Eureka Springs vs. Hot Springs: Which Place is For You?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Eureka Springs has 60 cold natural springs whereas Hot Spring has 50 hot natural springs. The best time to visit Eureka Spring is during summer as the natural spring temperature is cold during that time. But for Hot Spring the best time to visit is during winter because the natural spring temperature is hot. Eureka Spring has older hotels and architecture where the hot spring is a modern place. And lastly, Eureka Spring is cheaper than Hot Spring.

Eureka Springs vs. Hot Springs: Basic Differences

Here is a clear comparison between Eureka Spring and Hot Spring in the following table-

Factor	Eureka Springs	Hot Springs
Location	Northwest Arkansas	Southwest Arkansas
Accessibility	By air, the nearest airport is Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport By bus, Greyhound bus service	By air from Little Rock National Airport (LIT) By bus Transit (IT) buses
Natural Spring temperature	Cold Spring	Hot spring
Outdoor activities	Boating in nearby lakes, Hiking and cave exploring	Many outdoor activities include a golf course, boating in the lake or fishing.
Food	Available in over 100 restaurants of any type of cuisine	Many modern rooftop chain restaurants and fast food around the place
Accommodation Facilities	Eureka Spring not only has old hotels but also treehouses and cave stays	Hot Spring has many modern hotels around with new amenities
Cost	The average cost per day is $142	The average cost per day is $182

Factor 1: Location

Eureka Springs is a place with great scenic beauty located in northwest Arkansas in the heart of the Ozark Mountains near Beaver Lake. On the other hand, Hot Springs is a fantastic blend of nature and urban life located in Southwest Arkansas.

Hot Spring can be an ideal place for those who want a place to relax and escape from the chaos of urban life. But not being completely away from the usual city life entertainment.

Those looking for a place close to nature and an escape from the city should check out Eureka’s Spring.

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Factor 2: Accessibility

To get to Eureka Springs by air, the nearest airport is Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, which is 50 miles away in Bentonville, Arkansas. On the other hand, to get into Hot Springs by air, the nearest airport is Little Rock National Airport (LIT), which is 55 miles away from Hot Springs.

To get to Eureka Springs by bus, Greyhound will offer a bus service. At the same time, to get to Hot Spring by bus, Transit (IT) buses offer bus service Monday to Friday.

Clearly both the places have easy accessibility both by air and bus. You just need to pick a convenient place and route for you.

Factor 3: Natural Spring Temperature

Eureka Spring has this exclusive feature, which is it has around 60 natural cool springs all across the city.

On the other hand, Hot Spring has 50 very hot springs across the city.

Eureka Spring faces most of the traffic during the summer because that is when people are looking for cold water. Just like that, Hot Spring faces most of its crowd in winter.

Eureka Spring offers beautiful and naturally therapeutic springs, and that’s why it is called Spa City. The water will make you calm and relax with the scenic beauty.

Hot springs have springs that resemble the name properly. It has 50 very hot springs. But it becomes bearable when the springs reach the pools or bath area. Overall, the temperature of the springs is, again, very relaxing and therapeutic.

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Factor 4: Outdoor Activities

There are hundreds of festivals that Eureka Spring has to offer every year. Other than that, the most exciting activity is visiting Throwncrown Chapel Christ of the Ozarks. Mountain Biking trails and Hiking are the most popular activities of Eureka Spring.

At the same time, Hot Spring also has abundant activities to do. Gaming, climbing, racing and visiting the Mid-America Science Museum altogether, you have every activity you want for entertainment.

In Eureka Springs, The Crescent Hotel can give you a thrilling ghost tour if you visit there before Halloween.

In contrast, museum visiting in Hot Spring is a must. The biggest attraction here is two world-class golf courses, a natural haven for outdoor adventures and sporting events.

Factor 5: Food

Eureka Spring has over 100 chef-owned restaurants that suit almost any type of cuisine. On the other hand, Hot Spring also have chains of modern restaurants along with readily fast food.

In Eureka Springs, you will not only get magnificent meals as well as get amazing service from the restaurant staff. Rogue’s Manor is one of the most-rated restaurants there for great food and service.

In comparison, Hot springs would offer you an exquisite fine dining experience. You will also have the facility for rooftop dining. Waters Hotel is one of the most demanding hotels there for the food and the view around.

Factor 6: Accommodation Facilities

Hot Spring is a place for modern hotels with all the modern facilities as per the traveller’s choice. At the same time, Eureka Spring also offers unique staying experiences, such as in caves or tree houses.

Eureka Spring has many places nearby and, interestingly, many old hotels. The 1886 Crescent Hotel and the 1905 Great Basin Hotel are two common names among those. You will also be able to enjoy the historic downtown view from the Crescent Hotel.

Factor 7: Pricing

The average cost of Eureka Spring is about $142 per day. And the average cost of Hot Spring is $182 per day.

For both places, this cost includes food, entertainment transport and accommodation. Since Hot Spring offers more modern facilities and hotels, that’s how the price is higher compared to Eureka Spring.