’s rooms are beautifully decorated, featuring plush bedding, private balconies, and stunning lake views. The inn’s spa offers a range of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate, including couples massages and hot stone therapy.
The inn’s restaurant serves delicious cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, and guests can enjoy their meals on the outdoor patio overlooking the lake.
With its stunning location, luxurious amenities, and attentive staff, Lookout Point Lakeside Inn is the perfect place for couples to escape and reconnect.
The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
✨The Waters Hot Springs is an ideal place for a romantic getaway. It is located in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas’s beautiful and historic town, and offers luxurious accommodations and stunning views.
This fantastic hotel is located in a historic building in the middle of the downtown. The hotel is modernized but has kept the charm of the original flooring, windows, and brick.
The onsite restaurant and rooftop bar are the perfect addition to this romantic hotel.
The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, with luxurious linens and plush bedding.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or a more extended vacation, The Waters Hot Springs has everything you need to make your stay unforgettable.
Booking.comThe Wrap-up – Hot Springs Arkansas Romantic Getaway
Your Hot Springs, Arkansas, romantic getaway will include this charming city’s beautiful mountains, stunning lakes and rivers, and an array of activities perfect for romance. From relaxing in natural hot springs, indulging in a traditional bath or a modern spa-style experience at the bathhouses, or exploring the area’s unique attractions, there is something for anyone.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway that will be sure to make lasting memories, look no further than a Hot Springs, Arkansas romantic getaway! You’re going to love your adventure here.
This getaway is filled with everything you could ask for. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, a relaxing day in one of the many hot springs bath houses, good food, or romantic hotels, there’s something here to suit any couple.
From downtown shopping and dining to luxury resorts, Hot Springs has everything to create an unforgettable experience.
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