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Arkansas is a treasure trove of unique places, historical sites and delicious eats. Whether you are traveling from out of state or a local on a weekend getaway, Arkansas has incredible vacation destinations. From the mountains to the delta, Arkansas is home to spectacular scenery and charming historic districts. Cities across Arkansas are begging to be explored, and we’ve highlighted four of our favorites below.
1. Hot Springs
From bathhouses to baseball and gambling to gangsters, you never know what kind of adventure you will discover in Historic Hot Springs.
For over 100 years, people have been turning to the healing waters of the hot springs along Bathhouse Row and throughout Hot Springs National Park. The 143-degree water and the minerals found within have brought health and healing to many. It made Hot Springs a tourist destination aimed at those who want to feel enriched and rejuvenated.
Hot Springs is the perfect place for a girls’ getaway or a romantic weekend. Plan a trip to Magic Springs or the Mid-America Science Museum for a weekend the kids won’t soon forget.
While you’re in town, be sure to check out the treehouse at Garvan Woodland Gardens and grab a bite to eat at SQZBX Brewery & Pizza.
2. Bentonville
Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas have always drawn people to Northwest Arkansas. Still, the nearby town of Bentonville, home of Walmart, became a proper destination city when the Crystal Bridges Museum of Modern Art opened in 2011.
Events like NWA Fashion week held in April and the Bentonville Film Festival held each May bring in celebrities and make this trendy city the go-to destination for up-and-coming young professionals.
Stay and eat at the 21c Museum Hotel any time of the year, but a visit to Bentonville Square is especially magical during the Christmas season. Plan to grab brunch at Pressroom before taking a stroll in Osage Park or biking through Coler Mountain Bike Preserve.
If you are exploring Bentonville with the family, don’t miss a visit to the Amazeum, and be sure to check out these 5 family-friendly eateries in downtown Bentonville.
3. Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is one of Arkansas’s most eclectic and unique cities. Its entire downtown district is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit landmarks such as St. Elizabeth’s Church, Hatchet Hall, Thorncrown Chapel or the Christ of the Ozarks to experience the history and culture that makes Eureka Springs so interesting.
No trip would be complete without a visit to the Grand Old Lady of the Ozarks, the beautiful 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa. As one of Arkansas’s most haunted places, you are likely to get touched by a ghost at the Crescent Hotel.
While in Eureka Springs, you must also spend some time exploring the unusual. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge and Underground Eureka are things you won’t find anywhere else. Thousands will also descend upon the city for the annual Zombie Crawl, Volkswagen Weekend, and Ozark Mountain Music Festival.
No matter what you decide to do, you will want to explore Eureka Springs on your next family vacation.
4. Mountain View
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, folk music is the heart and soul that brings Mountain View to life. Visitors who love a laid-back, artsy and outdoorsy lifestyle will love a getaway to this up-and-coming Arkansas vacation destination.
A visit to the Ozark Folk Center is a must, and you sure don’t want to pass up the chance to hike in the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area or take a float under the swinging bridge in Sylamore Creek.
Grab dinner at JoJo’s Catfish Wharf or Tommy’s Famous pizza before you head downtown to the Pickin’ Park for an evening of strumming under the stars. Gather with friends to listen to the music or join in if you are so inclined.
Whether you are looking to spend a weekend in a quiet, peaceful retreat or plan to visit one of the town’s festivals, Mountain View has something for everyone.
Are you looking for more Arkansas Vacation Destination ideas? Check out these Arkansas road trip ideas.
Highway 64: Road Trip from Bald Knob to Marion
Ozark Road Trip: Clinton to Omaha
Arkansas Delta Road Trip: Marked Tree to Wilson
Do The Watermelon Crawl – A Cave City Road Trip
Greers Ferry to Calico Rock – A Treasured Road Trip
Photos courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
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