We recently asked our Instagram followers this question: What are your favorite weekend getaways FROM Arkansas, not IN Arkansas. This had to be a place near enough for a weekend road trip.
This restriction limited our list to the nearby states of Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama.
The answers poured in and here were the top responses!
Oh, and y’all be sure to follow us on our Instagram account if you aren’t already! It’s fun over there!
Looking for a getaway closer to home? We also have a complete guide to the best weekend getaways WITHIN the state of Arkansas!
Overview of the Getaways
| Destination | State | Best For | From Little Rock | From Fayetteville |
|---|
| Memphis | Tennessee | Music, food, history | About 2.5 hours | About 5 hours |
| Oklahoma City | Oklahoma | Families old west history, art | About 4.5 hours | About 3.5 hours |
| Laurel | Mississippi | Fans of the HGTV show “Home Town”, small town life | About 5.5 hours | About 8 hours |
| Kansas City | Missouri | Sports, food, shopping | About 6 hours | About 3.5 hours |
| Broken Bow | Oklahoma | Cabin life, relaxation, outdoors | About 3 hours | About 3 hours |
| Branson | Missouri | Families, shows, attractions | About 3 hours | About 2 hours |
| Dallas | Texas | Fine dining, shopping, big-city life | About 4.5 hours | About 5 hours |
| Nashville | Tennessee | Country music, nightlife, food | About 5 hours | About 7.5 hours |
| St. Louis | Missouri | Food, museums, route 66, Mississippi river history | About 5.5 hours | About 5.5 hours |
| Huntsville | Alabama | US Space and Rocket Center, outdoor activities | About 5 hours | About 8 hours |
| Tupelo | Mississippi | Elvis, food, small town, Natchez Trace | About 3.5 hours | About 6 hours |
| Tulsa | Oklahoma | Art, food, city weekend | About 4 hours | About 2 hours |
12 Weekend Getaways From Arkansas to Nearby States
We are including an overview of each of these locations in hopes it will give you a starting point to plan your perfect weekend getaway from Arkansas!
Have fun and let us know your favorites!
Memphis, Tennessee
Don’t miss: Memphis Barbecue, Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum
Best for: Music, history, food, couples and families
You will probably not be surprised to hear that Memphis, Tennessee was on the list of the best weekend getaways from Arkansas. For many Arkansans, Memphis is one of the closest big-city getaways, and it also happens to be one of our favorite cities.
Memphis is known for the blues and barbecue. Now, that’s a great combination! The city’s history and musical heritage are everywhere you turn.
Beale Street, the legendary Sun Studio, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music are a few of the places where you can delve into the musical past and present of Memphis. Not to mention a visit to the home of Elvis, Graceland.
Memphis also has some of the most important and poignant Civil Rights sites in the US. Explore the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel to learn about the pivotal role Memphis played in the Civil Rights Movement.
Then, of course, there is the food.
Memphis is a foodie city and that includes and extends way beyond barbecue! You will also want to check out some of the historic neighborhoods in the city or even take a drive down to the nearby small town of Collierville for great dining and shopping.
Sports lovers might want to watch the Memphis Grizzlies play at the FedExForum!
Where to stay:
- The Peabody Hotel is the most famous and historic downtown hotel. One of my daughters actually became engaged to her now-husband on the roof of this grand hotel.
- If you prefer to stay in an Airbnb we suggest that you check out Pettigrew Adventures airbnbs. We have stayed in several of these and they are fun and stylish.
- And did you know you could say in the Bass Pro Pyramid? Big Cypress Lodge is located in the upper floors of this incredible structure.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Don’t Miss: Scissortail Park, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Bricktown
Best For: Parks, Western history, family fun
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was named over and over again by our Instagram followers as one of the best places for an Arkansas resident to go for a weekend get away.
And for good reason! We have been to this fun and interesting city several times now and leave more impressed with each visit.
Oklahoma City, often referred to as OKC, is the capital and largest city in the state of Oklahoma. It is chock-full of museums, art galleries, parks, and recreational areas. It is an excellent choice for a family getaway.
