Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Hot Springs, VA

  • Published 2022/11/11

Hot Springs is a small and historic area located in Bath County, Virginia, about five miles southwest of Warm Springs.

As of the 2010 census, its population was 738, making it one of the smallest vacation spots featured on Travel Lens.

The plethora of outdoor activities compensate for this tiny rural community.

In the mid-18th century, travelers often stopped here to use the springs, which helped develop Bath County.

One of these historic resorts is the incredible Omni Homestead, Hot Springs’ first inn, built by Thomas Bullitt.

Aside from that, Hot Springs abounds in nature reserves and open spaces perfect for hiking, camping, and more!

Check out the best things to do in Hot Springs, Virginia.

Stay at the Historic Omni Homestead Resort

Beautiful view of Historic Omni Homestead Resort

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

The Omni Homestead Resort is a historic vacation retreat offering guests the best resort experience for 130 years!

Founded in 1892, the Omni Homestead Resort spans over 2,000 acres with scenic views of Hot Springs.

The resort boasts a selection of recreational activities for people of all ages.

Beautiful view of Historic Omni Homestead Resort

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

The spa is one of its highlights, thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and the same mineral waters President Thomas Jefferson used in 1818, giving you the most relaxing experience.

The resort’s golf course is also one of the best courses in Virginia.

Other outdoor activities like carriage rides and trail hikes are also available so you can immerse in the beautiful outdoors of Hot Springs.

Book a room and experience the best getaway at the Omni Homestead Resort on Sam Snead Highway.

Beautiful view of Historic Omni Homestead Resort

Jon Marc Lyttle / Shutterstock.com

Book a Cabin at Apple Horse Farm

Apple Horse Farm is a cattle and pig farm that prides itself on its sustainable and ethical practices.

Accessed via Hot Springs Road, Apple Horse Farm is home to many animals roaming freely around the open space.

They sell a variety of products, including pastured pork and grass-fed beef.

The best thing about this place is the Farm Edge’s Cabin, located on the edge of the farm.

The cabin has three rooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a sunroom, and a dining room.

Moreover, the view of the area’s hayfields and mountains is a fantastic sight.

Book this comfortable cabin in the spacious Apple Horse Farm near Falling Springs Valley.

Grab a Hearty Breakfast at Country Cafe

Hot Springs is home to many small, quaint restaurants, and Country Cafe is one of the best.

Country Cafe is a casual diner with a selection of country breakfast meals and a friendly atmosphere.

Their menu includes delicious breakfast sandwiches, healthy salads, yummy pies, and more!

Do you want something for lunch or dinner?

They’ve got you covered with their many lunch and dinner specials.

Their modest interior adds to the dining experience, giving the guests a friendly and welcoming vibe.

Taste the simple and delicious flavor of Country Cafe on Sam Snead Highway near the Hillcrest Motel.

Taste French-American Fusion at Les Cochons d’Or

The American countryside is an unlikely place to try French-inspired cuisine.

Fortunately, Hot Springs is home to the French-American restaurant Les Cochons d’Or.

Les Cochons d’Or combines the exquisite style of French cooking with the hearty flavors of American cuisine.

The restaurant aims to provide the community with an elegant dining experience for an affordable price.

They pride themselves on their delicious meals made from scratch using the freshest ingredients.

Try out the savory and wonderful flavors at Les Cochons d’Or.

See the Majestic Falling Springs Falls

There’s a reason why Falling Springs Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Hot Springs.

Falling Springs Falls is a beautiful 80-foot waterfall described by Thomas Jefferson as the “only remarkable cascade in the country.”

What makes this place a popular stop is its accessibility, as visitors can enjoy the view from a roadside overlook.

There’s also a small parking area and several picnic tables.

Imagine a wonderful picnic with your family and friends at a roadside overlook with a view of one of the most scenic falls you’ve ever seen.

Does that sound good to you?

If it does, enjoy the beauty of Falling Springs Falls on Route 220.

Ride a Horse at Let’s Ride Horses

Let’s Ride Horses wants you to enjoy the beauty of Hot Springs on horseback.

Located on Jackson River Turnpike, Let’s Ride Horses offers a variety of trail rides to people of all ages and experience levels.

Meet your guide Kenton Dull, an equestrian with over 40 years of experience, who will take you on an incredible outdoor adventure.

Ride friendly and accommodating horses as you make your way through woodlands, rivers, and meanders.

Let’s Ride Horses is your go-to if you want to see Hot Spring’s best views, so visit Kenton and his horses!

See What’s on Tap at Bacova Beer

View of Bacova Beer

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

Bacova Beer is a family-run brewery and Hot Spring’s premier destination for delicious ales.

Located on Main Street, Bacova Beer’s mission is to provide the community with the best traditional beers in a rustic atmosphere.

They have a wide selection of on-tap brewed beverages, including ales, lagers, porters, and more!

They also have a kitchen serving sandwiches, pizzas, and other hearty meals to pair with their handcrafted beers.

Visit Bacova Beer near the local USPS and grab a pint of whatever’s on tap.

Enjoy a Concert at the Garth Newel Music Center

The Garth Newel Music Center is Virginia’s “best-kept musical secret,” according to the Charleston Gazette.

Founded in 1973, the Garth Newel Music Center boasts a 114-acre property with an incredible view of the surrounding mountain vistas.

The chamber music venue hosts world-class performances by the Garth Newel Piano Quartet and other renowned guest musicians.

