Park Comparison
Hot Springs vs National Park of American Samoa
Two iconic parks, different strengths. Here's how they stack up.
Updated
The Quick Take
Hot Springs
Hot Springs' 143-degree thermal water flows through historic bathhouses where health seekers once shared sidewalks with gangsters.
National Park of American Samoa
The only national park south of the equator protects volcanic peaks, coral reefs, and villages across three South Pacific islands.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
National Park of American Samoa sees less than half the visitors Hot Springs gets, which translates to a noticeably different crowd experience on trails and at viewpoints.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs welcomes 2.5M visitors annually across 8.7 square miles — about 282,967 visitors per square mile. Congestion is intense, peaking in June.
National Park of American Samoa
National Park of American Samoa welcomes 22,567 visitors annually across 21.1 square miles — about 1,070 visitors per square mile. Congestion is low, peaking in April.
National Park of American Samoa is dramatically less congested than Hot Springs — you'll feel the difference on every trail.
When to Go
Click any month to see how conditions compare side-by-side.
Trails & Activities
Hot Springs National Park has more trail mileage for exploration.
Hot Springs Top Activities
- hiking 7/10
- swimming 7/10
- bird watching 7/10
- photography 7/10
- ranger programs 7/10
National Park of American Samoa Top Activities
- swimming 9/10
- photography 9/10
- kayaking canoeing 8/10
- wildlife viewing 8/10
- bird watching 8/10
Camping
Hot Springs National Park offers significantly more camping options.
The Bottom Line
Choose Hot Springs if you...
- Want to experience Historic Bathhouses
- Are looking for great ranger programs
- Are looking for a senior-friendly experience
Choose National Park of American Samoa if you...
- Want to experience Pola Island
- Are looking for world-class swimming
- Are a photographer chasing iconic shots
- Want fewer crowds and more solitude
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Hot Springs or National Park of American Samoa?
It depends on what you're looking for. Hot Springs is known for Historic Bathhouses, while National Park of American Samoa is known for Pola Island. National Park of American Samoa is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Hot Springs or National Park of American Samoa more crowded?
Hot Springs has a congestion index of 9.8/10 and receives 2.5M visitors per year. National Park of American Samoa scores 1.2/10 with 22,567 annual visitors. National Park of American Samoa is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Hot Springs vs National Park of American Samoa?
The best month to visit Hot Springs is October, while National Park of American Samoa is best visited in February. The different peak seasons mean you could visit one in spring and the other in fall.
Which has better hiking, Hot Springs or National Park of American Samoa?
Hot Springs has 40 trail miles and National Park of American Samoa has 28. Both parks offer strong hiking options.