We know that a getaway is an investment in your well-being, and these days, we’re all looking for ways to make our travel dollars go a little further without sacrificing the experience. To help you plan your stay at Tiffany's Bed and Breakfast, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite local gems that are totally free. Think of it as our way of helping you soak up every bit of Hot Springs magic without the extra price tag.
- Hot Springs National Park: Admission is free, and a walk down historic Bathhouse Row is a must.
- Start at the Fordyce Bathhouse: This serves as the park's visitor center. Explore this historic bathhouse on your own or join a ranger-led tour.
- Take a hike: Hot Springs National Park is home to 26 miles of hiking trails. Whether you want to hike straight up Hot Springs Mountain, walk the Grand Promenade, or tackle the 17-mile Sunset Trail Loop, you'll enjoy fresh air and beautiful views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.
- Take a scenic drive: Both Hot Springs Mountain and West Mountain offer short scenic drives with sweeping views of Hot Springs and Lake Hamilton
- Fill a jug with thermal water: Hot Springs offers 7 thermal water fountains and 2 cold water fountains where you can fill a jug for free with the water that made the town famous.
- History of Hot Springs Gambling Museum: Just a short drive from the central historic district and a few blocks from Oaklawn, this museum is a true hidden gem. It houses a private collection of slot machines, gaming tables, and other casino memorabilia from a by-gone era in Hot Springs. Admission is free, and they even encourage you to try your luck on the vintage slot machines using money provided by the museum! Some of the rarest items in the museum were designed and manufactured in Hot Springs.
- Hot Springs Mural Tour: You'll quickly see why Hot Springs is ranked among The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America as you explore the dozens of public murals tucked into our historic downtown streets. From local artists and students, to nationally recognized artists like Pepe Gaka and Danae Brissonnet, you'll find murals depicting nods to the area's past in “Quapaw Mural” and “Black Broadway”, to fun favorites such as “Donut Portal” and “SQZBX Mural”.
- Historic Baseball Trail: The "Playing Cards" mural honors baseball greats who played here and is a key stop on this self-guided trail. Hot Springs was baseball's most popular spring training spot from 1886 through the 1920s. This free tour brings history to life at sites where legends like Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Hank Aaron played and relaxed.
- Oaklawn: This premier racetrack has been hosting thoroughbred racing since 1905, and hosts the Racing Festival of the South and the Arkansas Derby. The live season runs from late November to early May, and admission to the track is free.
- Nearby State Parks: Admission to all Arkansas State Parks is free, and we are fortunate to have three beautiful parks just a short drive away:
- Lake Ouachita State Park: Known for swimming, fishing, and hiking; the 4-mile Caddo Bend Trail is a guest favorite.
- Lake Catherine State Park: Popular for the Falls Branch Trail, which features a scenic 10-foot waterfall.
- DeGray Lake State Park: Famous for its fishing and swimming beaches. While the main park entrance is a bit further down the road, the northern end of DeGray Lake is just 5 miles from our front door. Ask us how to find our favorite quiet picnic spot right on the water!
- Arkansas Mountain Biking: Hot Springs is a recognized IMBA Ride Center. The Northwoods Trails offer over 31 miles of world-class riding just 5 minutes from downtown. Additionally, Iron Mountain is located a short drive from Tiffany’s and offers over 24 miles of trails along the shores of DeGray Lake.
- Live Pottery Demos: Dryden Potteries is a four-generation family business that has called Hot Springs home since 1956. They are the only pottery in Arkansas to use local novaculite in their clay and glazes. You can watch free live potter’s wheel demos daily (Mon-Fri 10-11:45 AM and all day Saturdays).
- Distillery Tours: During the 1920s and 30s, the Ouachita Mountains were home to hundreds of illegal stills. You can explore this Prohibition legacy at two local spots:
- Crystal Ridge Distillery: Features daily complimentary tours of their moonshine still and historic facility.
- Hot Springs Distilling: Offers tours and craft cocktails on Saturdays, specializing in high-quality bourbon.
- On-Site Adventures at Tiffany’s B&B: You don’t have to drive anywhere to experience the natural beauty of the area. Guests can enjoy a slow morning exploring our three private nature trails or discovering a piece of local history at the old Point Cedar Mine right on the property. (You can read the full story of the mine in our blog about the Top 5 Historical Sites in Hot Springs).Afterward, let the peacefulness surround you on the full-length front porch or stargaze at the fire pit in the evening.
A great getaway is all about balance. By mixing these local free gems into your itinerary, you can save your travel budget for a special dinner downtown, a beautiful piece of local art, or a full afternoon exploring Garvan Woodland Gardens. Plus, when you stay at Tiffany’s, your day starts with a full, home-cooked breakfast included in your stay—giving you the perfect fuel for your Hot Springs adventures without the extra restaurant tab.