There’s so much to do in Louisiana, it can often get a bit overwhelming for anyone visiting. Even locals have their pick from outdoor activities, events, attractions, and more. For anyone searching for the “best day trips near me” in Louisiana, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve listed 13 of the very best day trips you can possibly take in Louisiana, north to south, east to west. If you’ve ever wanted to find a list of the most unique attractions in Louisiana, then welcome! Just make sure you click the links within each attraction to find out more about these wonderful day trips in Louisiana!

1. Poverty Point World Heritage Site - Pioneer
Poverty Point World Heritage Site, 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266, USA
Emjay103/TripAdvisor
Built between 1650 B.C. and 1100 B.C., Poverty Point is still a bit of a mystery, but new clues are constantly being discovered. Spend a day learning about the history of these ancient ruins and learn about the people that built them. Learn more about Poverty Trail here.

Take a Louisiana road trip to the Poverty Point World Heritage Site in this video from Louisiana Public Broadcasting:
2. The Creole Nature Trail - Lake Charles
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, 2740 Ruth St, Sulphur, LA 70665, USA
National Scenic Byway Foundation
The Creole Nature Trail is one of only 43 designated scenic byways in the United States, and well worth your time. Come experience the beauty of nature (and have some delicious Cajun food) in this 180-mile stretch known as the "Louisiana Outback". Check out more about the Creole Nature Trail here.
3. Global Wildlife Center - Folsom
Global Wildlife, 26389 LA-40, Folsom, LA 70437, USA
Global Wildlife Center/Facebook
If you grew up in the St. Tammany Parish area, chances are you spent at least one school field trip here. Get up close and personal with zebras, alpacas, giraffes, and more in this epic exotic adventure. Learn more about Global Wildlife Center here.
4. Spend A Day In The Sky
Flight Academy/TripAdvisor
You’ll see Louisiana like never before as you take a helicopter or seaplane tour. Truly an unforgettable experience! Find out more about these incredible helicopter tours here.
5. Tour A Winery - West Monroe
Landry Vineyards LLC, 5699 New Natchitoches Rd, West Monroe, LA 71292, USA
Landry Vineyards/Facebook
Spend an afternoon touring one of our wineries! Landry Vineyards offers tours throughout the week, and they also have outdoor concerts throughout the month. Learn more about Landry Vineyards here.
6. Hit The Road
Mark Belanger/AllTrails
Take a drive down one of Louisiana’s loneliest roads and you’ll come away with a new respect for Louisiana. The road is only 17 miles long, so you can knock it out pretty easily, but you’ll want to stop off several times to take in the magical views. Learn more about the loneliest road in Louisiana here.

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7. Stroll Down Main Street
Natchitoches Main Street Program/Facebook
Louisiana has some absolutely charming main streets. You can fill your afternoon by strolling down the street checking out unique locally owned boutiques, and thrift stores, and then end your day with a meal at an amazing restaurant. Find the best main streets in Louisiana here.

Forty miles north of New Orleans you'll find Covington, Louisiana, the perfect small town for your Louisiana day trips bucket list. Go on a main street stroll with US Gulf Coast States Geotourism:
8. River Road Plantations - New Orleans
Old River Road Plantation Adventure, 2041 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Google Maps
Take a drive down one of Louisiana’s roads for an unforgettable experience. Several historic plantations line River Road, making for the perfect day trip! Check out River Road in Louisiana here.
9. Visit A State Park
Christine W./TripAdvisor
Louisiana has some beautiful state parks, and you should check them out! Spend a day exploring new trails, or just laying out by the water. Whatever you do, you’re sure to love it! Check out some of our favorite state parks here.
10. Take A Swamp Boat Tour
Champagne’s Cajun Swamp Tour/Facebook
The weather is perfect so spend it outdoors! These swamp boat tours will take you on an epic journey through our state’s swamps and bayous. The captains have spent years on these waters and they’d love to share their stories with you. Here are a few of our favorite places to take a swamp tour.
11. Go Thrifting
Nick Pedersen / Photodisc via Getty Images
Who doesn’t love a good bargain? You could find your next DIY project or finally find that one elusive piece to complete your collection. Check out our favorite Louisiana thrift stores here.
12. Hit The Trails
Louisiana State Arboretum/Facebook
There are so many incredible hiking trails to list in Louisiana, but check out a few underrated hikes you’re sure to love.
13. Zip line over alligators - Greenwood
Gators and Friends, 11441 US-80, Greenwood, LA 71033, USA
Brandy E/TripAdvisor
Gators and Friends is an exotic petting zoo and alligator park, but they’ve also got a thrilling seven-part zip line that will take you soaring over the park. In the last 720 feet, you’ll be flying over the alligator pond! Learn more about this epic zipline at Gators and Friends here.

If you are looking for spontaneous day trips near you in Greenwood Louisiana, check out this video from Donny Hunt about Gators and Friends:

Whether you enjoy exploring charming small towns in Louisiana or the wilds of nature, our great state has plenty to do and see all year long. What are your favorite day trips in Louisiana? Share one or two in the comments!

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Day Trips Near Me In Louisiana

Marisa Roman | August 08, 2021

Where can I go on one tank of gas in Louisiana?

Some of the places you can go on one tank of gas in Louisiana include:

 

Sometimes the best day trips in Louisiana are able to be enjoyed on one tank of gas. While of course, this depends on the type of car you have, we’ve compiled a list of trips that are all within 300 miles, the standard for a tank of gas. So fuel up folks, and check out these eight amazing places to go in Louisiana on one tank of gas.

What are the best free things to do in Louisiana?

Some of the best free things to do in Louisiana include:

 

One of the greatest adventures you can have in Louisiana that are free to enjoy in terms of admission is exploring the highways and byways. Scenic byways in Louisiana are filled with incredible natural beauty, wildlife, and more. Check out these nine scenic drives in Louisiana that will make you fall in love with the state.

What places in Louisiana should I see before I die?

Some of the places in Louisiana you should see before you die include:

 

There are some pretty unique attractions in Louisiana that are touted as hidden gems, even to locals. While visiting the more touristy or populated places is fun, we have a few places to check out that are off-the-beaten-path. Check out these 12 hidden gems in Louisiana you have to see before you die.

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