Let’s start with the dynamic arts scene! This is highlighted by the impressive Oklahoma City Museum of Art, but we highly suggest that you also check out the super local modern art venue of Factory Obscura with its quirky and interactive installations.
OKC has so many wonderful parks. Emily’s daughter Lyla especially loved Scissortail Park. Adults will enjoy its beauty but Lyla loved the splash pad and the playground. The Oklahoma City Zoo is another great family option.
Also stop by Lake Hefner for a gorgeous sunset stroll. For even more lovely views you should not miss the gorgeous Myriad Botanical Gardens.
The city also embraces its Western heritage, with attractions like the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Stockyards City, where you can even see a live cattle auction!
Bricktown is a hub of entertainment with lively bars, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues.
Speaking of restaurants, you will not be disappointed in the food scene of Oklahoma City. From old fashioned southern cuisine, to barbecue, to upscale dining there are so many excellent choices here.
If you are a sports enthusiast, you will already know that OKC is home to the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder happens to be our favorite professional basketball team, and we have especially enjoyed cheering for former Razorback Jaylin Williams. You might want to take in a game if you are in town during the season.
Where to stay:
- We stayed in a great Airbnb on our visit that we booked through Co-host Oklahoma.
- For a family splurge check out the Okana Resort. Emily and Daniel stayed here with their daughter Lyla, and they can’t quit talking about how much fun they had. The resort has a year-round indoor waterpark as well as a seasonal outdoor beach and waterpark, making it an especially fun choice for families.
- For a couple’s getaway we suggest The National, Autograph Collection. This beautiful downtown hotel is located inside a restored historic landmark and offers several dining options right on the property.
Laurel, Mississippi
Don’t Miss: Strolling and shopping downtown, spotting homes featured on Home Town, Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
Best For: Fans of the HGTV show Home Town, couples, girls’ getaways, small-town escapes
Looking for a friendly, small-town getaway? My husband and I are big fans of the HGTV home renovation show Home Town, which features Ben and Erin Napier and is filmed in Laurel, Mississippi.
We decided to take a trip to Laurel and found ourselves completely charmed by this adorable town.
If you love the show, then you will love Laurel. But even if you aren’t familiar with Home Town, I think you will still enjoy this small southern town..
Laurel is picture-perfect and full of southern charm and hospitality. It is a great destination when you want a slower, more relaxing getaway.
You can stroll and shop your way through the historic downtown, where old buildings are filled with quaint shops and excellent local restaurants.
Be sure to visit the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, which has an impressive collection of American and European art for such a small town.
Fans of Home Town might also enjoy driving around Laurel to see if they can spot some of the homes featured on the show or taking a guided tour focused on the show’s renovations.
There isn’t a ton to do in Laurel, and honestly, that is part of its appeal. It is a lovely place to slow down, shop, eat well and relax. I think it works especially well for couples or a girls’ getaway.
Where to stay:
In our opinion, some of the best places to stay in Laurel are Airbnbs and vacation rentals.
- We stayed in this cute little loft in downtown Laurel., and it was perfect for a couple. I do want to mention that you will need to be able to climb stairs to stay here.
- For families or groups, This 3 bedroom Cottage in the historic district would be a great option.
- If you prefer a traditional hotel, there is also a Hampton Inn and Suites in Laurel.
Kansas City, Kansas/Missouri
Emily and her husband recently spent several days exploring Kansas City on a trip with Missouri Tourism. One of the things that surprised her most was how beautiful the city is, from its famous fountains to its parks and impressive museums.
We quickly discovered that in this bustling metropolis, you can explore world-class museums, savor mouthwatering barbecue, tap your toes to live jazz music, and much more.
History enthusiasts can step back in time at the National World War I Museum and Memorial, which offers a poignant and informative experience. It is said to be the most comprehensive WWI exhibit in the world.
Art aficionados will enjoy the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art which has an impressive collection of both classic and contemporary works.
If you’re a music lover, the city’s jazz heritage is on full display at the American Jazz Museum, where you can explore the rich history of this iconic American art form.
Everyone loves barbecue and Kansas City has some of the best in the US. Indulge in a finger-licking feast at renowned spots like Joe’s Kansas City BBQ or Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque.
With vibrant neighborhoods, a thriving arts scene, and a warm and friendly atmosphere, Kansas City is a memorable vacation destination with something for everyone. .
How Far is Kansas City…
- From Little Rock: 426 miles
- From Fayetteville: 240 miles
Places to Stay in Kansas City
Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Don’t Miss: Broken Bow Lake, Beavers Bend State Park, a cozy cabin stay
Best For: Couples, families, outdoor activities, relaxation
To be honest, we were originally surprised that Broken Bow came up over and over again when we asked our followers about their favorite weekend getaways from Arkansas. At the time, we had never been there.
However, now that we have visited Broken Bow…we get it!
The Broken Bow area is located in southeastern Oklahoma among the forests and mountains of the Ouachitas. I think the Ouachita Mountains are sometimes overlooked, especially when compared with the Ozarks, but this area is filled with natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Spend time on Broken Bow Lake, where you can fish, boat, swim or simply relax beside the water. Nearby Beavers Bend State Park is another highlight, with hiking, horseback riding and beautiful scenery along the Mountain Fork River.
Of course, one of the biggest reasons to visit Broken Bow is the cabins. The area is filled with cozy and luxurious cabin rentals, making it a great choice for a romantic couples getaway, a family trip or even a relaxing weekend with friends.
This is the kind of destination where you can stay busy outdoors all day or do almost nothing at all—and honestly, that is part of the appeal.
Places to stay in Broken Bow
Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri has always been one of the favorite weekend getaways from Arkansas. It is a remarkable vacation destination in the heart of the gorgeous Ozark Mountains.
Often referred to as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” Branson offers a dazzling array of live music shows, theaters, and entertainment venues that cater to every taste, from country and rock ‘n’ roll to comedy and magic.
Beyond its vibrant entertainment scene, Branson boasts stunning outdoor attractions, including Table Rock Lake and the hills and forests of the Ozark Mountains. There are endless opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and relaxation.
Branson also has intriguing museums like the Titanic Museum and the Veterans Memorial Museum. Families will discover a wealth of attractions. The Silver Dollar City amusement park is a must visit and you will find interactive fun at the World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex.
With its warm hospitality, welcoming atmosphere, and a wide range of dining options, Branson is a superb choice for Arkansans seeking entertainment, natural beauty, and family-friendly adventures.
Places to stay in Branson
Dallas, Texas
Don’t Miss: Shopping, Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Dallas Museum of Art
Best For: Shopping, food, arts and culture, sports, big-city getaways
If you are an Arkansan looking for a big-city escape, Dallas is an easy choice. We have been going to Dallas for years, and like many Arkansans, one of the things that draws us back is the shopping.
Shopping is practically a sport in Dallas. You will find sprawling malls, luxury shopping centers, local boutiques and stores that we simply don’t have at home in Arkansas.
NorthPark Center and Galleria Dallas are two of the best-known shopping destinations, while Bishop Arts District offers a completely different experience with independent boutiques, restaurants, bars and galleries. For luxury shopping, you might also want to visit Stanley Korshak in Uptown.
Of course, there is much more to Dallas than shopping.
History buffs can visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which explores the life, assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
Art lovers should make time for the Dallas Museum of Art, with a wide-ranging collection spanning thousands of years and cultures from around the world.
Then, of course, there are the sports. Football fans can watch the Dallas Cowboys play in nearby Arlington, while basketball fans can catch the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center.
The Dallas food scene is another reason to plan a weekend away. You can go casual with Tex-Mex and barbecue or make reservations for an upscale dinner at one of the city’s steakhouses or chef-driven restaurants.
For us, Dallas works best as a classic big-city getaway: do a little shopping, eat very well, visit a museum or two and enjoy the energy of a much larger city.
Places to stay in Dallas
Nashville, Tennessee
Don’t Miss: Live music on Broadway, Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame
Best For: Music lovers, food, nightlife, couples and friends’ getaways
I have spent a lot of time in Nashville. My youngest child went to college there, so we visited often and came to know the city beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Nashville is, of course, most famous for its musical heritage and is known as Music City. To experience the city’s famous live music scene, take a stroll down Lower Broadway, where music pours out of the honky-tonks throughout the day and late into the night.
