Ultimate Guide to Texarkana: Things to Do, Where to Eat, and Local Tips

If you hear Texarkana and think, “what in the world,” you’re not alone. It’s a city right on the state line between Arkansas and Texas. This city is one of those places people often pass through without realizing just how much there is to explore. To be honest, until we moved here, I’d never heard of it. When my husband received a job offer, my response was “Texar-where?” and what is the ArkLaTex? It wasn’t long before this charming split city stole our hearts and we learned to love where we live.

As a local who spends a lot of time seeing the wonder while we wander, I’ve always loved coming home. We’ve spent the past 11 years making Texarkana home, learning and exploring along the way. This guide brings together the very best things to do in Texarkana. It’s what I wish I would have had when we moved here. If you’re planning a weekend visit, passing through on a road trip, moving to the area, or finally exploring your own backyard, this ultimate guide Texarkana will help you see why the split city is far more than just a dot on the map between Texas and Arkansas.

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Table of Contents

Arkansas side vs Texas side: what visitors should know.

Don’t let the state line intimidate you. While there are two cities (Texarkana, Arkansas and Texarkana, Texas), it’s still one shared community. There are two mayors, two police departments, two fire departments, etc. Crossing from one side to the other is as easy as driving down State Line Avenue and most locals move back and forth multiple times a day. In fact, I regularly cross the state line daily for various sports practices and meetings.

Texarkana – the Arkansas side.

Experience Texarkana. The Arkansas side tends to feel a little more like a small town. It is slightly smaller than the Texas side but has it’s own special features. The Arkansas side of down town has lots of great local shops, restaurants, and unique nightlife. Texarkana, Arkansas is also home to the Four States Fair, a branch of the University of Arkansas, and home to a beautiful park (Bobby Ferguson). There are also really unique places like the historic 1894 building and other historic sites.

Texarkana – the Texas side.

The city of Texarkana, Texas has it’s own tourism page at Visit Texarkana. The Texas side is bigger than the Arkansas side and has most of the commercial industry, shopping, more chain restaurants, and some iconic parks. Spring Lake Park, Grady T Wallace Park, and Bringle Lake Park are three that stand out for size and amenities. There are also two colleges: a branch of Texas A & M and Texarkana College.

Do you need to choose a side?

Short answer: nope. The best way to experience Texarkana is to enjoy both sides of the line. Think of it as one unified city. Many of the top things to do, eat, and see are spread across Arkansas and Texas, and driving between them usually takes just a few minutes.

Top things to do in Texarkana for families, couples & explorers.

This is your ultimate guide to Texarkana and I have what you’re looking for for things to do. If you’re looking for outdoors and nature, things for families, history, and some unique things to do, keep reading.

Outdoors and nature.

Texarkana is lucky to have some truly wonderful parks and outdoor spaces on both sides of the state line. One of our family’s favorites is Bringle Lake Park, located on the Texas side of town. The west side of the park is perfect for active days, with a sand volleyball pit, playground, outdoor exercise area, open green space, a fishing pier, and a boat ramp. Plus, a beautiful boardwalk too.

The east side offers a completely different vibe. It’s shady, peaceful, and ideal for slower-paced exploring. Here you’ll find a paved, stroller-friendly walking path, another playground, and access to a fantastic hiking and biking trail system. In fact, there are nearly 10 miles of single-track trails winding around the lake, plus a dedicated nature trail that makes this spot a favorite for families, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Bonus – there’s a pump track.

On the Arkansas side, Bobby Ferguson Park has a beautiful fishing lake with a 1 mile (paved) walking trail.

For even more ways to explore the outdoors in Texarkana, and throughout the ArkLaTex, check out these guides and trail ideas below:

Even more hiking.

If you’re looking for even more hiking trails, some in Texarkana and some beyond, check out my Ultimate Hiking Guide to the ArkLaTex. It’s a comprehensive guide to the best hikes within 200 miles of Texarkana, including family-friendly trails, waterfalls hikes, bucket list hikes, and hidden gems.

FYI – there are public tennis and pickleball courts at the Southwest Center (3222 W 7th St, Texarkana, TX), and an 18 hole disc golf course at Spring Lake Park (4303 N Park Rd, Texarkana, TX).

History and culture.

Texarkana’s story began in 1873. It started as a meeting place for important roads and railroad routes. From the very beginning, Texarkana has been a crossroads of people, communities, commerce, and creativity. While shaped by the railroad and influenced by two states, the city has experienced its share of growing pains. But, it today it is still growing and thriving.

