There’s nothing like a long relaxing drive to relax and clear your mind. Luckily, Louisiana is home to some gorgeous drives that offer plentiful gorgeous landscapes as well as a huge amount of cultural and historic destinations. Here are 9 of our favorite scenic drives in Louisiana that will make you fall in love with Louisiana all over again (as if you needed a reason!) Whether you’re looking for scenic drives in New Orleans or “scenic drives near me,” you’re bound to find something on this list.

1. Creole Nature Trail
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, 2740 Ruth St, Sulphur, LA 70665, USA
www.fhwa.dot.gov
Known as Louisiana’s outback, the creole nature trail is a nationally recognized scenic byway that offers a unique look at Louisiana’s coastal marshes and swamps. The 180-mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road will take you through all the charming little towns in Cajun Country, great for picking up some hearty Cajun fare for the road!

2. Bayou Teche Scenic Byway
Bayou Teche, Louisiana, USA
usgulfcoaststatesgeotourism.com
A 125 mile route from Lafayette to Morgan City, the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway offers over 100 historic properties, many on the National Register of Historic Properties.
3. Bonnet Carre Spillway
Bonnet Carre Spillway, Louisiana 70068, USA
Wikicommons
Heading west out of New Orleans on I-10 offers breathtaking views of the swamp—don’t forget to look out for the eagle nests! There's also a very popular bike trail in Louisiana if you'd like to stretch your legs.
4. San Bernardo Scenic Byway
Chalmette National Cemetery, 8606 W St Bernard Hwy, Chalmette, LA 70043, USA
usgulfcoaststatesgeotourism.com
Following LA 46, this idyllic byway offers oak-lined roads that lead to numerous historic and cultural sites, including the Chalmette National Historic Park and the De La Ronde Ruins.

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5. Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway
Toledo Bend Reservoir, United States
usgulfcoaststatesgeotourism.com
Traveling the length of the Toledo Bend Reservoir on LA Hwy 191, 76 miles of rolling hills offer distinctive flora and fauna as well as beautiful lake views.
6. Bayou Lafourche Scenic Byway
Bayou Lafourche, Louisiana, USA
usgulfcoaststatesgeotourism.com
Driving north up LA 1 past Bayou Lafourche, drivers will enjoy cane fields, swamplands, and local Cajun restaurants.
7. Cajun Prairie
Eunice, LA 70535, USA
facebook.com/groups/112100342168622/events/
Just outside of Eunice, drivers can take a look at the endangered Cajun Prairie Habitat, that's being lovingly restored by a preservation group.

8. Great River Road
Great River Road Bed and Breakfast, 403 N Main St, Louisiana, MO 63353, USA
Facebook.com
One of the oldest roads in Louisiana that follows the length of the Mississippi River, the Old River Road offers numerous cultural and historical Louisiana sites as you make your way toward the gulf.
9. Cane River Scenic Byway
Cane River, Louisiana 71447, USA
facebook.com/CaneRiverNHA
Following the Cane River Creole National Historical Park from Natchitoches to Alexandria, this byway offers views of a number of large cotton fields, pecan groves, and other historic plantations and homes.

Where do you like to go for a beautiful drive in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List.

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scenic drives in Louisiana

Jackie Ann | April 18, 2021

What are the best day trips in Louisiana?

Some of the best day trips in Louisiana include:

  • Poverty Point World Heritage Site - Pioneer
  • The Creole Nature Trail - Lake Charles
  • Global Wildlife Center - Folsom

 

Known by locals as “Sportsman’s Paradise,” our natural surroundings play an integral role in many Louisianian’s everyday life. A day trip to the Jean Lafitte Barataria Preserve immerses visitors in the beautiful flora and fauna of Southern Louisiana’s wild wetlands. Book a swamp tour to take in scenic views of Spanish moss-draped cypress trees and the abundance of native bird species. Be sure to keep your eyes out for alligators! On Avery Island, a trip to Jungle Gardens is a must. In addition to being a sprawling wonderland of fragrant botanicals, the 170 acres of Jungle Gardens also serve as a bird sanctuary called Bird City. A vast range of wildlife can be found across the island, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and adorable otters.

What places in Louisiana should I see before I die?

Below you'll find a list of places that belong on your Louisiana bucket list:

  • Atchafalaya River Basin
  • Kisatchie National Forest
  • Driskill Mountain
  • Honey Island Swamp

 

Louisiana was inhabited long before the first European settlements were established in the 16th century. With this deep cultural and natural history, the Pelican State offers an exciting range of destinations to explore. Home to one of the largest nesting colonies for water birds in Louisiana is Lake Martin, a wildlife preserve located 5 miles south of Breaux Bridge. Take a scenic lake drive down Rookery Road or stroll the boardwalk at the south end of the lake to spot native anhingas, blue herons, egrets, white ibis, and colorful spoonbills. In Pioneer, take a trip back in time at Poverty Point State Historic Site where evidence of native inhabitants dates back 3,000 years. This site contains prehistoric earthwork constructed by the area’s ancient cultures and tours are available for guests to learn all about this fascinating piece of Louisiana history.

What are the best local attractions in Louisiana?

Some amazing local attractions in Louisiana include:

  • Oak Alley Plantation
  • The National WWII Museum
  • Jackson Square

 

Louisiana’s vibrant historic cities and unique small towns provide an abundance of local attractions unlike anything found in the nation. Located in New Orleans’ Mid-City neighborhood, City Park is an oasis of arts, culture, and natural beauty. Here, visitors can wander through the 11 acres of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden on paths dotted with water features and gorgeous native botanicals. In addition to the park’s multitude of outdoor recreation activities, the world-class New Orleans Museum of Art is located at the center of the park’s majestic entrance. NOMA is the oldest fine arts museum in the city and houses over 40,000 objects in its permanent collection, featuring notable pieces of French, American, and Japanese artworks.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, 2740 Ruth St, Sulphur, LA 70665, USA
Bayou Teche, Louisiana, USA
Bonnet Carre Spillway, Louisiana 70068, USA
LA-46, St Bernard, LA, USA
LA-191, Louisiana, USA
Bayou Lafourche, Louisiana, USA
Eunice, LA 70535, USA
River Rd, New Orleans, LA 70131, USA
400 Rapides Dr, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA