Discover Arkansas: The Natural Choice for Adventure
Arkansas lives up to its reputation as The Natural State, pairing the forested heights of the Ozark and Ouachita mountains with clear lakes, free-flowing rivers and more than 50 state parks. Its landscapes invite every pace of travel: cycle acclaimed mountain-bike trails, paddle beneath limestone bluffs, soak in Hot Springs’ thermal waters or simply watch the sunset from a quiet overlook.
Beyond the outdoors, world-class art in Bentonville, powerful civil rights history in Little Rock and the music of the Delta reveal a state shaped by creativity and resilience. Add welcoming communities, characterful towns and genuine Southern hospitality, and Arkansas becomes an easy choice for active holidays, restorative escapes and memorable road trips.
Find exactly what you’re looking for via the links below – or keep scrolling to discover the delights of Arkansas for yourself:
Explore Arkansas your way: 11-Day Awesome Arkansas Self-Drive Tour | 15-Day America’s Heartland & Music Legends Self-Drive Tour | 15-Day Cowboys, Country & Cash Self-Drive Tour | 17-Day Native Cultures & Rock ‘n Roll Self-Drive Tour
Arkansas beyond the expected: Take Arkansas Adventure Further | Slow Down and Recharge in The Natural State | Stories, Art and Heritage That Run Deep | Come for Arkansas, Remember the Welcome
Space to breathe: Places to Wander
Visiting Arkansas throughout the year: Changing Seasons, New Experiences
Blog: Get to Know the American South: The People, Places and Traditions Behind the Icons
Video: Welcome to Arkansas. Welcome to Adventure.
Explore Arkansas Your Way
Turn inspiration into a journey with itineraries designed to reveal more of The Natural State. From scenic road trips and multi-centre adventures to activity-filled escapes, discover ways to connect Arkansas’ landscapes, communities, culture and unforgettable experiences.
11-Day Awesome Arkansas
Explore Arkansas on a ten-night self-drive linking vibrant cities, restorative hot springs, world-class art and characterful Ozark towns. With two nights in each destination, there is time for civil rights history, mountain trails, thermal bathing, authentic local culture and Ozark music, heritage crafts and food.
From £1,599pp
Including flights
Operated by Purely America
- Explore Little Rock’s River Market District, where restaurants, museums and riverside spaces set a lively tone, with the METRO Streetcar linking both sides of the Arkansas River
- Trace defining chapters of American history at the Clinton Presidential Center and Little Rock Central High School, where the Little Rock Nine challenged school segregation
- Escape into the landscape surrounding the capital at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, following woodland trails and climbing towards broad views across the Arkansas River Valley
- Follow Bathhouse Row through Hot Springs National Park, discovering the architecture and stories of its historic bathhouses before experiencing the city’s thermal waters
- See another side of Hot Springs among Garvan Woodland Gardens, the Diamond Lakes and Ouachita National Forest with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and watersports
- Pair world-class American art at Crystal Bridges with Bentonville’s creative downtown then explore Rogers’ brick-lined streets, local museums and independent shops
- Experience northwest Arkansas outdoors on acclaimed cycling trails and around Beaver Lake, before wandering Eureka Springs’ Victorian streets, galleries and mountainside setting
- Finish in Mountain View, where musicians gather around the town square and the Ozark Folk Center preserves traditional music and crafts, with Blanchard Springs Caverns nearby
- 2 nights stay at Doubletree by Hilton Downtown, Little Rock on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- 2 nights stay at The Water’s, An Ascend Hotel, Hot Springs on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- 2 nights stay at Doubletree Guest Suites by Hilton, Bentonville on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- 2 nights stay at Crescent Hotel & Spa, Eureka Springs on a Room Only basis
- 2 nights stay at Wildflower B&B on the Square, Mountain View on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- Taxes
- Compact car hire throughout inc GPS, all taxes, all insurances (zero Excess), unlimited mileage, breakdown cover, 2 named drivers allowed and a tank of fuel
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
15-Day America’s Heartland & Music Legends
Follow America’s musical and cultural story on a 14-night self-drive from St. Louis to Nashville. Historic Route 66 leads into Northwest Arkansas and the Ozarks before Johnny Cash’s Delta roots form a bridge to Memphis and Nashville, combining roadside heritage, art, landscapes and legendary sounds.
