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Arkansas proves to be an unexpectedly excellent setting for a couple’s getaway. Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s weekend, celebrating an anniversary, or simply carving out intentional time together, the Natural State provides destinations that feel relaxed, engaging and personal.
From spa towns and art scenes to history-rich downtowns and peaceful Delta escapes, these five Arkansas getaways each offer a different kind of romance. Think of this as a choose-your-own-adventure weekend. Relaxing, glamorous, curious, outdoorsy or blissfully unplugged.
Hot Springs | Spa & Snacks
Hot Springs has been a popular spot for lovers for centuries. Native peoples, baseball legends, gangsters, honeymooners and college students have all come here for the same reasons: relaxation, indulgence, and a touch of magic. The town uniquely balances natural beauty with an endlessly walkable downtown.
Where to Stay
Stay close to downtown for walkability and charm. Options include historic hotels such as The Arlington Hotel and The Waters Hotel, as well as vacation rentals that offer privacy and easy access to Bathhouse Row. For lake views and a more relaxed pace, consider The Reserve at Hot Springs, The Starlight Haven, or resorts along Lake Hamilton.
Where to Eat
Hot Springs exceeds expectations in dining. Highlights include The Ohio Club, Rolando’s Restaurante, Grateful Head Pizza, The Pancake Shop, Superior Bathhouse Brewery, The Porterhouse or Brick House Grill.
What to Do
Discover the history at Hot Springs National Park, walk along the Grand Promenade within Hot Springs National Park, visit Garvan Woodland Gardens, or enjoy the quirky charm of the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo.
A Perfect Weekend
Arrive on Friday and refresh with clean air at Lake Catherine State Park. Spend Saturday exploring Bathhouse Row, enjoying a spa visit and relaxing with meals downtown. On Sunday, pick between gardens, trails, or one last soak before heading home.
Fort Smith | For History Lovers (With Chill)
Fort Smith is ideal for couples who enjoy history, storytelling and relaxed exploration. As a former frontier town and historic river city, it features layers of history alongside a walkable downtown and a surprisingly laid-back pace.
Where to Stay
Stay downtown to keep the weekend simple and walkable. Options include Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Fort Smith, Wyndham Fort Smith, and Home2 Suite. For something more unique, consider vacation rentals in the Belle Grove Historic District, the Beland Mansion, or bring your camper to the Fort Smith Riverfront RV Park, which offers trail access along the Arkansas River.
Where to Eat
Downtown Fort Smith is the hub of the dining scene, offering everything from casual favorites to upscale date-night spots. Popular choices include Doe’s Eat Place, Stonehouse Chaffee Crossing, Ed Walker’s Drive In, AJ’s Oyster House, and wine and small plates at Uncorked Wine Bar.
What to Do
Discover the town’s layered history at the Fort Smith National Historic Site and History Museum and the U.S. Marshals Museum, then consider visiting Miss Laura’s Social Club Museum or the Clayton House. Between stops, enjoy coffee and murals, one of the city’s most distinctive features.
A Perfect Weekend
Arrive Friday afternoon and visit one museum before dinner downtown. Spend Saturday diving into Fort Smith’s history, taking breaks for lunch and enjoying a date-night dinner or live music in the evening. On Sunday, grab coffee, walk around downtown for The Unexpected Project murals, and have a relaxed brunch before heading home, or extend the trip with a scenic stop in the nearby Altus wine region.
Little Rock | The Glam Getaway
Little Rock provides couples with an elegant city getaway. As Arkansas’s capital, it combines art, history, dining, and live entertainment with plenty of ways to relax. Couples can dress up for a night out, enjoy a leisurely brunch, see a performance, or spend the afternoon exploring museums and neighborhoods. It’s a destination that feels upscale but welcoming.
Where to Stay
Stay downtown for a classic city vibe with walkable dining and cultural attractions. Options include historic elegance at The Capital Hotel, modern comfort at AC Hotel Downtown or apartment-style suites at Residences at 221. For a quieter, romantic stay, consider boutique cottages or bed-and-breakfast options in Hillcrest or the Heights.
Where to Eat
Little Rock’s dining scene offers everything from upscale fine dining to laid-back neighborhood favorites. Popular spots for couples include Capital Bar & Grill, Petit & Keet, Ashley’s Restaurant, Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill and Sonny Williams Steakhouse.
