Last Updated on January 18, 2026 by Kristin
Little Rock sits where the Ozark Plateau foothills meet the Ouachita Mountains and the Arkansas River. One of the upsides of this naturally diverse region is that you’ll have the chance to indulge in hot springs and cruise scenic byways on the way to several different cities. Here are the best road trips from Little Rock.
Fabulous Road Trips from Little Rock
Hot Springs National Park
53 miles / 51 mins.
The 5,500-acre Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas offer hiking trails and Ozark scenery. But the most important and popular attractions are the 47 namesake geothermal hot springs. You can take a dip in the waters and even get massages at the Gilded Age-era bathhouses inside the national park. >> Recommended hotels near Hot Springs National Park
Memphis, Tennessee
137 miles / 2 hr. 3 mins.
Across the Tennessee border, set along the Mississippi River, Memphis embraces both its history and its soul. Enrich your own knowledge by walking along the Civil Rights Trail, enjoy the musical heritage on Beale Street and at Graceland, and tuck in to zesty barbecue found all over town. Downtown Memphis is also home to the FedEx Forum, home court for the NBA’s Grizzlies. >> Recommended hotels in Memphis
Bentonville
215 miles / 3 hr. 6 mins.
Bentonville is an artsy city nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Make some time to visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art and Museum of Native American History, or grab a mountain bike and ride the Slaughter Pen Trail. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, make a detour on the way to check out one of Arkansas’ scenic byways. Two of the most popular roads are the winding Mount Magazine Scenic Byway and Pig Trail Byway, which offer stunning views of the Ozarks and recreational areas such as Cove Lake.
Eureka Springs
200 miles / 3 hr. 26 mins.
Eureka Springs is a favorite road trip destination for its welcoming vibe, outdoor activities, and charming Victorian houses. If it’s your first time in Eureka Springs, one of the best plans is to simply wander the town and snap some selfies in front of landmarks such as the rainbow stairs or Humpty Dumpty statue in Basin Street Park. Browse an array of local shops and galleries downtown and spend an evening out on the town. Be sure to check out Eureka Springs’ most iconic attraction, the 67-foot Christ of the Ozarks statue overlooking the city. If you’re feeling outdoorsy, Eureka Springs is also home to several hiking and biking trails, lakes, and natural springs.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
274 miles / 3 hr. 58 mins.
Tulsa is a hub for art galleries, Art Deco buildings, and museums. Popular attractions include the Woody Guthrie Center, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, Bob Dylan Center, the Philbrook Museum of Art, and the Tulsa Air & Space Museum.
Dallas, Texas
319 miles / 4 hr. 44 mins.
If you’re craving the hustle and bustle of a big city, a trip to Dallas is in order. While you can reach the city in about five hours if traveling directly from Little Rock, the route also includes a few interesting pit stops. If you have extra time, take the long route via I-70 to spend a few hours in Hot Springs checking out the historic Bathhouse Row. Once you reach Dallas, you’ll have a wealth of restaurants, shops, and museums to choose from. Some of the most popular attractions include the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Make sure to visit the top of the Reunion Tower for an unforgettable panoramic view of the city before you head back home. >> Recommended hotels in Dallas
Nashville, Tennessee
349 miles / 5 hr. 11 mins.
They don’t call it Music City for nothing. Don’t miss the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Johnny Cash Museum, and a show at the Grand Ole Opry. For a night out in downtown Nashville, head to Lower Broadway and take your pick of neon-lit honky tonk bars. Add in sightseeing at the state capitol and the Titans’ home turf, and downtown is the obvious place to book your hotel. >> Recommended hotels in Nashville
