6 Quick Road Trips From New Orleans You Can Take This Weekend

If you're looking to get outdoors and experience Louisiana's swamps, than you simply have to take a trip to Lake Martin. Located in St. Martin Parish, Lake Martin is part of a wildlife preserve. You'll see scores of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, snakes, and hundreds of birds. There's a massive bird rookery on part of the lake, home to hundreds of birds including egrets, herons, ibis, anhingas, and more. There are trails you can hike, you can also jump in a kayak and explore the water, or take one of the many swamp boat tours in the area.

Journey over to Cajun Country to learn how that famous little red bottle get made in a very thorough Tabasco tour. Afterwards you can walk around the Jungle Gardens for a picture perfect day, and don’t forget to swing by Bird City, a massive bird rookery.

Built in 1796, the Myrtles Plantation has become known as one of the most haunted plantations in the country. Sure, you can take a tour and a knowledgeable guide will explain the history of the home as well as the unexplained paranormal events that have happened, but to get the true experience, spend the weekend there. Who knows, maybe you’ll have a paranormal experience of your own. 7747 U.S. 61, St Francisville, LA 70775

You’ll feel like you’ve time traveled as you walk through this living history museum. Featuring authentically restored historic structures from the 1800s, you’ll learn all about the day to day lives of early Acadians, Native Americans, and Creoles from the mid 1700s to the late 1800s. This educational experience is great for all ages — kids will love it. 300 Fisher Road, Lafayette, LA 70508.

Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island is full of outdoor adventures just waiting for you to explore. It’s perfect for fishermen, birdwatchers, and nature lovers. The Grand Isle State Park is right on the beach, and we’d recommend you spend the weekend roughing it — right on the beach! That’s right, you can camp right on the beach. Pitch a tent and fall asleep as you listen to the waves crashing on the shore... how nice does that sound? 108 Admiral Craik Dr, Grand Isle, LA 70358.

This destination is about a four hour drive from New Orleans, but it’s 100% worth it. Poverty Point is a World Heritage Site thousands of years in the making. Situated on the edge of Bayou Macon in Epps, Louisiana, Poverty Point comprises several earthworks and mounds that were built between 1650 and 700 BC. Since the original inhabitants left no written word of their day to day lives, archaeologists and historians have had to piece together their lives from artifacts that have been recovered. Hundreds of arrowheads, clay pieces, and other artifacts are all on display when you visit, and you’ll learn all about it when you visit. 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266