Itinerary · 2 days · Arkansas
2 Days in Hot Springs National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Hot Springs National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Closest major airport: Little Rock (LIT), about 1 hour.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Take a traditional bath at the Buckstaff Bathhouse. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Tour the Fordyce Bathhouse visitor center.
- Evening: Walk the Grand Promenade.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Fill a jug at a free thermal spring fountain.
- Afternoon: Ride up the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
Bring an empty bottle. The thermal water fountains are free and the water is safe to drink.
When to go
The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is March–May and October–November.
Best time to visit Hot Springs, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Hot Springs National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: take a traditional bath at the buckstaff bathhouse and tour the fordyce bathhouse visitor center on day one, then fill a jug at a free thermal spring fountain on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Hot Springs itinerary?
Go in Mar–May, Oct–Nov, when the park is rated at its best. March through May, October and November offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Hot Springs in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss fill a jug at a free thermal spring fountain. Two days is the sweet spot.