That layered history is visible throughout Texarkana in beautifully preserved buildings, a museum, live performances, a growing arts scene, and public art that reflects both the past and the present. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering your hometown with fresh perspective, these landmarks offer meaningful ways to connect with the story of Texarkana.

Below are some of the best places to experience Texarkana’s history and culture.

  • Texarkana Museum Systems – is comprised of The Ace of Clubs historic house and the Museum of Regional History (219 N State Line Ave,  Texarkana, TX), both of which offer a great glimpse into Texarkana’s story. Be sure to check out the art tractor in front of the history museum.
  • Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC) – This organization is dear to my family and we love all of the unique programs they offer. They have a arts makerspace, along with the Regional Arts Center exhibits. TRAHC offers classes all year round, on a wide variety of topic and art mediums. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
  • Perot Theatre – A stunning gem, this theatre was named as the most beautifully designed theatre in Texas by Arch Digest in 2018. It was built in 1923, renovated in 1980 to reopen and is named on the National Registrar of Historic Places. It’s home to the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra and there are other concerts, shows, and performances throughout the year.
  • Texarkana Symphony Orchestra – A cornerstone of the local arts scene, offering classical performances and community concerts that highlight Texarkana’s commitment to the arts.

More history and culture.

Many of these cultural institutions offer family programming, student discounts, and seasonal events, making them accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.

Family friendly things to do.

Texarkana is a surprisingly great place for families to explore together. One of the things we appreciate most about Texarkana is how approachable it feels, because many of these attractions are close together. Also, parking is easy and there’s a strong emphasis on making families and kids feel welcome in community spaces throughout the city. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or looking for new ways to explore your own hometown, Texarkana offers plenty of family friendly options that don’t require a packed itinerary or a big budget.

Here are a few examples of family fun in Texarkana:

  • G – Jump – A high energy indoor spot that’s also popular with older kids and teens, featuring wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, and plenty of room to burn off energy. They have toddler time on weekdays and special events throughout the year. We’ve had birthday parties there for both of my kids too!
  • Holiday Bowl – A classic family activity with bowling lanes, arcade games, and the best laser tag course around! They have $2 bowling and laser tag on Tuesdays starting at 4 PM.
  • Big Dam Waterpark – A seasonal favorite during the summer months, offering water slides, splash areas, and plenty of ways to cool off on hot ArkLaTex days. They have foam parties and other special theme days throughout the summer.
  • Here’s a wizard inspired adventure in Texarkana – Use your imagination on this magic inspired day that takes you to various places around Texarkana, including a free printable checklist!

If you’re traveling with kids, or planning a themed or educational visit, these guides can help you make the most of your time in Texarkana.

Unique and quirky Texarkana stops.

One of the most unique (and iconic) things to do in Texarkana is to grab a selfie at the State Line. The building behind it the photo op is the second most photographed federal building in the United States! There is a selfie stand for your phone or camera so your whole crew can get in the shot. Here is a sampling of more unique things to do in Texarkana:

  • Unique things to do in Texarkana – from cool murals, to gaming cafes, and more, this post has the cool and unique things to do in Texarkana.
  • Alley Cats Coffee Bar – A cozy, colorful cozy shop that’s inside a renovated, vintage railroad dining car! They serve Onyx coffee and always have a fun seasonal menu. It’s a great spot to sit outside too.
  • Check out the murals across downtown.
  • MeepleCity – A board game café space where you can can settle in for games and friendly competition. They also have a game shop and host various events throughout the week.
  • 1894 Art Gallery – A beautiful art gallery with over 40 artists represented.
  • 1923 Banana Club – A not so secret speakeasy, with a door code and everything! It’s in the basement of the 1894 Art Gallery.

If you take a selfie at the State Line and post it on social media, don’t forget to tag Experience Texarkana on Facebook and Instagram. They might reshare your post!

Where to eat in Texarkana: local favorites, coffee, & nightlife.

One of the best ways to get to know Texarkana is through its food scene and Texarkana has a good one. If you’re looking for authentic and local flavor, you’ll find it here. There are hole in the wall hot spots, popular hang outs, elevated and formal dining, and everything in between. You can find a fairly wide variety of food and restaurant types in this unique split city. Below are some of the best places to eat in Texarkana, organized to help you find exactly what you’re craving.

Local favorites.

