3-Day Road Trip Exploring Arkansas's Natural Beauty and Culture

Day 1: Little Rock Highlights

Little Rock, Arkansas on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Root Cafe

Start your morning with locally sourced Southern dishes in a cozy downtown restaurant, offering fresh, hearty options to fuel your day.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Explore this important civil rights landmark, learning about the struggle for desegregation and its significant place in American history.
USD0, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk Riverfront Park

Enjoy scenic views of the Arkansas River on this lively park trail with gardens, sculptures, and entertainment venues.
USD0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Flying Fish

Dine on Southern-style fried catfish and fresh seafood dishes in a charming, family-friendly atmosphere near the river.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Arkansas State Capitol

Tour the impressive neoclassical building with beautiful murals and learn about Arkansas state government and history.
USD0, 1h

4:00pm

Explore the Arkansas Arts Center

View a diverse range of art exhibits from regional to international artists, including fine art and crafts.
USD12, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Whole Hog Cafe

Enjoy classic Arkansas barbecue dishes with tender ribs and pulled pork, a perfect southern dinner experience.
USD25, 1h

Day 2: Hot Springs Nature and History

Hot Springs, Arkansas on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Pancake Shop

Start with classic pancakes and hearty breakfast specialties in this cozy local favorite near downtown Hot Springs.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hot Springs National Park

Take a guided walk among the thermal springs, bathhouses, and scenic trails that reveal the area’s natural beauty and healing waters.
USD0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Superior Bathhouse Brewery

Enjoy craft beer brewed with thermal spring water and a menu featuring local ingredients in a historic bathhouse setting.
USD18, 1h

1:30pm

Tour Gangster Museum of America

Discover Hot Springs’ colorful past with stories of gangsters, speakeasies, and the roaring 20s in this unique museum.
USD10, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Buckstaff Bathhouse

Experience a traditional thermal bath or spa service in one of the nation’s oldest bathhouses, open since 1912.
USD40, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Rolando’s Restaurante

Savor Latin American dishes with a Southern twist in a lively atmosphere close to downtown Hot Springs.
USD25, 1h

Day 3: Fayetteville Culture and Outdoors

Fayetteville, Arkansas on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arsaga’s at the Depot

Enjoy fresh coffee and homemade pastries at this popular café located in a historic train depot.
USD10, 1h

9:30am

Hike the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

Explore beautiful themed gardens, trails, and educational displays showcasing native plants of the Ozarks region.
USD10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese

Relish creative grilled cheese sandwiches with fresh ingredients and inventive flavor combinations.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Clinton House Museum

Tour the historic home of Bill and Hillary Clinton and learn about their early political careers and Arkansas history.
USD5, 1h

3:00pm

Walk the Fayetteville Town Center and Dickson Street

Stroll through vibrant downtown Fayetteville with shopping, art galleries, and charming local boutiques along Dickson Street.
USD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bordinos

Conclude your Arkansas trip with classic Italian and American cuisine in a popular downtown Fayetteville restaurant.
USD30, 1h30m