What to Do
Spend time at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, stroll through the River Market and nearby sculpture gardens, or explore the Clinton Presidential Library. Evenings are ideal for live performances at venues like the Arkansas Repertory Theatre or the Robinson Center, or simply walking to dinner and taking time to chat.
A Perfect Weekend
Arrive Friday evening and enjoy dinner near your hotel. Spend Saturday relaxing in the city with brunch, a museum visit, and a date-night dinner or show. On Sunday, sleep in, have a leisurely brunch, and take one last walk through downtown, AMFA, or the River Market before heading home.
Northwest Arkansas | Trails & Treats
Northwest Arkansas is a perfect couples’ getaway for those who enjoy activity, creativity and variety. Famous for its trail networks, vibrant food scene and world-class art, the region offers endless options without a strict schedule. The key to enjoying Northwest Arkansas is to pick a few main experiences and let everything else fall into place.
Where to Stay
Staying near downtown Bentonville makes the weekend walkable and convenient. Popular options include 21c Museum Hotel, The Compton and curated Airbnb’s within walking distance of the square. Traditional hotels like Embassy Suites and DoubleTree also offer comfort with easy access to trails, dining, and attractions.
Where to Eat
Dining is a highlight of any trip to Northwest Arkansas. Restaurants around Bentonville Square make it easy to explore without needing a car. Favorites include Eleven at Crystal Bridges, The Tower Bar at The Momentary, Pedaler’s Pub, Table Mesa, and casual spots like food trucks, coffee shops, or local ice cream shops for a sweet break between activities.
What to Do
Balance outdoor activities with cultural experiences. Walk or ride at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, explore Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and visit The Momentary. Slow down with a stroll through Osage Park, or plan a nearby trip to Rogers for brunch and downtown exploration.
A Perfect Weekend
Arrive Friday evening and settle in with dinner at Bentonville Square. Spend Saturday exploring at your own pace, starting with a morning trail walk or bike ride, followed by an afternoon museum visit and a fun dinner out. On Sunday, enjoy a relaxed morning, take one last walk or cultural stop, and have brunch before heading home feeling energized and inspired.
Bentonville is also a prime destination for art lovers!
Wilson | Rest & Revive
Wilson is a couple’s retreat thoughtfully designed with restraint. Located in the Arkansas Delta, this carefully restored town offers something rare: the freedom to truly unwind. The pace here is relaxed, the design is refined and the focus is on rest, conversation, and simple pleasures.
Where to Stay
The heart of a Wilson weekend is The Louis Hotel, a beautifully designed boutique hotel with cottages that feel both upscale and cozy. The property itself becomes part of the experience, featuring welcoming shared spaces, a second-floor terrace, an elegant lobby bar, and rooms designed for relaxed mornings and early evenings.
Where to Eat
Dining remains simple yet satisfying. Wilson Cafe is the town’s anchor, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner depending on the day and season. Gunn’s Supermarket offers local flavors and essentials, while nearby Delta towns like Osceola, Blytheville, and Jonesboro provide opportunities to explore some of the region’s most loved food traditions.
What to Do
The appeal of Wilson is that there’s very little you need to do. Spend time reading on the terrace, playing games or enjoying uninterrupted conversation. For a light exploration, visit Hampson Archeological Museum State Park on the town square, or take a scenic drive through nearby Delta communities to visit preserved historic sites and landscapes that tell the story of this region.
A Perfect Weekend
Arrive Friday evening, taking your time through the Delta and settling in with dinner at Wilson Cafe. Spend Saturday exactly how you choose: a slow breakfast, a short museum visit or scenic drive, and a relaxed afternoon of rest before returning for a laid-back evening meal. On Sunday, enjoy good coffee, one last meal, and a peaceful departure that feels more like waking up than leaving.
If you cannot find time to travel this year, check out this list of ideas for Day Dates in Arkansas.
In Arkansas, romance can be soaking in a historic bathhouse, lingering over wine downtown, walking a trail hand in hand, or sitting quietly with a book and no plans at all. These five couples’ getaway weekends show that some of the best trips are closer than you think, often hidden in plain sight.
Cover image and others in the story used with permission from the Arkansas Departments of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
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