Road trips are a classic when it comes to vacations, and they’re often the best way to really see the beautiful state you’re traveling through. If you’ve never taken a road trip along the Creole Nature Trail, you’re in for a real treat. Stretching for 180 miles through southwestern Louisiana, this scenic byway offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Gas up the car, because today we’re hitting the road along the Creole Nature Trail, easily one of the best scenic drives in Louisiana:

The Creole Nature Trail is a 180-mile All-American Road that meanders through the marshes and prairies of southwestern Louisiana.
Visit Lake Charles
As you can see from the map above, you can start and stop your drive anywhere along the route. There are even offshoots of the trail that head further east and west along the Gulf.
No matter where you begin your journey, be sure to stop off at Adventure Point.
Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point/Google
Located in Sulphur, it’s a great waypoint to add to your road trip.
There are several exhibits inside that will immerse you in Louisiana’s unique landscape.
Vernon Chang/Google
The free attraction is filled with informative displays where you’ll learn all about Louisiana’s wetlands and wildlife.
More than just a nature exhibit, you’ll also learn about the culture and community of Cajun Country.
Rob/Google
From gumbo to the guitar, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for this unique part of the Pelican State.
After you’ve had your history lesson, it’s time to take on the open road.
Pierrick L./Trip Advisor
The best part of the drive is getting to stop off along the way and check out any point of interest the whole family can enjoy.
There are several wildlife refuges along the Creole Nature Trail.
DeCarlos/Google
And you’ll want to stop off at each one of them.

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There are nature trails, boardwalks, and piers at most of the refuges.
Louisiana Travel/Google
Get out and stretch your legs a bit with a stroll down the Blue Goose Trail at the Sabine Wildlife Refuge.
The views of the wetlands are simply stunning.
Emanuel Parker/Google
Swamps, marshes, bayous, and prairies make up a majority of the area in this part of Louisiana.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you might spot some wildlife.
Steven Keys/Google
In the warmer months, it’s not uncommon to spot an alligator or two sunbathing near the trails, so keep an eye out!
Speaking of wildlife, the Creole Nature Trail is a bird lover’s paradise.
Oranparker/Trip Advisor
Over 400 species of birds call the area home, so be sure to look up in the trees while you’re out and about. You might just spot a bald eagle!
In addition to the wetlands and wildlife refuges, the Creole Nature Trail will take you along 26 miles of Gulf beaches.
M E/Trip Advisor
Louisiana may not be famous for its beaches, but that’s just because they’re our own little hidden gems.
Both Rutherford Beach and Holly Beach are picture perfect spots to watch the sunset.
parisgypsy/Trip Advisor
After a long day of driving around and walking through the trails, plop down on the beach, sink your toes into the sand, and watch a sunset over the water for a perfect ending to a Louisiana day.

Have you ever driven the entire 180-miles? What would you say are the best scenic drives in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments!

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Best Scenic Drives in Louisiana

Tori Jane | April 03, 2022

What are some of the best views in Louisiana?  

Louisiana may not exactly be mountainous or full of cliffs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get yourself some amazing views anyway. In fact, Louisiana is full of amazing views, viewpoints, and things to see, and we’re pretty sure you’ll never feel bored as long as you know where to look. Our state is an outdoors enthusiasts’ dream come true, thanks in part to just how beautiful our little slice of heaven is. Some of our favorite places for views in Louisiana include the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge, which is the longest bridge in the world and features epic views of the lake and gorgeous lake houses. Grand Isle State Park is another great one, famous for its breathtaking sunsets over the water. Fans of local wildlife will love a visit to the Louisiana Wetlands, where they can take airboat tours and explore Louisiana’s unique natural floodplains. You will never experience a more unique region than the American deep south, and Louisiana is the perfect place to begin.  

What are the prettiest places in Louisiana? 

Louisiana is pretty all over if you ask us, but there are definitely some places that come up more than others when you ask the locals where the prettiest places in Louisiana are. Among our favorites are stunning places like Avery Island, which is 140 miles west of New Orleans and features gorgeous, lush forests, pure Louisiana swamps, and fascinating marshes. If you like that place, you’ll also love Jungle Gardens, also on Avery Island. That one is home to amazing wildflowers like azaleas and camellias. Next, check out Honey Island for some awesome, one-of-a-kind swamp tours of Louisiana’s awe-inspiring swamps and wetlands. Finally, if you prefer to stay within the city, check out City Park, in New Orleans; it’s twice the size of Central Park in New York City and features incredible 600+-year-old oak trees and truly epic scenery. It’s not hard at all to find jaw-dropping scenery in Louisiana.  

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Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, 2740 Ruth St, Sulphur, LA 70665, USA