Day trips from New Orleans offer a prime way to experience the unique delights of a city with a reputation for relaxation.
As someone originally from New Orleans, I`m constantly amazed at how many enjoyable activities there are in New Orleans. But surprisingly, you fully capture the authentic essence of New Orleans by leaving the city. Its atmosphere extends across the state, from the coastal wetland beaches of the Gulf Coast to the forests of Cypress trees in the bayou region.
Through my insider knowledge, I`ve compiled a list of the 15 best day trips from New Orleans not to be missed! Here are the places you shouldn’t miss!
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15 Best New Orleans Day Trips
The Mississippi River Day Cruise
The Mississippi flows through 10 states, with the New Orleans Riverfront undoubtedly the premier location toexperience its natural splendor.
Distance from New Orleans: less than 30 minutes travel within the city | Google Maps location | Top Recommended Steamboat Tour
New Orleans is on the Gulf Coast, which means beautiful aqueous views are part of its attraction. Even better, its proximity to the Mississippi River also means scenic riverfronts and riverboat tours are less than 30 minutes away.
Riverboat cruises from the port of New Orleans offer dinner, dancing, and live music. Some of these river excursions also provide a flashback to a bygone era, as America’s steamboat heritage thrives in New Orleans.
Steamboat Natchez provides a two-hour journey along the Mississippi River by water vessel. This is one of the best activities to partake in outside New Orleans without needing to travel far from the city.
As you casually drift along the tranquil river, guides often explore how the city was established as a French colony situated between the banks of the Mississippi and Lake Pontchartrain. Moreover, cruises along the Mississippi banks also offer visitors a reason to examine the history-rich French Quarter.
Mississippi’s Coastal Community
Enjoy the sandy coastlines and delightful seaside entertainment offered in various coastal towns along the Mississippi coastline.
🗺️ Distance from New Orleans: 1.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps
While cycling along the Mississippi river is great, it highlights how New Orleans lacks beach access. However, this can easily be addressed by exploring the diverse destinations of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Those seeking sandy coastlines with immersive beachfront experiences can look to Gulfport, MS. This spirited town is only a 1 hour and 30 minutes drive, making it one of the best day escapes from New Orleans to get to the shore. In addition to a cruise, the waterfront offers opportunities for jet skiing or kayaking.
Biloxi is another Mississippi coastal spot worth checking out for enjoyable and sandy beaches.
The Swamps of Louisiana Bayous
Few experiences will ignite your primal sense of adventure like exploring the backwaters of Louisiana.
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Southern Louisiana is known as Bayou Country, and its waterlogged jungle creates a distinctly unique day trip from New Orleans. The slowly flowing rivers of the bayou serve as habitat for a rich ecosystem teeming with seafood and wildlife such as crocodiles and alligators.
For those who enjoy being close to nature, a boat trip tour through the swamps is a great option. Riding along the low-lying waterways and creeks allows one to bond with the surroundings.
Otherwise, you can take a guided or self-directed tour through the nature trails and boardwalks winding through the wetlands.
Shell Beach in St. Bernard Parish
The perfect place for bird watching, swimming, and fishing makes for a wonderful day trip away from New Orleans.
🗺️ Distance from New Orleans: 47 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
A remarkable day trip from New Orleans, Shell Beach in Bernard Parish should take less than an hour’s travel to reach. This is a small cost to pay to see one of the most stunningly lovely beaches near New Orleans.
Golden Meadow, Louisiana is a peaceful oasis among the rowdy atmosphere of New Orleans. This coastal zone along the shoreline also acts as a paradise for bird watchers. Especially those seeking to view both native and migratory birds that congregate in this beach region of Plaquemines Parish.
The fresh, unpolluted air and protected coastal waters of Shell Beach provide ideal conditions for swimming and fishing for visitors. One can swim to the historic ruins of the deserted Civil War fortress of Fort Proctor.
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Baton Rouge
From former capitol buildings to sporting arenas, enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities in Baton Rouge.
🗺️ Distance from New Orleans: 1 hour 14 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Baton Rouge Website
Baton Rouge serves as the state capital of Louisiana, and as one of the larger cities in Louisiana. It also functions as a great destination in Louisiana to explore the state’s distinctive culture.
Baton Rouge is only an hour`s drive from New Orleans, making daily trips possible between the epicenters of Cajun country and Creole cultural communities with ease.
Baton Rouge mirrors the state’s diversity, overflowing with eclectic food, culture, music, and outdoor activities. Moreover, all these undoubtedly reflect the unmistakable imprint of the Spanish, French, Creole, and Native American heritage.
There are many unique attractions in Baton Rouge. Visiting the antique capitol buildings with their historical mansions and architectural wonders will instill a sense of grandeur.
