12 Unforgettable Louisiana Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
Louisiana is full of epic adventures just waiting for you to explore. No matter what time of year it is, there’s always something to do. We’ve compiled a full list of adventures, festivals, and tours that will book up your next year so you can make this one the best year yet. Enjoy the best day trips in Louisiana!
Just because it’s a little chilly outside doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Both North and South Toledo Bend State Parks offer lodging, nature trails, and some of the best fishing in the state.
For a peek at some of the awesome activities offered at this state park, check out more about Toledo Bend.
It’s Carnival season! And that can only mean one thing: a visit to New Orleans. Even if you don’t make it to The Big Easy for Mardi Gras Day, there are plenty of parades peppered throughout the month that you’ll love.
Shreveport often gets overlooked, and that’s a shame. This beautiful city has so much to offer, so it can easily be more of a weekend getaway destination than a day trip; however, if you only have one day in Shreveport, then plan it around the Gumbo Gladiators Cook-Off Festival. The all-day event gives visitors an opportunity to taste dozens of gumbos from locals all around the area who think they have the best gumbo in town. It's one of the most unique things to do around Louisiana, and you will definitely be glad you decided to go!
Check out more about Shreveport, Louisiana.
For nature lovers, there’s no better day trip than the Creole Nature Trail. One of only 43 All-American Roads in the country, the Creole Nature Trail features 180 miles of beautiful scenery. Known as Louisiana’s Outback, the Creole Nature Trail will show you a little bit of everything: marshes, prairies, endless waterways, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Clocking in at more than 600,000 acres, the Kisatchie National Forest is Louisiana’s only national forest and easily worth a day trip. Lace up your boots and set off on an epic adventure down one of the many primitive trails, spend some time driving through the rolling hills, or pitch a tent and spend a night underneath the stars.
Every year in June, the tiny town of Gilliam in Northern Louisiana transforms into a beautiful display of sunflowers that you just have to see to believe. Visitors can either drive along the road and catch glimpses of the sunflower fields from the car or hop out and check them out on foot. The annual Sunflower Festival is a great family-friendly attraction that kids of all ages will enjoy, with tons of activities for the little ones, local merchants selling their specialty goods, and all the finest restaurants in the area coming together to celebrate this special event. If you're looking for unique things to do around Louisiana, head for this fun event immediately!
Before summer comes to a close, be sure to head down to Grand Isle where you can sink your toes in the sand and maybe even do a little fishing. Grand Isle has seven miles of public beaches to enjoy, and the Grand Isle State Park features a beautiful nature trail that birdwatchers will certainly enjoy. And, of course, the annual Tarpon Rodeo is an event that’s not to be missed. Established in 1928, it’s the oldest fishing tournament in the United States and attracts thousands of visitors to Louisiana’s only inhabited island every year.
For details about beach camping at this lesser-known state park, check out more about Grand Isle.
Located in the northeastern part of the state, Poverty Point is a World Heritage Site that’s over 3,000 years old. While historians and archaeologists are still trying to piece together the day-to-day lives of these early settlers, you can visit the site and walk the trails. Don’t forget to check out the visitor center, where you’ll see all of the artifacts they’ve uncovered, as well as learn more about the people who once thrived here.
This World Heritage Site is truly unique. Learn more about the fascinating history of Poverty Point, Louisiana.
September is a wild card. It might still be blazing hot or it might be starting to cool down — you just never know. Whatever the weather, you might find yourself searching for "getaway spots near me," and we think it’s always a great opportunity to check out the Barataria Nature Preserve. The boardwalk and gravel trails will take you on quite the adventure as you traverse through the preserve’s 23,000 miles of beautiful swamps, bayous, and forests. It’s an excellent spot to spot wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled!
Want to learn more about a magnificent overlook found here? Read all about Barataria Nature Preserve!
Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
October is a great time of the year to go on a swamp tour, and Lake Martin is ideal. Hopefully, the bugs will be at bay, but the wildlife will still be out and about so you’ll have the opportunity to see scores of alligators, birds, turtles, and more. There’s also a trail that will take you around the lake, and visitors are more than welcome to bring a kayak or a canoe and set off on their own so you can see the lake from an entirely different perspective.
Kayaking is such a cool way to explore this lovely lake during the fall season. Read more about Lake Martin!
Nestled within the heart of Cajun Country, Abbeville is a mid-sized town with one of the most unique festivals in Louisiana — Giant Omelette Festival. The family-friendly event features live music, an arts and crafts show, an antique car show, and the main event— a 5,000-egg omelette being cooked in the middle of the street by a team of talented chefs.
Natchitoches is beautiful year-round, but it transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays and you won’t want to miss it. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival has been going on for nearly a century and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe each and every year.
Though the Natchitoches Christmas Festival is definitely a must-see, this city is fantastic for history lovers too. Check out its 33-block historic district and learn more about Natchitoches!
Natchitoches, LA, USA
If you’re always wondering, “where are the best day trips near me?,” you’ve now got plenty of fun options to keep you entertained all year long! Are you planning on doing any of these awesome things this year? Have you already done a few in past years? Let us know in the comments below!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips in Louisiana
June 19, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What are the most unique towns in Louisiana?
Our state is full of lovely places to go for the day, and many of those are also the most unique towns in Louisiana! Check out some of our favorites. One is St. Francisville, which features haunted attractions, natural beauty, and a relaxed feel that you don’t find just anywhere. Natchitoches is another great choice if you’re looking for a new kind of charm. The historic district features charming shops, restaurants, and three historic sites that you can explore whileyou’re there.
What are the most popular restaurants in Louisiana?
Louisiana is known for its incredible food. In fact, it’s why a lot of people visit every year! The most popular restaurants in Louisiana attract tons of people, whether they just visiting or they’ve lived here forever. These places are well-known for good reason. If you’re looking for a feast for the eyes, check out Commander’s Palace in New Orleans’ Garden District. Its bright blue exterior is so cheerful and the food is amazing. Feeling like a steak? Head to Juban’s for an elegant experience in Baton Rouge.
What are the best little-known state parks in Louisiana?
Our state has lots of gorgeous natural areas, but when you're looking for a nice and relaxing time away from the crowds, you might find yourself wondering where the most peaceful options are. Take a look at some of the best little-known state parks in Louisiana for a nice time spent communing with nature and really getting away from it all. You'll enjoy Bayou Segnette State Park if you're traveling with your family. They have playgrounds for the kids and nice campgrounds for staying overnight. If you like horseback riding, you can bring your horse out to Chemin-A-Haut State Park for a lovely and low-key ride through nature.
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