Skip to main content
Little Rock

Little Rock travel guide

Capital and largest city of Arkansas, US

Best time to visitOctober
Nearest airportLIT · 4 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population202,591

About Little Rock

Little Rock is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Arkansas. The population was 202,591 at the 2020 census, while the Little Rock metropolitan area with an estimated 770,000 residents is the 81st-most populous metropolitan area in the United States. The city lies on the south bank of the Arkansas River close to the state's geographic center in central Arkansas. It is the county seat of Pulaski County.

Places to visit in Little Rock

  1. William J. Clinton Presidential Library

    William J. Clinton Presidential Library

    Museum · 2 mi from centre

    A modern library and museum on the Arkansas River with exhibits on the Clinton presidency, including a replica Oval Office and Cabinet Room. The surrounding park has riverfront walking trails.

  2. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

    Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

    Historic

    The school at the center of the 1957 desegregation crisis, still an active high school. The visitor center explains the Little Rock Nine and their place in civil rights history.

  3. Arkansas State Capitol

    Arkansas State Capitol

    Landmark

    A neoclassical capitol with a domed rotunda and marble interiors. Free tours explore its chambers, and the grounds hold monuments, including one honoring the Little Rock Nine.

  4. River Market District

    Neighborhood

    A lively riverside district downtown with a market hall, restaurants, bars and museums within a few blocks. It connects directly to riverfront parks and walking trails along the Arkansas River, making it a natural base for exploring.

  5. Big Dam Bridge

    Big Dam Bridge

    Landmark · 5 mi from centre

    A long pedestrian and bicycle bridge crossing the Arkansas River atop a lock and dam. It forms part of a river trail loop and offers wide views, especially at sunset.

  6. Pinnacle Mountain State Park

    Pinnacle Mountain State Park

    Nature · 14 mi from centre

    West of the city, this park is known for its cone-shaped peak with steep trails to the summit and views over the Arkansas River valley. Also has an arboretum and paddling areas.

  7. Old State House Museum

    Museum

    A Greek Revival building that served as Arkansas's first state capitol, now a museum of state history. Exhibits include political memorabilia, historic battle flags and displays on the people and events that shaped Arkansas.

  8. Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

    Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

    Museum

    An art museum in MacArthur Park with a collection of paintings, drawings and contemporary craft, housed in a striking modern building with an expansive park setting.

Where to stay in Little Rock

Popular hotels in Little Rock, out of 158 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Little Rock

Best time to visit Little Rock

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Little Rock is October, when average daytime highs are around 78°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 29° – 47° 9
Feb 39° – 58° 10
Mar 48° – 68° 9
Apr 56° – 75° 12
May 63° – 81° 18
Jun 71° – 90° 13
Jul 75° – 92° 12
Aug 72° – 91° 7
Sep 67° – 85° 9
Oct 58° – 78° 5
Nov 49° – 67° 8
Dec 40° – 55° 8

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Little Rock weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 78° 51° 1%
  • Thu 22 Oct 82° 58° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 83° 59° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 83° 61° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 79° 59° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 81° 58° 0%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/ChicagoUTC−5
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Little Rock

These are the airports closest to central Little Rock. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • LIT Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Little Rock

Getting around Little Rock

If you'd like to see more than Downtown, a car is your best bet.

By bike

Little Rock has a large population of cyclists. There is a large mixed use pedestrian and bike loop connecting both North Little Rock and Little Rock's downtown corridors. There are bike rental places that are located along the Arkansas River Trail. Try the junction bridge, or the Big Dam Bridge, which is the longest bridge in the world dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists.

Little Rock travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Little Rock?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Little Rock is October, when average daytime highs are around 78°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

What is the weather like in Little Rock?

July is usually the warmest month in Little Rock, with average highs of 92°F (34°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 29°F (-1°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 213 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Little Rock?

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Little Rock.

What time zone is Little Rock in?

Little Rock uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Little Rock?

If you'd like to see more than Downtown, a car is your best bet.

What are the best places to visit in Little Rock?

Top sights in Little Rock include William J. Clinton Presidential Library, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, Arkansas State Capitol and River Market District. A modern library and museum on the Arkansas River with exhibits on the Clinton presidency, including a replica Oval Office and Cabinet Room. The surrounding park has riverfront walking trails.

Where should I stay in Little Rock?

Popular areas for hotels in Little Rock include Conway, Little Rock and Airport Area. Well-reviewed options include Comfort Inn & Suites Conway and Comfort Suites Conway.

How many hotels can I book in Little Rock?

Destina Holidays currently lists 158 properties in and around Little Rock, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.