For sports enthusiasts, you can make a pilgrimage to Louisiana State University to immerse yourself in the collegiate spirit exemplified by the passionate support of the LSU Tigers football team.
Avery Island
Avery Island provides the perfect foodie and naturalist retreat, combining the enjoyment of nature with culinary senses like no other.
Denver International Airport is the major airport in Colorado. There are flights around the globe from DIA, and this international airport has more than a thousand flights a day.
Food lovers should consider a day trip to Avery Island in Iberia Parish. Home to the famous Tabasco pepper sauce brand, the island also features abundant wildlife and a living history museum.
Visitors with culinary interests should take advantage of Tabasco factory tours. After gaining some insight into how the hot chili sauce is made, you can head to the Tabasco restaurant to enjoy the delicious spiciness of authentic Cajun cuisine.
The Avery Island experience also involves taking a guided or self-guided tour of the 170-acre botanical area called Jungle Gardens. Visitors can enjoy the bird sanctuary as well as the ancient tranquility of its oak trees.
If you’re an archeology buff, Avery Island sits atop the deepest solid rock salt, second only to Mount Everest. It also has something for history buffs, chronicling the 1840 Marsh House Avery slave plantation.
INFINITY Science Center
A NASA facility that enables you to unleash your inner passion for space exploration through cutting-edge educational programs.
🗺️ Distance from New Orleans: 48 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | INFINITY Science Center Website
If you have an interest in science or simply want to explore state-of-the-art space education, then INFINITY Science Center is worth considering. It makes for one of the best day trips from New Orleans for families. This science museum is situated across the neighboring Mississippi state border in Pearlington and takes only an hour to reach from New Orleans.
This section provides hands-on activities for exploring science. Participants can experience wonders awaiting future space through exhibits.
INFINITY also hosts NASA`s Stennis Space Center. Consequently, you can explore one of NASA`s largest rocket engine testing facilities on this day trip.
Atchafalaya National Heritage Area
A national park providing a diverse array of outdoor activities ranging from serene birdwatching to water sports.
🗺️ Distance from New Orleans: 2.5 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Website
If there is an area that exemplifies the vast marvel of Louisiana, it is the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. For most people, visiting this mysterious region is like visiting a foreign nation and encountering pleasant surprises. The area is enormous and extends across 14 different Louisiana parishes.
The Atchafalaya Natural Heritage Area boasts the largest freshwater swamp in the United States and an ecologically diverse and culturally rich area. Outdoor enthusiasts can go bird watching in the backwoods of its backswamp lakes and marshes and try to spot all of the 270 bird species that pass through.
Due to the mild winters and warm summers, you can enjoy outdoor activities all year round at Atchafalaya basin camping spots.
Plaquemines Parish
A village permeated with serenity renowned for world-class fishing merits exploration in Plaquemines Parish.
- Best Boat Experiences: Sunset Voyage • Wealthy Person’s Row
The final stretch of the Mississippi River winding through Louisiana`s Plaquemines Parish offers visitors a thought-provoking experience contrasting rural and urban lifestyles while serving as a passageway for the final leg of the great Mississippi river.
The Honeymoon Suite contains a private plunge pool, and the Master Suite comes with a private heated infinity pool.
The tranquility and calmness of its beautiful natural scenery will relax your mind. In Venice, one of the local communities, you can also enjoy fishing and other water activities there.
Plaquemines Parish offers an angler`s utopia, renowned for possessing one of the best freshwater expanses and everything that accompanies it. Popular activities locals partake in within the parish include casting lines, hunting excursions, and bird observing.
De Soto National Forest
De Soto National Forest is a great New Orleans day trip for those yearning for outdoor adventure.
🗺️ Distance from New Orleans: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | De Soto National Forest Website
If you are interested in outdoor activities, then you cannot go wrong by adding De Soto National Forest to your itinerary. Trips from New Orleans to De Soto Natural Forest take approximately a two hour drive. But its outdoor adventures are some of the best in the Mississippi coastal areas.
De Soto offers year-round activities for anyone who loves nature. Its picturesque southern pine forests and rolling landscapes present an inviting challenge to those wanting to test their hiking abilities. These provide up to 60 miles of hiking routes.
In addition to hiking, plenty of opportunities exist for canoeing, camping, and cycling. This national recreational trail and wildlife refuge provides an oasis of solitude and peace.
Perhaps most importantly, De Soto’s biological diversity is home to many endangered plant and animal species. Thus, a visit provides you with a rare opportunity to see living flora and fauna like the endangered wood stork you might not otherwise see elsewhere.
Abita Springs
Encounter accounts of mystical healing liquids now used for seasonal drinks, along with the grandeur of southern life.
