Little Rock, Arkansas: The Essential Guide

Little Rock is located about eight hours from my Atlanta home. I feel like the city changes every time I go there, and that’s always something new. 

Recently, I visited the city to serve on the jury for the World Cheese Dip Championship 2025. I spent most of my time eating and shopping at the Heights, South Main (also known as SoMa). I’ve used Little Rock to launch day trips including Clinton’s childhood homes of Hope and Hot Springs National Park. 

Little Rock was founded as the capital city of Arkansas Territory in 1821. Its name comes from a little rock that still stands on the riverfront. French explorers named the Arkansas River site, and the nearby bluff after the rock they found in 1722.le petite roche” or “the tiny rock.” Originally the area was Quapaw Land, but slowly it became a well known trading hub in this region for those travelling west.

Little Rock has been home to several famous people including former President Bill Clinton and General Douglas MacArthur. Many people associate Little Rock with the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. For example, the “Little Rock Nine”, who entered Central High School following the 1954 landmark decision. Brown v. Board of Education. This Southern city is a metropolis that pays homage to it’s history but has also evolved into a modern metropolis. There are many things to do and see in this city. For example, it now has one of the only purse museums in the world, Esse Purse Museum—it’s a treat to visit for a handbag lover like myself.

You should be aware of the following before you visit Little Rock.

Best Hotels & Resorts

AC Hotel by Marriott Little Rock

This hotel This hotel occupies two early 20th-century buildings on the National Historic Register. But the hotel’s sleek guest rooms come with all of the modern conveniences. The restaurant and bar also offer daily meals. European-style breakfast Enjoy happy hour. 

The Capital Hotel

The Capital Hotel It was built in 1873. Traveling politicians used to visit it after a day at work. Old State House (now a gallery). The historic Gebäude will be renovated in 2024. Beaux-Arts gem The restaurant is now better than ever. The Capital Bar & GrillThe rooms are luxurious, with well-stocked Minibars, plush bedding, and a fresh, new look. 

The Empress of Little Rock

This beautiful, historic hotel is located in a meticulously preserved 1888 Victorian home It was formerly a women’s school before it underwent a transformation in 1994. Each room has been named after a significant figure in Arkansas history. The Hemingway Suite is located in a carriage house from the 1940s and has a Jacuzzi, balcony, and a Jacuzzi. 

Urban Cottages in Little Rock

Stay as a local Urban CottagesThe triplex is a 1923 building in the Governor’s Mansion District, with all of the architectural charm that the area has to offer. Each cottage has original hardwood floors, Roku televisions, in-room coffee makers, and microwaves—best of all, a daily breakfast is included with the fee.

The Best Things to do

Visit the Little Rock Central High School Historic Site.

It is important to visit Little Rock at least once during your stay. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. After the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the school was the site where nine African American teenagers entered and enrolled into the institution that had previously been for whites only. Little Rock Central High School is still in operation and operates as a public four-year high school. It’s also a park of 28 acres that’s managed by the National Park Service. The park has a visitor’s center, which includes exhibits. It also hosts regular ranger-led lectures. You will need to reserve in advance.

View a faux oval Office in the Clinton Presidential Library.

The sprawling Clinton Presidential Library The museum is located on the riverfront and contains hundreds of images, artifacts, and gifts from heads of state all related to Bill Clinton, the former president and governor of the state. The replica of the Oval Office is the closest you can get to the original. 

Take a look at the evolution of purses in the last century.

No need to be a stylist to appreciate the Esse Purse MuseumIt opened in SoMa on March 2013 and has helped revitalize this old business district. It is based on the personal collection of founder Anita Davis and tells the history of women in the last century by the bags, purses and accessories they carried. You can also find designer bags in the gift shop. 

Enjoy the works of Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock and others.

Visit the free attractions Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts The earliest evidence of the Fine Arts Club of Arkansas The goal of the gallery’s founding was to create the first permanent museum in the State. This 14,000 object permanent collection spans Renaissance drawings and modern sculpture. The most recent expansion, in 2023 added a modern wing and restored the Art Deco façade. 

Pinnacle mountain State Park has many trails to explore.

