Sometimes, you just need to get away. Not with a group. Not with family. Just you. That’s exactly what I needed when I decided to take a solo trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas. No grand plan. No packed itinerary. Just me, a carry-on, and a little curiosity.
I had heard about the natural thermal waters, the historic bathhouses, and the peaceful vibe of the town. But nothing prepared me for how calm, healing, and honestly refreshing the whole experience turned out to be.
So here’s how it went—from the first morning coffee to my last peaceful walk through the forest trails. If you’re thinking about traveling alone or you’re just curious about Hot Springs, this one’s for you.
Why I Picked Hot Springs
I didn’t want a loud city. I didn’t want a tourist trap either. I wanted something slower, more relaxed, and not too far off the map.
Hot Springs felt perfect. It had:
- Natural beauty
- History
- A small-town feel
- And something unique—those famous thermal baths
I was also drawn to the idea of soaking in real hot springs, the kind people used hundreds of years ago. There’s something kind of magical about that, right?
Arrival Vibes
I flew into Little Rock, rented a car, and drove the hour or so to Hot Springs. The drive was smooth. Lots of greenery. Open skies. It already felt like I was leaving stress behind.
As soon as I entered town, I noticed how it felt like a mix of vintage charm and modern small-town life. You see old brick buildings, quirky little shops, quiet streets… and of course, the line of bathhouses that Hot Springs is famous for.
I checked into a cozy little inn just a short walk from Bathhouse Row. Nothing fancy, but clean, welcoming, and perfect for a solo traveler.
Exploring Bathhouse Row
This is the heart of the city. Bathhouse Row sits right across from the edge of Hot Springs National Park. It’s a line of beautifully preserved bathhouses, some still in use, others turned into museums or shops.
I spent my first afternoon just walking down the row. Admiring the architecture. Reading the plaques. Popping into shops. It felt peaceful. Slow. Almost like time moved differently here.
Tip for fellow solo travelers: Take your time here. Sit on a bench. Watch people. Notice the little things—the steam rising from vents in the sidewalks, the smell of minerals in the air, the old-timey charm of the buildings.
Soaking at Quapaw Baths
On my second day, I treated myself to the real deal: a soak in the thermal waters at Quapaw Baths & Spa.
You walk into this historic building, and it’s like entering a quiet temple. Soft lighting. Marble floors. A calming buzz in the air.
They have public thermal pools where the natural hot spring water flows. It’s not just warm—it’s healing. You sit in silence, letting the minerals soak into your skin. Your thoughts slow down. Your body thanks you.
Honestly, I stayed longer than planned. And I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
They also offer massages and private baths. If I had stayed one more day, I probably would’ve booked both.
A Walk Through History
Right next to the bathhouses is the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum. This place is free and absolutely worth visiting.
It shows what the bathhouses were like in the early 1900s—when Hot Springs was the go-to spot for healing, rest, and even high-stakes poker.
Walking through the old treatment rooms, locker areas, and parlors, I felt like I stepped back in time. And it made me appreciate how much history lives in this town.
Hiking the National Park Trails
You can’t visit Hot Springs without exploring Hot Springs National Park. And the best part? The trails start right from town. No long drives or crowded gates.
I started with a walk up to Hot Springs Mountain Tower. The trail was easy enough, even for someone who’s not a hardcore hiker. Surrounded by trees. Birds chirping. Just me and the quiet of nature.
At the top, I took the elevator up the tower and wow—the view is stunning. You see the entire valley, the city below, and endless forests.
Later, I walked the Grand Promenade—a wide, brick path that runs behind Bathhouse Row. It’s shaded, peaceful, and full of little surprises like fountains and benches.
It’s the kind of place you take slow, with a cup of coffee in hand and nowhere else to be.
A Bite of Local Flavor
Hot Springs may be small, but it has some surprisingly good food. As a solo traveler, I looked for cozy spots where I could eat comfortably alone.
Some favorites:
- The Pancake Shop – Breakfast heaven. It’s been around since the 1940s. Friendly staff. Simple, delicious food.
- Superior Bathhouse Brewery – Fun fact: it’s the only brewery in the U.S. inside a national park. They make beer using thermal spring water! I had a flight of beers and a tasty burger. Sat at the bar. Chatted with locals.
- Kollective Coffee+Tea – Great for a relaxed solo lunch or coffee. Funky vibe. Good people-watching.
Eating alone here didn’t feel awkward at all. People are chill, and many spots have bar seating or quiet corners.
Meeting Strangers (In a Good Way)
One of the cool things about solo travel is the chance to connect with random people. I met a retired couple from Texas during a trail walk. We ended up chatting about travel, life, and the best hot springs.
Another day, I got talking to a barista about how long he’s lived in Hot Springs. He gave me a few tips, like where to catch live music and which bakery has the best cinnamon rolls (it’s Ambrosia Bakery, by the way).
Small moments like these made the trip more personal. Less touristy. More human.
Peaceful Moments That Stayed With Me
Not everything needs to be “an experience.” Some of my favorite parts of the trip were just little, quiet moments.
Like:
- Sitting on a park bench in the evening with a warm coffee
- Watching the steam curl up from a natural spring vent
- Journaling in the morning with no schedule to follow
- Feeling the calm after a long soak in the hot waters
When you travel alone, you notice more. You feel more. And places like Hot Springs make space for that kind of travel.
Final Thoughts
Would I recommend Hot Springs, Arkansas for a solo trip? 100% yes.
It’s safe. It’s charming. It’s full of history, healing, and heart. Whether you’re there to relax, recharge, or just take a break from the noise of life, this little town delivers.
I left feeling lighter. Not just physically (thanks, hot baths!), but mentally too.
And I already know—I’ll be going back.
