Welcome to Downtown Fayetteville, AR! The heart of this college town is where you’ll find the best shopping, dining, entertainment, and some incredible vacation home rentals.

This visitor’s guide spotlights things to do downtown, where to eat, and our nearby vacation rentals to maximize your time here. Whether looking for a quiet getaway in the Ozarks, in town for the Razorbacks, or to enjoy the year-round great weather, there are plenty of reasons to explore one of the most exciting neighborhoods.

Here’s everything you need to know for your visit.

Getting Around Downtown Fayetteville

It’s easy getting around Downtown Fayetteville. We offer vacation rentals with parking available if you rent a car during your stay—but there are several other methods to get around town.

Thanks to miles of trails, Fayetteville is a very walking- and biking-friendly area. Rent a bike to explore the town or set off on foot. From the university campus to busy hubs like Dickson Street, you can get around most places within minutes.

Fayetteville also has public transportation options—and they’re free when traveling within the city limits! Ride the Ozark Regional Transit or the Razorback Transit for a budget-friendly way of getting around Fayetteville.

Things to Do in Downtown Fayetteville

Tour the University of Arkansas Campus

Address: 1 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
Website: campusvisitorguides.com/uark/the-campus

Get ready to call the hogs and Rah! Rah! for the Arkansas Fight Song. Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas, adding tons of college-town excitement to downtown.

You’ll know you’re approaching campus the more people you see walking around in cardinal t-shirts and college paraphernalia. There’s tons of college pride, and a self-guided campus tour will show you why.

Stroll the Senior Mile to see names of alumni etched in the ground since 1871. Admire the large sorority and frat signs decorating their Greek houses. Check out notable campus landmarks like the Arkansas Union and Peace Fountain. Go on a scavenger hunt for all the historical markers placed around campus, revealing its rich history since being founded in the 19th century.

Get Outdoors

Did you know that Fayetteville was named the first gold-level bike-friendly community in the state? There are 100+ miles of biking and walking trails easily accessible from downtown. Hop on a bike and pedal the Razorback Greenway Trail, extending 40 miles to Bentonville. Wander a dozen themed sections of the Botanical Garden of the Ozark spotlighting native NWA flora. Spend the day at Lake Fayetteville for paddle boating, hiking nature trails, and disc golf.

Fayetteville has nearly 50 green spaces. From downtown, you’ll be just minutes from popular parks like Wilson Park, Walker Park, and the 620-acre Kessler Mountain Regional Park.

Art, History, and Culture

Fayetteville is a colorful town to drive around, thanks to murals decorating every neighborhood. Support the arts at the various performance venues, art galleries, and even quirky attractions exhibiting the eclectic side of Fayetteville.

Grab tickets to live shows from the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, family-friendly theater productions, and more at the Walton Arts Center. Get to know local Washington County artists at gallery openings and exhibit receptions. Wander the imaginative artisan-craft world created inside Terra Studios.

History buffs visiting Fayetteville can unravel the past. Visit the Clinton House Museum for a timeline history of Former President Bill and Hillary Clinton. See renovated WWII aircraft exhibited inside the Arkansas Air Museum. And you can spend hours digging through the archives of the Fayetteville Public Library.

Fayetteville Downtown Square & Gardens

The Square is the heartbeat of Fayetteville. Stroll past rows of historic buildings to discover why this district is a favorite for shopping, people-watching, and holiday celebrations!

Fayetteville’s origins lie in this historic Downtown Square—you can see the original post office, bank, and other buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Head to Block Street for upscale shopping at Lola for premium denim, Fox Trot Boutique for trendy fashions, and Shindig Paperie for curated stationery products.

Detour to Center Street for David Adam’s Fine Jewelry, Meus Floral Shop, and Alchemy Macarons for take-home treats to enjoy at your vacation rental. It’s also where you’ll find the year-round Fayetteville Farmers Market.

If you’re visiting Fayetteville for the holidays, you can catch the annual Lights of the Ozarks lighting festival, a holiday market, and parades.

Fayetteville Nightlife

Where there’s a college, there’s bound to be tons of bars, clubs, and an overall energetic nightlife scene. Downtown Fayetteville, AR, doesn’t disappoint with its party scene centered on Dickson St.

Bar hop with the party-going crowds to venues like rooftop Dickson Street Pub, the Piano Bar for live music, Infusion karaoke bar, Smoke & Barrel dive bar, Cannibal & Craft cocktail lounge, and many more. You’ll see a mix of college crowds and older socialites enjoying the atmosphere. This entertainment district is walkable from this downtown condo.

If you’ve outgrown your partying years, opt for a theatrical display of performing arts at the TheatreSquared venue or attend a show at George’s Majestic Lounge, the state’s longest-running live music spot since 1927.

College Sports

Not only does the fall season welcome back the influx of college students in town, but it also ushers in yet another exciting sports season for Razorback fans.

Since Arkansas lacks a professional sports team, it’s all about the collegiate level, and the locals treat it like the big leagues! Whether you know someone attending the university or just getting sucked into the local sports frenzy; there’s plenty of reason to cheer during your Fayetteville stay.

There are also CohoBnb rentals within walking distance from campus, where all the sporting action hap—tailgategate with fans at Victory Village or Dickson Street. Join up to 76,000 people packing the stands of the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium to cheer on the Hogs.

Dining in Downtown Fayetteville

All that shopping and entertainment will indeed work up your appetite. Luckily, you’re never far from one of the best local restaurants. The Square is a go-to spot for dining, with myriad options for everyone’s taste.

Climb down the stairs to enter the iconic Hugo’s for burgers. Sit on the outdoor patio of Jammin Java for a freshly made sandwich. See why Damgoode Pies was voted the “Best Pizza” award. Discover the various international cuisine spots like A Taste of Thai and Retro 1925 for Italian dishes.

Breweries

Breweries are also common in Fayetteville. Try the local libations at Fossil Cove Brewing Company and Boston Mountain Brewing, or expand your search for the best brew at 23 stops on the Fayetteville Ale Trail.

Where to Stay Near Downtown Fayetteville

Staying in the centrally-located Downtown District is one of the best neighborhoods to find accommodations.

It’s a convenient location to access many of Fayetteville’s best attractions, entertainment, dining, and more. Cohobnb features downtown condo vacation rentals, charming townhomes, luxurious farmhouse stays nearby, and more.

Book your stay today and start planning your trip to Downtown Fayetteville.

Visitor's Guide to Downtown Fayetteville, AR