Arkansas Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Top Attractions

Known as The Natural State, Arkansas is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers. From the thermal waters of Hot Springs National Park to the rugged beauty of the Ozark Mountains, this guide covers the best places to visit in Arkansas.

Where is Arkansas?

📍 Location: South-Central United States
🌆 Major Cities: Little Rock, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Eureka Springs
🌲 Bordering States: Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma
🔗 Visit Arkansas Tourism

Best Time to Visit Arkansas

🌸 Spring (March-May): Ideal for wildflowers, waterfalls, and hiking.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Great for lake adventures, fishing, and water sports.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Best for fall foliage in the Ozarks and scenic drives.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Perfect for holiday festivals and exploring historic towns.

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Top Attractions & Destinations in Arkansas

1. Hot Springs National Park – A Relaxing Retreat

Hot Springs National Park is famous for its naturally heated thermal waters and historic bathhouses.

💦 Best Things to Do:

Visit Bathhouse Row – Explore historic bathhouses like Buckstaff and Quapaw Baths.
Hike the Hot Springs Mountain Trails – Enjoy scenic overlooks and nature walks.
Take a Dip in Thermal Waters – Relax in natural mineral-rich hot springs.

📍 Location: Central Arkansas
🔗 Visit Hot Springs National Park

2. Little Rock – Arkansas’ Capital City

Little Rock offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty.

🏛️ Top Attractions:

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site – A key landmark in Civil Rights history.
River Market District – A lively area with shops, restaurants, and live music.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park – A great place for hiking and panoramic city views.

📍 Location: Central Arkansas
🔗 Visit Little Rock

3. The Ozark Mountains – Arkansas’ Outdoor Wonderland

The Ozarks are a paradise for hiking, camping, and waterfall chasing.

🌲 Must-Visit Spots:

Buffalo National River – A scenic river perfect for canoeing and kayaking.
Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) – One of the most photographed hiking spots in Arkansas.
Blanchard Springs Caverns – A stunning underground cave system.

📍 Location: Northern Arkansas
🔗 Visit the Ozarks

4. Eureka Springs – A Quirky, Historic Mountain Town

Eureka Springs is a charming Victorian-era town known for its art, history, and healing springs.

🏡 Things to Do in Eureka Springs:

Explore the Historic Downtown – Cobblestone streets lined with unique shops and galleries.
Thorncrown Chapel – A stunning glass chapel set in the woods.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge – A sanctuary for rescued big cats.

📍 Location: Northwestern Arkansas
🔗 Visit Eureka Springs

5. Crater of Diamonds State Park – Dig for Real Diamonds!

One of the only places in the world where you can mine for diamonds and keep what you find!

💎 Must-Do Activities:

Search for Diamonds – Visitors have found thousands of diamonds here.
Learn About Geology – Visit the park’s museum and discovery center.
Camp Under the Stars – Stay at the on-site campground.

📍 Location: Southwest Arkansas
🔗 Visit Crater of Diamonds

Best Outdoor Adventures in Arkansas

🏕️ Mount Magazine State Park – Home to the highest point in Arkansas with great hiking and hang gliding.
🚣 White River – A top destination for trout fishing and boating.
🌊 Lake Ouachita – One of the cleanest lakes in the U.S., perfect for swimming and scuba diving.
⛰️ Devil’s Den State Park – A scenic area with caves, hiking trails, and stunning rock formations.

Where to Stay in Arkansas

🏨 Luxury Hotels & Resorts:

1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa (Eureka Springs) – Known as America’s Most Haunted Hotel.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs) – A high-end casino and spa resort.

🏕️ Best Campgrounds & Cabins:

Petit Jean State Park – Offers cabins, lodges, and scenic hiking trails.
Buffalo National River Campgrounds – Perfect for camping along the river.

Tips for Visiting Arkansas

✅ Dress for the Outdoors – The best attractions are nature-based, so wear comfortable hiking gear.
✅ Visit During Fall for Foliage – The Ozarks are breathtaking in autumn.
✅ Try Local BBQ – Arkansas is famous for slow-cooked pork and hickory-smoked ribs.
✅ Book Lodging Early for National Parks – State parks and cabins fill up fast in peak season.

Nearby Travel Destinations

If you’re visiting Arkansas, consider exploring these nearby states:

Missouri – Home to Branson’s live music scene and the Ozark Mountains (1-hour drive from Eureka Springs).
Tennessee – Visit Memphis for barbecue and blues music (2-hour drive from Little Rock).
Texas – Explore Dallas’ museums and entertainment districts (4-hour drive from Hot Springs).

Final Thoughts

With its stunning natural beauty, historic charm, and unique outdoor activities, Arkansas is a hidden gem in the Southern U.S. Whether you're hiking in the Ozarks, relaxing in hot springs, or digging for diamonds, there’s something for every type of traveler.

For more Southern travel guides, check out our Missouri Travel Guide and Tennessee Travel Guide.