Big-name destinations are fun but don’t feel like the Natural State can’t provide a beach getaway or two. Lake Balboa in Arkansas is the perfect blend of sandy beaches, lakeside activities, and waterfall chasing. This hidden gem simply is a must-visit. Let’s pick an adventure and head to the gorgeous Lake Balboa in Hot Springs Village, one of the most beautiful beaches in Arkansas.

Editor’s note: This lake is inside a gated community and not free to the public. Guests mush either be sponsored by a resident or sign up and reserve a vacation for access.

There's really no need to buy plane tickets to a destination island when there's a place like Lake Balboa to visit.
Lake Balboa in Arkansas
Lake Balboa, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909, USA
Google/Jennifer Calhoun
Just because we're a landlocked state doesn't mean you can't have a beautiful beach getaway. This gorgeous beach is Lake Balboa, the largest lake in Hot Springs Village. A good starting point for your beach break would be the marina which is located at 480 Ponce de Leon Dr., Hot Springs Village, AR 71909.
There's even a waterfront restaurat at the marina!
Balboa Marina
In addition to the typical boat and bait shop, the marina also has a lovely island-themed restaurant and bar. If your crew is a bit too young to enjoy an adult beverage, no need to fret. The marina has treats like ice cream, which is also great for the little ones.
We're still a few weeks out from enjoying a fully submerged swim, but there are still plenty of activities to enjoy at the lake now.
Arkhambatknight The goat/Google

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After you've relaxed on the beach, head to the southeast side to go on a small waterfall-chasing adventure.
Google/JJ Parsons
The waterfall is created by the Lake Balboa Dam. The spillway's falls can range from a small drizzle to a mini-Niagara that's perfect for a picture or three.
It may just begin as a spillway, but Cedar Creek still a pretty neat placed to explore.
Google/Connie Boudreaux
Cedar Creek is about a mile long before it empties out into the South Fork Saline River. It's easy to transition your beach getaway into a river float with the close proximity of these gems.
However you enjoy your waterfall and beach vacation, Lake Balboa will always be a family favorite.
Facebook/Hot Springs Village Recreation
If you'd like more information about activities at the lake, visit the marina's website.

Enjoy a stunning sunset at Lake Balboa :

Have you been to Lake Balboa in Arkansas yet? Where do like to spend most of your time at this lake beach and river waterfall combo? Share with us in the comments!

West of here is another one of the most beautiful lakes in Arkansas! Or you can take a little road trip on this beautiful scenic drive in the forest.

This Drive Through An Arkansas Forest Will Be The Most Scenic Trip You Take This Year

While you’re in town, check out this high-flying adventure in Hot Springs that’s great for a family outing. 

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More to Explore

The Most Beautiful Places In Arkansas

William Suphan | February 16, 2023

What are some more of the most beautiful beaches in Arkansas?

Of course, we know that Arkansas is a landlocked state, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have beaches in Arkansas. Here are some of the best beaches that we love:

  • Sandy Beach, Heber Springs
  • Buford Beach, Hardy
  • Robinson Point Beach, Mountain Home
  • Crown Lake, Horseshoe Bend
  • Beaver Dam Site Park, Eureka Springs
  • DeGray Lake Resort, Bismarck
  • Lake Charles, Powhatan
  • Old Highway 25 Park Beach, Tumbling Shoals
  • Indian Creek, Garfield
  • Joplin Recreation Area, Mt Ida

Be sure to visit our website to discover more of the best beaches in Arkansas.

What are the most beautiful places in Arkansas?

The most beautiful places in Arkansas include:

  • Longview Saline Natural Area in Fountain Hill. The soil in this place has a ton of sodium and magnesium which creates a singular ecosystem.
  • H. E. Flanagan Prairie Natural Area near Charleston. This is what remains of what was once 135,000 acres of beautiful prairie land.
  • Kings River Falls Natural Area in Boston. The waterfalls here are known for their lush beauty and they are surrounded by swaths of hardwood trees.
  • Slippery Hollow Natural Area near Lakeway. This gorgeous place covers 1,200 acres and has several species of beautiful oak.

Find out more about the most beautiful places in Arkansas. 

What are the most incredible natural wonders in Arkansas?

The most incredible natural wonders in Arkansas include:

  • Mammoth Spring. This is the biggest spring in the state and is a National Natural Landmark with breathtaking views.
  • Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome. Arkansas has a wide variety of caves and these have more mineral formations per foot than any others.
  • Crowley’s Ridge. This natural area has wildlife and foliage that is unique to this locale and fossils can be found here.
  • Buffalo National River. This beautiful river is lined with rocky cliffs and there’s a Jumping Rock to dive from.

Discover more of the most incredible natural wonders in Arkansas. 

What are the most unique natural wonders in Arkansas?

The most unique natural wonders in Arkansas include:

  • Arkansas Grand Canyon. This is the deepest canyon in the Ozarks and has some of the most amazing views in Arkansas.
  • Bull Shoals Caverns. This living cave was formed over 350 million years ago and is one of the oldest caverns on earth.
  • Arkansas Sphinx. This is an out-of-this-world rock formation that resembles an Egyptian Sphinx in the Ozark National Forest.
  • Hot Springs National Park. There are over 40 springs that are heated geothermally with the water flowing out of the sandstone.

Learn more about the most unique natural wonders in Arkansas. 

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71909, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909, USA