Hot Springs, Ark., promises to offer fun for all types of travelers. Visitors can enjoy the outdoors, shopping, spa treatments among other diversions. Here are a few items to put on your list to check out.
Enjoy the Five Diamond Lakes region with recreational waters and shoreline fun (fish, ski, swim, float, sail, picnic, etc.).
Explore the Historic Baseball Trail, including historic fields and recreational retreats.
Take a dip at the historic bathhouses on Bathhouse Row. Visit Buckstaff Bathhouse, which is the only bathhouse in continuous operation on Bathhouse Row since 1912. Quapaw Baths and Spa has four mineral water pools or the option for a private bath with massage, scrub or facial. Superior Bathhouse Brewery is a one-of-a-kind in that it hosts it own craft brewery.
Cruise Lake Hamilton (pictured) on the Belle of Hot Springs.
Shop at a multitude of stores. All Things Arkansas features unique products from each region of the state. The Bath Factory, located in historic downtown Hot Springs, offers bath and body products that are made in their store.
Meet an alligator at the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo; the site has been featured on Animal Planet in the past and boasts 150 gators, a mini zoo and a mini museum.
Tour the restored international headquarters of Mountain Valley Spring Company. Visitors can view historical, informative exhibits of the company that has been bottling water since 1871.
See a variety of sea animals at the National Park Aquarium and learn about native Arkansas fishes as well as tropical and saltwater species.
Ride a bike at Cedar Glades Park Loop, a 10-mile loop and Hot Springs favorite that is perfect for both beginner and intermediate bikers.
Dig for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Located in Murfreesboro, about an hour and a half from Hot Springs, the the park provides all basic equipment for a small rental fee and short informative videos to help first-time diggers.
For more information, check out this Hot Springs guide.