9 Scenic Drives That Will Make You Fall In Love With Louisiana

There's nothing like a long relaxing drive to relax and clear your mind. Luckily, Louisiana is home to some gorgeous drives that offer plentiful gorgeous landscapes as well as a huge amount of cultural and historic destinations. Here are 9 of our favorite scenic drives in Louisiana that will make you fall in love with Louisiana all over again (as if you needed a reason!) Whether you're looking for scenic drives in New Orleans or "scenic drives near me," you're bound to find something on this list.

1. Creole Nature Trail

Known as Louisiana’s outback, the creole nature trail is a nationally recognized scenic byway that offers a unique look at Louisiana’s coastal marshes and swamps. The 180-mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road will take you through all the charming little towns in Cajun Country, great for picking up some hearty Cajun fare for the road!

2. Bayou Teche Scenic Byway

A 125 mile route from Lafayette to Morgan City, the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway offers over 100 historic properties, many on the National Register of Historic Properties.

3. Bonnet Carre Spillway

Heading west out of New Orleans on I-10 offers breathtaking views of the swamp—don’t forget to look out for the eagle nests! There's also a very popular bike trail in Louisiana if you'd like to stretch your legs.

4. San Bernardo Scenic Byway

Following LA 46, this idyllic byway offers oak-lined roads that lead to numerous historic and cultural sites, including the Chalmette National Historic Park and the De La Ronde Ruins.

5. Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway

Traveling the length of the Toledo Bend Reservoir on LA Hwy 191, 76 miles of rolling hills offer distinctive flora and fauna as well as beautiful lake views.

6. Bayou Lafourche Scenic Byway

Driving north up LA 1 past Bayou Lafourche, drivers will enjoy cane fields, swamplands, and local Cajun restaurants.

7. Cajun Prairie

Just outside of Eunice, drivers can take a look at the endangered Cajun Prairie Habitat, that's being lovingly restored by a preservation group.

8. Great River Road

One of the oldest roads in Louisiana that follows the length of the Mississippi River, the Old River Road offers numerous cultural and historical Louisiana sites as you make your way toward the gulf.

9. Cane River Scenic Byway

Following the Cane River Creole National Historical Park from Natchitoches to Alexandria, this byway offers views of a number of large cotton fields, pecan groves, and other historic plantations and homes.

Where do you like to go for a beautiful drive in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List.