Hot Springs National Park might be the second to smallest national park, it is surprisingly diverse. Stay in a vintage hotel, enjoy a spa treatment in a historic bathhouse, rise above the Arkansas forest and sip on craft beers made of thermal water. Plan a relaxing getaway to Hot Springs in Arkansas with this detailed weekend itinerary.

Friday

5 p.m.: The Arlington Tradition

The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa is an institution in Hot Springs, in operation since 1875. The hotel has welcomed many famous guests in the past 150 years, some more notorious than others. Al Capone used to rent the entire fourth floor for his entourage. Staying in the Arlington feels like stepping back into glamorous times, but don’t expect luxurious rooms. The interior from the 1920s is preserved, adding to the vintage charm.

7 p.m.: The Ohio Club

The Ohio Club is the oldest bar in Arkansas, founded in 1905. During prohibition, it became the Ohio Cigar Club, a true speakeasy. A cigar shop out front led into a hidden bar and casino. In the 1930s, Hot Springs turned into a gangster paradise. Its remote location, healing waters and casinos attracted America’s most notorious gangsters, and The Ohio Club was their preferred hangout. Nowadays, the classy club is known for delicious dirty martinis and live music seven days a week.

Saturday

9 a.m.: The Savory Pantry

Pack up a picnic for a day of hiking from The Savory Pantry, Hot Springs’ hippest food store. On the shelves you’ll find the ingredients for a perfect Mediterranean lunch, from Italian spreads to cheeses and charcuterie. You can fill up on breakfast just by trying all the delicious dips on display. For those with a bigger morning appetite, The Pancake Shop next door is a popular breakfast spot.

10 a.m.: Sunset Trail

Hot Springs National Park counts a modest 26 miles of hiking trails. Half of that amount is made up by the Sunset Trail, a 13-mile loop that follows the park’s boundaries. Start at West Mountain summit, where a few parking spots are available. The trail is mostly flat but sometimes hard to follow, so download the trail map upfront. There are no spectacular views on the Sunset Trail, but a relaxing time in nature shared with only a handful of people is guaranteed.

5 p.m: Superior Bathhouse Brewery

Back in town, stop by Superior Bathhouse Brewery to quench your thirst after hiking. This unique brewery uses thermal spring waters to brew their beers. It is housed in one of the historic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row. You can try a 4 oz-serving of all 18 beers on the menu by ordering a Beer Bath. The brewery also has a food menu, including burgers from Arkansas-sourced beef.

7 p.m.: Hot Springs Mountain Tower

The Hot Springs Mountain Tower rises 216 feet above Hot Springs, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The observation deck shows why Arkansas is known as The Natural State, revealing forest for as far as the eye can see.

9 p.m.: Arlington Lobby

Enjoy a nightcap in the Arlington Hotel Lobby. The historic lobby offers live music from local bands on weekend nights.

Sunday

10 a.m.: Bathhouse Row

Historic Bathhouse Row has been drawing visitors to Hot Springs for over 100 years. Between 1892 and 1923, eight bathhouses were erected along this street. The only bathhouse that has continuously operated since 1912 is Buckstaff Bathhouse. Enjoy a traditional spa treatment consisting of a mineral bath, a steam cabinet and a hot towel wrap in the original infrastructure. Learn more about the history and present function of the eight bathhouses on the NPS website.

12 p.m.: Brunch at the Arlington Hotel

The Arlington Hotel hosts a buffet-style brunch every Sunday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Venetian Dining Room. On the extensive brunch menu are omelet, carving and crêpe stations, Southern brunch entrées and delicious desserts. Start with a brunch cocktail on the sunny front porch.

2 p.m.: Grand Promenade

Wrap up the weekend with a stroll along the Grand Promenade. The tree-lined promenade runs parallel with Bathhouse Row. From the Grand Promenade, you can access the 2.7-mile Dead Chief Trail to burn off brunch calories. This trail used to be part of the historic Oertel Fitness Trail, developed by doctor Max Oertel as a complement to the thermal water treatments.

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