Texarkana Travel Guide

Discover the best of Northeastern Texas with our comprehensive Texarkana travel guide. Learn about top attractions, outdoor adventures, must-try dishes, and more!


Introduction to Texarkana

Located in Northeastern Texas, Texarkana is a charming city that sits at the junction of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. It offers visitors a unique experience with its combination of Southern charm and big-city amenities.

Texarkana is a popular destination for those looking to explore natural beauty, history, and culture. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top attractions, outdoor adventures, must-try dishes, and more!

List of Places to Visit in Texarkana

Texarkana has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history, hiking and biking in the great outdoors, or experiencing local culture and cuisine, you’ll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with Texas’ Northeastern gem.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Texarkana is home to a variety of museums and historic sites that offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s past. Here are a few must-see destinations:

  • Discovery Place Children’s Museum: A hands-on museum that offers a variety of exhibits and interactive activities for kids.
  • Texarkana Museums System: The Texarkana Museums System is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the city’s history and culture. It includes four museums: the Museum of Regional History, the Ace of Clubs House, the P.J. Ahern Home, and the Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House.
  • Perot Theatre: Built-in 1924, the Perot Theatre is a historic venue that hosts a variety of performances, shows, and events.

Natural Attractions of Texarkana: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re looking to enjoy nature’s beauty and outdoor adventures, Texarkana has plenty to offer. Here are some of the top attractions:

  • Cypress Black Bayou Park & Recreation Area: Features a lake with boat rentals, fishing piers, hiking trails, campsites, recreational fields, and picnic areas.
  • Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery: A scenic brewery with a focus on craft beers, food, and outdoor fun and games.
  • Spring Lake Park: It has a walking trail, picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Texarkana

Texarkana offers a variety of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are a few routes worth exploring:

  • Bringle Lake East Trail: A 3.2-mile trail that offers beautiful lake views and connects to nearby trails.
  • Wildlife Management Trail: A 2.2-mile loop trail offers wildlife views and is suitable for all skill levels.
  • North Loop Trail: A 1.3-mile trail that offers scenic views and is suitable for all skill levels.

Best Things to Do in Texarkana: Activities and Tours

From cultural tours to outdoor adventures, Texarkana has plenty of activities to offer. Here are a few of our favorite things to do:

  • Dine at Hopkin’s Icehouse: Enjoy delicious burgers, sandwiches, craft beer, and cocktails in Texarkana’s oldest surviving building.
  • Attend a Show at the Perot Theatre: Experience local culture by attending a Broadway production or a musical performance.
  • Go Fishing at Lake Wright Patman: A great spot for fishing, swimming, boating, and enjoying the outdoors.

Week-Long Itinerary for Texarkana

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Texarkana, here’s an itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

  • Day 1: Visit the Discovery Place Children’s Museum and explore downtown Texarkana.
  • Day 2: Spend the day at the Cypress Black Bayou Park & Recreation Area, enjoying outdoor activities and scenic views.
  • Day 3: Take a cultural tour of the Texarkana Museums System.
  • Day 4: Go hiking or biking on the Bringle Lake East Trail or the Wildlife Management Trail.
  • Day 5: Experience local cuisine by dining at Hopkin’s Icehouse and exploring the food and drink scene of Texarkana.
  • Day 6: Attend a show at the Perot Theatre or explore historic sites.
  • Day 7: Spend the day at Lake Wright Patman, fishing or enjoying outdoor activities.

Food and Drink Scene of Texarkana

Texarkana has a vibrant food and drink scene, with a variety of options to satisfy any palate. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • BBQ from Big Jake’s BBQ: A local joint that serves delicious BBQ, sides, and desserts.
  • Seafood at Hopkins Icehouse: A local gastropub with a focus on seafood and craft beer.
  • Mexican food at Verona: A local favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine.

Local Beverages

  • Wine from Silvermoon on Broad: A winery with a focus on local wines and wine tastings.
  • Beer from Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery: A scenic brewery with a focus on craft beers and outdoor fun.

