Last Updated on October 16, 2022 by Snezana Grcak
The Shuttle Fare team will make your vacation as beautiful and fun as possible with our fantastic travel itinerary. Plan your Dallas to Little Rock road trip to a tee, and discover the top attractions for nature lovers and spots for activities like swimming and camping. You’ll also find historical landmarks, hot restaurants, and peaceful mountains with perfect views. Find answers to all your questions, and use our tips to have an amazing ride and stay in Little Rock.
Pleasant Drive From Dallas to Little Rock
The distance from Dallas to Little Rock is around 320 miles, and the point-to-point drive takes at least four and a half hours. Of course, we highly recommend taking a few breaks along the way and checking out some beautiful stops en route.
The fastest and most straightforward route is via I-30, which runs from downtown Dallas. Google suggests taking Exit 129 (see the picture below) and switching to I-430 and then I-630 to get to downtown Little Rock. However, you can use I-30 all the way to the downtown area and take Exit 139B instead; the time difference is insignificant.
Cool Stops Along the Way
To make your Dallas to Little Rock road trip as fun and exciting as possible, we listed the most beautiful and interesting places in the two cities and along the way.
Top Places in Dallas
Being one of the largest Texas cities, Dallas has a lot to offer, and we suggest starting your journey by checking out the city’s cool attractions and spots.
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, placed within the former School Book Depository, tells an intriguing story about the assassination of JFK. Don’t miss it; just be sure to buy your admission ticket online.
- The Dallas Museum of Art offers free admission to all the incredible works of art. It’s placed next to the beautiful Klyde Warren Park, and you can learn about DMA parking here.
- The Perot Museum, a natural history and science museum, is located in Victory Park and has excellent exhibits. Discover how to purchase tickets and parking in advance.
- Dallas Farmers Market comprises plenty of vendors, shops, and restaurants, so it’s perfect if you want to grab a bite or buy virtually anything. Find parking here.
- Dallas Zoo is a beautiful, well-maintained, and kid-friendly place. Buy tickets online before visiting.
- The Dallas World Aquarium provides multiple levels of fun and lots of animals. Click here to find convenient parking.
- White Rock Lake and the adjacent Arboretum and Botanical Garden are magical. Enjoy the natural sights, relax, and try out some outdoor activities. Find free parking and alternative lots here.
Deep Ellum is our favorite neighborhood and entertainment district with cool art galleries, venues, bars, and eateries. If you have time to visit only one city area, we highly recommend this one.
Sulphur Springs & Cooper Lake State Park
Sulphur Springs is a great place to stop by and grab a bite before visiting Cooper Lake. The Interstate 30 area offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, so you don’t have to take any detours.
Cooper Lake State Park offers camping sites, hiking and biking trails, fishing piers, picnic tables, and a swimming beach. It’s a perfect place for recreation and relaxation, located 20 minutes from I-30 in Sulphur Springs. If you’re traveling with children, they will appreciate the playground and watching animals like butterflies, bunnies, and armadillos.
Texarkana & Wright Patman Lake
If you’ve ever dreamed of being in two places at the same time, be sure to visit Texarkana. You can straddle the Arkansas-Texas state line and snap a picture while you’re in two states at once. Check the Four States Auto Museum during your stay, or head to the Holiday Springs Water Park if you’re traveling during summer.
Wright Patman Lake is ideal for fishing and camping, and it’s placed a smooth drive southwest of Texarkana. The water isn’t perfectly clear, but you’ll enjoy nature and serenity. The North Shore area has picnic tables, restrooms, and a playground, so it’s ideal for families with kids.
Arkadelphia & DeGray Lake
Arkadelphia is conveniently located along the I-30 corridor, marking the halfway point between Texarkana and Little Rock. It’s a small city with few attractions, and the Desoto Bluff Trail is our favorite; it’s a fully-paved trail running through a beautiful forest offering spectacular views.
North of Arkadelphia is DeGray Lake, probably the most beautiful one in the area, providing perfectly clear water. You’ll find boat rentals, campsites, picnic areas, and enough parking spots. Enjoy the fresh air and stunning sunset views, or head to the adjacent resort to gain access to the private lake areas.
Little Rock: Top Spots & Activities
The state’s capital and the most populous city got its name from a rock formation on the Arkansas River coast. Little Rock has over 200,000 residents, millions of annual visitors, and tons of beautiful places. Find the most interesting spots and activities below.
If you enjoy nature and water, we recommend visiting Two Rivers Park, Riverfront Park, and the Big Dam Bridge. The Riverfront area is entertaining and located near the Museum of Discovery and Clinton Library, which are cool city spots. Wildwood Park for the Arts is also a botanical garden and is perfect for walking in nature.
Rock Town Distillery offers excellent tours and delicious cocktails in an inviting and pleasant atmosphere. If you like nightlife, downtown and River Market house plenty of bars (and top accommodation options). Zack’s Place is one of our favorite bars, but we also suggest Midtown Billiards on Main Street since that’s the only place that stays open until 5 AM.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a 30-minute drive from Little Rock, and it’s a must-see for all tourists. You’ll find various hiking trails, rock formations, water access, and a few overlooks with astonishing views, especially during sunset. If you’re a competent hiker, we recommend doing the Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trailhead, while the East one is for highly skilled hikers only.
When Is the Best Time for Your Road Trip?
Any time is a great time for traveling, but we recommend doing your Dallas to Little Rock road trip in spring or summer. You’ll enjoy the greenery and have more opportunities for exciting activities like swimming, boating, and camping.