From £2,199pp
Including flights
Operated by Discover North America
- Begin in St. Louis beneath the Gateway Arch, combining Mississippi River history with Forest Park’s museums, Soulard’s live music and the city’s brewing heritage
- Drive Missouri’s atmospheric stretch of Historic Route 66, passing vintage service stations, roadside cafés and towns before pausing in Lebanon, Carthage and Joplin
- Cross into Northwest Arkansas for Bentonville, where Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art brings together landmark works, striking architecture and woodland walking trails
- Take a scenic Ozark Mountain drive to Eureka Springs, a Victorian spa town shaped by steep streets, colourful historic buildings, independent galleries and an artistic spirit
- Explore Rogers’ characterful downtown and nearby Beaver Lake, then experience Fayetteville’s campus energy, local restaurants, cultural attractions and welcoming green spaces
- Slow the pace in Mountain View, enjoying traditional music around the town square before discovering Ozark Folk Center State Park, Blanchard Springs Caverns and forest trails
- Travel through the Arkansas Delta to Dyess, where Johnny Cash’s Boyhood Home and the Dyess Colony Museum reveal the rural community, family life and experiences that shaped his music
- Complete the journey in Memphis and Nashville, choosing between Sun Studio or Graceland before exploring Beale Street, Broadway, RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame
- 14 nights 3* hotel accommodation
- Memphis city tour with Sun Studio admission or Graceland admission
- Nashville Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing tour or Nashville RCA Studio B & Country Music Hall of Fame ticket combo
- 14 days intermediate SUV car rental, including unlimited mileage & zero excess
- Return international flights to St. Louis and return from Nashville
- ABTA & ATOL protected
15-Day Cowboys, Country & Cash
Journey from Fort Worth to Nashville on a 14-night self-drive blending cowboy culture, Arkansas landscapes and America’s musical heritage. Soak in Hot Springs, explore Little Rock and the Ozarks, follow Johnny Cash’s story to Memphis, then finish among Nashville’s much-loved country music landmarks.
From £2,975pp
Including flights
Operated by Bon Voyage
- Begin in Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards district, where cattle drives, rodeo traditions, Western-era shops and Billy Bob’s famous honky-tonk introduce the spirit of Texas
- Cross into Arkansas for Hot Springs, soaking along Bathhouse Row before exploring the resort city’s baseball stories, gangster heritage and surrounding Ouachita Mountains
- Search for rare gems at Crater of Diamonds State Park, among the world’s few places where visitors can hunt directly for diamonds within their original volcanic source
- Discover Little Rock through Central High School’s Civil Rights story, the Clinton Presidential Library, Historic Arkansas Museum and the River Market Entertainment District
- Travel through Alma and Fort Smith to Bentonville, pairing quirky roadside Americana with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Museum of Native American History
- Wander Eureka Springs’ winding streets, Victorian buildings, galleries and boutiques, with the reputedly haunted 1886 Crescent Hotel adding a darker twist to the Ozark setting
- Slow down in Mountain View with folk concerts and traditional crafts at the Ozark Folk Center, alongside caving at Blanchard Springs Caverns and fly-fishing on the White River
- Follow Johnny Cash’s Arkansas roots through Dyess before Memphis and Nashville deliver Graceland, Sun Studio, Beale Street, the Grand Ole Opry and landmark country music venues
- 14 nights accommodation in sought-after hotels, inns and lodges
- 14 nights fully-insured car hire – A one-way drop off charge is payable locally and charges advised at time of booking
- Entry to Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame
- Memphis Mojo Tour
- Return international flights to Dallas and return from Nashville
- ABTA & ATOL protected
17-Day Native Cultures & Rock ‘n Roll
Travel from Dallas to Nashville on a 16-night self-drive through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee. After cowboy heritage, Native cultures and Route 66 icons, Arkansas takes centre stage with Fort Smith’s outlaw tales, Little Rock’s historic sites and River Market before Memphis and Nashville.
