One-Day Trip Guide to Hot Springs National Park 🏞️✨

I was in the area for work and finally got the chance to visit Hot Springs National Park—somewhere I probably wouldn’t have traveled to just for fun. But after spending a day there, I can honestly say it was totally worth it! That said, this park is pretty unique—it doesn’t really fit the typical “national park” image. There are a few trails that match the classic vibe, but they’re not the main attraction. The real highlight is Bathhouse Row located right in the middle of town 🏙️💦 (though honestly, that part wasn’t super exciting). The real surprise was Garvan Woodland Gardens nearby—absolutely stunning! The cover photo shows Anthony Chapel next to the gardens—a perfect blend of architecture and nature. I immediately wanted to recommend it as a wedding venue to friends! 💒🌿 👇 Here’s my one-day itinerary: ➡️ Bathhouse Row I parked at a paid lot at 230 Central Ave. There are other parking options too. ↘️ First stop: Fordyce Bathhouse (visitor center/museum) ↘️ Then stroll along the street—you’ll see famous bathhouses like Quapaw and Buckstaff. Fun fact: The tall building in Image 4 is an abandoned military hospital—hard to miss as you walk along! 🏥👻 ↘️ Next, drive up to Hot Springs Mountain Tower for a panoramic view. Parking is available at the top. Tower admission is $13 per person (elevator included). ➡️ After that, I drove to Garvan Woodland Gardens 🌷🌳 Adult tickets are $22 per person. The garden is huge—plan for at least 1.5 hours to cover the main routes. Beautifully landscaped with lakes and rivers, plus a cute treehouse! Outside the garden is Anthony Chapel—free to enter. The glass walls offer gorgeous views of the lush forest—so green and peaceful! 🌿💚 Overall, if you’re passing through or curious about Hot Springs, it’s a nice stop. Hope this helps! Have you been to Hot Springs National Park or Garvan Gardens? What was your favorite part? Share your experience below! 👇🗺️ #HotSprings #Arkansas #NaturalSprings #USNationalParks #GardenWander #TravelGuide #RoadTripUSA #NatureMeetsArchitecture #HiddenGems #OneDayTrip