Looking for the perfect escape from New Orleans? Whether you’re craving a nature retreat, a wild animal encounter, or a fun-filled family getaway, there’s an adventure waiting just a short drive away. Pack your snacks, queue up your favorite road trip playlist, and hit the highway. These must-visit destinations are calling your name!
New Orleans Area Road Trips
Fontainebleau State Park – Mandeville, LA
If you love being outdoors, Fontainebleau State Park is a dream come true. Right on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, it’s got hiking trails, a sandy beach, a fun splash pad for the kids, and even the ruins of an old sugar mill! Whether you’re fishing, biking, or just soaking up the scenery, it’s a perfect nature escape—plus, it’s only $3 per person!
Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours – Marrero, LA
Ever wanted to see an alligator up close (but, you know, safely)? Hop on a Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour and cruise through Louisiana’s beautiful wetlands. You’ll glide past towering cypress trees and Spanish moss while spotting gators, turtles, and herons. The tour guides are full of fun facts about the swamp’s history and wildlife. It’s a must-do Louisiana experience!
Northlake Nature Center – Mandeville, LA
For a peaceful nature walk, head to the Northlake Nature Center. This 400-acre preserve has beautiful trails through forests, wetlands, and meadows, making it a great spot for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Keep an eye out for local wildlife!
Global Wildlife Center – Folsom, LA
Want to feel like you’re on an African safari? At the Global Wildlife Center, you can hop on a guided wagon tour and hand-feed giraffes, zebras, camels, and other exotic animals. It’s a truly unforgettable experience, especially for animal lovers!
Tickfaw State Park – Springfield, LA
Swamps, forests, and river views—Tickfaw State Park has it all! Walk the scenic boardwalk trails, check out the nature center, and let the kids cool off in the splash pad. It’s a perfect spot for a laid-back outdoor adventure.
White Sands Lake Day Beach – Covington, LA
Want a beach day without driving all the way to the coast? White Sands Lake Day Beach is a hidden gem with soft sand, clear water, and plenty of picnic spots. Plus, there are inflatable water slides, volleyball courts, and paddleboard rentals for extra fun in the sun!
Southeast Louisiana Road Trips
Grand Isle – Jefferson Parish, LA
If you’re craving an island escape, Grand Isle is the place to be. This laid-back beach town is perfect for fishing, swimming, and birdwatching. Explore Grand Isle State Park, visit the Butterfly Dome, or take a peaceful walk along Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge.
Avery Island – Home of TABASCO®!
Spice things up with a visit to Avery Island, home of the world-famous TABASCO® sauce! Tour the factory, taste all the different flavors, and explore the breathtaking Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre botanical paradise with exotic plants, a bird sanctuary, and a centuries-old Buddha statue.
Whitney Plantation – A Powerful, Must-See Experience
Unlike traditional plantation tours, Whitney Plantation focuses on the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked there. Walk through the preserved slave cabins, read personal narratives, and see the moving memorials that honor those who endured slavery. It’s an emotional and eye-opening experience that everyone should witness.
Southwest Louisiana Road Trips
Children’s Museum of Acadiana – Lafayette, LA
Got little ones? They’ll love the Children’s Museum of Acadiana! This interactive museum lets kids explore, create, and play with hands-on exhibits, including a mini-town, a construction zone, and even a bubble room. It’s the perfect place for young imaginations to run wild!
Lafayette Science Museum – Lafayette, LA
For more interactive fun, check out the Lafayette Science Museum. From fossils and dinosaurs to the wonders of space, this museum has something for every curious mind. Be sure to stop by the planetarium to gaze at the stars and learn about the constellations!
Baton Rouge Road Trips
Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM)
Art meets science at LASM, making it a perfect stop for families and curious minds alike. Explore fascinating exhibits, see ancient fossils, and catch an incredible show at the planetarium.
USS Kidd Veterans Museum
Step aboard the USS Kidd, a historic World War II destroyer docked on the Mississippi River. Walk through the ship’s decks and hear stories of the brave sailors who once served on this legendary vessel.
LSU Rural Life Museum
Step back in time at the LSU Rural Life Museum, a living history village where you can explore 18th- and 19th-century Louisiana life. Wander through historic homes, barns, and workshops while learning about traditional farming and crafts.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Road Trips
Zip N Fun Adventure Park – Gulfport, MS
If zip-lining and obstacle courses sound like your kind of fun, Zip N Fun Adventure Park is for you! It’s a great spot for thrill-seekers of all ages.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center – Gulfport, MS
This awesome children’s museum is packed with interactive exhibits, a two-story climbing structure, and a pretend town where kids can let their imaginations run wild.
Ocean Adventures Marine Park – Gulfport, MS
Get up close with dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals at this interactive aquarium and animal park. You can even swim with the dolphins!
Infinity Science Center – Pearlington, MS
NASA fans, this one’s for you! As the official visitor center for Stennis Space Center, Infinity Science Center is packed with mind-blowing exhibits on space exploration, engineering, and Earth science.
Gulf Islands Waterpark – Gulfport, MS
Need to cool off? Gulf Islands Waterpark has giant slides, a lazy river, and a massive wave pool—perfect for beating the summer heat!
Mississippi Aquarium – Gulfport, MS
Explore the underwater world at the Mississippi Aquarium, where you’ll see sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and all sorts of marine creatures up close.
Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast Road Trips
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park – Mobile, AL
Step inside a real battleship and explore military aircraft, submarines, and tanks at this incredible naval history museum.
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center – Mobile, AL
This hands-on science museum is packed with interactive exhibits and even has an IMAX Dome Theater for immersive films.
OWA Parks & Resort – Foley, AL
For roller coasters, water slides, and shopping, OWA is the place to be! It’s got a massive amusement park, an indoor water park, and a charming downtown area full of restaurants and entertainment.
National Naval Aviation Museum – Pensacola, FL
A little farther from New Orleans, but totally worth the drive! This aviation museum features over 150 historic aircraft, plus live practice sessions from the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s elite flight squadron!
No matter what kind of adventure you’re in the mood for, there’s a perfect road trip waiting for you just a short drive from New Orleans.
What’s your favorite road trip destination? Let us know in the comments!
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