Nature lovers rejoice! We've compiled some of our favorite outdoor activities so you can get some ideas for some adventures in the sun before summer ends. Be sure to click the links to learn more about each topic!

1. Acadiana Park Nature Station

The Acadiana Park Nature Station is a 150 acres of wooded area to explore. Their goal is to reacclimatize humans to our natural surroundings. They emphasize the importance of conserving these natural habitats by teaching classes and offering guided trail walks. With six miles of gravel and boardwalk trails to explore, this is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.

Acadiana Park Nature Station is located at 1205 E. Alexander St, Lafayette, LA 70501.

Be sure to check out our article on the Acadiana Park Nature Station here for more information.

2. Spend a weekend enjoying the view from a floating cabin

The floating cabins at Bayou Segnette State Park are a great way to spend the weekend. The park is wonderful for hiking, canoeing/kayaking, or swimming. The cabins are fully furnished and waiting for you to make your next reservation!

Bayou Segnette State Park is located at 7777 Westbank Expy, Westwego, LA 70094

Learn more about these awesome floating cabins here.

3. Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail

This paddle trail is perfect for nature lovers. Explore the 10-mile trail at your own pace while you go through some of the prettiest parts of the Vermilion River. There are kayak launches on either end of the trail, making it a breeze to get in and get out.

Learn more about the Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail here.

4. Barataria Preserve

Nature lovers will love the trails at the Barataria Preserve. The boardwalk trails will lead you through parts of the 20,000 acres of bayous, swamps, and marshes that you couldn’t access any other way. You’ll see tons of wildlife, making this one of the best adventures for nature lovers.

The Barataria Preserve is located at 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072.

Check out our article about the Barataria Preserve here.

5. Take a swamp boat tour

Immerse yourself in nature as you glide down the bayous with an experienced tour guide who will explain the history of the area and the importance of preserving these unique wetlands. There are tons of companies who would be honored to give you a tour, and you can check them out here.

6. Rent a houseboat

Listen to the beautiful melodies of the crickets and birds as the sun sets over the bayou. Beautiful views, total seclusion, and completely immersed nature makes for a wonderful weekend with friends and family.

Find the closest houseboat rentals to you by checking out our houseboat article here.

7. The Creole Nature Trail

The Creole Nature Trail is 180 miles of scenic highways that cover parts of southwestern Louisiana, near Lake Charles expanding down to the Gulf. With almost 30 species of mammals, 400 types of birds, and more than 25 different types of reptiles/amphibians all calling the area home, you’re sure to encounter some wildlife along the way.

Read more about the Creole Nature Trail here.

8. Kisatchie National Forest

The Kisatchie National Forest is over 600,000 acres and spans across seven parishes. It’s divided into five Ranger Districts, and each district has its own set of trails, campsites, and spectacular views. Pack your gear and set off into the wilderness exploring one of these awesome trails. The trails vary in difficulty, so everyone from the newbie to the pro can find a trail they’re sure to love.

9. Spend some time on the lake

Louisiana has a ton of wonderful lakes to spend the day enjoying. Bring your boat, rent a kayak, or just set up a picnic and enjoy the views. Check out our article on enchanting lakes in Louisiana to find one near you!

10. Visit a State Park

You probably live close to a beautiful state park and may have never taken the time to appreciate it. There are 22 state parks in Louisiana, each one offering its own beautiful scenery, lakes, swamps, bayous, nature trails and more. Check out our list of under appreciated state parks to find a state park near you.

11. Kiroli Park

Kiroli Park is located in West Monroe and it’s worth your time you visit this beautiful park. Visitors can enjoy150 acres of well manicured walkways including hiking trails, playgrounds, fishing ponds, a dog park and more. If you’re looking for a great way for the family to spend the day, a trip to Kiroli Park is just the ticket.

Kiroli Park is located at 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe, LA 71291.

Check out our article on Kiroli Park under appreciated state parks

12. Briarwood Nature Preserve

Perhaps one of Louisiana’s best kept secrets, you can find Briarwood up in Natchitoches Parish. It was world renowned botanist Caroline Dormon’s home and she gifted to the public after her death in 1971. The Nature Preserve is open to the public in March, April, May, October, and November and it’s perfect for the nature lover looking to

learn about conservation and research efforts in the area.

Briarwood Nature Preserve is located at 216 Caroline Dorman Rd, Saline, Louisiana 71070.

Learn more about this hidden gem here.

13. Jungle Gardens at Avery Island

The Jungle Gardens over at Avery Island offer some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever see in Louisiana. You’ll see alligators, turtles, nutria, and tons of birds. Speaking of birds, make sure you take the time to see Bird City while you’re touring the area, it’s a massive bird rookery that you’ll just have to see to believe.

You can read more about Avery Island the the Jungle Gardens here.

14. Check out the swamp trails

Just like the Barataria Preserve, there are several other boardwalk trails around Louisiana that will take you through areas of the swamps you’ve never seen before.

Take a look at our previous article highlighting some of the best swamp trails in Louisiana by clicking here.

15. Sink your toes in the sand

You may not know it, but Louisiana does have some hidden beaches that are perfect for a sunny day. Bring your beach towel, a good book, and soak up the sun. Sounds like the perfect day, right?

Check out our hidden beaches article here.

How many of these epic destinations have you been to? Let us know in the comments below!