If you’re looking for paradise and beaches, you might be far away from any in Arkansas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a taste of the island life here. In fact, there are quite a few places that are like a Caribbean paradise in the summer. Not so sure? Read on for seven spots that are like paradise in Arkansas, along with some luxurious accommodations to truly make your trip feel like a special getaway!

1. Parrot Island Waterpark - Fort Smith
Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 S Zero St, Fort Smith, AR 72903, USA
Parrot Island Water Park/TripAdvisor
If you’re looking for paradise in Arkansas, a good place to start is Parrot Island Waterpark in Fort Smith. It features four body slides, a children’s area, and a lazy river with a waterfall.
2. Tropical Treehouse - Arkadelphia
Tropical Treehouse/TripAdvisor
Arkadelphia, AR 71923, USA
Tropical Treehouse/TripAdvisor
Enjoy a Caribbean getaway right here in the Natural State with a stay at this rental. This oasis in Arkansas serves up some major island vibes, with the treehouse surrounded by tropical-inspired gardens and a 10-acre lake. You can easily soak in the surroundings from the treehouse, which is perched 35 feet in the air and has three porches. Get more details on this treehouse rental in AR.
3. Punchbowl Falls - Witts Springs
Witts Springs, AR 72686, USA
Jonathan Ball/Flickr
Also known as Dry Creek Falls, this Arkansas paradise boasts beautifully hued waters, which easily rival those found in the Caribbean. Like a secret paradise, it’s pretty secluded and takes some effort to reach. The trail to the waterfall is six miles and rated as "hard," so it should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Check out a more detailed write-up on hiking to Punchbowl Falls.

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4. Blue Spring Heritage Center - Eureka Springs
Blue Spring Heritage Center, 1537 Co Rd 210, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA
Scott Russell/Google
Blue Spring Heritage Center features 33 acres of incredible natural beauty, including native gardens. The highlight of the site, though, is its namesake spring, which is the largest spring in Northwest Arkansas. Living up to its name, the water is a vibrant blue. Between the colorful blooms, lush greenery, and vibrant waters, you’ll feel as if you’ve escaped to a tropical paradise. Find out more information about visiting Blue Spring Heritage Center.
5. Norfork Lake - Mountain Home
Lake Norfork Resort, 9883 US-62, Henderson, AR 72544, USA
Lisa Bingham/Google Maps
Just minutes from Mountain Home, Norfork Lake is a slice of paradise! It’s the state’s oldest man-made lake, but that’s not its only claim to fame. The lake is most known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Arkansas, with its uncharacteristically clear water and expansive 550-mile shoreline. Its pristine waters make it perfect for a wealth of water-related activities, such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, tubing, fishing, sailing, wakeboarding, and more. Learn more about this lake in AR, and if you're looking for suggestions on where to stay, this waterfront rental is pure rustic luxury!
6. Jordan Island - Mountain Home
Norfork Lake, United States
Wayne van cleave/Google
Also known as Sand Island and Sandy Beach, Jordan Island is the jewel of Norfork Lake. Boasting stretches of white sand and access to pristine waters, it’s a true oasis and one of our favorite Arkansas islands. Discover more about this island on Norfork Lake.

Accommodations abound in this naturally beautiful part of Arkansas; we're partial to this waterfront cabin for a secluded little getaway spot!
7. Falling Water Falls - Pelsor
Falling Water Falls, Arkansas 72856, USA
stephen victor/All Trails
With its turquoise waters, Falling Water Falls looks like something straight from the Caribbean. However, it’s right here in the Natural State. Even better, it’s conveniently located right by the road, so you don’t have to get out of the car to see it. Although you’ll definitely want to get out and explore the stunning cascade. You can even go for a dip in the pool below. Get more details on why you should visit Falling Water Falls.

Did you know about any of these Arkansas paradises? Ever visited any of them? Know of any other places or Arkansas rentals that are like islands to visit in Arkansas? Tell us in the comments!

These aren’t the only tropical-like places here. Check out this oasis in Arkansas that rivals the Caribbean.

If you’re still in the mood for more Arkansas adventures, take a look at this video about the art of fly fishing:

 

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More to Explore

Things to do in Arkansas

Rachel Raimondi | June 09, 2022

Where can we find state parks in Arkansas?

  • Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton is the state’s first-ever park and features caves, canyons, and bluffs through hiking eight trails and stopping at various overlooks.
  • Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro is extremely unique, as it is the only place on the planet where you can search for diamonds and keep what you find.
  • Mark's Mills Battleground State Park in New Edinburg commemorates one of the battles that was part of the Union Army's Red River Campaign.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful state parks in Arkansas.

Where can we find the best Arkansas beaches?

  • Lake Ouachita State Park in Mountain Pine is home to lots of beach areas, and also offers opportunities to swim, boat, fish, and scuba dive.
  • Lake Leatherwood near Eureka Springs has more than three miles of shoreline, swimming and boating opportunities, and hiking and biking available on 25 miles of trails in Lake Leatherwood City Park.
  • Lake Bennett in Greenbrier is spacious enough for spread out fun, but also small enough to keep tabs on the little ones.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful Arkansas beaches.

Where can we find the best water parks in Arkansas?                         

  • Magic Springs Theme Park in Hot Springs features a Kodiak Canyon Adventure River, a tubing river, and a four-story water play structure with 10 slides, a water-tipping bucket, waterfalls, jets, water wheels, and more.
  • Holiday Springs Water Park in Texarkana has features like five giant water slides, a lazy river, children’s pools and a wave pool, just to name a few.
  • Parrot Island Waterpark in Fort Smith features four body slides, a children’s area, and a lazy river with a waterfall.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other exciting water parks in Arkansas.

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