You can also visit the historic Ryman Auditorium, known as the Mother Church of Country Music, see a show at the Grand Ole Opry or spend time exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Nashville also has a great food scene. Hot chicken is one of the city’s most famous specialties, and places like Hattie B’s have helped make it widely known. Just so you know, Hattie B’s chicken is legitimately hot, y’all.
One of my biggest recommendations is to get out of downtown and explore some of Nashville’s other neighborhoods. East Nashville is known for restaurants, bars, live music, art and vintage shopping, while The Gulch has shops, restaurants, hotels and plenty of activity packed into a walkable area.
If you’re traveling with family, attractions like the Nashville Zoo and Adventure Science Center provide plenty to do beyond the music and nightlife.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Radnor Lake State Park is a beautiful place for hiking and wildlife watching, while Percy Warner Park offers wooded trails and a welcome break from the busier parts of the city.
I find Nashville to be a lovely and exciting city, but do be prepared for crowds. We were always amazed by the number of bachelor and bachelorette parties we saw when visiting, especially downtown.
places to stay in nashville
St. Louis, Missouri
Don’t Miss: Gateway Arch, Forest Park, St. Louis Cardinals game
Best For: Families, museums, sports, history and food
My husband has family in St. Louis, so we have visited the city many times over the years. Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Louis has a rich history, iconic landmarks and some excellent museums and family attractions.
You’ve definitely got to see the Gateway Arch and, if you aren’t claustrophobic, ride to the top in one of those teeny, tiny tram cars.
Did you know that the Arch represents St. Louis’s historic role as a gateway to the American West? I find that interesting because these days we don’t think of St. Louis as being particularly far west!
St. Louis also has some excellent museums, including the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum.
If you’re traveling with family, there are plenty of things to do. The Saint Louis Science Center and The Magic House are both great choices for kids. The Saint Louis Zoo is especially impressive, and general admission is free.
As most baseball-loving Arkansans know, St. Louis is home to the St. Louis Cardinals. The city is also home to the St. Louis Blues hockey team. Catching a game at Busch Stadium or Enterprise Center can be a fun addition to your trip.
St. Louis also has some foods that you really should try at least once. St. Louis-style pizza is unique, with its thin crust and gooey cheese. Honestly, I’m not a fan, but you might love it.
However, do not miss the toasted ravioli, another St. Louis favorite. That stuff is delicious.
You will also want to spend some time in Forest Park. This huge urban park is home to the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum and Saint Louis Science Center, as well as walking paths, waterways and plenty of green space.
I think St. Louis offers one of the most interesting and enjoyable weekend getaways from Arkansas, especially for families, museum lovers and sports fans.
places to stay in St. Louis
Huntsville, Alabama
Interested in space technology, natural beauty, and an up and coming southern city? The growing and hip city of Huntsville, Alabama might be the place for you.
Huntsville is known as “Rocket City” for its pivotal role in the U.S. space program. No visit here is complete without exploring the fascinating U.S. Space & Rocket Center where you can see rockets, space artifacts, and even try out interactive exhibits. This is a unique and educational experience for space enthusiasts of all ages.
The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a beautiful attraction that offers a serene escape from city life. You can stroll through various themed gardens, including a butterfly house, Japanese garden, and aquatic garden.
Huntsville has a rich history, and you can explore it by visiting the Historic Huntsville Depot, which is the oldest surviving railroad depot in Alabama. Take a walk through the Twickenham Historic District which has a plethora of historic homes and architecture.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, Huntsville offers opportunities for hiking and exploring nature. Monte Sano State Park, located just outside the city, has hiking trails, picnicking areas, and scenic overlooks.
As is the case with many growing towns, you will find a booming craft beer scene in Huntsville. You might want to visit one of the local breweries where you can sample interesting brews and enjoy a relaxing evening.
To go along with that beer the culinary scene in Huntsville might surprise you. There are a variety of restaurants to suit a variety of tastes such as Southern comfort food, barbecue, or international cuisines.
