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 106 - 120 of 172

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Things to Do in Downtown El Dorado, Arkansas

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stay, Connect and Explore at AC Hotel Bentonville

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Hot Springs and Diamond Lakes Region

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

Historic Dyess Colony | Where Johnny Cash's Story Began

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.

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.

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.

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.

Central Arkansas Two-Day Tour

Spend your days wandering downtown Little Rock, popping into art galleries, browsing eclectic shops and soaking up the buzz of the River Market. Museums, river views and lively neighborhoods come together here, creating an easygoing urban adventure with plenty of flavor, creativity and outdoor fun mixed in.

Budget-Friendly Road Trip: Randolph County

Visit Randolph County in Arkansas’ Upper Delta. Discover Davidsonville Historic State Park, Eddie Mae Herron Center, and Randolph Heritage Museum and much more.

Budget-Friendly Road Trip: Historic Helena

Helena is one of the oldest towns in Arkansas – incorporated three years before Arkansas became a state.

Bird Watching Tips

The sight of majestic Bald Eagles found in winter on the state's larger lakes and rivers is Arkansas' most well-known birding attraction. Among avid birders, the state had also been known as a place where the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker could be added to one's life list.

Biking the Sunken Lands

Bike through Arkansas' Sunken Lands Cultural Roadway to learn about Johnny Cash, farming and archeology. The Arkansas Delta never looked so beautiful.

Biking the Ouachitas

Ride epic mountain biking trails in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas.

Bike, Hike and Camp in Arkansas’ Coler Mountain Bike Preserve

Want a utopian experience? Head to Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in Bentonville, Arkansas. While it is a mountain bikers paradise in Northwest Arkansas, anyone who enjoys a stroll in the great outdoors will love it too. If you also like camping, coffee and outdoor beer gardens, you’re really in for a treat.

Best Parks for a Family Getaway

Arkansas State Parks are perfect for your family getaway. With activities for everyone and every age, you’ll have plenty to do at any one of our state parks. Check out our list for some ideas on parks you should visit.

Best Fishing Rivers and Lakes in Arkansas

When it comes to fishing in Arkansas, “The Land of Opportunity,” a former state motto, remains an apt description. The state’s more than 600,000 acres of lakes and 90,000 miles of rivers and streams offer anglers numerous chances to land a trophy or catch a limit from a variety of freshwater species.

Beer & Breweries

From IPAs to Pilsners, this brewery trail through the Ozarks and plains of Arkansas will wet your whistle. Find out what the best breweries in The Natural State are here.

Become an Arkansas State Parks Explorer

Have you ever stopped to think about how amazing our world truly is? The outdoors is a place of endless wonder and adventure, and there's no better way to experience it than through the Arkansas State Parks Explorer program for youth ages 6-14.

Bathhouse Row

Wade into the "grandest collection of bathhouses in the nation" on your next trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Basic Angling Tips for White River Trout Fishing

Bull Shoals-White River State Park has become a very popular fishing destination since it was established in 1955, following the complet

Bank Fishing Hot Spots in Arkansas

For those who prefer to fish from land or lack a boat, there are plenty of places to cast a line on the banks of Arkansas’ more than 600,000 acres of lakes and 90,000 miles of rivers and streams.

Arkansas’ U-pick Orchards and Farm Markets

Fresh food is waiting for you at numerous farms and orchards throughout Arkansas. At farm markets, you can buy fruits and vegetables, salsas, jams and more that were grown and made on the farm. Some farms allow you to pick your own produce, adding to the experience.