Louisiana is full of incredible day trip opportunities, from historic towns to natural wonders and vibrant cultural experiences. Here are some of the best day trips you can take across the state:
Plantation Tours along River Road
- Visit historic Oak Alley Plantation, Laura Plantation, or Houmas House along the Mississippi River.
- Learn about antebellum history, Creole culture, and the impact of the plantation era.
Avery Island
- Home of TABASCO® hot sauce, where you can tour the factory and explore the Jungle Gardens.
- Spot wildlife, including alligators and exotic birds, in the lush gardens.
New Orleans Day Trip
- Explore the French Quarter, Garden District, or visit the National WWII Museum.
- Try classic Louisiana cuisine like beignets at Café du Monde.
Baton Rouge
- Visit the Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest capitol building in the U.S.
- Check out LSU Rural Life Museum for a glimpse into 19th-century Louisiana.
- Enjoy a meal at a famous seafood or Cajun restaurant.
Natchitoches
- Louisiana’s oldest town, known for its charming historic district and Cane River Lake.
- Tour the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile, the state’s oldest store.
- Visit the beautiful Melrose Plantation, home to artist Clementine Hunter.
Cajun Country – Lafayette & Breaux Bridge
- Take a swamp tour in the Atchafalaya Basin or Lake Martin.
- Experience Cajun culture with a meal at Prejean’s or Café des Amis.
- Tour Vermilionville, a living history museum showcasing Acadian culture.
Grand Isle
- Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, perfect for fishing, birdwatching, and beachcombing.
- Visit Grand Isle State Park for scenic Gulf Coast views.
St. Francisville
- Home to historic plantations like Rosedown and The Myrtles (one of America’s most haunted homes).
- Stroll the quaint downtown with unique shops and eateries.
Toledo Bend Reservoir
- A paradise for fishing, boating, and nature lovers.
- Check out North and South Toledo Bend State Parks for hiking and scenic lake views.
Honey Island Swamp
- Take a guided swamp tour to see alligators, bald cypress trees, and other wildlife.
- Some of the best tours are from Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours.
Fontainebleau State Park
- Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, great for hiking, picnicking, and beach walks.
- Nearby Abita Springs offers the quirky Abita Mystery House and the Abita Brewery.
Poverty Point World Heritage Site
- Visit this ancient earthwork site built by Native Americans over 3,000 years ago.
- Learn about prehistoric Louisiana civilizations.
Kisatchie National Forest
- Louisiana’s only national forest, offering hiking, biking, and scenic overlooks.
- Visit Longleaf Vista Recreation Area for panoramic views.
Here are 10 great day trips for each region of Louisiana—North, Central, and South—so you can explore the best of the state no matter where you are!
North Louisiana Day Trips
- Natchitoches & Cane River National Heritage Area – Walk through Louisiana’s oldest town, visit Melrose Plantation, and enjoy the historic charm.
- Poverty Point World Heritage Site (Epps) – Explore ancient earthworks built by prehistoric indigenous people.
- Kisatchie National Forest (Multiple locations) – Hike, camp, and explore Louisiana’s only national forest.
- Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Monroe) – A great spot for birdwatching, kayaking, and nature photography.
- Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo (Monroe) – A family-friendly destination with a wide range of animals and botanical gardens.
- Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum (Gibsland) – See where the infamous duo met their fate.
- Lincoln Parish Park (Ruston) – A hidden gem for hiking, biking, and swimming in a peaceful setting.
- Minden & Germantown Colony Museum – Step back in time and learn about 19th-century German settlers in Louisiana.
- Lake Claiborne State Park (Homer) – A scenic lake perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming.
- Shreveport & Bossier City – Visit the Shreveport Aquarium, go gambling at Horseshoe Casino, or tour the Sci-Port Discovery Center.
Central Louisiana Day Trips
- Alexandria Zoological Park – A beautifully maintained zoo featuring exotic animals from around the world.
- Fort Polk & Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Complex – A great place for hiking, camping, and spotting wildlife.
- Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site (Pineville) – A Civil War site with beautiful trails and historical exhibits.
- Gone Wild Safari (Pineville) – A drive-through safari park where you can feed exotic animals.
- Wild Azalea Trail (Kisatchie National Forest) – The longest hiking trail in Louisiana, perfect for nature lovers.