  • Twisted Fork – A popular local spot known for a rotating menu and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for both casual dinners and special occasions. My go to is the salmon.
  • Fuji Kims – A longtime favorite for Japanese style food and sushi. It’s family friendly, they have a huge menu, and you’ll want to get the yum yum sauce. I get the vegetable fried rice, with no mushrooms.
  • Lost Pizza Company – A relaxed, family friendly pizza spot with a fun vibe. They have lots of unique pizzas and specials, plus a gluten free pizza crust option. Try the blackberry mead if they have it, it’s delicious. My favorite is the Popeye on gluten free crust.
  • Pop’s Place – A classic Texarkana staple serving up Southern comfort food and hidden gem/hole in the wall vibes that locals have loved for years. My husband loves the ribeye and I love the shrimp and potatoes.
  • Ironwood Grill – A slightly more upscale dining option with a large menu that includes steaks, grilled meats, sandwiches, and salads. Fun fact: they use beef tallow in their fryers. I always get the salmon, my husband gets a ribeye.
  • Amigo Juan’s – A casual Tex-Mex favorite that’s family friendly. The restaurant serves generous portion sizes, including the size of their margaritas. There’s something for everyone and it’s consistently good. It’s the fish tacos for me.

A few more favorite places.

  • TLC’s Burgers and Fries – A no-frills local go-to hot spot. Always voted number one in Texarkana for burgers. Get the fries with the Red River Salt, you won’t regret it. They aren’t always open in the evenings but it’s a great lunch spot.
  • Naaman’s Barbecue – A must-visit if you enjoy barbecue. It’s a fun place to eat with unique decor and has a variety of smoked meats, combo plates, sandwiches and more. A tip – the cheesy corn as a side is something you’ll never forget. My go to is a combo plate with chicken, a twice baked potato and coleslaw.
  • Taste of India – One of the few spots to get Indian food in Texarkana, it’s always delicious. I always get the chicken tikka masala. Before I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, the garlic naan was my weakness.
  • Holiday Inn Texarkana, Arkansas Restaurant – Connections Bar and Grill – You’d never expect it, but this restaurant hidden in the Holiday Inn makes everything from scratch. Throughout the year they have super fun themes, like the Elf’n Good times Bar and Grill in December, a Mardi Gras pop up in February, and more.
  • Benchmark American Brasserie – A modern brasserie-style restaurant with a creative menu. They also have a delicious cocktail menu, and large selection of wine. There are rotating weekly and seasonal specials. It’s one of the more fine dining type restaurants in Texarkana. My go to is the salmon with the Wasabi style rice.

All of the restaurants listed above are fairly casual, welcoming spots that work well for families, groups, and travelers of all ages.

Coffee shops and sweet treats.

Coffee is my love language and I love all of the coffee shops equally. I’ve put together a list of the best coffee shops in Texarkana to help you plan your adventure. A few tips for you, to help you pick based on your mood or preferences:

  • Trendy, third wave, local spot – Local Habit is what you want.
  • Gaming inspired with the coolest way to choose your drink – Mana Brew is what you’re after.
  • Cozy, Stars Hallow, Hallmark vibes with gluten free treats – you’ll want to stop in to The Stained Page.
  • Chocolate, gelato, AND ice cream? – Taste and See is where you want to be.

Nightlife.

Texarkana has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife scene. It’s not something that I have a lot of personal experience with. But, there are two places that I enjoy going to when I get the chance. They are:

  • The Eagle Bourbon and Wine Lounge – An upscale spot to grab a drink and lite bites. The “smoked eagle” old fashioned is fantastic. They also have a spacious patio with a tv and fireplace.
  • 1923 Banana Club – open on Thursdays to Saturday, at 5 PM. They have live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, every week. It’s a unique place with a great, chill vibe. Be sure to check out the custom built bar while you’re there.

If you’re looking for some date night plans, check this out: 25 date ideas in Texarkana.

Where to stay in Texarkana.

Texarkana makes an easy and convenient home base to explore the ArkLaTex. One of the biggest advantages for travelers is how accessible and centralized everything is, right off of Interstate 30. Most hotels are just a short drive from parks, restaurants, downtown attractions, and event venues on both sides of the state line. There are two main hotel hubs, one on the Arkansas side and one on the Texas side. Any of the hotels in those sections are great to stay at.

This map shows recommended lodging options across both sides of Texarkana, making it easy to compare locations at a glance.

Texas side hotel.

Hilton Garden Inn – This hotel is the Texas side convention center and recently underwent renovations. It’s the biggest hotel on the Texas side and also home to the Visit Texarkana gift shop.

Arkansas side hotel.

Holiday Inn Convention Center – The Arkansas side convention center, located next to the water park, with a restaurant on site.

Other short term rentals.

