10 Best Places to Visit in Arkansas

Searching for the best places to visit in Arkansas? Well, you are in the right place! I’ve always loved how The Natural State combines natural beauty with a warm, down-to-earth spirit. I find Arkansas one of the easiest states to visit. It's an eight-hour drive from my home in Austin, TX to reach Hot Springs, AR but I don't mind.

The Natural State’s a land of sparkling lakes, rushing rivers, dense forests, and mountain vistas that invite both adventure and relaxation. This is exactly why I decided to share my favorite things in Arkansas so that you can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own vacation. From charming small towns to vibrant cultural hubs, here are some of my favorite places to visit and things to do in Arkansas that I uncovered during my one-month road trip that truly capture its authentic Southern character. I think you’ll enjoy them too.

Hot Springs - 1 hour from Little Rock

I think Hot Springs, is one of the absolute most underrated Southern gems. You'll find it located in central Arkansas near the Ouachita Mountains, about an hour southwest of Little Rock for an easy day trip.

Now, first things first, we always feel a sense of magic arriving downtown, where historic Bathhouse Row feels like a living museum.

We loved visitingHot Springs National Park and admired historic architecture. We spent hours soaking in the iconic thermal waters. I think this classic spa ritual is one of the best experiences you can have in Arkansas.

Be sure to spend some time in Ouachita National Forest, even if you just go on a scenic drives. If you have more energy, there are also hidden hiking trails, and scenic overlooks that feel like a dream for outdoor lovers.

I also recommend walking along Lake Hamilton nearby. It's especially romantic at sunset. Or you can go on a boat rides too.

For an affordable overnight option, consider camping in Gulpha Gorge Campground (just $34 per night). With fire grills provided at each camp site, you can make your own food here too which ends up making the vacation super affordable.

What I loved best:

I was surprised by how cool the local food scene is, with cozy cafés and restaurants that make every meal feel like a hidden gem.

Local tip: For something totally unique, head to Superior Bathhouse Brewery and sample a craft beer flight made with thermal spring water!

Little Rock

Chris and I both absolutely love Little Rock, and have been many times. In fact, there is so much to enjoy here. There is the river, framed by parks, bridges, and trails. Since there are heaps of unique things to do here, we stayed for a week. We decided to join a guided tour first thing with a local guide which ended up being a great idea.

I recommend getting started in the River Market District, which is absolutely one of the best areas to stay for first-time visitors.

You can go for a stroll down Main Street, where museums, local shops, and cool cafés made wandering feel effortless.

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site nearby was one of the most meaningful and interesting stops of the trip.

Dining here was brilliant too, with Southern classics.

Local tip: At sunset, start near the Junction Bridge downtown and walk across the river for stunning skyline views that only the locals seem to know about.

What about special events? The Little Rock’s Downtown Food Truck Festival in September is well worth traveling for!

Need a place to stay? There are heaps of choices, from Airbnbs to luxury hotels. The Capital Hotel is the only AAA Four Diamond hotel in "The Rock" (and one of only three in the state) so you can trust that it's a quality place.

The Arkansas River Trail System in Little Rock

Stretching for miles on both sides of the river, this is one of the most scenic urban trail systems I’ve visited in the South. Honestly, I think it’s one of the best outdoor experiences in Little Rock.

You can follow this unique trail that weaves through the best parts of the city. I loved walking along a stretch just after lunch to burn off the calories.

I found the views spectacular, with the river on one side and the city skyline on the other.

Best of all, you can be assured that this trail system is incredibly well-maintained, affordable, and accessible.

Conway - 30 minutes from Little Rock

Need an exciting day trip from Little Rock? Check out Conway, a real standout just a 30-minute drive northwest.

Now, first things first, head downtown and explore historic brick streets, unique shops, local cafés, and some of the coolest restaurants in central Arkansas.

We enjoyed a stroll through the Creative Economy District on our road trip, which feels like a hidden hub of art, music, and culture.

For peaceful river views, scenic trails, and a glimpse into Arkansas history, head to Cadron Settlement Park.

What I loved best:

Catching a show at the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre was my personal highlight, the only professional Shakespeare company in the state and well worth it!

Fort Smith - 2 hours 15 minutes from Little Rock

This is one of my favorite places to visit in Arkansas when I'm in the mood for history, Old West stories and frontier heritage. Right at the Oklahoma border, it was a 2-hour drive west from Little Rock.

We love how Fort Smith sits right on the Arkansas River, close to the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, so you'll be surrounded by natural beauty.

The Fort Smith National Historic Site makes for the best first stop. Walking along the grounds felt like stepping into a unique chapter of American history.

We spent time exploring the downtown area, and it honestly felt like a hidden favorite filled with brick streets, local shops, and affordable restaurants.

One of my favorite moments was strolling along the Riverfront Park, where the views were spectacular. The best part for me was how walkable and friendly everything felt, making the whole experience easy and stress-free.

What I loved best:

Dinner at Doe’s Eat Place was my personal highlight, a juicy porterhouse steak seared in cast iron, served family-style.

We stayed at 3-star Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Fort Smith for a relaxing week.

If you are looking for something more affordable, I recommend camping at Lake Fort Smith State Park. Yes, the drive is 40 minutes from Fort Smith but the sites are really lovely! I marked Lake Fort Smith State Park in my notes as a fantastic place for a family reunion or an affordable wedding since you can rent one of their modern group lodges with a capacity of 28 - 32 people for just $400/night (you will have to book a year in advance though!)

A downside? Not to overwhelm you with information, but if you can walk away with one tip it would be to arrive downtown before 10am on weekends. After that, I have to warn you that parking is a hassle in the summer!

