Mother Nature is showing off again. This time of year is perfect for spending your lunch break basking in the sun, an early morning outing (who says you can’t do breakfast outside?) or watching the sun set over the river — all with plenty of snacks by your side.
It would be a shame to let the warm weather go to waste without at least one picture perfect picnic, and not surprisingly, The Natural State’s capital city sports more than a few beautiful views with plenty of space to spread out. Here’s a breakdown of some of our favorites.
Two Rivers Park
A 1,000-acre space at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Maumelle Rivers, Two Rivers Park (pictured above) is a perfect shady spot overlooking the Arkansas River and I-430 bridge in west Little Rock. Just past the Two Rivers Bridge that is connected to the Arkansas River Trail, you’ll find several picnic tables and cozy spots to throw down that blanket.
Food Stop: Looking for an ideal place to pick up lunch nearby? Stop by Newk’s Eatery in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center and grab a hearty salad (The Favorite never disappoints), a tray of sandwiches or even a pizza. The Fresh Market also has great pick-up options for light bites or lunch.
Credit: Mauren Kennedy
Clinton Presidential Library
This spot on the edge of downtown Little Rock sometimes gets overlooked, which is an undeniable travesty. Set up at one of the picnic tables, take over one of the many benches that line the sidewalk parallel to the river or spread out that blanket on the lush green lawn in front of the library. You’ll get beautiful views of the super-modern library, Clinton Presidential Bridge and the William E. “Bill” Clark Presidential Park Wetlands, as well as the Arkansas River and downtown Little Rock.
Food Stop: On your way, stop by Flora Jean’s downtown and pick up some delicious avocado toast, breakfast sammy or one of their many wellness lattes. Everything is made with fresh ingredients, which makes for the perfect picnic pair. If you need something with a bit more meat, grab a plate from the newly opened Back Home Barbecue.
MacArthur Park
Little Rock’s first public city park, this large urban space nestled between downtown and I-630 has 39 acres to explore and settle in for a picnic. Along with gorgeous green grass areas, there is a fishing pond, pavilion, bocce court, dog park and, of course, the neighboring Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and its expertly designed grounds to explore.
Food Stop: If you don’t have a lunch already prepared, stop by one of the restaurants downtown (Three Fold‘s dumplings make a great to-go option) or make patio reservations at AMFA’s Park Grill for a fantastic non-traditional picnic lunch.
Credit: Mauren Kennedy
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
If you’re on the other side of Little Rock, this state park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy The Natural State. There are several picnic sites and two pavilions to enjoy your lunch, including wide open spaces for a picnic on the grass.
Food Stop: Enjoy a handmade croissant or breakfast sandwich from The Croissanterie, or if you want to opt for something quick and tasty that won’t weigh you down, Taziki’s is a great stop along the way to the state park.
Credit: Paul Barrows
Riverfront Park
The sprawling downtown Little Rock park right on the Arkansas River is filled with plenty of spots to eat your grub outside while taking in the spectacular views of all of the park’s cool features (sculpture gardens, splash pads for the kiddos, pop-up markets, etc.) and the river. Picnic tables are scattered around the park, with many located right behind the River Market.
Food Stop: Not in the mood for a full-on meal, but feeling a bit peckish? Pick up a sweet or savory pastry and your drink of choice from Nexus Coffee & Creative.
Credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
Burns Park
Burns Park in North Little Rock is one of the largest municipal parks in the state with more than 1600 acres of paved and unpaved trails, a dog park, multiple sport complexes, an amusement park, playgrounds, and plenty of spots for an outdoor picnic or picnic pavilion. The park has seen many recent upgrades and repairs since experiencing damage from the 2023 tornado.
Food Stop: Stop by Blackberry Market in Argenta for a variety of coffee drinks, paninis and fresh baked goods. Tortas Mexico is another great NLR restaurant for delicious tortas, tacos, quesadillas and more.
So grab your sunnies, your SPF and your copy of Soirée and get out there.