Vacations come in different forms, and road trips featuring Louisiana hidden gems are one of our favorites. They’re the best way to see the sights, and you can easily alter your plans to cater to your schedule or any pesky random weather delays. This road trip highlights the southern part of the state, taking you through our hidden beaches, marshes, and more. You’ll even have the chance to hold a baby alligator!

If you drove straight through, the trip will take you about six hours.
Google Maps
Of course, you'll want to stop off along the way and see the sights. There are plenty of places to stay along the way if you'd like to make a weekend out of it!
1. Holly Beach
Holly Beach, LA, USA
Amy Britt/Google
Louisiana isn't well-known for its beaches, and that makes them a perfect hidden gem for some fun in the sun. We begin our road trip down along the coastal town of Cameron where you'll find Holly Beach, a great spot to sink your toes in the sand, do a little surf fishing, or search the shoreline for seashells.
2. Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, 3000 Holly Beach Hwy, Hackberry, LA 70645, USA
Alain Freudiger/Google
Now that you have saltwater in your hair, it’s time to head north to the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. The largest coastal marsh refuge on the Gulf Coast, Sabine clocks in at over 124,000 acres of untouched natural beauty. It’s home to more than 200 species of birds and a huge population of alligators as well as blue crabs, shrimp, otters, and more. The Wetland Walkway will lead you through the refuge with beautiful marsh views every step of the way.
3. Gator Chateau
Gator Chateau, 100 Rue de l'Acadie, Jennings, LA 70546, USA
Gator Chateau/Facebook
Next stop, gatorville! Gator Chateau is conveniently located just off of I-10 in Jennings, so you won’t have to go out of your way to visit this hidden gem in Louisiana. You might even be brave enough to hold a baby alligator!

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4. Lake Arthur
Lake Arthur, LA 70549, USA
Deborah Cavallini/Google
Our next stop takes us to Lake Arthur, a town and body of water that share a name located just outside of Lake Charles. Lake Arthur Park & Boardwalk features tons of green space to sprawl out on as well as beautiful views of the lake. The Regatta is located nearby, and it's a great restaurant to fuel up while enjoying the incredible waterfront views.
5. Rayne
Rayne, LA 70578, USA
Leonce Lionnet/Google
Next, we hop on over to Rayne, a mid-sized town in Acadia Parish known as the "Frog Capital of the World." Rayne and frogs have a long history together, and you’ll see several murals and statues of the little fellas as you explore the town. Be sure to visit St. Joseph Cemetery while you’re there. Affectionally nicknamed "wrong way cemetery," it’s the only north-south facing cemetery in the country.
6. New Iberia City Park
New Iberia City Park, 300 Parkview Dr, New Iberia, LA 70563, USA
DonVR 19/Google
Nature Lovers will rejoice after spending a few hours at this hidden gem in Louisiana. The city park is filled with lovely walking trails, stunning views, playgrounds, and fishing opportunities.
7. Cypremort Point State Park
Cypremort Point State Park, 306 Beach Ln, Cypremort Point, LA 70538, USA
Rod Fernandez/Google
Next on our journey, we head on over to Cypremort Point State Park. Nestled along the Vermilion Bay, this hidden state park has a little stretch of man-made beach you can sprawl out on as well as a pier to do a little fishing. This is a great spot to rent a cabin overlooking the water and spend some time enjoying the area before continuing on the road trip.
8. Chauvin Sculpture Garden
Chauvin Sculpture Garden & Art, 5337 Bayouside Dr, Chauvin, LA 70344, USA
Jan Selmer/Google
Art lovers, you'll adore our final stop on this road trip. Down in Bayou Country, the Chauvin Sculpture Garden may be one of the most unique art exhibits in the state. Once the home of local artist Kenny Hill, Hill built all of the sculptures himself before being evicted for failure to keep up with the property. Today, the garden is maintained by Nicholls State University and continues to be one of the most underrated spots in the state.

And there you have it! Are you planning on taking this road trip any time soon? Let us know in the comments below! After you’ve checked this road trip off of your bucket list, maybe you’ll want to tackle this haunted road trip that will take you to some of the spookiest places in Louisiana.

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Louisiana hidden gems

Jackie Ann | May 18, 2022

What are the weirdest places in Louisiana?

One person’s weird may be another person’s wonderful, so keep that in mind as you explore the lesser-known places in Louisiana. If you’re looking to explore some of Louisiana’s hidden gems, including some of the weirdest places in Louisiana, consider paying a visit to the Chauvin Sculpture Garden in Chauvin, Louisiana. This incredible sculpture garden was once the home of local artist Kenny Hill who designed all of the sculptures himself. Today, Nicholls State University maintains the garden, keeping it just as wacky and wonderful as Mr. Hill did when he lived there.

Are there any dinosaur-related things to do in Louisiana?

Prehistoric Park is one of the most fascinating hidden gems in Louisiana, and it’s the perfect place to spend a day with kids of all ages. The family-friendly park features several life-sized replicas of these creatures of the past, and informative signs at each stop educate visitors along the way.

What are the best local attractions in Louisiana?

Louisiana’s natural landscape is the best way to experience Louisiana, and one of the best ways to view it is through a swamp boat tour or an airboat tour. There are many companies throughout the Atchafalaya River Basin that will take you out on the water where you can see our beautiful swamps and bayous up close, as well as the opportunity to see all of our local wildlife including alligators, turtles, egrets, and more.

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