From Dallas to Central Arkansas: 3-Day Itinerary

If you’re looking to escape the Dallas rush for a few days, look no further than central Arkansas. From the unique charm of Hot Springs to the vibrant energy of Little Rock, this three-day road trip delivers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure you can only find in The Natural State.

A modern treehouse with a pathway in a sunlit forest setting.

DAY 1: DFW > Murfreesboro/Hot Springs

Drive from Dallas to Murfreesboro (3.75 hours)
Dig for diamonds at Crater of Diamond State Park
Drive to Hot Springs (1 hour)
Explore Garvan Woodland Gardens
Dinner at Rolando's
Overnight stay at The Waters Hot Springs

Historic building with blue awnings, surrounded by trees and hedges.

DAY 2: Hot Springs > Little Rock

Breakfast at the Pancake Shop
Explore and shop along historic Bathhouse Row
Lunch at The Ohio Club
Depart from Hot Springs to Little Rock (1 hour)
Kayak (or bike) tour of Little Rock with Rock Town River Outfitters
Dinner at Brood and Barley
Nightcap at Southern Tail Brewing
Overnight stay at The Capital Hotel

Sunny park with sculptures, trees, and city buildings in the background.

DAY 3: Little Rock > DFW

Light breakfast at Nexus Coffee
Stroll through the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden
Drive back to Dallas (4.5 hours)

What's Nearby

Places to Stay

From luxury hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts to campsites under the stars, and everything in between, the Capital Region of Arkansas has exactly the lodging you’re looking for.

Places to Eat

Taste the flavor of the Capital Region of Arkansas at craft breweries and distilleries, popular steakhouses, award-winning pizza and barbecue joints, and hearty ethnic favorites.

Things to Do

Listen to live performances from the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, Conway Symphony Orchestra or catch world-class performers at The Rep and Simmons Bank Arena.

State Parks

Arkansas parks range from mountain ridges in the Ozarks and scenic valleys in the River Valley to cypress-lined lakes in the Delta and rolling forests in the Ouachitas.

Get Outdoors

Winding trails, cool waters and nature are only steps away from urban experiences. There’s a good reason Arkansas is known as The Natural State.

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Maximize your time between matches with customized trip itineraries. Explore ideas at Arkansas.com and use the Trip Planner tool to build an itinerary tailored to your schedule.

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