Besides the concerts and breathtaking scenery, the delicious and elegant gourmet meals from resident Chef Josh Elliott are another reason to visit the center.

You can book lodging in the historic Manor House if you want to extend your stay on this gorgeous property.

Find the Garth Newel Music Center on Garth Newel Lane.

Go Hiking at the Jackson River Scenic Trail

The Jackson River Scenic Trail is the best hiking spot in Hot Springs.

The Jackson River Scenic Trail is a long stretch that runs almost parallel to the Jackson River.

The trail starts near Smith Bridge Road in Hot Springs and ends at Dressler Drive in Covington, Virginia.

Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque sceneries of the surrounding nature and up-close views of the Jackson River.

The trail also has unique attractions, such as the Swinging Bridge.

If you don’t want to go on a long hike, you can still enjoy the atmosphere at the trailheads, precisely the one at Smith Bridge.

Enjoy a fantastic hike by the Jackson River at the Jackson River Scenic Trail.

Check Out the Stained Glass Windows at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart Parish

Situated on Shady Lane is the Shrine of the Sacred Heart Parish.

The Shrine of the Sacred Heart Parish is a Catholic church opened in 1894 by Thomas Fortune Ryan.

Ryan purchased a 0.5-acre land in Hot Springs, Virginia, to build this church for five dollars in 1893.

When it opened in 1894, Father Richard Washington, a descendant of George Washington, was its first priest.

The church is known for its beautiful stained glass windows depicting major figures in Christianity, such as the Holy Trinity, Archangel Raphael, and St. Jude, among others.

Whether religious or not, you will enjoy the beautiful architecture and glass windows at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart Parish.

Get a Soothing Massage at Stone Mountain Massage

Although Hot Springs is known for its incredible outdoor adventures, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do indoors.

Getting a massage is an indoor treat everyone enjoys, and in Hot Springs, there’s no place better than Stone Mountain Massage.

Stone Mountain Massage offers several therapeutic massage packages that help you relax and release all the tension in your body.

Before relocating to Hot Springs, they’d already gained 26 years of experience providing the best therapeutic massages to all clients.

Stone Mountain Massage is on Old Greenhouse Road, 0.3 miles south of the Omni Homestead Resort.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Browse the Goods at Warm Springs Gallery & Garden Cafe

If you’re looking for fantastic artisan goods in Virginia, head to Warm Springs Gallery & Garden Cafe.

Located on Katydid Trail in Warm Springs, Warm Springs Gallery & Garden Cafe specializes in promoting local artists and artisans.

They offer a selection of paintings and handcrafted goods for the public’s viewing pleasure.

They also sell quality and original artworks to collectors and enthusiasts.

With its incredible collection, you’ll find something you’ll like.

To further enhance the experience, visitors are welcome to try out the garden cafe’s delicious and healthy options.

Stop by Warm Springs Gallery & Garden Cafe for high-quality handcrafted goods in Virginia, eight minutes from Hot Springs.

Enjoy the Countryside at the Inn at Gristmill Square

The Inn at Gristmill Square offers an incredible escape from the noisy city life to the breathtaking countryside.

Sporting a 19th-century colonial village look, the Inn at Gristmill Square lets you stay in historic buildings equipped with modern-day amenities.

The accommodations are divided into several areas with unique charm and history.

For instance, the Miller House, the former residence of the Miller family, is now a little getaway positioned on a hillside.

The Ashwood House is a traditional brick house built in the 1920s, which includes a full-size kitchen, several bedrooms, and a fireplace.

If you want to buy goodies, they have a gift shop in the Payne House where a lovely inn cat resides.

The Inn at Gristmill Square is also the home of the Waterwheel Restaurant, which serves delicious American cuisine.

Are you looking for an escape to the countryside?

Stay at the Inn at Gristmill Square on Old Germantown Road, Warm Springs, eight minutes from Hot Springs.

Spot Local Wildlife at Dan Ingalls Overlook

Dan Ingalls Overlook in Warm Springs is the best place for wildlife viewing.

Dan Ingalls Overlook is part of the Warm Springs Mountain Preserve, a massive preserve with 77,000 acres of unfragmented forests.

The vast woodlands are home to various animals, including forest-dwelling songbirds.

Since the area has no roads, the overlook is the primary place to spot the local wildlife in the woods.

Occasionally, you’ll hear beautiful melodies from the songbirds.

Visit Dan Ingalls Overlook in Warm Springs Mountain Preserve on Warm Springs, 11 minutes from Hot Springs.

Rent a Kayak at Alleghany Outdoors

You’ve already heard about the beautiful scenic trail that runs along Jackson River.

Do you know you can journey on a kayak from one end of the river to the other?

Alleghany Outdoors offers an alternative Jackson River experience through their kayak, tube, and raft rentals.

As you ride the river, go on an incredible journey and immerse yourself in beautiful nature.

They also offer bike rentals if you prefer the non-wet option, the scenic trail.

Come to Alleghany Outdoors in Covington, Virginia, and experience a unique adventure at the Jackson River.

This place is 28 minutes from Hot Springs.

Final Thoughts

Hot Springs is a tiny treasure in the beautiful outdoors of Virginia.

You won’t find much indoor excitement, but the outdoor journeys in this place are unmatched.

There’s no shortage of opportunities to immerse in nature.

If you’re still unsure what to do, check out the best things in Hot Springs, Virginia.

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