Ready to gas up the car and hit the road to the best places to see the sunrise in Louisiana? Better clean off your windshield, because the views along this scenic road trip in Louisiana will positively enchant you. We’ve picked out some of our favorite natural areas in Louisiana, perfect for a day trip full of adventure. This road trip starts with the best sunrises in Louisiana and ends with gorgeous Louisiana sunsets, so set your alarms!

Google Maps
Now, we know there are countless beautiful natural areas all over the state, but we wanted this road trip to be accomplished in one day, so we kept the drive fairly short (less than four hours) so that you have plenty of time to stop off and see the sights. Feel free to use this interactive map to guide your way.
1. Venice
Venice, Boothville-Venice, LA 70091, USA
Venice Marina/Facebook
When you want an epic sunrise, you've got to make your way down to the tip of the boot. Venice is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Louisiana, and if you're a fisherman, you've probably experienced this dazzling sight once or twice before. Venice is known as the Fishing Capital of the World - and for good reason! Getting your picture taken at the iconic Venice Marina is a rite of passage for many Louisianians.

Enjoy this overview of lovely Venice:

2. Barataria Preserve
Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Greg Johnson/Google
Our next stop on the drive is Barataria Preserve, an incredible 20,000+ acre nature preserve with multiple trails that weave you throughout the surrounding swamps, marshes, and forests. It's one of the best places to view wildlife in Louisiana, especially alligators!

Get a close-up look at Barataria Preserve:

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3. Woodlands Conservancy
Woodlands Conservancy’s Woodlands Trail, 449 F Edward Hebert Blvd, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, USA
Erik Johansen/Google
We hope you're not tired from exploring all the trails at Barataria Preserve because the trails at the Woodlands Conservancy are some of the most unique trails around. After all, it's not every day that you come across a collection of old WWII Ammunition Magazines on the trail. Poke your head in and check them out!

Find out all about the Woodlands Conservancy in their own words:

4. Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA
Kathleen Guinnane/Google
The short and sweet trail at Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is picture-perfect on a beautiful day. The Ridge Trail is less than a mile long, and an easy trail for the youngest of nature lovers to explore.
5. Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, 61389 LA-434, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA
Shirley Field/All Trails
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is an idyllic place for marsh views and wildlife sightings. It's a peaceful little place that's often overlooked, but such a beautiful natural area. You can drive around the refuge or stretch your legs along the Boy Scout Road Trail for a closer look.
6. Fontainebleau State Park
Fontainebleau State Park, 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
Chunyee Chiu/Google
There are many places to watch a sunset in Louisiana, and Fontainebleau State Park is at the top of the list. The pier is a great spot to watch the sunset over Lake Pontchartrain, but there's also a stretch of sandy beach that you may want to sink your toes into while you watch the sky transform. If you don't want to drive home, rent one of their waterfront cabins for a truly memorable experience.

Have you visited any of these places to see the sunrise in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments! For more like these, check out these gorgeous Louisiana sunsets.

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More to Explore

The Natural Beauty of Louisiana

William Suphan | February 08, 2023

What are the most incredible natural attractions in Louisiana?

The most incredible natural attractions in Louisiana include:

  • Atchafalaya River Basin. This is the largest swamp in America and is riddled with cypress trees, Spanish Moss, and abundant wildlife.
  • Avery Island. This is a salt dome that has jungle gardens and a bird rookery and it has gorgeous landscaping. It’s also the home of Tobasco sauce. 
  • Barataria Preserve. There are boardwalk trails throughout the 20,000 acres of swampland and the views are spectacular.
  • Bayou Sauvage National Refuge. Wildlife lovers flock to America’s largest urban wildlife refuge to see gators, snakes, birds, nutria, turtles, and more.

Find out more about the most incredible natural attractions in Louisiana. 

What are the best attractions for nature lovers in Louisiana?

The best attractions for nature lovers in Louisiana include:

  • Bayou Vermillion Paddle Trail. Locals love to come here to kayak along this 10-mile water trail surrounded by lush trees.
  • The Creole Nature Trail. This trail consists of 180 miles of scenic roads where you can see a vast array of wildlife.
  • Kisatchie National Forest. This 600,000-acre forest is perfect for camping and has trails for every level of hiking ability.
  • Briarwood Nature Preserve. This was the home of botanist Caroline Dormon, who gave this land to the public upon her death.

Discover more about the best attractions for nature lovers in Louisiana. 

What are some bucket list natural wonders in Louisiana?

Bucket list natural wonders in Louisiana include:

  • Driskill Mountain. This is the highest point in Lousiana and while it only reached 535 feet, it is a wonderful place to hike.
  • Honey Island Swamp. This 70,000-acre swamp was named after honey bees that once populated this area, and it’s a serene, beautiful place to be.
  • Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge has several habitats including marshes, rice fields, and coastal prairies.

Learn more about these and other bucket list natural wonders in Louisiana. 

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