Trip Ideas & Itineraries

Kayakers paddling down a forested river with an award badge on the side.

Arkansas featured by Condé Nast Traveler in its 2026 Best Places to Go in the U.S. list.

Fittingly nicknamed The Natural State, Arkansas is rich in outdoor landmarks that include the bubbling thermal waters at Hot Springs National Park and teeming forest ecosystems across Ozark National Forest and the Ouachita Mountains. 

 

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Blytheville Air Force Base Exhibition & Northeast Arkansas Museums

Tour the Blytheville Air Force Base Exhibition, see Cold War artifacts and discover museums across Northeast Arkansas, from Johnny Cash to the Sultana disaster.

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas: History, Adventure and Good Vibes

Plan a Hot Springs, Arkansas getaway with Bathhouse Row, thermal soaks, Northwoods Trails, Lake Hamilton, Oaklawn, gardens, festivals and family attractions.

Helena is for the Soul Seekers

There are places you visit, and then there are places you experience. Helena, Arkansas falls firmly into the second category. Set where Crowley’s Ridge meets the Mississippi River, this Delta town invites you to slow down and look closer Music drifts through the streets, history sits just beneath your feet and the landscape shifts from riverbanks to forested ridges in minutes. This is a place for exploring, not rushing, where the best moments aren’t always planned.

48 Hours in Fort Smith

Before diving into your itinerary, you’ll need a great place to stay. Thankfully, Fort Smith offers a wide range of accommodations, from charming boutique hotels to well-known chains to cozy bed-and-breakfasts.

Eureka Springs’ Mountaintop Spa Resort

Experience the unique blend of history and relaxation at the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, where "Live the Legend" is more than just a saying. Perched above the scenic Victorian village of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, this iconic hotel invites guests to enjoy its historic ambiance, rejuvenating spa treatments, and a variety of resort activities.

Western Arkansas Mountain Frontier: Scenic Drives, Trails and Small Towns

Plan a Western Arkansas Mountain Frontier trip with scenic byways, ATV trails, the Mulberry River, Arkansas Wine Country, historic towns, cabins and local dining.

Explore the Hot Springs and Diamond Lakes Region

Arkansas’s Diamond Lakes Region welcomes travelers looking for hiking, mountain biking, water sports, mining, swimming and more!

Find Your Rhythm: Outdoor Fun in Pine Bluff

On the trails and waterways around Pine Bluff, the first thing you notice—especially if you're from the city—is the peace and quiet. There's so much room to move around here, without all the waiting in line or competing for fishing spots or trail space.

Explore Dardanelle, Where the River Meets the Mountain

Explore Dardanelle, Arkansas, with Mount Nebo State Park, Arkansas River views, Lake Dardanelle, local festivals, historic Front Street and River Valley dining.

Harrison, Arkansas: Where Champions Play

Discover why Harrison, Arkansas, is a strong choice for youth sports tournaments, with quality venues, team-friendly lodging, group dining and things to do between games.

Things to Do in Downtown El Dorado, Arkansas

Basin Park Hotel in the Heart of Downtown

Enjoy a town like no other where the streets are lined with Victorian homes, painted rainbow staircases, healing springs, colorful gazebos and secluded gardens with pathways that wind up-and-down the mountainous terrain of Eureka Springs. At the center of this quaint and quirky town is the Basin Park Hotel, the only full-service hotel in downtown Eureka Springs.

Gaston's White River Resort: First-Class Trout Fishing

Gaston’s White River Resort thrills with the best trout fishing for the whole family. This Arkansas spot is ideal for getting out in nature.

Ozark Getaways, Food & Outdoor Fun in Alma

Plan a trip to Alma, Arkansas, for small-town charm, family fun, Lake Alma trails, local restaurants, golf, disc golf and easy access to Ozark Mountain adventures.

From Forested Peaks to Sparkling Water, Life Shines Brighter in Mountain Home

In the southern Ozarks, Mountain Home, Arkansas sits near two of the region’s largest lakes, nationally known trout streams and miles of hiking and biking trails. The outdoor lifestyle draws people from across the country. The downtown Baker District...

Argenta is North Little Rock’s Cultural Core

A walkable district in North Little Rock, Argenta is known for its steady rhythm of dining, events and live entertainment.

Make Family Memories in Springdale

Nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, the city of Springdale is full of spots for unique family-friendly adventures. From a historic railroad, exhilarating rodeo and fun-filled minor league baseball stadium to a charming downtown and compelling museums, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy your Northwest Arkansas getaway. Read on for more ways to experience Springdale.

Outdoor Adventures Await in Little Rock

Little Rock is where city life meets the great outdoors. Paddle the Arkansas River, hike scenic trails or bike through the urban landscape — Little Rock’s natural beauty invites you to explore. Here’s your guide to outdoor fun in the capital city.

5 Days in Arkansas’ Diamond Lakes

Arkansas' Diamond Lakes region packs a lot into one corner of the state. Historic bathhouses, amusement parks, lakes and rivers, bike trails, a whole spa culture and some wild celebrity stories fill more than five days here. There are endless ways to tailor your trip and still come back for more, like digging for diamonds and rugged outdoor adventure.

Cherokee Village, Arkansas: Seven Lakes and Spring River Getaways

Discover the timeless charm of Cherokee Village, where lake days and river floats create an unforgettable experience.

Explore the Wild Side of the Ozarks

The Ozark Gateway region is a playground for anyone who loves the rush of fresh air, the crunch of gravel underfoot and the endless possibility of a new trail ahead. With rolling hills, clear rivers and a mix of wide-open spaces and deep woods, it’s a place where fun comes naturally.

