Louisiana and Arkansas offer a range of exciting destinations for visitors in the summer. Whether you are seeking a big city with acclaimed museums and summer events, or small towns surrounded by lakes and bayous, these states have options to suit your taste. Let’s look at some ideal summer destinations in Louisiana and Arkansas for an unforgettable escape.
Conway, AR
Conway is a sizable community in Central Arkansas. It serves as a suburb of Little Rock but is a popular tourist destination in its own right. This pleasant city offers plenty of scenic public parks and nature trails, and Lake Conway attracts many anglers during the summer. The city’s vibrant downtown houses restaurants and local businesses, and it hosts a variety of summer community events, including a farmers market and crafts market.
Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is a major city along the Mississippi River. Renowned for its eclectic and distinctive cuisine, foodies particularly relish the opportunity to savor the delectable flavors served on patios throughout the city. With pleasant public parks, gorgeous historic sites, and lively festivals, Baton Rouge is an excellent option for a summer retreat.
Eureka Springs, AR
Arkansas’s Ozark region is a scenic area with thick forests and rolling mountains. Eureka Springs, a highlight of the Ozarks, is a charming and historic town steeped in natural beauty. It is known for its one-of-a-kind downtown historic district, boasting preserved buildings dating back to the Victorian era. Equally ideal for nature lovers, Eureka Springs offers famous healing waters in natural springs and renowned hiking trails throughout the mountains.
Alexandria, LA
Alexandria, a charming city in Central Louisiana, is an excellent summer destination away from the crowds of larger communities. Well-known as a cultural hotspot, Alexandria boasts intriguing museums, including the Louisiana History Museum and the Alexandria Museum of Art. The town also offers notable live entertainment at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. During the summer, Alexandria is popular for its numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. From high-quality local golf courses to nearby lakes and pleasant parks and trails, the town offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Hot Springs, AR
Hot Springs has long been one of Arkansas’s most sought-out vacation destinations. Nestled in the gorgeous Ouachita Mountains, this city is known for its natural hot springs that attract thousands of visitors yearly. During the summer, visitors love exploring Hot Springs’s surrounding natural scenery, which includes mountain trails and the Ouachita River.
Monroe, LA
Monroe is a busy community famed for its unique cultural attractions. From the Monroe Symphony Orchestra and the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens to the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, Monroe has something for everyone. Located along the scenic Ouachita River, Monroe boasts waterfront parks, trails, and restaurants offering picturesque views. Also, a vibrant downtown area adorned with high-quality restaurants and shops highlights the city’s savory food scene.
