Hot Springs, Arkansas has been drawing visitors for centuries, and it all starts with the water. The city sits atop a natural thermal spring system that produces nearly a million gallons of 143-degree water each day. These springs gave rise to Bathhouse Row, a stretch of eight historic bathhouses within Hot Springs National Park. Some, like the Fordyce Bathhouse, now serve as museums, while others still offer traditional thermal soaks. What makes it especially unique? Unlike most national parks, you can actually bathe in its main feature.

The city’s colorful past adds a layer of intrigue. In the early 20th century, Hot Springs was a hotbed of illegal gambling, bootlegging, and mob activity. Figures like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano vacationed here, drawn by the baths and backroom casinos. Today, visitors can explore that history at The Gangster Museum of America, which shares stories of the city’s underworld through interactive exhibits and memorabilia. Even the Arlington Resort Hotel, still in operation, was once a favorite haunt of notorious guests.

Hot Springs also embraces the outdoors with a laid-back charm. The trails that crisscross the Ouachita Mountains are easy to access from downtown, offering shaded hikes, mountain views, and quiet picnic spots. North Mountain and West Mountain trails are local favorites for a quick escape. Lake Hamilton, just a few miles away, provides a spot for boating, kayaking, and sunset cruises. If you're up for something unexpected, Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden featuring waterfalls, rock gardens, and the dramatic Anthony Chapel, made almost entirely of glass and wood and operated by the University of Arkansas.