Your guide to Little Rock

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Sitting on the banks of the Arkansas River, this state capital is sometimes seen as a pit stop on the way to the lush lakes and springs of the Ozark Mountains. But Little Rock is more than a pushing-off point to nature. From Civil Rights history and presidential monuments to a thriving nightlife, get inspired with our Little Rock travel guide.

Little Rock CVB

Little Rock highlights

Back to nature

They don’t call Arkansas the Natural State for nothing. In Little Rock, start the day with a sunrise kayak on the river, then hike to the top of a 1,000-foot peak at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in the afternoon. Finish in time to watch the sunset while pedalling across Big Dam Bridge, North America’s longest cycling bridge.

History and culture

Little Rock is steeped in US history. The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site honours the Little Rock Nine, while the Clinton Presidential Center tells the story of the 42nd president, complete with a full-size replica of the Oval Office. And behind its handsome Art Deco facade, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts has eight centuries of art in its collection.

Where to stay

The hotels peppered throughout downtown range from budget to lavish. National chains catering to business travellers are clustered in the western part of the city. In the Quapaw Quarter, southeast of downtown, the Empress of Little Rock is an 1888 Victorian mansion–turned–upscale boutique hotel that’s on the National Register of Historic Places.

Little Rock: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	United States dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)
High season	June - September
Low season	January - February

Iwan Baan; iwan@iwan.com; www.iwan.com

Things to do in Little Rock

Places to eat

Little Rock isn’t just great for barbecue and spicy chicken wings — it’s also the (alleged) birthplace of cheese dip, a warm, melty indulgence topped with chilli sauce and scooped up with corn chips. Head to The Heights to find several cosy neighbourhood bistros and speakeasies. SoMa and East Village are packed with wine bars, food halls and artisan ice cream parlours.

Nightlife

After dark, head to Little Rock’s main entertainment district, River Market. Here, you’ll find piano bars, craft beer halls, late-night country dance halls, salsa clubs, Irish pubs and more. If your tastes tilt upscale, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Ballet and the Repertory Theatre are all nearby. A few blocks to the south, Rock Town Distillery offers tours and cocktail classes.

Shopping

Main Street, in the hip ‘SoMa’ (South Main) neighbourhood, has it all — from art galleries and antique shops to locally made t-shirts, eco-friendly soap and more. There’s even the ESSE Purse Museum, the only American museum dedicated to the handbag. Pop across the river to browse the galleries of North Little Rock’s Argenta Arts District too.

FAQs about visiting Little Rock

What language is spoken in Little Rock?

English is the go-to language for most interactions. From simple greetings to unique local expressions, you'll likely pick up a few new terms during your city break in Little Rock.

What is the coldest month in Little Rock?

Plan your Little Rock trip for January and you'll be there at the coolest time of the year. -2ºC (28ºF) is as cold as it gets.

What currency is used in Little Rock?

While in Little Rock, you'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for your expenses. It's a good idea to carry a mix of cards and cash to avoid any issues with paying.

What is the hottest month in Little Rock?

With temperatures reaching a high of 36ºC (97ºF), July is the hottest month in Little Rock.

How many days do you need in Little Rock?

You can get a good feel for the capital city in a couple of days. Extend your stay to a full week if you want to tack on a day trip to nearby Hot Springs.

Is it safe to visit Little Rock?

Although this city is considered safe to visit, the best way to enjoy a carefree trip to Little Rock is to follow a few simple precautions. Before heading out, plan your route so you don't have to check your phone or map frequently in public. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and always trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right.

Is Little Rock a good place to visit?

You'll have a hard time running out of things to do in Little Rock. From William J. Clinton Presidential Library to Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Centre and more, this city is well worth a visit.

How expensive is a trip to Little Rock?

Little Rock offers plenty of free and low-cost activities, including self-guided tours of the State Capitol, and free audio tours of Little Rock Central High School and the downtown murals (download them from the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau website). Save on flights and hotels to Little Rock by booking in the off-season.

What is the rainiest month in Little Rock?

With around 170 millimetres of rainfall, May is the rainiest month. If you're visiting Little Rock then, you might want to plan for some indoor activities. Grab a bite at one of the city's best restaurants, check out an art gallery, or indulge in a shopping spree.

When is the best time to visit Little Rock?

Summer is a hot and busy season in Arkansas, while spring and autumn have the mildest temperatures and a better chance of finding deals on flights and hotels to Little Rock. Pack a raincoat no matter when you visit.