From still countrysides to bustling cities, Louisiana boasts of awe inspiring scenery that is sure to mesmerize you. Whether you’re exploring the state’s many parks on a spontaneous day trip or picnicking beside the Mississippi River, Louisiana is sure to provide its unique beauty. Here are some of the most scenic places in Louisiana that you need to visit, as well as links to even more beautiful photos of these jaw dropping destinations.

1. Avery Island
flickr/gmills31
A hidden gem located 140 miles west of New Orleans, this beautiful island is teeming with lush forests, swamps, and marshes. It’s also the founding place of the infamous Tabasco sauce. Soak up some spice and beauty! (Follow photographer Glenn Mills on Flickr here. )
2. The Bayous
flickr/julieulucia
Stretching all throughout the state the Bayous, or "small stream", are the perfect way to glimpse wildlife beauty in its natural state. Settle down beside a Bayou bank and watch an egret caught unawares taking flight, or a baby gator swimming to the water’s surface to bask in the sun. (Follow Julie Alicea on Flickr here. )
3. Audubon Park
flickr/audubonpark
With its sweeping oak trees and colorful gardens, this New Orleans park provides a peaceful and stunning place to picnic, play golf, explore, and even hosts the spectacular Audubon Zoo. (Follow ‘treewoman8’ on Flickr here. )
4. The French Quarter
flickr/photolist
Some of Louisiana’s most breathtaking scenery is right in the heart of New Orleans. The French Quarters’ architectural blend of different cultures make for some of the most beautiful scenery yet. (Follow James Neeley on Flickr here. )
5. Chauvin Sculpture Garden
flickr/photos/detourart
The mysterious artist Kenny Hill arrived in Houma, La, in 1950 only to leave thirty years later leaving one magnificent and unexplained footprint; a wholly original sculpture garden. Visitors are free to explore the colorful and awe inspiring place and as a visitor myself, it leaves one truly speechless. (Follow Kelly Ludwig on Flickr here. )
6. Honey Island
flickr/owlpockets
Book a swamp tour and experience the emerald trees and buzzing wildlife. Take your camera and get ready to capture the magnificence of this island. (Follow ‘owlpockets’ on Flickr here. )
7. Grand Isle State Park
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Found on the Eastern most shore of Louisiana, this southern gem is sure to entice you with its gorgeous beaches and plethora of wildlife. Come prepared for birdwatching and a spectacular sunset!(Follow Kristen Pitts on Flickr here. )
8. Bayou Savage National Wildlife Refuge
flickr/bayou
The 24,000 acre refuge serves as an oasis from the bustling city of New Orleans and provides a home for a plethora of bird species, which viewers can spy from the boardwalks spaced throughout. Bring your binoculars! (Follow ‘eightylbs’ on Flickr here. )
9. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge
flickr/navin
This is the most epic bridge ever! It is the longest bridge in the world and when one travels across it, the gorgeous scenery of the lake and all dwellings beside it are all for the viewing. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
10. The Mississippi River
flickr/larry
The infamous river flows throughout the entire state of Louisiana before emptying into the gulf of Mexico. Any spot along it is sure to bring beauty but at night time with the moon and the stars overhead, the river is a show stopper. (Follow Larry Daugherty on Flickr here. )
11. Atchafalaya Basin
flickr/atchafalya
When the Atchafalaya river and the Gulf of Mexico meet, the largest wetland in the United States is formed. Teeming with breathtaking bayous, marshes, swamps, and wildlife, the basin is definitely worth a visit. (Follow John Gallagher on Flickr here. )
12. Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Reserve.
flickr/antoniviajes
Nestled beside the bank of a bayou, this national treasure provides a treasure chest of learning, be it about Cajun traditions or the battles fought on Louisiana’s soil. Take some notes! (Follow Antonio Serra on Flickr here. )
13. City Park.
Kevin O'mara /Flickr
This truly special New Orleans park is double the size of Central Park and hosts the world’s largest collection of grown Oak trees, some more than 600 years old. Whether you’re exploring, boating, visiting the New Orleans Museum of Art, or just reveling in nature, City park’s beauty is not one to be missed.

There you have it folks! With all of these places to explore in Louisiana, there’s no time to lose. No matter where you choose to roam, you’re sure to appreciate the magic of your surroundings.

Have you ever visited any of these locations? Any other suggestions of the most scenic places in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below!

And to learn more about one of these beautiful places, take a closer look at the largest lake in Louisiana.

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More to Explore

most scenic places in Louisiana

Jackie Ann | January 29, 2021

Which state parks should I visit in Louisiana?

There are 21 state parks peppered throughout Louisiana, and each one is worthy of a visit. If you’re looking to fish, you can’t go wrong with North or South Toledo Bend State Park or Grand Isle State Park. Each of these parks is world-renown for their fishing opportunities and epic scenery. If you’re a sunset chaser, be sure to visit Cypremort Point State Park. Located along the Vermilion River, this little park has some of the best sunset views around, a little stretch of beach to sink your toes into, and a lovely pier to fish off of.

What places in Louisiana should I see before I die?

No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find it in Louisiana. Of course, one of the biggest attractions in Louisiana everyone should see before they die is the Atchafalaya River Basin, the largest river-swamp in the country. With nearly million acres of marshes, bayous, swamps, and forests, it’s easily one of the most picture-perfect places in Louisiana. If you head north from the Atchafalaya, you’ll find yourself in the Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana’s only national forest. With over 600,000 acres and hundreds of primitive trails to explore, the Kisatchie appeals to nature lovers of all experience levels.

Which hidden gems in Louisiana should I visit?

From tiny towns to neighborhood restaurants, there are countless hidden gems in Louisiana that you should visit. For the adrenaline junkie, a visit to Gators & Friends is a must. Located near Shreveport, this hidden gem is part alligator farm, part petting zoo, and part adventure park. One of the highlights to your visit will be taking the epic 7-part zipline that will have you soaring over the park, including flying over the live alligator pond. Think you’re brave enough?

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Featured Addresses
Avery Island, LA, USA
Audubon Park, 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
French Quarter, New Orleans, LA, USA
Chauvin Sculpture Garden & Art, 5337 Bayouside Dr, Chauvin, LA 70344, USA
Honey Island Swamp, Louisiana 70461, USA
Grand Isle State Park, 108 Admiral Craik Dr, Grand Isle, LA 70358, USA
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA
Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, USA
Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana 70517, USA
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve French Quarter Visitor Center, 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
City Park, New Orleans, LA, USA