Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To Experience Some Of Louisiana’s Most Impressive Beaches, Caves, And More
By Jackie Ann|Published July 06, 2022
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
There are so many beautiful places peppered around Louisiana, and it’s time to get in the car and see them first-hand. This epic Louisiana road trip starts along the coast and travels north until we reach the rolling hills of the Kisatchie National Forest, with several interesting stops along the way. From boardwalk march trails to ancient caves, this road trip has a little something for everyone. Feel free to use this interactive map and add your own stops to make a one-of-a-kind road trip just for you!
Who doesn't want to start their day with their toes in the sand? Holly Beach is a beautiful little beach in Cameron, Louisiana that's right on the Gulf of Mexico. It's a great place to hunt for seashells, and one of the huge perks of this beach is that you can drive right on it! No more lugging your beach gear half a mile from the parking lot - just drive right onto the beach, drop your gear in the sand, and enjoy the view.
The Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is just a stone's throw away from Holly Beach, yet the landscape is quite different. The Wetland Walkway is a short and sweet trail that will take you through the marsh, with beautiful views every step of the way. Keep your eyes peeled and you might see some local wildlife - including gators!
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Steamboat Bills
Steamboat Bill's on the Lake, 1004 N Lakeshore Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
By this time, you're bound to be hungry, and Steamboat Bills is the perfect spot to refuel with some authentic Louisiana cuisine. From boiled shrimp to overstuffed po'boys, the menu here is full of all sorts of delicious dishes.
From the beach to the bayou, Louisiana has so many different landscapes, and Sam Houston Jones State Park will show you the beautiful Indian Bayou, Calcasieu River, and endless cypress trees. There are several miles of hiking trails that weave throughout the park, so give yourself time to stroll through one or two to really get to see the landscape.
This next stop is for the history and mystery lovers. This jail has many names: DeRidder Jail, Gothic Jail, and Hanging Jail... no matter what you call it, it's hauntingly beautiful. Built in 1914, the Gothic Jail has a fascinating backstory with a paranormal twist, and many believe the jail to be one of the most haunted places in Louisiana.
You might be surprised to learn about Wolf Rock Cave, but there is in fact a cave hiding in the Kisatchie National Forest! The trail to get to it is short and sweet, and the 30-million-year-old cave has been used for everything from primitive shelter thousands of years ago to a hideaway during the Civil War.
After you've hiked through the forest, marched through the marsh, and maybe even had a paranormal encounter, it's time to go back to how the day started with your toes in the sand. The Kincaid Recreation Area is a stunning spot in the Kisatchie National Forest that's got a little something for everyone: a beautiful beach, ample picnic benches peppered along the tree line, swimming, boating, and nearby hiking trails.
You'll find Tunk's Cypress Inn on the north side of Kincade Lake, and you can get there by car or boat. Enjoy hearty bowls of gumbo, étouffée, and more while you watch the sunset over the lake after a fun-filled day of exploring the Pelican State.
Thinking about taking this road trip? What stops would you add along the way? Let us know in the comments below!
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