Are you ready for a trip? School is gearing up to start in a couple of weeks, so it is definitely time to set your sights on some new places to explore and enjoy in the months to come. Have you ever visited any of these places before?

1) Whitney Plantation
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This unique plantation is found in Edgard, LA, about 45 minutes from New Orleans. The drive will take you into the heart of sugar cane country.
What makes Whitney Plantation so important, though, is the focus on the lives of the slaves who lived here.
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The entire plantation is dedicated to their struggles and their stories, making it a must see for anyone interested in engaging with the history of New Orleans.
Their slave memorial, pictured here, is the largest of its kind in any plantation in the entire nation.
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It's truly a powerful and transformative experience, well worth a visit for anyone who lives in New Orleans.
2) Grand Isle
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Grand Isle is just a short drive away from New Orleans down Hwy 1 and truly a beautiful place to spend the weekend.
Grand Isle state park offers cabins, RV, and tent camping for a low rate so that you can enjoy the beaches here without breaking the bank.
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There are also nature trails at the park and you can enjoy walking here or at other nearby trails on the isle to soak up the wildlife. You'll soon find out why this is one of the premier birdwatching places in the area.
Fishing is another awesome activity you can enjoy here, and Grand Isle is home to the original Tarpoon Rodeo fishing competition.
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You can rent boats and go on a tour or enjoy the fishing opportunities on your own.
3) Gulf Shores
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A little farther than Grand Isle, you can explore Gulf Shores in Alabama. The road trip itself is beautiful, and you'll be greeted by white sand beaches when you arrive.
Camping is available at Gulf Island State park, but make sure you reserve in advance, especially during the summer.
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Dolphin watching is a great activity to enjoy here, where you will be charmed by the gorgeous creatures that populate the Gulf of Mexico.

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Another great place to explore nearby for free is Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, which is an absolutely gorgeous place filled with wildlife.
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You'll be rewarded for your hike here by some natural beaches that still have their dunes intact!
4) Natchez
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Natchez is a beautiful city in Mississippi that is about 3 hours away from New Orleans and well worth the trip. Longwood, pictured here, is a really popular historical site, a still unfinished home that was left during construction because of the start of the civil war.
St. Mary's Basilica, pictured here, is another awesome attraction that is relatively low cost.
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There are plenty of AirBnB options in Natchez that offer low cost ways to enjoy your visit here.
The old Natchez cemetery is another great place to visit that is filled with historic monuments and a peaceful beauty.
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It's a fascinating town in Mississippi to explore that is well worth a trip.
5) Tunica Falls
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About 2.5 hours north of New Orleans, if you have never seen the falls in Clark Creek Nature area, you are in for a special treat.
Truly an absolutely unique environment is available to discover here.
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You'll enjoy climbing waterfalls and rock forms that are very rare in our area.
6) Lafayette
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Have you ever visited this shiny and bright town 2 hours from New Orleans? If not, it's worth getting in your car. This cathedral is just one of the awesome places to discover.
Lake Martin bird rookery and swamp is another awesome sight that will thrill you when you visit here.
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The wildlife available to check out here, including plenty of alligators, make for some great photo opportunities.
Acadian Village, as well as Vermillionville, are two other great sites in the area that offer a glimpse of the unique Cajun culture that calls Lafayette home.
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It's a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of this city---and there are awesome places to stay for cheap in Lafayette as well!

How many of these road trips have you already been on? Do you have a favorite that wasn’t on this list? Let us know in the comments below! We love to hear your perspectives and ideas.

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