You’ll forget that you’re in the city as you wander through this 2,300-acre park. Pinnacle Mountain State ParkThe site is situated on the edge Little Rock. This sprawling site offers 33 miles of hiking and mountain biking, two rivers, canoeing in a swamp, and a mountain named after it that is ideal for rock climbing. While here, visitors can sign up for ranger talks and kayak tours.

Best Restaurants

Dizzy’s

Dizzy’s It has been a Little Rock favorite since 1995. On the menu are Reuben sandwiches, black bean soup and more. Not to mention that it is often a winner at World Cheese Dip Championship.

George’s Little Rock

The majority of restaurants in town are more casual. George’s Little Rock In the Heights is perfect for date nights and special occasions. The restaurant is located in an old home, serves house-made pasta, and has a speakeasy, Barnaby’s, in the back—it’s more than worth the wait. 

Rex’s Restaurant

Rex’s Restaurant This playful SoMa restaurant offers comfort food favorites like tuna melts as well as Asian inspired dishes such as kimchi cheesecake and Thai tea cheesecake. Try one of their craft cocktails like the Blueberry Bourbon Smash which is made with sesame-fat washed whiskey, blueberries and a touch of lemon.

The Root Cafe

“The Root Cafe One of the first farm to table restaurants in Little Rock. Davis said that it has delicious food, and the restaurant is doing well. The SoMa institution has been around for 14 year and decorated with vintage art and furniture. They use local ingredients to create fun dishes like spicy banh mi and curry chicken salad.

Wright’s Barbecue

Arkansas is known as a barbecue paradise. Wright’s Barbecue It’s one of the best places in town for smoked meats such as briskets and burnt ends. Do not miss the loaded mac and cheesy and barbecue nachos, which are topped generously with pulled pork.

When is the best time to visit?

Davis says the best season to visit Little Rock in Little Rock would be fall or early Spring. The city holds a Mardi Gras festival in SoMa every spring with floats and live music, parades, and more. The month of June, despite the scorching summer heat is perfect for outdoor events. Little Rock Pride World Cheese Dip Championship. You’ll need a muffin pan to store the various samples of cheese dips from competitors. Fall is the best season to visit if you are looking for a nice weather. You’ll also catch the sunrise and sunset. Arkansas State FairThe event is held at the southwest corner of downtown on the fairgrounds for several days each October. 

How to get there

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is the most popular airport for travelers to reach Little Rock. It serves all major airlines, with direct flights between Atlanta, Chicago, and other U.S. large cities. The drive into Little Rock takes only 10 minutes (about 5 miles).

Little Rock, Arkansas is also serviced by Amtrak’s Texas Eagle route, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. Otherwise, your best bet is to drive—the city sits at the crossroads of Interstates 30 and 40. 

Discover the best neighbourhoods in your area

Downtown

Most travelers will stay here, as this is the area where most of the hotels are. The downtown area is very walkable, and there are many restaurants and attractions nearby. These include the Old State House and other popular sites. Historic Arkansas Museum. The River Market District is nearby and a popular nightlife and dining destination.

SoMa

SoMa, or South Main, is a mural-filled neighborhood—this is definitely where the cool kids of Little Rock hang out. There are many shops, restaurants and art galleries in the area, including Esse. The neighborhood also hosts regular events like Mardi Gras or Pride. Davis also mentions some “hidden landmarks”.The Bernice Garden It is named after my grandmother and features sculptures [all come] She says, “I am from Arkansas.”

Pettaway Square

Pettaway Square, a new neighborhood located south of the downtown core, is named for its park. It’s the home of Paper Hearts Bookstore, a cozy and thoughtfully curated shop selling new and gently loved titles—and it also has a coffee shop, a beer bar, and a restaurant. 

The Heights

The Heights, named for its location high on the river bluffs is a lovely residential area. It has many historic homes. Here you’ll find a variety of local shops including big-box groceries and local favorites such as George’s. 

How to Get Around 

Little Rock is not a large city but it’s big enough that walking everywhere you want to go would be impossible. Parking in Little Rock is easy to find, especially in the neighborhoods of SoMa. 

There are a few drivers who drive Uber, but it’s not a common option. You may have to wait a little while. There are also Lime Scooters that can be used to cover the distances. Little Rock is also home to a public transport system. Rock Region MetroThis includes the historic streetcar that circles around downtown and busses.