Bella Vista Travel Guide

Plan your next vacation with our comprehensive travel guide for Bella Vista, Arkansas. Discover the best attractions, activities, and places to stay for an unforgettable trip.


Introduction to Bella Vista

Nestled in the Ozarks of Arkansas, Bella Vista offers visitors a spectacular natural playground full of outdoor adventures, scenic views, and a unique cultural history. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking a thrilling adventure or a history buff looking to explore museums and historical sites, Bella Vista has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Bella Vista

Here are some of the top places to visit in Bella Vista:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bella Vista Historical Museum
  • Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
  • Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens

Natural Attractions of Bella Vista: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
  • Lake Bella Vista trail
  • Blowing Springs Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bella Vista

For hiking and biking enthusiasts, Bella Vista offers a vast array of trails and paths with varying difficulty levels, providing an opportunity for a great workout while enjoying the scenic views of the area. Here are some of our top picks:

  • The Back 40 Loop Trail
  • Lake Ann Trail
  • Dogwood Trail

Best Things to Do in Bella Vista: Activities and Tours

  • Golfing at one of Bella Vista’s various golf courses
  • Fishing in one of the lakes or streams within the area
  • Horseback Riding at D-Bar-D Ranch

Week-Long Itinerary for Bella Vista

For those planning to spend a week in Bella Vista, try out this suggested itinerary to make the best of the area:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Bella Vista Historical Museum and learn about the town’s roots.
Day 2 Go hiking on Lake Ann Trail and watch an Ozarks sunset.
Day 3 Visit the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel and take a relaxing walk through the garden.
Day 4 Go fishing at Lake Windsor or Lake Rayburn.
Day 5 Play golf at one of Bella Vista’s world-renowned courses.
Day 6 Take a horseback ride at D-Bar-D Ranch.
Day 7 Relax and unwind with a picnic lunch at Blowing Springs Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Bella Vista

Bella Vista offers a variety of local restaurants and bars that cater to different tastes and budgets. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Catfish at Fred’s Hickory Inn
  • BBQ at Smokin’ Joe’s Ribhouse
  • Pizza at Verona Italian Restaurant

Local Beverages

  • Ozark Beer Company
  • Saddlebock Brewery
  • Tontitown Winery

Where to Stay in Bella Vista: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bella Vista offers a range of comfortable lodging options to rest and recharge between adventures. Here are some recommended places to stay:

  • The Inn at Bella Vista
  • The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
  • The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bentonville-Rogers

What to Buy in Bella Vista: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visit the Bella Vista Farmers Market or the Arts & Crafts Fair for locally made products and souvenirs unique to the region. Some notable items to bring home include:

  • Ozarks honey
  • Handmade soap from The Farmer’s Wife Bath and Body
  • Pottery by local artisan Glenna Goodacre

Local Culture and Customs of Bella Vista

Bella Vista embraces its unique history, and visitors are encouraged to respect the local customs and culture. It is a small town with a close-knit community fiercely proud of its lasting traditions.

Best Time to Visit Bella Vista

The best time to visit Bella Vista is in the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is at its peak. Summer is also an excellent time for outdoor adventures, although it can be hot and humid. Winters can be cold, but the stunning Ozark Mountains’ winter landscape is a sight to see.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bella Vista

Here are some recommended do’s and don’ts when visiting Bella Vista:

Do:

  • Explore the natural beauty of the area through hiking, biking, golfing, fishing or horseback riding.
  • Take time to learn about the region’s culture and history.
  • Be respectful of the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the natural areas.
  • Ignore safety precautions when engaging in outdoor activities.
  • Disrespect locals or local customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bella Vista

Bella Vista is generally a safe place to visit, but it is always important to take safety precautions when engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking. Be aware of your surroundings, stay on marked trails, and avoid venturing into secluded areas alone.

Health in Bella Vista

The CDC recommends routine vaccinations for visitors to Arkansas, including measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP); chickenpox; polio; and your yearly flu shot.

Getting to Bella Vista: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bella Vista is located 30 minutes from the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, with shuttle buses and taxi services available from the airport. Visitors can also take a bus from the nearby towns of Bentonville or Rogers.

How to Get Around in Bella Vista

The easiest way to get around Bella Vista is by car, although visitors can also use the local trolley service.

Where to Go Next from Bella Vista: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visit the nearby towns of Bentonville or Rogers, both of which offer exceptional attractions and activities. Bentonville is home to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Amazeum, a children’s museum. Rogers has the Daisy Airgun Museum and the War Eagle Mill, a historic mill dating back to 1832.

Conclusion

Bella Vista is an exceptional destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to escape into the great outdoors. Plan a visit to this quaint town, and you will be rewarded with a range of experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.