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. 

 

Read the Article

Filters
Showing 16 - 30 of 172

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.

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.

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.

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.

Historic Dyess Colony | Where Johnny Cash's Story Began

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...

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.

Luxury Cabins on the Legendary Buffalo River at Buffalo Moderns

Spend the morning floating the Buffalo National River, the afternoon exploring Ozark trails and the evening soaking in a hot tub beneath a sky full of stars. At Buffalo Moderns, adventure is outside your door, but your cabin is more than just a place to stay.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stay, Connect and Explore at AC Hotel Bentonville

Explore the Hot Springs and Diamond Lakes Region

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

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.

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.

Things to Do in Downtown El Dorado, Arkansas

Stay Close to the Buffalo River and Far from the Crowds at Buffalo Boone Rentals

The Buffalo National River draws visitors from around the world for its towering bluffs, clear water and unforgettable hikes. But after a day on the river, where you stay matters just as much as where you go. Buffalo Boone Rentals offers three distinctive cabin stays tucked into the Ozark hills near the Buffalo National River. Instead of busy tourist corridors, you'll find quiet mornings, mountain views, star-filled skies and a place to truly relax.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Eureka Springs vacation is all about location

The secret to a perfect Eureka Springs getaway is all about starting in the right spot. In a town famous for its iconic hillside charm and hidden gems, the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks serves as the ideal launchpad. It captures that resort feel...

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.

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.

Hope Watermelon Festival Celebrates a Sweet Arkansas Tradition

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. Each August, the Hope Watermelon Festival brings the community together for watermelon-themed contests and games, food vendors, a 5K race, live entertainment and, of course, plenty of locally grown Hope watermelons.

Outdoor Fun in Central Arkansas

North Little Rock is an exciting outdoor destination with rock climbing, mountain biking trails, riverside hikes and year-round access.

Best Hiking Trails Near Fort Smith

Stay in Fort Smith and play in all the surrounding nature! From city and regional parks, Fort Smith is the perfect location for nature-lovers to explore the most beautiful parts of the region — and enjoy great dining, nightlife, history and art too!

A Foodie’s Guide to Fort Smith

Whether you’re craving a classic French dip, fresh sushi, homestyle comfort food or a craft beer in a cozy beer garden, Fort Smith has a little bit of everything to satisfy your taste buds. Here’s a guide to the best local eats and hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

Arkansas / Presents: The Trailblazers

Arkansas' spirit of adventure shows up in more than just its wild natural landscapes. It's in the trailblazers that dream big and create unforgettable experiences across The Natural State. And from one-of-a-kind fly fishing experiences to farm-to-table flavors, you'll find something to fall in love with here.

Arkansas State Parks: Enjoy Daytime Park Activities and Nightlife of Local Towns

Arkansas State Parks provide a range of outdoor experiences and connections to Arkansas heritage. Enjoying daytime park activities and the nightlife of nearby local towns is another experience one can have during their state park visit.

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.

Hot Springs Two-Day Tour – Spa Vacations in The Natural State

Hot Springs literally sprang to life in a Ouachita Mountains valley containing a remarkable array of 47 thermal springs. The town has long been and remains Arkansas' top tourist destination, and for good reason.

The Top 5 Stops on Little Rock's Civil Rights Self-Guided Tour

Little Rock is a city where our past continues to guide our future. Through struggles and triumphs, the fight for civil rights for all Americans played out across Little Rock, and the memory of their courage will inspire us forever. These 11 sites tell the stories of pioneering Arkansans who shaped Little Rock throughout its history.

Getaway Trip: Historic Wilson

If you ‘re looking for an opportunity to get away for a few nights or the weekend, a great suggestion is Wilson. Located in Arkansas’ Upper Delta, the town was named after its founder, R.E.L Wilson, and would become one of the largest farming empires in the South.

Top Things to Do in Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs offers up a little bit of everything — from outdoor adventure to live entertainment, there’s something for everyone to experience.

Top 7 Waters for Floating in Arkansas

Arkansas is a paddler’s paradise. Whether you're seeking calm waters for a leisurely paddle or a thrilling ride down whitewater rapids, The Natural State delivers. These seven rivers offer some of the best floating experiences in Arkansas, each with its own unique blend of scenery, adventure and serenity.

36 budget-friendly things to do in Arkansas

Some of the best things in life are free and they’re in Arkansas. The Natural State has unique locations that can be enjoyed for nothing but the time it takes to get there.

Your Arkansas Bucket List

Whether you’ve lived here all your life or you’re just starting to explore, there are some Arkansas experiences everyone should try at least once. Consider this an Arkansas bucket list, or at least a good place to start.

From Kansas City to NWA: 3-Day Itinerary

Trade the city skyline for trail views and Southern charm on a three-day escape from Kansas City to Northwest Arkansas.

Arkansas Biking Hubs: Trails, Towns and Taps

Arkansas connects riders to nature and community with its trail-to-taproom towns. Here are seven bike-friendly destinations where you can ride all day, then grab great grub and craft beer in the evening. These towns have an outdoor lifestyle vibe, lively downtowns and bike-friendly lodging.

Bull Shoals Lake: The Caribbean of the Midwest

Bull Shoals Lake is a favorite family, fishing, and group vacation destination in Arkansas. Created by damming the White River, this magnificent body of clear, blue water is surrounded by 1,000 miles of scenic mountain shoreline. Glass-smooth surfaces make Bull Shoals Lake perfect for clear water skiing and wakeboarding.