From £3,265pp
Including flights
Operated by North America Travel Service
- Begin around Dallas, Grapevine and Fort Worth, combining the Sixth Floor Museum with Bonnie and Clyde history, workshops, major-league sport and distinctive Texas character
- Follow the Chisholm Trail into Oklahoma, exploring cowboy life and cattle drives before visiting Ol’ Red, the Chickasaw Cultural Center and Chickasaw National Recreation Area
- Discover Oklahoma City’s cowboy and Native heritage, then travel through Guthrie, Ponca City and Pawhuska for bluegrass, oil history and stories connected with the Osage Nation
- Sample Route 66 through Miami, Chelsea, Claremore and Catoosa before Tulsa brings together the Woody Guthrie Center, Bob Dylan Center, Black Wall Street and Mother Road icons
- Cross into Arkansas after exploring Robbers Cave State Park, then uncover Fort Smith’s frontier past and the outlaws associated with Fort Smith National Historic Site
- Continue through Arkansas to Little Rock, visiting the Clinton Presidential Library and Rock Town Distillery before enjoying restaurants and live music around the River Market
- Visit Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, then follow Arkansas music history to Fort Chaffee’s Barbershop Museum and Johnny Cash’s boyhood home in Dyess
- Complete the road trip in Memphis and Nashville, where Sun Studio, Graceland and Beale Street lead onwards to RCA Studio B, celebrated museums and Broadway’s honky-tonks
- 3 nights stay at Hilton Fort Worth, Fort Worth on a Room Only basis
- 1 night stay at The Artesian Hotel, Casino & Spa, Sulphur on a Room Only basis
- 2 nights stay at Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel on a Room Only basis
- 1 night stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Bartlesville on a Room Only basis
- 2 nights stay at The Mayo Hotel, Tulsa on a Room Only basis
- 1 night stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Muskogee on a Room Only basis
- 1 night stay at Wyndham, Fort Smith City Center on a Room Only basis
- 1 night stay at The Burgundy Hotel, Little Rock on a Room Only basis
- 2 nights stay at The Peabody, Memphis on a Room Only basis
- 1 night stay at Holston House, Nashville on a Room Only basis
- Intermediate 4-door car hire including insurances
- Return international flights to Dallas and return from Nashville
- ATOL protected
Arkansas Beyond the Expected
Arkansas brings together wild landscapes, restorative escapes, rich culture and genuine Southern hospitality in one remarkably varied state. From mountain trails and thermal waters to world-class art, historic landmarks and welcoming communities, every journey reveals a different side of The Natural State.
Take Arkansas Adventure Further
From mountain ridges and forest trails to wild rivers and limestone bluffs, Arkansas turns its remarkable landscapes into one huge outdoor playground. Whether you want an easy introduction to adventure or something more challenging, The Natural State makes getting outside irresistible.
Discover outdoor experiences for every pace and level of adventure:
- Buffalo National River – Paddle beneath towering limestone bluffs on America’s first national river, where 135 miles of free-flowing water wind through the Ozarks alongside hiking trails, swimming holes and wildlife-rich wilderness
- Mountain biking – Ride Arkansas’ celebrated trail networks, from Bentonville and the wider OZ Trails system to purpose-built Monument Trails at Mount Nebo and Devil’s Den, with routes ranging from approachable forest rides to technical descents
- Hiking and climbing – Follow woodland paths, bluff-top trails and mountain routes through landscapes such as Petit Jean, Mount Magazine and the Ozarks, or take to sandstone walls at some of the state’s established climbing areas
- Whitewater and paddling – Take on the rapids of the Cossatot River when conditions are right, kayak the clear waters of the Spring River or choose gentler stretches of Arkansas’ numerous rivers and lakes for an easier day afloat
- Crater of Diamonds State Park – Swap trails for treasure hunting at the world’s only diamond-producing site where the public can search for diamonds and keep whatever they find, adding an unmistakably Arkansas twist to a day outdoors
Slow Down and Recharge in The Natural State
Wellness in Arkansas feels closely connected to its surroundings, from naturally heated thermal waters and historic bathhouses to peaceful mountain spas and lakeside retreats. Here, slowing the pace can become just as memorable as filling the day with sightseeing.
Find time and space to relax, restore and reconnect:
- Bathhouse Row – Experience Hot Springs’ centuries-old connection with thermal water, where historic bathhouses continue the city’s bathing tradition with mineral-water soaks, spa treatments and striking architecture at the heart of Hot Springs National Park
- Modern spa escapes – Complement Hot Springs’ historic bathing culture with contemporary treatments at resorts such as Oaklawn’s Astral Spa, combining hydrotherapy and indulgent wellness experiences with a refined resort setting
- Eureka Springs – Ease into the rhythm of this characterful Ozark mountain town, where natural springs, spa hotels, winding streets and Victorian architecture create a setting that has drawn visitors seeking rest and renewal for generations
- Lake Ouachita – Retreat to the water’s edge for massages and holistic therapies at lakeside resorts, with quiet coves, pine-covered surroundings and wide-open views helping turn relaxation into part of the wider Arkansas experience
- Mountain retreats – Choose peaceful lodges, cabins and secluded stays across the Ozarks and Ouachitas, creating space for quiet mornings, unhurried evenings and restorative escapes surrounded by Arkansas’ forests and mountain scenery
Stories, Art and Heritage That Run Deep
Arkansas reveals its story through internationally recognised art, pivotal chapters of American history, musical legacies and communities shaped by generations of change. Museums and landmarks across the state offer compelling reasons to look beyond the scenery.
