You'll need the car when exploring Hot Springs as public transit throughout the town, and Arkansas as a whole, is relatively scarce. That said, downtown (especially Bathhouse Row) is walkable.
The best time to visit Hot Springs is August to October and February ... Still, given that Arkansas is located in the balmy south, there are several acceptable months to plan a trip.
Going into our visit to Hot Springs NP in Arkansas we really ... and hiking so you can start planning your dream vacation.