This Epic One-Day Road Trip Across Louisiana Is Full Of Adventures From Sunrise To Sunset

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!

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

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

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:

3. Woodlands Conservancy

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

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 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

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.