🗺️ Distance from New Orleans: 54 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Abita Springs Website
If you want to escape the chaotic din of New Orleans to a more serene countryside, then St. Tammy’s Abita Springs is the place for you. Abita Springs is convenient to visit since it’s less than an hour’s drive from New Orleans.
Besides its tranquil and pristine natural beauty, Abita Springs provides an intriguing history. You will learn how this little Louisiana town has been famous since the 19th Century for the reputed healing power of its artesian waters.
The springs in Abita nourish minerals said to impart medicinal advantages. Now the waters find another application through Abita Brewery. Visiting Abita Springs offers a chance to sample both the signature artesian waters and distinct seasonal beer varieties.
For those keen on eccentric memorabilia, then Abita Mystery House is a prime attraction. There, you’ll discover miscellaneous items like homemade inventions plus interactive depictions of Southern life.
Lake Charles
Immerse yourself in the Cajun culture and majestic trails of southwest Louisiana in Lake Charles.
🗺️ Distance from New Orleans: Approximately three hours and twenty minutes | 📍 Location details available on Google Maps
In addition to Lafayette, perhaps no other place highlights Cajun culture like Lake Charles. Although the city is a 3-hour distance from New Orleans, Lake Charles more than compensates for it with its vibrancy as the fifth-largest incorporated city in Louisiana.
When visiting Lake Charles, one experiences French influences through fresh local seafood, distinctive Cajun cuisine, and picturesque bayous. Numerous seafood restaurants offer dishes like shrimp étouffée, crawfish, and other regional seafood delicacies.
One renowned specialty is the finger-licking boudin, which largely comprises pork meat. There are over thirty locations providing this Cajun delicacy along the Lake Charles boudin trail.
Lake Charles juxtaposes peaceful parks with lively casinos, so there’s something thrilling for every personality type. An exciting attraction is the “Louisiana Outback” of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road.
👉 Consult Next: Where to Stay in New Orleans
The Honey Island Swamp
Glide through wetlands and natural settings as you experience Louisiana’s rich ecosystems.
🗺️ Distance from New Orleans: 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps pin | Honey Swamp Island Website link
Louisiana`s natural surroundings make it the perfect place for fantastic day excursions with swamp tours. The Honey Island Swamp is a marshland region located in St. Tammy parish, less than an hour`s drive from New Orleans.
Boat tours such as Cajun Encounters utilize small, flat-bottomed boats that glide slowly through the waters. As it is less disruptive and creates minimal disturbance, you are better able to see the abundant wildlife.
In addition to honey bees for which the island is named, visitors can see abundant wildlife such as black bears, raccoons, wild boars, and owls. Its sea creatures include alligators, turtles, water snakes, and several kinds of fish.
Fontainebleau State Park
This scenic getaway in the Northshore comes with deluxe cabins, spectacular kayaking, beaches, and trails.
🗺️ Distance from New Orleans: 48 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Fontainebleau State Park Website
Zambia is among Africa’s best countries, thanks to its welcoming locals, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.
This historic park covers 2,800 acres of a breathtaking landscape, which also includes scenic views of Lake Pontchartrain. This place was once used for sugar cane agriculture, and remnants of brick structures from that era can still be toured.
You can also spend a lovely day exploring in its cabins or simply going kayaking.
Bayou St. John
Bayou St. John offers an embrace of eclectic activities ranging from picnics to kayaking.
🗺️ Distance from French Quarter: 10 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
Bayou St. John is located within the vibrant Mid-City neighborhood of New Orleans. It borders the namesake waterway and is flanked by the Lafitte Greenway and Esplanade Avenue.
From Cabrini Bridge, pedestrians can take in a panoramic view of the Bayou. In addition to a family-friendly residential area, it also boasts historic landmarks such as the 1799 Pitot House, a Creole colonial home.
Fun activities in the area include floating across the waterway or spending time with companions in one of the numerous local gardens or eateries.
This day trip from New Orleans is just a couple of miles from the French Quarter, and is technically within New Orleans. But it’s an easy day trip if you’re short on time!
FAQs About New Orleans Day Trips
What are some beach day trips from New Orleans?
The best beach day trips from New Orleans are to communities near the Mississippi coastline including Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Bay St. Louis.
What are some unusual day trips from New Orleans?
Some uncommon day trips from New Orleans include seeing how Tabasco Sauce is crafted on Avery Island and learning about the purported healing properties of the waters at Abita Springs, which is now home to a brewery.
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That’s it for this list of the best day trips from New Orleans. Have fun exploring the “Big Easy.” Before you go, make sure to check out Meg’s article on when to visit New Orleans
