Romantic Things to Do in Eureka Springs: A Cozy Escape for Couples
Eureka Springs has this quiet magic that couples instantly feel. Maybe it’s the cobblestone streets, the Victorian balconies, or the way the forest wraps around the town like a warm hug. Maybe it’s the hidden springs that feel like little secrets, or the way the air cools down in the evening while everything glows under string lights. Whatever it is, Eureka Springs has become one of those places where couples come to reconnect, slow down, and remember what it feels like to simply be together. If you’re planning a romantic escape, here are the experiences that make Eureka Springs the perfect little getaway for two. 1. A Night at the Opera in the Ozarks The opera is held just outside town, on a hilltop at Inspiration Point, in a cozy theater tucked into the forest. The drive from Eureka Springs is short and pretty—you follow the curves of Highway 62 for a few miles, watching the trees open up around you. By the time you arrive and step out of the car, you already feel like you’re somewhere special, away from the noise and speed of everyday life. The season usually runs in the summer, from late June through late July, with performances on several evenings each week and a few matinees sprinkled in. Most night performances start around 7:30 p.m., but the best part is getting there a bit early. Once the performance starts, the atmosphere changes. You’re in an intimate theater, surrounded by forest outside and live music inside. Singers step on stage with a full production—costumes, lights, orchestra—and suddenly you’re both pulled into another world. Food-wise, think of this as a “dinner and a show” kind of date. There isn’t a full restaurant at the venue, so the ideal plan is to have dinner in Eureka Springs first, then drive out for the performance. 2. Paddle at Sunset on Lake Leatherwood Lake Leatherwood is known for its calm waters, but at sunset it’s on a completely different level. The light softens, the hills around the lake turn dark green and purple, and the water starts to mirror the sky like glass. It’s the kind of place where you look around and think, okay, this is exactly why we came here. You can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard during the warmer months and head out from the little marina area, gliding slowly along the shoreline while the sky turns gold and orange. You don’t need to be super athletic or experienced—the water is usually calm, the pace is gentle, and you can go as far or as little as you want. Most couples end up paddling a bit, then just drifting and talking while the sun goes down. Getting there is easy: it’s just a short drive from downtown Eureka Springs, and there’s parking close to the water, so you’re not hauling gear forever. In busier seasons and weekends, the rental area can get a little more active, but the lake itself almost always feels spacious and peaceful. You hear birds, maybe a splash from a fish, the sound of your paddle… and not much else. If you don’t feel like renting anything, it’s still a beautiful spot just to sit by the shore. Bring a small picnic, some snacks, or a simple bottle of wine and plastic cups (always check local rules, of course), find a quiet corner, and watch the colors move across the water. As the sun drops, the trees turn into silhouettes and the whole lake slowly shifts into soft blues and pinks. It’s simple, low-pressure, and honestly one of the most intimate “just us” moments you can have in Eureka Springs—no loud music, no big crowds, just the two of you, the lake, and the feeling that time slowed down for a while. 3. A Spa Day for Two at Forest Springs If you want a really easy, low-stress romantic day, a spa day at Forest Springs is basically the perfect plan. The nice thing is that everything happens in the same place, so you don’t have to think too much. You can start the day with a slow breakfast, then just walk down to the spa area inside the hotel. No driving, no looking for parking, no running from one place to another. A good way to structure the day could be: Morning – Spa & Treatments Start with a massage for two. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy—just a relaxing session to loosen up and switch your brain into “we’re off-duty today” mode. The idea is simple: soft light, calm environment, and a treatment focused on relaxation, not rush. Late morning – Hot & Cold Circuit After the massage, you can move to the hot & cold areas: warm soaking pool or jacuzzi cold plunge sauna You can do a couple of rounds together, taking it easy. It’s fun as a couple because you go through it at the same time, you encourage each other into the cold, and then laugh about it after. It’s good for circulation, but honestly, it’s also just a cool shared experience. If you don’t want to spend the whole day lying down, Forest Springs also has paddle courts and walking paths. You can play a bit if you like racket sports, or just take a walk around the property to move a little and see more of the place. you can plan something simple but very nice: a picnic on the hotel grounds. Since the property is large and surrounded by forest and a spring-fed creek, it’s perfect for this. It’s not a complicated plan: spa, water, a bit of movement, and a picnic to end the day. But together, it feels like a complete reset and a really solid date idea for couples. 4. Wine Tasting in Eureka Springs If you and your partner enjoy a good glass of wine, you can turn an afternoon in Eureka Springs into a really nice “wine + food” date without making it complicated. A