Retreat to Buffalo River Outfitters

Have the full Buffalo River County experience when you plan your trip with Buffalo River Outfitters. From canoe, raft and kayak rentals to an overnight stay in a log cabin that is close to all your favorite outdoor and urban destinations, Buffalo River Outfitters has everything you need for an unforgettable Arkansas vacation.

Escape Into Another World at the Arkansas Renaissance Festival

Visit the Arkansas Renaissance Festival in Mount Vernon, AR, for jousting, quests, artisan vendors, themed weekends, food, family fun and fantasy adventures.

Things to Do in Stuttgart, Arkansas Beyond Duck Hunting

Discover Stuttgart, Arkansas, beyond duck hunting with Grand Prairie history, local arts, duck calls, annual festivals, dining and Delta culture.

Things to Do in West Memphis

From food truck gatherings and live music to riverfront rides and late nights at Southland Casino Hotel, West Memphis is a place where the energy builds naturally from day to night.

Hope Watermelon Festival Celebrates 50 Years!

Hope, Arkansas grows watermelons like nowhere else, big enough for the Guinness Book of World Records, notable enough for a U.S. President's table and worthy of an annual celebration. Now in its 50th year, The Hope Watermelon Festival is a three-day party for the whole family with watermelon-themed contests and games, food vendors, a 5k race and live entertainment.

Outdoor Adventure in Conway, Arkansas

Explore outdoor things to do in Conway, Arkansas, from road cycling and mountain biking to Beaverfork Lake, walkable downtown stops and local festivals.

10 Cultural and Culinary Must-Visits in Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas is a charming, one-of-a-kind region where art, culture and history are celebrated every day – and all 10 destinations promise a memorable experience through the heart of the state's cultural tapestry. From art galleries to historic landmarks and local dining, Northwest Arkansas is ready to wow you at every turn.

Rock Climbing at Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park has long been a place where nature, history and a love for the outdoors have converged. As the first state park, it’s a landscape shaped by generations who explored its hollows, studied its geology, protected its cultural resources and found inspiration in its natural beauty. Now, that legacy is taking an exciting and intentional step forward just like those before us.

Hope: A Slice of the Good Life

Located in Southwest Arkansas, this town is known for watermelons, the home of Bill Clinton and the origin of Klipsch Speakers.

Fuel Your Adventure in Forrest City

Forrest City, Arkansas, is a gateway to some of the state’s most breathtaking natural escapes, and it’s also home to local restaurants that keep adventurers and travelers well-fed. Whether you're fueling up before a day of hiking at Village Creek State Park or winding down after exploring the Delta Heritage Trail, the town’s local spots serve up comfort, tradition and a true taste of the Arkansas Delta.

The Man in Bronze: A Legacy of Arkansas Music

Arkansas has a new representative in Washington D.C., and he’s likely going to be there for a very long time.

The Mental Health Benefits of Wandering Arkansas' Forests

Step off the treadmill of daily life and into Arkansas’s vast forests, where wandering without a destination offers more than scenic beauty. From lowering stress hormones to sharpening focus and sparking creativity, “forest bathing” invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and let the woods work their restorative magic.

Why Anglers Love Beaver Lake

Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas is a versatile fishery. The 28,370-acre lake should be your next fishing destination.

Trail of Tears Across Arkansas State Parks

Arkansas has hundreds of miles of the Trail of Tears, and of the nine states traversed by the trail, is the only state that witnessed the removal of all five of the Southeastern tribes as they moved west. Arkansas State Parks has five parks that lie along these removal routes.

Don’t Miss the Joy of the Spring Wildflower Explosion

Arkansas State Parks help preserve wildflowers which are not only beautiful for visitors to view and photograph but are essential to a healthy ecosystem and you can help protect them. We hope you will find joy viewing some of our common wildflowers at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, but be sure to leave them for others to enjoy!

Birding & Watchable Wildlife in Arkansas

The beauty and diversity of Arkansas make it an exciting place for wildlife-watching throughout the year. From songbird migration in spring to summer butterflies, from bugling elk in fall to vast winter flocks of waterfowl, there’s always something to see in The Natural State.

Off the Beaten Path Escapes

Imagine a secluded, quiet retreat. A place where nature trumps technology and the only screens for viewing are the ones along your front porch. If this sounds like your ideal retreat, the Ozark Mountain Region is for you. With numerous cabins and cottages from trusted outfitters and lodging destinations, you can find a waterside retreat that suits your style and budget. Read on for a few finds on each of the region’s waters.

White River: Trout Fishing Destination

The White River in Northwest Arkansas is known internationally as a premier trout and fly-fishing destination.

When and Where to Fish in Arkansas

When is the best time to catch fish in Arkansas? The short answer to that question is - all year long. The long answer is multi-faceted, depending on what species and time of year as well as if you’re going for size or quantity. So, here are some best bets and hot spots to keep in mind each month.

Weekend Itinerary: Craft Beer and Rural Roads

Road trips down two-lane country roads can lead to surprising places. In the Arkansas River Valley, you can follow them to find craft beer, emu burgers and mountaintop retreats. Here’s a weekend itinerary that promises delicious food and drink, fresh air and breathtaking views.

Waterfalls of Arkansas State Parks

Hiking to waterfalls is a great way to get out into nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. It can be a calming and peaceful experience, or an adrenaline-filled adventure depending on how you approach it. You can get some great exercise and fresh air, and you may even spot some wildlife along the way.