El Dorado, Arkansas: Your Guide to the “City of Gold”

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore El Dorado, Arkansas, the “City of Gold,” ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s rich history, charming downtown, and local attractions.

El Dorado may not be paved with gold, but for visitors, this small southern city is a true gem. Nestled in the piney woods of southern Arkansas, just 190 km from Little Rock, El Dorado charms its vibrant downtown, fascinating history, and friendly locals. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, El Dorado hotels make a great base for exploring the area’s top attractions. To experience the best of this intriguing city, check out our roundup of things to do in El Dorado, Arkansas – from strolling historic streets to dining at top restaurants in El Dorado.

Where to Stay: Top El Dorado Hotels

1. The Haywood: Boutique Luxury in a Historic Bank Building

• Located in the heart of downtown El Dorado

• Housed in a 1920s bank building with stunning original marble and architectural details

• 70 stylish rooms and suites with modern amenities

• Rooftop bar with views over the city

• Rates from $149/night

2. Union Square Guest Quarters: Cozy B&B Charm

• Quaint bed-and-breakfast in a restored 1902 Victorian home

• 4 uniquely decorated guest rooms with period furnishings

• Gourmet breakfasts featuring fresh local ingredients

• Walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants

• Rates from $105/night

3. Hampton Inn El Dorado: Reliable Chain Comfort

• Conveniently located just off Highway 82

• 76 clean and comfy rooms with signature Hampton beds

• Complimentary hot breakfast buffet

• Outdoor pool and fitness center

• Rates from $89/night

Must-See El Dorado Arkansas Attractions

1. Downtown Historic District

Stroll the charming streets of El Dorado’s downtown historic district, home to over 65 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Admire the ornate 1928 Union County Courthouse with its marble rotunda and stained glass dome. Pop into unique shops like PJ’s Antiques & Accents. Then grab a coffee or sandwich at Laredo Grill & Cafe in the old Rialto Theater building.

2. South Arkansas Arboretum

Explore the natural beauty of the region at the 13-acre South Arkansas Arboretum State Park. Wander the trails through pine and hardwood forest, past burbling springs and botanical gardens. Keep an eye out for native wildflowers like lady slipper orchids and fire pinks. The park offers free admission and is open daily.

3. Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission Oilfield Park

Learn about El Dorado’s oil boom days at this unique outdoor museum. See antique derricks, pumping units, and vintage equipment used in south Arkansas oilfields from the 1920s on. Informative signs detail the industry’s impact on the area. The park is free to visit.

4. Murphy Arts District (MAD)

Take in a show at El Dorado’s newest attraction, the Murphy Arts District. This $100 million complex includes a music hall, amphitheater, art gallery, and farm-to-table restaurant. The 1920s Griffin Auto Company building now hosts musical and comedy acts. Check the schedule to see what’s on during your visit.

Outdoor Adventures: Active Things to Do in El Dorado, Arkansas

1. Moro Bay State Park

Head 48 km southwest of town to Moro Bay State Park for a day in nature. This 234-acre park centers around the shallow waters of Moro Bay and the Ouachita River. Rent kayaks to paddle around the shore. Go fishing for catfish, crappie, and bass. Hike the Oak Ridge Trail through the woods and wetlands. Or relax at a waterfront campsite (from $12/night).

2. Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge

Spot alligators, warblers, and more at Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. This 65,000-acre reserve protects the largest green-tree reservoir in the world. Follow the Locust Ridge Trail, a 2.7-km loop through a cypress-tupelo swamp. Launch a canoe at the visitor center dock to explore bayous teeming with birds and reptiles. Visit in fall to see millions of migrating ducks and geese.

Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Eldorado

1. Fayrays

Dig into home-cooked classics at this local lunch spot:

Open Mon-Fri 11 am-2 pm. Cash only.

2. The Grill at MAD

Savour locally sourced, global-inspired cuisine in an industrial-chic setting at The Grill at MAD (Murphy Arts District). Sample seasonal small plates like pimiento cheese and bacon jam or sriracha honey wings. Tuck into hearty mains such as blackened ribeye or Creole shrimp and grits. Wash it down with craft cocktails while enjoying live music on the outdoor stage.

3. PJ’s Coffee

Get your morning fuel at PJ’s Coffee. This New Orleans-based chain brews a strong cup made with 100% Arabica beans. Try Southern favourites like beignets or the Voodoo Ranger, an iced mocha latte spiced up with cinnamon and hazelnut. Cozy armchairs, free WiFi, and local art make it an inviting spot to linger.

Getting To and Around El Dorado

• El Dorado is located 190 km (a 2-hour drive) south of Little Rock, Arkansas and 300 km north of Shreveport, Louisiana.

• South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field (ELD) offers daily flights from Dallas-Fort Worth on Southern Airways Express. The airport is a 10-minute drive from downtown.

• Rent a car at the airport or in town to explore the surrounding area. Enterprise and Hertz both have offices in El Dorado.

• The El Dorado Trolley offers narrated tours of downtown’s historic sites on Thurs-Sat afternoons, $5 for a day pass.

• Many hotels, restaurants, and attractions in El Dorado’s compact downtown are within walking distance of each other. But you’ll want a car to visit natural areas outside town.

Tips for Your El Dorado Arkansas Getaway

• Visit in spring or fall for mild temperatures and colourful foliage. Summers can be hot and humid, with average highs around 34°C in July and August.

• Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and sturdy shoes if you plan to hike or spend time outdoors.

• Many downtown businesses are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

• Keep a physical map or download offline maps, as cell coverage can be spotty in natural areas outside the city.

• Book refundable accommodations and flights in case of last-minute changes to your plans.

Experience an Arkansas Adventure in El Dorado

Ensure you have reliable connectivity by signing up for an international data roaming plan before your trip. Airtel brings you just what you need to access maps, restaurant reviews, ride-shares, and more on the go, enhancing your travel experience.

From its rich history to its natural beauty, El Dorado offers a winning mix of small-town charm and outdoor fun. Use our guide to discover the top El Dorado Arkansas things to do, and start planning your getaway to this southern gem. Whether you spend your days browsing art galleries, hiking through old-growth forest, or digging into local specialties at Eldorado restaurants, you’ll soon see why this former oil boomtown earns its nickname of “Arkansas’s Original Boomtown”. So pack your bags, fuel up the car, and get ready for golden memories in the city of gold.