Historic 1894 loft apartment – A pet friendly, studio apartment with a full kitchen. Located inside the historic 1894 building, above the art gallery.

Remodeled dairy barn – Located nearby, but in the country, this remodeled dairy barn is the perfect place to stay for someplace quiet and relaxing.

These are the places I’d recommend most to friends and family visiting Texarkana.

If you’re looking for super unique places to stay in the ArkLaTex, check out the Ladonia (TX) aircastle or Titan Ranch in Vilonia (AR).

Visiting Texarkana for work? Coworking, wi-fi & business-friendly spots.

If you’re visiting Texarkana for work, or need to get remote work done, the city makes it fairly easy to stay productive. Texarkana regularly hosts business travelers, medical professionals, contractors, and remote workers, so there are several spots where getting work done feels efficient and comfortable. Here are a few quiet places with strong wifi (and other amenities) to get work done:

  • For All Brandkind – A marketing agency (my favorite in town) that also has a coworking space in Texarkana, Texas. They have a daily drop in fee, monthly desk rentals, and a meeting room you can also book. I use this space often to meet with clients, or have a productive space to work in. They have coffee and cute mugs too.
  • Local Habit Coffee Shop – This is my favorite place to be productive. The coffee is delicious, there are plenty of tables to work at, and the music is always good too.
  • The Stained Page Coffee Shop – One of my favorite places! The coffee and (gluten free) baked goods are delicious, there are a few tables with comfy chairs, and it has a cozy vibe, plus lots of books.
  • Texarkana Podcast Studio – A professional podcast recording space ideal for podcasters, creators, or anyone needing audio production services while in town for work or collaboration.

Events & festivals in Texarkana throughout the year.

One of the best times to experience Texarkana is during some of the events or festivals. Throughout the year, Texarkana hosts a mix of seasonal celebrations, arts and music events, family-friendly festivals, and holiday things to do. Nearly all of the events are family friendly, offer affordable entertainment options, have lots of unique vendors and food trucks, and bring the community together.

A great place to look for local events is the GoTXK calendar. It’s a community calendar, managed by Leadership Texarkana, and you’ll find lots to do with many fun things happening.

Some of the most beloved annual events in Texarkana are:

  • Four States Fair – An annual fair, held in the spring. But there are many events held at this venue all year long, including rodeos, dog shows, vendor markets and more.
  • Twice as Nice Wine Festival – typically held the first weekend in May, in Spring Lake Park.
  • Picklefest Texarkana – will be held on October 10th, 2026 at Front Street Plaza.
  • Texarkana Airshow – returning for the first time in 30 years in 2026. It will be held every two years, on even numbered years.

Some other seasonal events and attractions:

Best day trips from Texarkana.

Texarkana is right at the heart of the ArkLaTex. There are lots of great places to visit within a one or two hour drive. While there’s plenty to see in Texarkana, there are also some other cities nearby that we enjoy visiting regularly as well. A quick breakdown of nearby cities:

  • Shreveport (LA) – one hour away.
  • Little Rock (AR) – two hours away.
  • Broken Bow (OK) – one and a half hours away.
  • Tyler (TX) – two hours away.
  • Ouachita National Forest, near Albert Pike Recreation Area – two hours and you’re in the mountains.

For some specific city guides, check the links below:

Here are some great day trips from Texarkana.

Texarkana Itineraries.

Not sure how to piece everything together? These flexible itineraries (with an optional printable page) are designed to help you make the most of your time in Texarkana. Each one keeps driving distances shorter, and includes local flavor and fun things to see.

One day itinerary.

If you only have one day in Texarkana, here are the places I recommend that you put on your list. Start your day at the State Line photo op in downtown Texarkana. After you’ve snapped your selfie, head over to The Stained Page coffee shop for breakfast. Then, (if it’s open) do a walk through of the Museum of Regional History. Pop in to the 1894 Art Gallery to browse for a bit while you’re downtown. After that, head over to the TRAHC Regional Arts Center to see what’s on view. Walk over to have lunch at Cafe Lucille, walking by the ArtsSpark Art Wall on your way.

If you have time after that, hop in the car and drive over to Bringle Lake West. Park and walk the sidewalk to the boardwalk for a little bit of nature. For a longer hike, take the nature trail around the lake or back to the spillway. You’ll be ready for a sweet treat after that and I suggest visiting Taste and See before you leave Texarkana.

Free, printable itinerary with your one day in TXK highlights, in a fun check list. Save it to your phone or print to take with you.

Family focused itinerary.

