Arlington, Tennessee: 10 Short Day Trips in Shelby County
10 Easy Road Trips from Arlington, Tennessee for a Fun Day Out
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| Trade your routine for river views, quiet trails, historic stops, and small-town charm on these easy day trips from Arlington, Tennessee. |
Looking for quick escapes from Arlington, Tennessee? You’re in a great spot for it. Arlington sits close to the state line and within easy driving distance of small towns, river views, family attractions, and a few surprise gems. If you’re craving a simple road trip, a laid-back day trip, or even ideas for a short weekend trip, there’s plenty to explore beyond Shelby County.
This list sticks to out-of-county getaways near Arlington, TN only, with ideas in nearby Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas counties. So if you want fresh scenery without spending all day in the car, these nearby adventures are a great place to start.
1. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Tipton County, Tennessee
If you want nature fast, this is one of the best day trips near Arlington, Tennessee. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park has wooded trails, quiet lake views, and spots to picnic or just slow down for a while. It feels a bit like hitting pause on a busy week.
You can hike, rent a kayak, or simply drive through and enjoy the scenery. In the fall, the colors are especially pretty. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes peaceful places more than packed crowds, this nearby getaway checks a lot of boxes.
- Drive time: about 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Best for: hiking, picnics, photography, relaxing outdoors
2. Fort Pillow State Historic Park, Tipton County, Tennessee
For a road trip with a little history, head to Fort Pillow State Historic Park. This site shares an important and heavy part of Civil War history, and the museum helps bring the story into focus in a clear, thoughtful way.
The area also has trails and overlooks, so it’s not just an indoor stop. There’s something about mixing a scenic drive with a meaningful historic site that makes a short trip feel fuller. It’s a good pick if you like learning something new while you travel.
- Drive time: about 1 hour
- Best for: history lovers, scenic views, quiet exploring
3. Fort Pickering and the Tunica RiverPark Area, Crittenden County, Arkansas
Crossing into Arkansas makes this one feel like a mini adventure, even though it’s still close by. In Crittenden County, the riverfront area near Fort Pickering offers a chance to soak in Mississippi River views and explore a piece of the region’s past.
The river has a certain pull to it. Watching barges move along the water can be oddly calming, almost like staring into a campfire. If you want a short road trip from Arlington that feels different without being complicated, this is a smart choice.
- Drive time: around 35 to 45 minutes
- Best for: river views, local history, easy sightseeing
4. Big River Crossing from West Memphis, Crittenden County, Arkansas
Want something simple but memorable? Head to West Memphis and connect with Big River Crossing, the long pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi River. It links Arkansas to Tennessee and gives you wide-open views that are especially nice around sunset.
This is a great option if you don’t want a full packed schedule. Sometimes the best day trips are the easiest ones: a good walk, a cool breeze, and great photos. I’ve always thought bridges like this make a trip feel cinematic in the best way.
- Drive time: about 40 minutes
- Best for: walking, biking, skyline views, sunset photos
5. Southland Casino Hotel, Crittenden County, Arkansas
If your ideal nearby getaway includes nightlife, dining, and entertainment, Southland Casino Hotel is an easy pick. Even if gaming isn’t your thing, it can still work for a grown-up afternoon or evening out.
You can grab a meal, enjoy the energy, and make it part of a casual weekend trip. Not every road trip has to be hiking boots and trail maps, right? Sometimes fun looks more like a nice dinner and a change of scene.
- Drive time: about 35 to 45 minutes
- Best for: entertainment, dining, adults-only outing
6. Hernando Town Square, DeSoto County, Mississippi
Hernando is one of those places that feels easy the moment you arrive. The historic town square is lined with local shops, places to eat, and that classic small-town charm people love on a day trip near Arlington, TN.
This is a nice choice when you want something low-stress. Walk around, grab lunch, browse a few stores, and enjoy a slower pace. It’s a good reminder that a fun road trip doesn’t need a huge itinerary to be worth it.
- Drive time: about 1 hour
- Best for: shopping, lunch, small-town exploring
7. Landers Center Area, DeSoto County, Mississippi
The Landers Center in Southaven is a solid pick if you like events, concerts, sports, or family shows. Depending on the calendar, this can turn into one of the easiest and most exciting short road trips from Arlington, Tennessee.
One of the nice things about event-based day trips is that they feel built-in. You already know the main plan, so the rest of the day can be flexible. Add dinner before or after, and you’ve got a full outing without much effort.
- Drive time: around 50 minutes to 1 hour
- Best for: concerts, live events, sports, family entertainment
8. Cedar Hill Farm, DeSoto County, Mississippi
If you’re traveling with kids, or you just love seasonal fun, Cedar Hill Farm is a great option. Depending on the time of year, you may find farm activities, holiday lights, pumpkin patches, or family-friendly events.
This place really shines in the fall, but it can be fun in other seasons too. Think of it like a ready-made memory spot. You show up, take a few pictures, sip something warm if the weather is right, and the day kind of takes care of itself.
- Drive time: about 1 hour
- Best for: families, seasonal events, fall outings
9. Marshall County Historical Museum, Marshall County, Mississippi
For a quieter trip, head toward Holly Springs and visit the Marshall County Historical Museum. This stop is ideal for travelers who enjoy local stories, old buildings, and a look at how a town grew over time.
Smaller museums can be a pleasant surprise. They often feel more personal, almost like hearing history from a neighbor instead of reading a textbook. Pair this stop with lunch nearby, and you’ve got a smooth, easy day out.
- Drive time: about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Best for: local history, slower travel days, culture lovers
10. Ames Plantation, Fayette County, Tennessee
Ames Plantation is one of the most well-known places in Fayette County and makes a smart weekend trip or day trip from Arlington, Tennessee. The landscape is beautiful, and the property is tied to agriculture, research, and regional tradition.
It’s the kind of place that gives you room to breathe. Wide open land has a way of doing that. If city life has felt noisy lately, this nearby getaway may be exactly what you need.
- Drive time: about 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Best for: scenic drives, rural landscapes, peaceful exploring
Tips for Planning Your Arlington, Tennessee Day Trips
Before you hit the road, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check hours ahead of time. Small museums, seasonal farms, and event venues can have limited schedules.
- Pack for the weather. Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas weather can shift quickly.
- Leave room for detours. Some of the best road trip moments happen when you stop for pie, coffee, or a scenic overlook you didn’t expect.
- Bring cash just in case. A few local spots and small-town shops may prefer it.
Final Thoughts on Nearby Getaways from Arlington
One of the best things about Arlington, Tennessee is how easy it is to step out for a fresh experience. You can spend the day on a trail, walk along the Mississippi River, explore a small town square, or catch an event in a neighboring county. That kind of variety makes quick escapes feel simple and fun.
So, which of these road trips from Arlington, TN sounds best to you? A peaceful park day, a history stop, or a family-friendly farm outing? No matter your style, there’s a short drive waiting nearby.
If you found this list helpful, share it with a friend who loves a good day trip. And if you’ve already explored one of these spots, leave a comment and share your favorite stop. I’d love to hear where you’d go first.
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