Where to Stay in Texarkana: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Texarkana offers a variety of accommodation options to satisfy any traveler. From upscale hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, here are a few options to consider:

  • Hotel Grim: A historic hotel with a modern flair, located in the heart of downtown Texarkana.
  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites: A popular chain hotel that offers comfortable rooms and amenities.
  • Airbnb: A great option for those looking for a cozy home-away-from-home experience.

What to Buy in Texarkana: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs and local products to bring home, here are a few options to consider:

  • Handmade items from Texarkana Farmers’ Market: A great spot to find handmade crafts, fresh produce, and other local products.
  • Souvenirs from Texarkana Visitors Center: The Texarkana Visitors Center sells a variety of souvenirs, including t-shirts, hats, and keychains.

Local Culture and Customs of Texarkana

Texarkana has a unique blend of Southern charm and big-city amenities. Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting:

  • Southern hospitality: Texarkana is known for its friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Texarkana train depot: The historic Texarkana train depot is a landmark and symbol of the city’s rich history.
  • Texarkana Symphony Orchestra: The Texarkana Symphony Orchestra is a cultural institution that offers a variety of performances and events throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Texarkana

The best time to visit Texarkana is between March and May or between September and November when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be hot and humid, and the winter months can be cold and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Texarkana

Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Texarkana:

Do:

  • Dine at local restaurants: Texarkana has a variety of restaurants, serving up delicious cuisine and local favorites.
  • Explore the outdoors: Texarkana is known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures, so make sure to spend some time exploring the city’s parks and trails.

Don’t:

  • Ignore local customs: Respect the local customs and culture of Texarkana by following local laws and norms.
  • Litter or vandalize public property: Help keep Texarkana beautiful by disposing of trash properly and respecting public property.

Safety and Health

Safety in Texarkana

Texarkana is generally a safe city to visit, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions, especially when traveling alone or at night. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Be aware of your surroundings: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas.
  • Secure your valuables: Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, especially when in crowded areas.
  • Use caution when driving: Texarkana has a high rate of car accidents, so use caution when driving, and avoid distracted driving.

Health in Texarkana

Texarkana has a variety of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers.

Getting to Texarkana: Transportation Options and Logistics

Texarkana is easily accessible by car, bus, train, and plane. Here are a few transportation options to consider:

Airports Near Texarkana

  • Texarkana Regional Airport: A small airport located in Texarkana, offering flights to Dallas and other nearby cities.

Bus Stations Near Texarkana

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: A popular bus line that offers daily service to and from Texarkana.

Other Options

  • Train Stations: Amtrak offers train service to nearby cities.
  • Driving: Texarkana is easily accessible by car, and there are several major highways that run through the city.

How to Get Around in Texarkana

Texarkana is a relatively small city, and most attractions are within walking distance or a short drive away. However, there are several transportation options to consider:

  • Car Rental: A popular option for those who want to explore the city and surrounding areas at their own pace.
  • Taxi: Texarkana has several local taxi companies that offer reliable transportation around the city.
  • Public Transportation: Texarkana offers a variety of public transportation options, including buses and trolleys.

Where to Go Next from Texarkana: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Northeastern Texas, here are a few nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Hot Springs National Park: A popular destination located about two hours from Texarkana, offering natural hot springs, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
  • Shreveport, Louisiana: A city located about an hour and a half from Texarkana, known for its casinos, restaurants, and shopping.
  • Ouachita National Forest: A beautiful national forest located about an hour and a half from Texarkana, offering hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Texarkana is a charming city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From hiking and biking to exploring museums and historic sites, there are plenty of reasons to visit Northeastern Texas. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your trip to Texarkana and discover all the amazing things this city has to offer. Safe travels!

State Line Avenue circles around the Texarkana Post Office and Courthouse. This building is bisected by the Texas-Arkansas border. State Line Avenue circles around the Texarkana Post Office and Courthouse. This building is bisected by the Texas-Arkansas border. The state line sign in front of the post office and courthouse. The state line sign in front of the post office and courthouse.