Looking to plan a getaway that includes your furry best friend? Look no further than Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas! We've put together all the best pet friendly places to stay, paw-esome activities to do, and tasty restaurants for the ulti-mutt vacation for you and your pet. Check out our guide and start planning your visit today!
Dog Tired: Where to Stay
For the Outdoorsy Adventure Pets
Choose a stay at one of Hot Springs' pet friendly stays surrounded by nature like Catherine's Landing on Lake Catherine, Starlight Haven's geodesic domes, In the Trees luxury treehouses, Happy Hollow located right across the street from the National Park, or stay inside Hot Springs National Park just steps from hiking trails at Gulpha Gorge Campground.
For the Pampered Pets
Choose a stay at the historic Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, stay right on Lake Hamilton at The DoubleTree by Hilton, stay steps from downtown Hot Springs at Dame Fortune's Cottage Court, soak up lake views at Willow Beach Resort and Lookout Point Lakeside Inn, or choose the Best Wester Winner's Circle located across the street from Oaklawn and equipped with their very own on-site dog park.
Bone-Appetit: Where to Dine
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Superior Bathhouse Brewery serves up thermal water brewed beer and root beer made with Hot Springs' famous water! Located inside the historic Superior Bathhouse, Superior serves up a delicious food menu with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and even a dog friendly menu full of items for your hungry pup to enjoy. Pups are welcome inside and outside in their beer garden. Pro Tip: Be sure to grab a free Superior bandana for your pup before you leave!
Bubba Brew's on Lake Hamilton
After a day on the lake with your pup or out exploring Hot Springs, Bubba Brew's on Lake Hamilton is the perfect spot to to drive or boat up to with stunning lake views. Bubba Brew's specializes in their locally brewed craft beer, gourmet burgers, fresh salads, wings, and a variety of delicious pub grub. Sit inside or outside on their patio for one of the best sunset views in the city!
Taco Mama
Taco Mama offers a vibrant, laid-back restaurant with flavorful classic-style Mexican fare like loaded nachos, tasty tacos, and mouthwatering hand rolled tamales. For those traveling with furry companions Taco Mama offers a welcoming outdoor patio, the perfect spot to kick back with a margarita and let your dog relax by your side - and Taco Mama's friendly staff are happy to bring water bowls out for your furry friend to enjoy!
Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden
Grateful Head Pizza and Beer Garden sits along the side of West Mountain surrounded by nature and views of downtown Hot Springs. This unique spot, named after the psychedelic rock band Grateful Dead, is known for their laid-back, fun, pet friendly atmosphere and their tasty garlic butter braided crust. Grateful Head crafts unique pizzas with deliciously creative toppings and serving up a variety of craft beers. Let your pup soak up the sun while you enjoy a bite along the mountain side!
Other delicious pet-friendly restaurants to check out: Sam's Pizza Pub & Restaurant, Fisherman's Wharf Steak & Seafood, Rolando's Restaurante, Diablo's Tacos, Cajun Boilers, SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint, Steinhaus Keller, Bubbalu's, Fat Jack's Oyster Sports Bar & Grill, Rod's Pizza Cellar, Bubba's Catfish.
Tail Wagging Fun: Dog Friendly Attractions
Take a Hike and Visit the Bark Park
Hiking is one of the best adventures Hot Springs has to offer for you and your pet. Whether you're exploring Goat Rock Trail in Hot Springs National Park, Bearcat Pass at the Waterworks Trailhead in the Northwoods Trails System, or strolling the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail. Plan a day of hiking with your furry friend and be sure to visit the Hot Springs Bark Park found along the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail! This Bark Park gives your pup a safe place to run, catch the frisbee, make some friends, and sniff all the things. Pro Tip: Let your pup take a quick swim to wash off in Hot Springs Creek just outside the Bark Park!
Spend a Day on the Lake
Hot Springs three area lakes are a dogs paradise! Enjoy Lake Catherine, Lake Hamilton, or Lake Ouachita for fishing, kayaking, boating, paddleboarding, and swimming (doggie paddling) around. Rent a boat or kayak from a marina and spend the day exploring the water. Be sure to bring your pups life jacket along and keep in mind sharp rocks that can be found on islands on Lake Ouachita.
Visit Garvan Woodland Gardens
There's always something beautiful blooming at Garvan Woodland Gardens! Hot Springs 210-acre botanical gardens are pet friendly (except during the Holiday Lights Display November - December) offering an oasis of sniff spots and nature to explore.
Become an Official BARK Ranger
Visit the front steps of the Fordyce Bathhouse & Hot Springs National Park Visitors Center to certify your dog, cat, or even iguana as an official BARK Ranger! A Hot Springs National Park Ranger will swear in your pet outside of the bathhouse before stamping their paw on their very own BARK Ranger certificate. Please note, the inside of the bathhouse is a preserved museum and does not allow pets indoors.
Other exciting pet-friendly attractions to check out: The Gangster Museum of America, Hot Springs Farmers Market, Falls Creek Falls at Lake Catherine State Park, Hot Springs Trolleys, Northwoods Trails, Cedar Glades Park, Ron Coleman Mining, Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
Dog Boarding & Doggie Daycare
While Hot Springs is quite dog-friendly, there might be times when you need to explore an area where your furry friend isn't permitted or when they could benefit from some extra attention and playtime. Here are a few dog boarding and daycare facilities in the Hot Springs area.
Camp Barkansas
At Camp Barkansas, your dogs happiness and well-being is the top priority! Located a short drive from downtown Hot Springs on Malvern Avenue, Camp Barkansas offers doggie daycare, boarding services, and grooming/spa treatments sure to have your pets tail wagging.
Camp Diggity Dogs
While you enjoy all Hot Springs has to offer, your pup can enjoy an action packed day at Camp Diggity Dogs! Located on Higdon Ferry Road, Camp Diggity Dogs is an action packed pet resort offering dog daycare, overnight boarding, and grooming services.
Vet Care
For vet care while in Hot Springs: Countryside Animal Hospital at 3620 Central Ave Suite G., Hot Springs Animal Hospital at 1533 Malvern Ave., Temperance Hill Animal Hospital 111 Temperance Hill Rd., Kelly Veterinary1910 Albert Pike Rd. F.
