One Day in Texarkana: the top things to do from a local.

If you’ve ever been driving on Interstate 30 and crossed from Texas to Arkansas, you might have come through Texarkana. You also may have found yourself wondering, “Is Texarkana worth stopping for?” I’m going to tell you that answer is yes, definitively yes. It’s not a big city, but it isn’t a small town either. It’s a unique, mid-size city that has a blend of great local spots (coffee shops anyone?!), boutique shopping, great restaurants, quirky attractions, a few hidden gems, and some good places to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. Texarkana also has some pretty fascinating history, which you can easily add in to your one day in Texarkana itinerary.

I’ve spent the last 13 years exploring all over Texarkana and the ArkLaTex, finding hidden gems and hot spots along the way. In this post, you’ll find my recommendations (yes, I do actually live here) for things to do in Texarkana if you only have one day, plus tips if you have a little extra time.

One Day in Texarkana at a Glance

• Morning: Coffee and breakfast in downtown, plus a stop at the state line photo op.
• Midday: Check out an art gallery, a maker-space, or a history museum.
• Afternoon: Take a walk at a local park with some fun hidden gems.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local favorite.
• Looking for Texarkana merch? Shop the boutique at the Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center.

For my full city guide, check out this ultimate guide to Texarkana. Or a budget friendly version with this list of free things to do in Texarkana.

Morning: breakfast, coffee, and the State Line.

For anyone who ever asks for ideas for things to do in Texarkana, I’ll always point them to downtown Texarkana. No visit to our split city is complete without a selfie on the State Line, with the iconic federal building in the background. Did you know: it’s the second most photographed federal building in the United States? There is a handy, selfie stand for you there to place your phone on so you can capture yourself and everyone in your group.

To start your day in downtown Texarkana, there are some great spots for breakfast and here are some that I recommend:

• Cafe Lucille – charming cafe with a foodie focused menu
• GoodLuxe – coffee shop featuring loaded toasts, plus a very cool mug wall
• The Stained Page – coffee shop featuring gluten free (and some vegan) baked goods, plus used books
• Johnny B’s of Texarkana – classic diner breakfast spot

Be sure to check the Facebook pages for these places for any changes to hours or special events.

Midday: Local favorites, hidden gems, and lunch.

After you’ve snapped your state line selfie and had breakfast, I recommend spending some time in downtown Texarkana. It is walkable and safe, despite the vacant buildings in some spots. For the art enthusiast: check out the 1894 Art Gallery. It’s a beautiful, huge gallery in a historic building. They have art from over 40 local and regional artists, in all different mediums, and it’s sort of magical. (ps – see wizard inspired adventure for more magical shenanigans). There is also the Joseph Raymond Fine Art Gallery on Broad Street as well.

For those who love antiques and searching for vintage treasures, Olive Street Vintques must be on your list! It’s a well thought out, beautifully curated antiques shop that’s such fun to browse. You can also stop at The Private Collection, an antiques shop inside the 1894 Gallery.

Refuel at one of the coffee shops you didn’t go to yet, then keep on exploring.

For even more art, head over to the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council buildings. They have two locations, one is the Regional Arts Center that has a free art gallery to explore, and the building itself is worth seeing (ps – take the historic elevator, it’s so cool). Their second location is on Pine Street and home to their Arts Makerspace. It’s perfect for families, and anyone who wants to create something. If you want to create something else, check out The Crafty Nook – a cozy, crafting cafe right on State Line Avenue.

Lunch in Texarkana.

There is no shortage of places to eat in Texarkana, and plenty of places for a great lunch. Here are some spots that I’d recommend:

• For the best burger you’ll ever have: TLC’s in downtown Texarkana, Arkansas
• For something fresh and delicious – check out Julie’s Deli and Market
• Looking for unique? Check out Three Chicks Feed & Seed cafe and sit outside

There is also every chain you can think of in Texarkana, and while they’re great, I’d love to invite you to try a local spot!

Afternoon: Unique finds, history lessons, and parks.