- Southern Forest Heritage Museum (Long Leaf) – A fascinating look at Louisiana’s logging history.
- Marksville State Historic Site & Paragon Casino Resort – Explore prehistoric Native American mounds, then try your luck at the casino.
- Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge – A paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
- Cotile Lake Recreation Area – A great spot for swimming, picnicking, and boating.
- Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum (Pineville) – Learn about Louisiana’s role in World War II training exercises.
South Louisiana Day Trips
- New Orleans French Quarter – Experience the culture, food, and music of Louisiana’s most famous city.
- Avery Island – Tour the TABASCO® Factory and explore Jungle Gardens.
- Plantation Tours along River Road – Visit Oak Alley, Laura, and Houmas House for a glimpse into Louisiana’s past.
- Honey Island Swamp Tours – Take a boat ride through one of the state’s most famous swamps.
- Grand Isle State Park – Relax on Louisiana’s only Gulf Coast beach and enjoy fishing.
- Fontainebleau State Park (Mandeville) – A perfect Northshore getaway with hiking trails and lake views.
- Vermilionville & Lafayette – Learn about Cajun & Creole culture in a living history museum.
- Breaux Bridge & Atchafalaya Basin – Explore Cajun Country, try crawfish etouffee, and take a swamp tour.
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Learn about Louisiana’s famous pirate and enjoy hiking through swamplands.
- St. Francisville & The Myrtles Plantation – Visit one of the most haunted plantations in America.
Here are 10 budget-friendly day trips in each region of Louisiana that offer great experiences without breaking the bank! Many of these destinations feature free or low-cost admission.
Budget-Friendly Day Trips in North Louisiana
- Poverty Point World Heritage Site (Epps) – Explore prehistoric mounds and learn about early Native American history ($4 per person, free for kids).
- Kisatchie National Forest – Enjoy free hiking trails, scenic views, and nature photography opportunities.
- Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Monroe) – Free access to walking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
- Lincoln Parish Park (Ruston) – Only $3 per car, offering swimming, biking, and hiking trails.
- Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum (Gibsland) – Learn about the infamous crime duo for an affordable fee ($7 per person).
- Lake D’Arbonne State Park (Farmerville) – Entry is just $3 per car, with fishing, hiking, and picnic spots.
- Minden Historic Downtown – Stroll through the town square, browse antique shops, and visit the Germantown Colony Museum (free admission).
- Louisiana Military Museum (Ruston) – Learn about Louisiana’s military history at this free museum.
- Biedenharn Museum & Gardens (Monroe) – Visit the historic home of Coca-Cola bottler Joseph Biedenharn ($6 for adults, $4 for kids).
- Toledo Bend Reservoir – A free and scenic getaway for fishing, boating, or a lakeside picnic.
Budget-Friendly Day Trips in Central Louisiana
- Alexandria Zoological Park – One of the most affordable zoos in the state, admission is around $7 for adults and $5 for kids.
- Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site (Pineville) – Walk through Civil War history for only $4 per person.
- Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Area – Free access to beautiful waterfalls, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
- Gone Wild Safari (Pineville) – An affordable drive-through safari with prices starting around $10 per person.
- Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge – Free entry for birdwatching, fishing, and exploring Louisiana’s wetlands.
- Cotile Lake Recreation Area – Low-cost entry ($5 per car) for swimming, picnicking, and fishing.
- Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum (Pineville) – Free museum showcasing World War II training history.
- Marksville State Historic Site – Visit ancient Native American mounds for just $4 per person.
- Southern Forest Heritage Museum (Long Leaf) – A budget-friendly look at Louisiana’s logging history ($6 per person).
- Bring Your Own Picnic to Indian Creek Recreation Area – Just a few dollars per vehicle for access to a lake, trails, and picnic spots.
Budget-Friendly Day Trips in South Louisiana
- French Quarter Walking Tour (New Orleans) – Explore historic sites like Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral for free.
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve – Free entry to beautiful swamplands and educational exhibits.
- Avery Island Jungle Gardens – The TABASCO® Factory tour is only $5, and Jungle Gardens is $8 per person.
- Fontainebleau State Park (Mandeville) – Just $3 per car for beach access, hiking trails, and scenic lake views.
- Breaux Bridge & Atchafalaya Basin – Walk along the charming streets of the “Crawfish Capital of the World” and explore free parks nearby.