Eureka Springs Activities You Didn’t Know You Could Do
Planning a trip to Eureka Springs and only picturing cute shops and Victorian houses? Same. But once you’re here you realize the town is basically wrapped in forest, water, and hills — so you can do way more than stroll downtown. Whether you’re coming as a couple, with kids, or you just want an active weekend, there are plenty of unusual things to do in Eureka Springs that make it feel bigger than it is 1. Mountain biking in Eureka Just 10–12 minutes from downtown you’ve got spots like Lake Leatherwood with shaded forest trails and little stretches that open up near the water. You don’t have to be a pro, there are lines that work for beginners and a few that keep intermediate riders happy. And that’s why it’s fun: most people don’t expect to be riding real Ozark trails on a Eureka Springs trip, so it turns into one of those “oh, this town is actually cool” moments. If you’re here in summer, go earlier in the day because the humidity kicks in fast, and bring your own water, once you’re out on the trail there isn’t really a place to grab a drink. Rentals in town usually run around $35–$60 for a half day, a bit more if you want an e-bike, and then you’re off. 2. Paddle or SUP on Beaver Lake If the weather shows off, get out on the water. Beaver Lake is only about 20–25 minutes from downtown Eureka Springs (depends which marina or access point you pick), and once you’re there it feels like you left town completely. Most marinas will rent you a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard by the hour usually somewhere around $20–$35 for a single kayak, a little more for a tandem or SUP, and some spots have half-day rates if you want to make a whole afternoon of it. It’s super easy for families and couples because the water is calm, there are pretty little coves to paddle into, and you come home with good photos instead of just “we walked downtown again.” You will need a car, the trolley doesn’t go to the lake, but it’s literally just “put the marina name in Maps and drive.” 3. Zipline / treetop course This is the move when everyone says “I don’t want to hike but I do want to do something.” Most of the zipline places are 10–15 minutes from downtown, so you can grab coffee in town and be flying over trees half an hour later. Prices usually land in the $50–$75 per person range depending on how many lines you do and the season. Kids think it’s the greatest thing ever, adults get those Ozark-ridge views, and the whole thing is over in about an hour to an hour and a half, so you still have time for shops, dinner, whatever. On busy weekends, book ahead, Eureka fills up more than people expect. 4. Cave day: Cosmic Cavern or Onyx Cave When people Google “things to do in Eureka Springs,” the caves always pop up, and honestly, they deserve it. Both Cosmic Cavern and Onyx Cave are an easy 15–25 minutes from downtown, they run in any weather, and you don’t have to be sporty to enjoy them. Tours are usually around $15–$25 per adult and cheaper for kids, which makes it a nice family activity. Inside it’s naturally cool (so good in July), it’s flat and safe enough for kids or grandparents, and you still come away feeling like you experienced Ozark nature even if you didn’t hike a mile. If you go on a Saturday, try to go earlier in the day so you don’t get stuck behind a big group. 5. Hiking in Eureka Springs Hiking in Eureka Springs doesn’t have to mean driving far out of town. You can literally step out in downtown, follow the steep little streets into the hills, and turn it into a mellow urban hike. Along the way you’ll find several of the original stone springs tucked into grottoes and stairways – small, shady, and very “this is why this town exists.” It’s completely free and perfect as a between-meals walk or a pre-sunset leg-stretch. If the hills look like a lot (they can be), use the Eureka Springs Trolley as your cheat code: a day pass is around $6, the red line runs the main historic loop from late morning into the early evening, and you can hop off at the historic depot and start your walk from there. It makes “hiking in Eureka Springs” doable even if you don’t feel like climbing up and down all day. Hope this gave you a fresh look at the best Eureka Springs activities beyond the usual downtown stroll. Whether you’re biking through the Ozark forest, paddling on Beaver Lake, zipping through the trees, exploring underground caves, or simply wandering the hills and springs of town, there’s something here for every type of traveler. This little town surprises you. And when you’re ready for a place to rest after all that adventure, keep an eye out for Forest Springs Resort & Spa — opening before summer 2026, with wellness, nature, and comfort all in one spot.