The afternoon is the perfect time to look for unique things to do in Texarkana, check out some of the history here and a few of the parks. After lunch, I recommend checking out the exterior of Perot Theatre and the murals and art just across the street from there. They make for some great photo ops too!

For history: I recommend going to the Texarkana Museum of Regional History to see some neat artifacts, shop their gift shop, and look around to learn more about the area. You can also book a tour for the Ace of Clubs House, which is one of the most unique homes in the country. Don’t believe me? Go look it up on Google Maps, with the satellite option on. Another recommendation: head over to Texarkana, Arkansas City Hall and ask if you can have a tour of the Municipal Auditorium, where Elvis once played! If it’s a weekend, drop by the Four States Auto Museum to see some very cool, classic cars and vintage neon.

To stretch your legs a bit, I recommend the Philip McDougal History Trail at Spring Lake Park, or playing a round of disc golf at that same park. Its’ a beautiful space, that has several playgrounds, wide open spaces, walking trails, and a free fitness court facility to use as well.

If you’re looking for more parks, check out this guide to the best parks in Texarkana.

Evening: Dinner and a sunset spot.

Texarkana has no shortage of great places to eat. In fact, there’s something for every type of food craving and every budget! To round out your one day in Texarkana, here are some local favorites (that I love to eat at too).

• Pizza – Lost Pizza Company (they have gluten freee pizza crust options too)
• Hidden gem – Pop’s Place on Highway 67
• Asian inspired – Fuji Kims
• Fine dining – Benchmark Brasserie
• Tex-Mex – Amigo Juans
• Classic American food – Bubba’s 33

Here’s a “hear me out” option: the restaurant at the Holiday Inn Convention Center on the Arkansas side. The food is all made fresh and they have a rotating themed restaurant at certain times of year, plus they only Christmas pop up bar in Texarkana.

Catch a sunset.

After a full day of exploring, we like to catch a sunset. It’s a relaxing way to round out your full day in Texarkana. Here are a few places I recommend:

• Starbucks on University and I-30 – they have a patio that is open and you can see to the west
• Walk On’s – also has a patio on the west side
• Spring Lake Park – lots of open space, walking trails, and a disc golf course
• Bringle Lake Park – either the east side or west side, both fishing piers you can walk out on to enjoy a sunset. I also recommend the spillway art park for a sunset too (Pin drop here).

Nightlife in Texarkana.

If you have a little time left over and are looking for a spot to grab a drink and relax, there a couple that I’d recommend. Here’s a list sorted by the vibe you’re looking for:

• Speakeasy, hidden gem and unique – The 1923 Banana Club (current door code is 2025).
• Upscale bourbon and wine lounge – The Eagle
• Dive bar vibes – Wild Hare
• Western and line dancing – Whiskey River Country

If I get a chance to get out for an evening drink, the Eagle is where I would go.

Tips for spending one day in Texarkana.

There is plenty to do to keep you busy for more than one day in Texarkana, but this post shares what I recommend to hit for the highlights. If you have just a few hours, pick some things from this list and have a great time! Make sure a stop at the state line photo op is at the top of your list and feel free to share your selfie in my ArkLaTex Adventure Club group on Facebook.

My biggest tips? Avoid the interstate for hopping around town, have patience with the traffic on Richmond Road, and be sure to leave time to visit downtown Texarkana.

For even more information about things to do in Texarkana on the Arkansas side, check out Experience Texarkana. If you have time, take the short drive out to Fouke, Arkansas and stop by the Monster Mart, I promise you’ll be glad that you did.

If the weather causes problems, check out this guide to indoor things to do in Texarkana and across the ArkLaTex.

Where to stay in Texarkana.

Texarkana has plenty of hotels, on both sides of the state line, along with some cute short term rentals as well. I always recommend the Holiday Inn Texarkana, Arkansas Convention Center or the Hilton Garden Inn Texarkana, Texas Convention Center. Check out the map below for more places to stay in Texarkana.

Frequently asked questions about Texarkana.

Some things you may be asking about spending a day in Texarkana.