5 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Little Rock, My Favorite Included

The beauty of visiting Little Rock, Arkansas, is that it’s in the heart of the state. This means I can hop in my car in any direction and discover a fantastic town to explore. For example, one of my favorite cities in Arkansas is Searcy. With great restaurants, incredible boutiques, and many cultural venues, I love that the charming community has big-city vibes. And since it’s only 50 miles from the capital, it’s perfect for a quick day trip. Whether you’re here visiting or a local needing a fun getaway, these are my top picks for the best day trips from Little Rock. I bet you’ll find something unique about each of them.

The driving time for these destinations is under 3 hours, so if you plan your trip appropriately, you’ll have lots of time to explore the local attractions. If you’re ready, let’s gas up the car, pack our favorite road trip snacks, turn on your favorite tunes, and hit the byways for this road trip adventure in Arkansas.

1. Hot Springs 

While in Little Rock, I think it’s almost a no-brainer to plan a day trip to Hot Springs. Not only is the city 50 miles away, but it also has several attractions that I guarantee you’ll love. Hot Springs National Park, the first national park in America, is a must-see while you’re here. For a unique experience, stop by Quapaw Baths and Spa to soak in the healing mineral waters.

Traveling with kids in the summer? Spend the day at Magic Springs Theme and Water Park for a fun adventure. Other attractions include Oaklawn Racetrack and Casino, Garvan Woodland Gardens, and the Mid-America Science Museum. And if you get hungry, grab a bite from Fisherman's Wharf Steak and Seafood, my go-to restaurant in town. Order the Grouper Oscar, and thank me later!

2. Jasper

If you prefer a small-town vibe, drive north for about 140 miles to the scenic mountain town of Jasper. Here, you’ll have access to the mighty Buffalo River and some of the best hiking trails in the Ozarks. This town is a paradise for folks who love spending time outdoors. Bring your hiking boots to trek the Round Top Mountain Trail, where you can see the remains of a Bomber plane that crashed in the 1940s.

Did you know that Arkansas has its own Grand Canyon? Well, it’s true, and it’s right here in Jasper. The geological wonder is tucked along Arkansas Scenic Byway 7, so I recommend you make some time to stop and marvel at the views. Be sure to visit Cliff House Inn, located at the lookout for the canyons. The cliffside restaurant has some of the best food in town. To complete your trip, stroll through the quaint downtown square and admire the historic buildings there.  

3. Blanchard Springs Caverns

Arkansas has several vast underground caverns, and one is located just 120 miles away from Little Rock, so it’s great for a day trip. In the sleepy town of Fifty-Six is Blanchard Springs Cavern, the second-largest cave in the state. This ever-changing living oasis is formed from a mountain spring that flows into the caverns. Throughout the year, the temperature inside is a cool 58 degrees. So you should grab a sweater when you visit.

Take the one-hour Dripstone Trail tour to witness the mesmerizing formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. Other immersive tours are available, too. The Blanchard Springs Recreation Area offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Bring your camera to snap pics of Mirror Lake and the waterfall. It’s one of the most picturesque cascades in all of Arkansas. Trust me, a day trip here is one you won’t forget. 

4. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

As one of the coolest cities in Arkansas and the mountain biking capital of the world, Bentonville is the crown jewel of NWA and is worthy of a day trip. It’s a little over 200 miles from Little Rock, so carve out about 3 hours for this drive. For art lovers, foodies, nature lovers, mountain bike enthusiasts, and if you’re a fan of Walmart (headquartered in Bentonville), there is something for you here.

One of the top attractions in town is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. With seasonal and permanent exhibits, a whimsical sculpture garden, an art studio, gorgeous architecture, nature trails, guided tours, and a restaurant, this museum is its own destination. Honestly, you might need more than a day at the museum, but if you get here early, you can experience most of the attractions and have time to explore Bentonville, too. If you get hungry, check out the 8th Street Market Food Hall, where you can eat your way through various cuisines. 

5. Searcy

I must admit that Searcy, Arkansas, will always have a special place in my heart. As a teen, I’ve shared some fond memories with my family here, so, of course, it’s on my list. Since it’s a college town (home to Harding University and a branch of Arkansas State University), it has a great blend of charm and modern conveniences. Foodies will love the coffee shops and restaurants. You'll find it here whether you’re searching for a chain, a mom-and-pop shop, or a place for upscale dining.

Foodies can stop by Wild Sweet William's Bakery for handmade kolaches or Knightfire Barbeque for a pulled pork sandwich. History buffs will be delighted to see the gorgeous architecture of the buildings and Pioneer Village, a living replica museum of a 19th-century village. For outdoorsy folks and mountain bikers, Riverside Park is your spot. And farmers’ markets and local festivals are held regularly to unite the community. Don’t forget to check out the stores and shops along Main Street. After your visit, you’ll probably understand why it’s one of my favorite towns for a day trip.  

What do you think of my picks for day trips from Little Rock? I hope they inspire you to explore our great state. If you’re a local, visit our nomination page and tell us about your favorite place for a day trip in Arkansas. 

Are you planning on cruising the highways and byways this year? Be sure to pack all your road trip essentials. Being well-prepared for your trip will make your drive easy and breezy!