Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour worth booking?
Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour is a 2-hour experience in Hot Springs, United States, from $17 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 16 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (16)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $17 per person
Experience the natural beauty of Hot Springs with this self-guided driving and easy walking tour. Visit Hot Springs Mountain Tower for stunning views, explore Gulpha Gorge Trail, discover West Mountain Lower Overlook, hi
What you get
About this experience
Experience the natural beauty of Hot Springs with this self-guided driving and easy walking tour. Visit Hot Springs Mountain Tower for stunning views, explore Gulpha Gorge Trail, discover West Mountain Lower Overlook, hike Goat Rock Trail, and enjoy Sunset Trail’s scenic beauty. Learn about the history and charm of this unique national park while exploring its top highlights at your own pace. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.
What's included
Included
- Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
- Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
- Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
What you'll see and do
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
We’re now approaching Hot Springs Mountain Tower, one of the absolute must-see attractions in this park. The observation tower reaches an elevation of 1,256 feet above sea level. From the open-air deck, you can see about 140 square miles of the Ouachita Mountains. Note: The tour is over 10+ miles long, with more than 40+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours per tour to complete. Experience the natural beauty of Hot Springs with this self-guided driving and walking tour. For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
Pass by without stopping
As we continue along North Mountain Drive, take a second to observe the flora around us. What plants do you notice? Hot Springs National Park is home to a huge variety of unique plants… including some that can thrive near very hot water! If you visit one of the springs, you’ll likely notice a spongy gray material near the spring opening.
10 minutes here
The Gulpha Gorge Trail. From here, you can take a moderate 1.5-mile roundtrip hike to Gulpha Gorge, where a creek tumbles beautifully down a series of low falls. Although you’ll hike downhill to the gorge, you’ll gain several hundred feet of elevation on your way back. Expect to spend at least an hour on this trail.
Pass by without stopping
In just a moment we’ll reach the trailhead for the Goat Rock Trail. This hike is a moderate two miles and will take about one and a half hours to complete, and leads to the phenomenal Goat Rock Viewpoint, which offers absolutely stunning views of nearby Indian Mountain. In the spring, you’ll also be treated to a spectacular display of wildflowers!
Pass by without stopping
Coming up on our right is Happy Hollow Fountain. In the 1920s, this was the location of Happy Hollow Springs, one of the craziest, most festive spots in town. If you’d like, you can take a drink from Happy Hollow Fountain! Unlike Noble Fountain, this water comes out at a nice, cool temperature.
Pass by without stopping
We’re approaching the West Mountain Lower Overlook, where we can catch beautiful views of downtown Hot Springs. I definitely recommend stopping here to take in the views. It’s the second to last overlook of our journey. To visit the overlook, park in the turnout coming up on our right.
Pass by without stopping
Bathhouse Row
Today this is a gift shop. But back in the day, it was the Lamar Bathhouse. And unlike all the other bathhouses up and down this avenue, THIS one had special, extra-long tubs -- perfect for anyone over six feet!
Pass by without stopping
Buckstaff Bathhouse
This is one of the best-maintained bathhouses in the park. In fact, it’s one of only two bathhouses where you can still bathe! To hear more, tap Learn More. But before you settle on a soak, you might still be wondering: Do these waters really cure diseases? Is there something magical about them?
Pass by without stopping
The Fordyce Bathhouse gets its name from Ohio-born businessman Samuel Wesley Fordyce. Fordyce fought for the Union in the Civil War. He contracted malaria during his service and it continued to ruin his health for years afterward. Finally, in 1873, he’d had enough. He came here to benefit from the healing powers of these hot springs.
Pass by without stopping
This green-accented bathhouse is the Maurice, which opened for business in 1912. With a roof garden, therapeutic pool, and modern elevators, this was the most state-of-the-art facility around.
Pass by without stopping
Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery
Today, it’s home to the only brewery located inside a national park and the only brewery in the entire world to use thermal spring water in their beer! For details on the brewery, click on Learn More.
Pass by without stopping
Grand Promenade
Before Hot Springs’ golden age, this was a pretty nondescript service road. Turning it into a fancy Promenade was an attempt to connect the extravagant bathhouses with the wooded slopes of this mountain.
Pass by without stopping
Display Springs
Another prominent feature of the park in the early 20th century was celebrities. That’s right: This little city in Arkansas was a great place to spot some stars. Especially baseball stars!
Pass by without stopping
This is the first hospital in the entire country to treat both Army and Navy patients. The idea for the hospital started with Senator John Logan, who visited Hot Springs in 1882. He imagined a medical facility where veterans from multiple military branches could all receive effective, affordable treatment. And he believed that Hot Springs would be the ideal location.
