8 Amazing Places You Can Go On One Tank of Gas From New Orleans
By Kezia Kamenetz|Published June 18, 2016
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Kezia Kamenetz
Author
Kezia Kamenetz is a native to southern Louisiana and lives in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans currently. When not writing about all the amazing things to be found in her state, her central passion is dreams and the wisdom they can offer, which you can learn more about by visiting KeziaVida.com
When summer hits, it’s important to have some escape valves from the city so that you can survive the humidity. That’s why knowing where the nearest and most beautiful day trips are is so important. We’ve collected some of the most amazing places you can go on one tank of gas from New Orleans. Now perhaps it depends on your gas mileage—but none of these places are more than 2 hours away!
1) The Crosby Arboretum of Mississippi State University, Picayune, MS
This haven for trees includes the absolutely gorgeous Pinecote Pavilion and preserved habitats of the Pearl River Basin which discharges here. The Arboretum is dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and there are lots of amazing educational signs throughout the trails here.
2) Ship Island, Gulfport, MS
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For a real treat in the summer, set your alarm for 7am, get your beach gear, and hop in the car. You want to make it to the 9am docking of the boat to Ship Island, one of the last remaining barrier islands that is open to the public. The gorgeous 45 minute boat ride will plop you at what I think is the most beautiful beach closest to New Orleans. Don't forget your sunblock--there is very little shade here!!
There's truly something for everyone at Avery Island, the multi-generational home and birthplace of the iconic Tabasco sauce. Start your day touring the Tabasco museum and take a peek at the manufacturing of this delicious sauce. Then hop over to the nextdoor Jungle Gardens, a decades old botanical gardens that is home to countless wildlife and gorgeous trees.
While this is not the closest state park to New Orleans, it is not much farther than Fontainebleau and will make you feel like you've really escaped the hustle of city life. Don't forget your bathing suit!
This funky little museum is well worth the trip across the causeway, filled with oddities and retro relics that are certain to bring a smile to your face. Plus, you'll find yourself in Abita Springs, where there are plenty of other funky shops and restaurants that will make it easy to make a day out of your adventure north.
This gorgeous natural area is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the greater New Orleans area. Just over the border of Mississippi, the waterfalls and trails here are the perfect place to relax and unwind.
This new museum has been making waves all over the country as the first plantation to dedicate their entire history museum to the life of the slaves who lived there. The exhibits will give you a glimpse of the past unlike any other. Definitely worth the trip!
At the outer edges of the Louisiana coast, Grand Isle offers Louisiana nature lovers the opportunity to soak up the sun during the day and then feast their eyes on the gorgeous sunsets that dominate here.
So those are 8 amazing places you can get to from New Orleans on just a tank of gas. How many of these day trips have you taken? What do you do when you just absolutely need a break from everything going on in the city? We love to hear your stories and feedback!
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