Explore the people, creativity and events that helped shape Arkansas:
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – Explore centuries of American creativity in Bentonville, where acclaimed galleries sit within a wooded setting connected by sculpture trails, striking architecture and pathways leading towards Bentonville’s lively downtown
- Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site – Learn about the Little Rock Nine and the struggle to desegregate American public schools at one of the country’s most significant landmarks of the Civil Rights Movement
- Johnny Cash Boyhood Home – Visit Dyess and discover the modest home where the future music legend spent his formative years, revealing how family, farming and life in the Arkansas Delta influenced the man, his distinctive music and enduring legacy
- Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts – Experience Little Rock’s major centre for visual and performing arts, bringing exhibitions, theatre, creative programmes and an impressive architectural setting together within the city’s MacArthur Park
- Fort Smith – Uncover Arkansas’ frontier story through sites connected with the federal court and U.S. Marshals, while contemporary murals and cultural attractions show how the city continues to reinterpret its history for a new generation of today
Come for Arkansas, Remember the Welcome
Some of Arkansas’ most memorable experiences begin with the people you meet along the way. Friendly towns, independently owned restaurants, welcoming neighbourhoods and an easy-going Southern spirit give journeys through The Natural State a warmth that goes far beyond its scenery.
Experience the places and flavours where Arkansas hospitality shines:
- Eureka Springs – Wander winding streets filled with independent shops, cafés, galleries and characterful places to stay, discovering an unconventional Ozark community whose come-as-you-are spirit makes visitors quickly feel at home
- Small-town Arkansas – Leave the main highways to discover historic squares, locally owned businesses and communities where conversation still comes easily, giving road trips through the state an appealing sense of place and personal connection
- Southern food traditions – Pull up a chair for barbecue, fried catfish, hushpuppies and homemade pie at diners and roadside favourites, discovering recipes and establishments whose reputations have often been built over generations
- A new Arkansas food scene – Find farm-to-table cooking, creative chefs, food trucks and locally produced ingredients alongside traditional favourites, particularly in places such as Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas where dining has become part of the journey
- Stay somewhere with character – Choose welcoming B&Bs, historic hotels, cabins and locally run retreats rather than simply somewhere to sleep, adding conversations, recommendations and genuine Arkansas personality to each stop along the way
Space to Breathe: Places to Wander
Some of Arkansas’ most rewarding moments come when the pace drops and the landscape takes over. Forested mountains, clear lakes, quiet trails and secluded places to stay make it easy to spend more time outdoors without needing to fill every hour with activity.
- Lake Ouachita – Escape to one of Arkansas’ largest lakes, where clear water, wooded islands and peaceful coves create an inviting setting for swimming, paddling, fishing or simply finding a quiet spot beside the shore
- Scenic drives – Follow routes through the Ozarks and Ouachitas where forested ridges, mountain overlooks and small communities turn the journey itself into part of the experience, particularly when autumn colour transforms the landscape
- Cabins and secluded stays – Spend the night surrounded by woodland, mountains or water in everything from rustic cabins to contemporary retreats, giving early mornings and evenings a sense of escape that hotels in busier centres cannot quite match
- Dark skies and stargazing – Leave city lights behind for clear night skies across Arkansas’ rural landscapes, where state parks and remote outdoor settings offer the chance to slow down after sunset and appreciate an entirely different side of The Natural State
- Quiet trails and waterfalls – Seek out gentler walks through forests and along streams, stopping at cascades, overlooks and picnic spots where the pleasure comes less from covering distance and more from spending time in the surroundings
Visiting Arkansas Throughout the Year: Changing Seasons, New Experiences
Arkansas changes character with the seasons, bringing spring wildflowers, long summer days on the water, vivid autumn colour and quieter winter escapes. Outdoor experiences, festivals and changing landscapes give every part of the year its own appeal, making the best time to visit depend on the journey you want to have.
- As forests and gardens burst back into colour, spring brings mild days for hiking, cycling and exploring outdoors, while flowering landscapes such as Garvan Woodland Gardens brighten the season. Waterfalls are often at their liveliest, and comfortable temperatures make longer days on the trails especially rewarding
- With warmer weather settling across the state, summer sees Arkansas’ lakes and rivers come into their own for swimming, paddling and boating. Long daylight hours leave more time for outdoor adventures and family escapes, while festivals and evenings beneath open skies add extra energy to a trip
- As temperatures begin to cool, autumn transforms the Ozarks and Ouachitas with striking displays of red, orange and gold. Mountain overlooks, forest trails and scenic drives become especially rewarding, while cooler days provide inviting conditions for hiking, cycling and unhurried journeys through the state
- When landscapes become quieter, winter reveals a more peaceful side of Arkansas, from soaking in Hot Springs’ thermal waters and exploring museums to secluded cabins, uncrowded trails and crisp days in the mountains. Cosy stays and slower road trips offer another way to experience the state
Confessions of a Globetrotter Blog – Get to Know the American South: The People, Places and Traditions Behind the Icons
Get to know the American South through the people, places and traditions behind its icons. From music and food to history and the outdoors, our blog takes a closer look at Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Welcome to Arkansas. Welcome to Adventure.
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