You should definitely consider a weekend getaway to Huntsville, especially if you have an interest in space exploration.
places to stay in huntsville
- Drury Inn and Suites at the Space and Rocket Center
- The Westin Huntsville
- Hampton Inn Huntsville Downtown
Tupelo, Mississippi
Don’t Miss: Elvis Presley Birthplace, historic Tupelo Hardware site, downtown Tupelo
Best For: Elvis fans, music history, food and a relaxed small-town getaway
Any fan of Elvis is going to love a visit to Tupelo, Mississippi. We are definitely Elvis people in my family.
My mother actually met Elvis briefly at the Arkansas State Fair when she was a teenager. She happened to be standing right at the entrance when he got out of his vehicle. She said, “Hey, Elvis,” and he responded in that amazing Southern accent, “Well, hey, honey.”
She has never gotten over it.
Of course, Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis Presley. The Elvis Presley Birthplace includes the small house where he was born, along with a museum and other sites connected to his early life. For Elvis fans, this is a pilgrimage site not to be missed. I loved every minute of it.
Another important stop on the Elvis trail is the historic Tupelo Hardware building, where Elvis’s mother bought him his first guitar. We were fortunate to visit when it was still operating as a hardware store, and it was honestly one of the highlights of our time in Tupelo.
The historic downtown hardware store closed at the end of 2025, but thankfully, the building and its Elvis history are being preserved. Plans call for the first floor to remain a visitor space where fans can learn the story and see the spot where Elvis’s first guitar was purchased. Because the building is in transition, I would check current access information before your visit.
Beyond Elvis, Tupelo is a charming small city and a great stop for anyone exploring the Natchez Trace Parkway. The downtown area is filled with shops and restaurants, and the city has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy your visit.
While in Tupelo, you might also want to explore the Oren Dunn City Museum or get up close and personal with the animals at the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo.
One of our biggest surprises was the food. We were so impressed with the quality of the restaurants when we visited Tupelo. You will certainly find delicious Southern cuisine, but you might be surprised by how creative and interesting the restaurant scene is for a city of this size.
Tupelo offers music history, good food and plenty of Southern charm. Even if you aren’t as Elvis-obsessed as my family, I think it makes a fun and relaxing weekend getaway from Arkansas.
places to stay in Tupelo
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Don’t Miss: Philbrook Museum of Art, Gathering Place, Greenwood District
Best For: Art, history, food, parks and a city getaway
Although it is last on this list, Tulsa is certainly not least. We actually lived in Tulsa for about a year, and it remains one of my favorite cities.
Tulsa has a wonderful combination of city amenities, outdoor spaces and friendly people. Like my hometown of Little Rock, it is situated along the Arkansas River, and I think it makes an easy and enjoyable weekend getaway from Arkansas.
Tulsa has an excellent arts and museum scene. The Philbrook Museum of Art, located in a beautiful historic villa and surrounded by expansive gardens, is not to be missed.
The Gilcrease Museum is another important Tulsa institution, with an extensive collection focused on the art and history of the Americas. The museum is currently undergoing a major transformation and is expected to reopen to the public in early 2027, so check its current status when planning your trip.
Music lovers should also visit the Woody Guthrie Center in the Tulsa Arts District. The museum explores Guthrie’s life, music, writing and influence on American culture.
We also believe it is important to learn about the difficult parts of history. Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District was once home to the thriving Black community known as Black Wall Street before the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Greenwood Rising is an excellent place to learn about the district before, during and after the massacre.
The city is also rightfully known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. Gathering Place is a stunning riverfront park with playgrounds, sports areas, walking paths, water features and seasonal activities for all ages. It is one of my favorite examples of what a great city park can be.
You will also want to spend some time exploring Tulsa’s different neighborhoods and districts. Cherry Street is especially good for locally owned restaurants and shopping, while the Tulsa Arts District has galleries, museums, restaurants and nightlife.
Tulsa is one of those cities that offers more than many first-time visitors expect. With excellent museums, beautiful parks, interesting history and a strong food scene, it makes a fantastic weekend getaway from Arkansas.
places to stay in tulsa
We hope that you have enjoyed this list of great weekend getaways from Arkansas! Let us know you favorite places that we might have missed!
Thanks for stopping by.