- Vermilionville Living History Museum (Lafayette) – A budget-friendly way to learn about Cajun & Creole culture ($10 for adults, $6 for kids).
- Grand Isle State Park – Only $3 per car to enjoy beach views, fishing, and hiking.
- River Road Plantation Scenic Drive – Drive past historic plantations like Oak Alley and Laura Plantation; stopping for photos is free.
- St. Francisville & Rosedown Plantation – Enjoy a walk through charming historic streets, and the gardens at Rosedown Plantation are just $5.
- Visit a Local Brewery or Distillery – Many, like Abita Brewery, offer free or low-cost tours with tastings.
Here are 10 budget-friendly, lesser-known day trips for each region of Louisiana—great for discovering hidden gems without spending much!
North Louisiana – Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips
- Jimmie Davis State Park (Chatham) – A peaceful, less-crowded park with hiking trails and fishing spots ($3 per car).
- Lake Claiborne State Park (Homer) – Offers hiking, disc golf, and quiet lake views for $3 per car.
- Herby-K’s Diner (Shreveport) – Not a tourist spot, but a budget-friendly hidden gem for the best Shrimp Buster Po’boy in Louisiana.
- Driskill Mountain (Bienville Parish) – The highest point in Louisiana (535 ft.), great for a free hike with scenic views.
- Loggy Bayou Wildlife Management Area (Elm Grove) – A quiet and free area for birdwatching, fishing, and paddling.
- Antique Alley (West Monroe) – Explore a quirky collection of vintage shops in this charming small town.
- Red River National Wildlife Refuge (Bossier City) – A free and peaceful retreat with nature trails and boardwalks.
- Lake Bistineau State Park (Doyline) – Spanish moss-covered cypress trees make this park a serene escape ($3 per car).
- Eddie G. Robinson Museum (Grambling) – A free museum honoring the legendary football coach at Grambling State University.
- Cane River Creole National Historical Park (Natchez) – Free tours of historic plantations and Creole culture in a lesser-visited area.
Central Louisiana – Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips
- Lecompte Pie Capital Stop – Visit Lea’s Lunchroom for a slice of their famous pie in this small-town stop.
- Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area (Marksville) – A free, quiet getaway for canoeing and birdwatching.
- Louisiana History Museum (Alexandria) – A hidden free museum covering the state’s past with unique exhibits.
- Marksville Prehistoric Indian Site – A budget-friendly stop to see ancient Native American mounds ($4 admission).
- Kincaid Lake Recreation Area (Kisatchie National Forest) – A budget-friendly spot for swimming, fishing, and hiking.
- Evangeline Oak Park (St. Martinville) – A quiet, historic place tied to the famous poem Evangeline, free to visit.
- Cotile Lake Recreation Area – A $5-per-car spot for swimming and kayaking in a secluded location.
- Ahtus Melder Equestrian Trails – Free horseback riding trails in Kisatchie National Forest (BYO horse or hike on foot).
- Pineville Ward 9 Recreation Complex – A peaceful, free park with walking trails and a small lake.
- Kent Plantation House (Alexandria) – An overlooked historic home with cheap guided tours ($10 adults, $4 kids).
South Louisiana – Lesser-Known Budget-Friendly Day Trips
- Rip Van Winkle Gardens (New Iberia) – A peaceful botanical garden and historic home tour for only $12.
- Palmetto Island State Park (Abbeville) – A hidden gem for camping, paddling, and nature walks ($3 per car).
- Prien Lake Park (Lake Charles) – A free, relaxing lakefront park with scenic picnic areas.
- Cypremort Point State Park – A low-key, less crowded beach option on Vermilion Bay ($3 per car).
- Chauvin Sculpture Garden (Chauvin) – A free, quirky outdoor art installation with folk art sculptures.
- Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge – Free access to some of the best birdwatching in the state.
- Bayou Teche Scenic Byway – A lesser-traveled drive along historic bayous and small towns.
- Jungle Gardens Off-Hours Visit – Visit Avery Island’s Jungle Gardens in the late afternoon when crowds are gone ($8 entry).
- Holy Ghost Catholic Church (Opelousas) – A beautiful, historic Creole Catholic church with unique architecture.
- Vacherie’s Free Plantation Views – Drive past St. Joseph and Laura Plantations for stunning photo ops at no cost.