One of the perks about winter in Louisiana is that, while our friends up north are shoveling snow, we get the luxury of cooler temperatures without all of the extra work that comes along with it. Since Louisiana winters are fairly mild, it's a great time of year to get outside and explore this beautiful state. Here are five Louisiana day trips that are wonderful year-round, but they are even cooler during the winter.

1. Hiking trails

Winter in Louisiana is perfect for hiking, so lace up your sneakers and hit the trails. If you're in the southeastern part of the state, you'll love the intricate boardwalk trail system at Barataria Preserve where you'll get to traverse through the swamps, marshes, and forests. For a more woodsy hike, check out the Kisatchie National Forest. Louisiana's only national forest sprawls out for over 600,000 acres across seven parishes, and it's chock-full of hundreds of primitive trails to explore.

2. Paddle Trails

Speaking of trails, Louisiana's paddle trails are a great day-trip adventure, especially during the winter when you won't have to worry as much about bugs and mosquitos. Many of Louisiana's state parks have paddle trails that will weave you around the park's nearby waterways. We'd recommend Chicot State Park to start.

3. Swamp tours

Swamp tours are a popular warm-weather day trip in Louisiana, but these adventures are pure perfection during the winter months. Spending a day on the water in the summer can be a bit brutal, but you won't have to worry about that if you take a swamp tour during the winter! The trade-off is that you may not see as much wildlife, especially gators, but you'll see plenty of stunning scenery and definitely some beautiful birds. Check out some of our favorite swamp tours in Louisiana to find one close to you. Some companies even offer

moonlight swamp tours!

4. The Beach

The beach? In the winter? Yep! Louisiana's Gulf Coast is one of the most underrated natural attractions in the entire state, and winter is the best time of the year to enjoy the endless beach views. Both Holly Beach and Rutherford Beach are idyllic slices of Cajun paradise where you can drive your car right onto the beach! Keep an eye out for seashells, as both of these beaches have some beauties that wash ashore!

5. Camping

Winter is arguably the best time of year to go camping in Louisiana. Fewer bugs, fewer crowds, and reasonable temperatures all add up to the perfect camping experience. Sure, you can rent a cabin if you'd like, but we'd recommend pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars! Check out these state parks in Louisiana for camping arrangements.

Ready for more? Check out these awesome road trips in Louisiana for even more adventures!

Wondering what to take on a winter trip in LA? We've got you covered... literally!