Maybe you’re visiting with your family? Or maybe your family is visiting you? Or, if you’re here for a sports tournament, there are lots of family friendly things to do in Texarkana. Some highlights to include on your family focused visit include:

  • State Line selfie with your family or group (be sure to tag @ experiencetexarkana on social media if you share it there).
  • Check out the murals around downtown.
  • Look at the art tractor in front of the Museum of Regional History.
  • Get ice cream from Taste and See or Andy’s Ice Cream.
  • In the summer, check out the Spring Lake Park Rotary Splash Pad or Big Dam Waterpark.
  • Visit an antique shop in an old skating rink and spot the disco ball at Treasure Trove Flea Market.

For more family friendly things to do in Texarkana, visit the Texarkana Parent Magazine website.

Tips for visiting Texarkana (first-timers & repeat visitors).

My number one tip? Don’t let State Line scare you. I’ll say it out loud: it seems run down and you might be unsure if it’s worth heading downtown. It is. Please do it. My second tip? Don’t let the skewed news stats scare you, or negative trolls online who only want to drag my city. Every town has it’s positives and negatives. I’m working hard to shed more light on the positives of TXK. Thanks for taking the time to read them here.

A few more tips: 1) look local – try the local flavor, shop the local boutiques, and hit up the historical landmarks. 2) Get off of the I-30 frontage roads. I know, most of TXK exists along those frontage roads but if you’re willing to explore a little more, you’ll find some wonderful places.

I have a Facebook group that’s dedicated to sharing the fun in Texarkana and beyond. It’s called the ArkLaTex Adventure Club. You won’t find news reports, you won’t find complaining about local businesses. It’s just a place for my community and I to share the fun things to do in our area.

This entire website is dedicated to helping locals and tourists alike discover all of the fun in Texarkana and the ArkLaTex. I have several blog posts that may not fit ideally into one category, but I’ve linked them below to help you keep exploring and living your best TXK life.

ArkLaTex outdoors

Why Texarkana is a great home base for exploring the ArkLaTex.

Texarkana sits right in the middle of the ArkLaTex. This region includes southwest Arkansas, northwest Louisiana, east Texas, and I also like to include southeast Oklahoma. The split city as so much to offer and in addition to all of that it’s a home base to explore the four states region.

There are several major cities only a few hours away (Dallas is 3 hours, Little Rock is 2 hours, Shreveport is 1 hour). You can be in the Ouachita mountains of central Arkansas in less than two hours, or you can be down exploring a cypress swamp in the same amount of driving time (Caddo Lake). Plus there are so many charming towns, unique regions, and more to explore. All within a radius of a three hour drive in any direction. If you stretch that a little further you can include northwest Arkansas (five hour drive), down to NOLA (also five hours), or over to Austin, Texas (around 6 hours).

Texarkana has nearly all of the amenities you could want in a city, with relatively low cost of living and an airport to make travel even easier. It’s ideally located to be your home base for explorations across the ArklaTex.

Final thoughts: planning your Texarkana adventure.

You might be wondering why I wrote this. Because while I may have lived here for the past 11 years, there was a time when I was brand new in town. And by brand new, I mean I moved here from Iowa, not knowing anyone or anything about Texarkana. When I moved here, there weren’t any local coffee shops. As a Mom with two young kids, I struggled to find a resource like this. So, after years of exploring and learning to love where I live, I made my own.

If you’re here for business – I give you the best of TXK (in my opinion). If you’re moving to the area – welcome! I’m so glad you’re here and I hope this helps you dive in. If your’e just passing through or here for an intentional visit, thank you for being here. Thank you for reading this.

For more glimpses of my adventures in Texarkana and beyond, follow me on my social media pages: Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

If there’s anything that I missed or you think needs to be on this list, let me know! I’m always happy to talk. Email me at nichole@arklatexadventures.com. Thank you!

About the Author.

Nichole Holze is a content creator based in Texarkana, USA. She has over ten years of experience with exploring and adventuring across the ArkLaTex, and the same amount of experience in homeschooling her children. She is married to Ryan and they have two children, plus one giant dog. You can read about their homeschool experiences and travels beyond the ArkLaTex over at Luckey Wanderers. Keep up with their shenanigans on her Facebook page at Coleyraeh in the ArkLaTex and ArkLaTex Adventures on Instagram and TikTok. Nichole is also on the Executive Team for Run Wild My Child and a published author with articles in books from Wild + Free. Loving where you live is a cornerstone of their family culture and they pursue seeing the wonder wherever they wander.

Thanks for reading and be sure to join the ArkLaTex Adventure Club!

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