Mountain Home - 2 hours 45 minutes from Little Rock

If you have time for a longer road trip while visiting Arkansas, don't miss Mountain Home, one of my favorite hidden gems!

We loved how this underrated town sits close to both Norfork Lake and Bull Shoals Lake, making it an absolute best weekend getaway.

For me, the experience here feels like magic, with rolling hills, clear water, and a calm pace that's so refreshing!

If you like to go fishing with your kids, the White River nearby is one of the best trout fishing destinations in the country.

We enjoyed how affordable and relaxed everything felt, which made this trip perfect for a fun family adventure.

We loved that Mountain Home is near Blanchard Springs Caverns (Google maps pin)! This unusual natural wonder feels like stepping into a dream and is such a cool place for discovering the underground world in Arkansas.

We couldn’t get enough of the lakeside sunsets, which were easily the coolest and most memorable moments of our trip.

Fayetteville - 2 hours 40 minutes from Little Rock

This is one of the most dynamic and creative small cities I’ve visited on our road trip in the South. Why? Now, first things first, Fayetteville has a walkable entertainment district with art galleries, bike trails, and great restaurants.

In addition, near the University of Arkansas campus, the city instantly felt youthful, creative, and full of exciting energy.

The experience was exciting from the start, with downtown Fayetteville just minutes away and full of energy.

One of my favorite mornings was spent at Arsaga’s Coffee Roasters, which felt like the absolute best local spot. I thought their coffee was exceptional and we loved pausing for snacks.

We also visited the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market near the historic downtown square, which was a true local gem. The market was filled with fresh produce, and handmade goods. I loved how affordable everything felt, making it perfect for families. I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge!

Finally, Fayetteville’s location near Devil’s Den State Park makes it a dream getaway for outdoor lovers. We explored nearby trails and enjoyed some of the most scenic hikes in the Ozarks.

Bentonville - 3.5 hours from Little Rock

Ready for a culture-meets-outdoors getaway? Check out Bentonville, one of my favorite places in the South! We came for a weekend getaway (3.5-hour drive northwest from Little Rock) and quickly realized this town offers one of the best travel experiences in the state.

Now, first things first, head to the famous Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, an exceptional cultural gem.

The birthplace of Walmart has a historic small-town feel as well as an impressive modern culture. So take your time strolling through leafy neighborhoods, and a thriving downtown square.

Bentonville’s food scene is amazing for foodies. There are heaps of affordable restaurantshere! That said, dining at The Hive inside 21c Museum Hotel was my personal highlight. They serve delicious locally sourced Arkansas fare!

Eureka Springs - 3 hours 20 minutes from Little Rock

I was completely enchanted by this Victorian jewel tucked into the Ozark hills, with its natural springs, quirky art scene, and rich history (of course!).

Eureka Springs instantly felt romantic, with an energy that made every corner a little bit magical.

I loved wandering through the local streets, where steep winding roads, Victorian homes, and quirky shops create one of the most interesting towns I’ve seen.

I found the downtown area completely walkable, packed with galleries, cafés, and restaurants that made exploring easy and fun.

Nature lovers will think this is the best too, since lakes, trails, and scenic overlooks are all nearby, adding to the experience.

What I loved best:

Soaking in the peaceful energy of the Blue Spring Heritage Center gardens was my favorite highlight.

We spent two magical days here and stayed at the historic 3-star 1886 Crescent Hotel (famous for its turreted stone façade and ghostly legends), which instantly became one of my favorite travel experiences ever.

This unusual and iconic hotel sits high above downtown Eureka Springs, and the hilltop views alone made the stay feel like a dream weekend getaway.

Next time, I'd like to stay in a Cabin in Lake Leatherwood City Park because I adored the scenery there. There are 1,610 acres to hike, birdwatch and relax next to an 85-acre spring-fed lake. Lake Leatherwood City Park truly is nature at its best!

Heber Springs

Heber Springs is one of the best places to visit in Arkansas. You'll find this hidden gem tucked in north-central Arkansas near the Ozark foothills just about 90 minutes north of Little Rock.

We loved waking up near Greers Ferry Lake, one of the most spectacular lakes in the region. Moreover, fishing on the Little Red River is one of the most unique outdoor experiences in Arkansas.

Springdale - 2 hours 45 minutes from Little Rock

What I loved most about this Arkansas day trip is its access to nature. I absolutely loved discovering Springdale! You'll find it in Northwest Arkansas, just a 15-minute drive north from Fayetteville.

We found Springdale to be one of the best places for an authentic Ozarks experience, truly offering the best small-town magic.

I think the downtown area is cool and unique, but we also spent our days exploring nearby Ozark National Forest trails.

We thought Springdale was perfect for a romantic escape, with plenty of space to slow down and reconnect.

For me, Springdale is one of the best places to visit in Arkansas because it's affordable and unique!

My personal highlight were 2 hours I spent walking along the stretch of the scenic Razorback Greenway that runs right through town.

Hi, We are Ema and Chris and we've spent years on the road. While our website VacationIdea.com is small with under 200 pages and all the content written by just the two of us, you'll find a host of diverse and hidden vacation ideas for weekend getaways, day trips, and longer vacations, based on our personal travels. Keeping this website small allows us to keep it up to date with our latest discoveries and photos while we travel. We hope that reading this inspires you to travel to our favorite hidden gems. Why trust us? We founded this site decades ago and not only are we expert road trippers, but we also work with tourism agencies to stay pluggend into the latest openings and what's new and unique in travel. Chris is an award-winning photographer and designer, giving our contant a visually stunning polish. We've received many awards and media mentions for our work. More about us.