Best Things To Do in Eureka Springs Arkansas
I’ve been based in Eureka Springs, Arkansas for the last few weeks while we work on the remodel and relaunch of Forest Springs Resort & Spa, and honestly, the town has surprised me in the best way. I came thinking, “ok, cute Ozark town,” and ended up finding a place that’s artistic, weird (in a good way), super walkable, and surrounded by forest, springs, and waterfalls. So instead of a cold, SEO-ish list of “10 things to do in Eureka Springs,” I wanted to write what it actually feels like to be here for more than a weekend , where I’ve been hanging out, what locals keep recommending, and what you shouldn’t skip if you’re planning a trip. Why Eureka Springs is different People here call it “the place where misfits fit,” and you feel that as soon as you walk downtown. Victorian houses on hills, healing springs tucked in little parks, art galleries, crystal shops, musicians on the street, it has that slightly offbeat energy, almost like a mountain version of Bisbee or a tiny New Orleans. That’s actually why we chose to bring Forest Springs to this area, the nature + the creative vibe makes sense for a wellness hotel. 1. Wander Eureka downtown Downtown Eureka Springs is tiny but it’s packed, and it’s way more fun if you let yourself just stroll and get a little lost. The streets curve, everything is on a hill, and every corner has either a porch, a balcony, a gallery or some super specific shop you didn’t know you needed. You can totally walk it, but the trolley makes it easier, especially on weekends when parking turns into a sport. There are four lines. The red one does the historic loop, so that’s the one for shops, Basin Spring Park, galleries, all the pretty porches. The blue and yellow bring people in from the motels and lodges on the east side. The purple is the one that goes out toward Razorback Tower and Thorncrown Chapel. Most days it starts around 10 am (9 am on busy Saturdays) and runs until late afternoon or early evening depending on season. A day pass is about six bucks, you can buy it online, and you just show the driver your phone. If you’re coming in on the blue line, hop off at New Delhi Café or the Downtown Trolley Depot and you’re right in the middle of things. One of the coolest things about downtown is that it’s basically built on top of itself. Early on they had mudslides all the time on Main Street, so the city literally raised the storefronts about ten feet and what used to be the first floor became the basement. It gives the town that odd layered feeling, like it’s half historic, half secret. First day I was in town I just walked around taking photos of cottages, staircases and random street art. Even if you don’t make it out to the trails or the chapels, downtown alone gives you a pretty complete Eureka Springs vibe. 2. Go find the springs (the reason the town exists) Eureka Springs wasn’t built because someone thought, “cute Victorian town.” It was built because people were coming here in the 1800s for the healing waters. There used to be more than 60 springs around town, and a bunch of them are still tucked into little pocket parks you can walk to. If you’re already downtown, you can do a mini “spring crawl”: Basin Spring – right in the middle of downtown, in the park. Easiest one to see and usually where music or events happen. Grotto Spring – on the upper/hill side of town, kind of carved into the rock. Super atmospheric. Harding Spring – right off Spring Street, pretty spot to grab a photo. Crescent Spring – gazebo, flowers, very “Eureka” energy. Magnetic Spring Park – a few minutes’ drive north of downtown, but a pretty one and more peaceful.Back in the day people really believed these waters helped with skin stuff, joint pain, breathing, all of it – so even if you don’t buy the 1880s marketing, it’s fun to see what started the whole town. If you only have time for two, I’d do Basin Spring (because it’s central) and Grotto Spring (because it feels hidden). 3. Spots in Eureka Springs you really shouldn’t skip Once you’ve walked downtown and seen a couple of the historic springs, it’s time for the “ok, now I get why people come here” part. These are the places that show up when you Google things to do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and honestly they’re popular for a reason. about” side. Thorncrown Chapel If you only have time for one, make it this. It’s about 10 minutes from downtown, tucked in the woods, and it’s basically glass, wood, and Ozark forest wrapping around you. Super calm, very photogenic, and you don’t need a long visit — 15–20 minutes and you’re good. Check hours because it’s sometimes closed for weddings. Christ of the Ozarks & the Passion Play area This one is very “Eureka.” Big statue, big views. You don’t need forever here, but it’s close enough to swing by after the chapel or the hotel. The grounds are peaceful and you get those wide Ozark photos people like. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Not technically right in downtown, but a lot of visitors add it to their Eureka Springs day. It’s a rescue for big cats and other animals — very family-friendly and a totally different vibe from the historic district. If you have a full day and a car, it’s worth the drive. Crescent Hotel ghost stop You can’t talk about Eureka Springs without the “most haunted hotel in America.” The 1886 Crescent Hotel sits above town and has a wild history — fancy resort, then a fake cancer hospital, now ghost tours. I didn’t get scared, but walking the old halls, hearing about Room 218 and the basement morgue is worth