Pass by without stopping
When you reach the end of the Grand Promenade at Reserve Street, look for the small courtyard with the fountain. Walk over to the fountain and pause. This is Noble Fountain, which is fed by a thermal spring. If you’d like, you can actually take a drink from this fountain!
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hot Springs
Start the tour outside the Hot Springs Visitor Center, located on your right. The audio tour begins automatically as you pass the starting point. This is a self-guided tour, and no one will meet you in person. You can join anywhere along the route. Check your email/text for the "audio tour".
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
End Point: GW6W+PP, Hot Springs, AR, USA
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Guide With Action
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Check current road closures before your visit. For the best experience, bring headphones or earbuds for your walking tour.
- Please note that Hot Springs National Park requires an entrance pass, which grants access to all areas of the park. This pass is not included with the tour.
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
- Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
- More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
- Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
- Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
- Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
- Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
16 verified traveler reviews for Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun adventures
Fun walk thru town to see bath houses and upper views of the town. Includes a trip to the tower as well as a second tour on the other side of town! 2 for 1!
Response from the operator: Christopher, I’m really glad to hear that my Hot Springs NP GPS Driving and Walking Audio Tour felt like a fun adventure. It’s great that you enjoyed exploring the bathhouses, the views from above, and the bonus of a second tour—getting that “2 for 1” experience is exactly what I aim for. If you plan to travel more, you might be interested in my Action+ Tour Bundle. It includes all of my self-guided tours, over 100 in total, offering the same flexibility and informative fun wherever your travels take you!
via Viator
Hot Springs Get-away Weekend
It may have been us, however we were turned around on the walking tour as we had trouble figuring out the direction in which the tour was moving along the walk. We ended up hearing all of the stops, just in the wrong order. Can't wait for our next adventure to use this app.
Response from the operator: Virginia, I am glad you still enjoyed all the stops on my Hot Springs GPS Driving and Walking Audio Tour, even if a few played in a different order. The walking route follows a suggested direction, but if you start from a different point, jump in midway, or turn around, the audio can trigger based on your location. If you remember, did you begin at the recommended starting point or join the route partway through? That detail would really help us make the flow clearer for future visitors, and we’d love to have you tour with us again!
via Viator
Very Informative
For someone that does not have any idea on where to start, this is a great way to do it. Step by step this guide was very informative, I purchased it only because I had a credit covering most of the cost but now that I tried it, I would definitely try it in other vacation spots.
Response from the operator: Nancy, I’m really glad to hear this was a helpful way to get started on my Hot Springs National Park audio tour. It’s great to know the step-by-step format made the experience easy and informative, especially if you weren’t sure where to begin. I love hearing that trying it once made you confident to use my tours in other vacation spots, too. Thanks so much for sharing your experience and support. If you plan to travel more, you might be interested in my Action+ Tour Bundle. It includes all of my self-guided tours, over 100 in total, offering the same flexibility and informative fun wherever your travels take you next!
via Viator
Good experience
Took a while to figure out the app. It would only generate audio through phone and not Bluetooth. And does not play on CarPlay. Once your started it was good and informative. Only glitch was part of the Park was closed due to Government shut down which cut the ship short.
Response from the operator: I’m glad to hear that once you got started, the tour was informative. I apologize for the issues with CarPlay. Unfortunately, CarPlay does not currently support my app, but my team is working on making this feature available soon. In the meantime, you can connect to your car stereo directly for audio. Since the tour is valid for a year, you’re welcome to revisit and experience the park in its entirety once it's fully open again. If you plan to travel more, you might be interested in my Action+ Tour Bundle. It includes all of my self-guided tours, over 100+ in total, offering you the same flexibility and informative fun wherever your travels take you next!
via Tripadvisor
An excellent way to tour Bathhouse Row and the history of it. The walk is not that bad and you can take all the time you need.
It was a wonderful way to take your time and learn history of Bathhouse Row. Take your time and sit at the many benches along the way
Response from the operator: William, I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed my Hot Springs NP Self-Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour. I’m thrilled that it provided a great way to explore Bathhouse Row and learn about its history, and that you had the freedom to take your time. If you plan to travel more, you might be interested in my Action+ Tour Bundle. It includes all of my self-guided tours, over 100+ in total, offering you the same flexibility and informative fun wherever your travels take you next!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hot Springs.
How much does Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour cost?
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Prices start at $17 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hot Springs usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hot Springs is not rushed.
Is Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 16 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hot Springs, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hot Springs can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hot Springs and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hot Springs within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hot Springs?
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On Outty we rank every Hot Springs experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs, Hot Springs Hop Scavenger Hunt, Hot Springs to Little Rock Airport LIT Departure Private Transfer. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hot Springs?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hot Springs?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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