Planning an unbelievable journey to the Huge Simple and need to discover a few of the finest day journeys from New Orleans throughout your go to?
With extra unbelievable cities, cities, parks, and locations to go to you possibly can add on extra unbelievable locations to your wonderful New Orleans journey both as a day journey from New Orleans and even an in a single day journey. Most of our day journeys from New Orleans are only a few hours drive, however some are a bit longer.
We advocate planning accordingly and leaving early sufficient for those who plan on returning again to NOLA that night time, or you possibly can plan to take your time, and spend the night time earlier than returning dwelling.
We’ve included the approximate driving time and distance for every of those day journeys from New Orleans in addition to why these are nice choices for the place to go to along with your journey!
In the event you’re nonetheless planning your New Orleans actions take into account testing learn how to spend 3 days in New Orleans itinerary and the place to remain in New Orleans that will help you plan your journey.
New Orleans Day Journeys
1. Lafayette, Louisiana
~ 2 hours 10 minutes, 135 miles
Simply 2 hours from the town and an incredible day journey from New Orleans (however a world away), the town of Lafayette is the place to go to find the guts of Louisiana’s Acadiana, or Cajun, tradition.
From the distinctive native Cajun meals, historic sights, marshy panorama, and rowdy Zydeco dance halls, there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Lafayette.
To find Lafayette’s fascinating Cajun historical past, head to Vermilionville and Acadian Village. Each are fascinating glimpses into the French Canadian exiles who carved their dwelling within the swamps of Louisiana within the mid-1700s.
And a visit to Avery Island, the house of the McIlhenny household and their well-known TABASCO sizzling sauce (however extra on that later) is a should for a tour, and to discover the close by Jungle Gardens.
For foodies, there’s quite a bit to like about Lafayette with its distinctive native delicacies like po’boys, fried catfish, shrimp etoufee, and all issues boudin. Prejean’s and The French Press do some killer Cajun specialties.
Like New Orleans, Lafayette shares a love of merriment and dance, so try one in all a dozen or so spirited dance halls, attempt your hand at dancing to zydeco music, and uncover the true coronary heart of Cajun tradition!
Contributed by Lori of Travlin Mad
2. Tabasco Manufacturing facility Tour on Avery Island
~ 2 hours 20 minutes, 137 miles
Louisiana’s fashionable meals historical past is all about spice and taste, which brings us to among the best New Orleans day journeys positioned in Lafayette.
One of the fashionable sizzling sauces in Louisiana and most well-known on this planet is Tabasco sauce. The Tabasco Model Manufacturing facility is positioned slightly over two hours drive from New Orleans on Avery Island, the place it has been made for over 150 years.
On-site you possibly can dine at their restaurant, go to the present store for all issues Tabasco and even take a tour of the manufacturing unit and museum.
On the tour learn the way this well-known sizzling sauce is comprised of seeing the peppers rising within the greenhouse, to seeing hundreds of barrels of sauce being aged all the best way as much as the bottling course of.
You can even be taught concerning the 5 generations of the McIlhenny household which have grown this sizzling sauce into an empire being bought in 195 international locations all over the world.
On the 1868 restaurant attempt Tabasco rooster poppers, Avery Island purple beans and sausage and even a slice of Tabasco cake for dessert.
Contributed by Cailin of Journey Your self
3. Honey Island Swamp Tour in Louisiana
~ 50 minutes, 38 miles
One of many shorter day journeys from New Orleans that’s good for anybody desirous to discover past the town however not get too far-off is the Honey Island Swamp tour.
You’ll get to expertise the distinctive biodiversity and wildlife of the Louisana swamps and bayous when you embark on this distinctive tour of the swamps.
Expertise slim slews, Cajun villages on the water, and all of the wildlife together with tons of alligator sightings, birds, bugs, and even wild pigs!
This ended up being one in all our favourite issues to do in New Orleans as a result of the swamps have been by some means calmingly lovely and all of the wildlife we encountered was thrilling! It truly is in contrast to another place we’ve ever been in america.
In the event you don’t need to drive your self to today journey from New Orleans, you possibly can e-book the Honey Island Swamp Tour that gives you your tour ticket, information, and every thing you want prematurely selecting you up and dropping you off within the French Quarter lasting a complete 4 hours earlier than returning.
This is only one of many wonderful excursions in New Orleans to take a look at.
4. Infinity Science Middle in Mississippi
~ 52 minutes, 45 miles
One other nice day journey from New Orleans for those who’re on the lookout for one thing not too far-off however really distinctive is visiting the Infinity Science Middle in Mississippi. Just below an hour away from the guts of New Orleans, you possibly can be taught all about area, earth, and science packages on this wonderful science middle and museum!
In addition to being an immersive area and science museum, that is additionally the official customer middle for the NASA Stennis Area Middle, a rocket testing facility.
This New Orleans day journey is enjoyable and academic for folks of all ages and nice for households, or simply adults too!
Be taught concerning the totally different discoveries on earth to area from reveals just like the Hurrican Prediction Lab, Carnivorous Vegetation Conservatory educating you all about meat-eating vegetation, the child’s exhibit Huge Blue Blocks which teaches engineering, to the out of doors Biome Boardwalk that takes you thru totally different pure habitats, plus extra!
There are additionally different artifacts and reveals right here that includes previous area missions.
5. Natchitoches, Louisana
~ 4 hours 10 minutes, 259 miles
An incredible day journey from New Orleans, or an in a single day journey, is the quaint city of Natchitoches. This city is an authentic French colony in Louisiana, and in addition the oldest settlement within the Louisiana Buy.
Established in 1714, Natchitoches nonetheless retains a European taste. The Nationwide Historic Landmark District contains French Creole townhouses, a Basilica with fairly stained-glass home windows – there’s each Creole and Catholic tradition right here.
Cease on the Nineteenth-century Kaffie-Frederick Normal Mercantile, the town’s oldest normal retailer that’s nonetheless run by the identical household for 3 generations, you may discover some trinkets and treasures. The entire city has a nostalgic allure about it.
Cane River Nationwide Heritage Space and the Natchitoches Historic District Growth Fee provide a free guided strolling tour of the Natchitoches Nationwide Historic Landmark District.
You’ll be able to be taught concerning the Cane River area previous to Europeans, the French & Spanish colonial interval and all concerning the antebellum plantation tradition. The excursions are family-friendly and run Tuesday by means of Saturday starting on the Natchitoches Guests Bureau positioned at 780 Entrance Road.
You’ll be able to simply spend a weekend at Natchitoches however we have been on our approach to New Orleans and solely spent a couple of hours on the town, you can even simply make this a day journey from New Orleans for those who go away actually early or an in a single day journey taking your time and making different stops alongside the best way.
Be sure to attempt the meat pie when you are there, a fried pie shell full of minced meat, sometimes a mix of beef and pork. Certainly one of my favourite stops was on the Beau Jardin, a phenomenal backyard with water options within the historic downtown space positioned on banks of the Cane River.
Contributed by Priya of Exterior Suburbia
6. De Soto Nationwide Forest
2 hours, 121 miles
One of the unbelievable and finest day journeys from New Orleans to expertise the good outside and much more distinctive biodiversity within the area is De Soto Nationwide Forest simply two hours away from New Orleans.
Named after the Sixteenth-century Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, you will discover a few of the most original of pine forests within the US proper right here in Southern Mississippi.
House to a few of the solely present and surviving longleaf pine savannas, pine flatwoods, and longleaf pine forests that are protected as most of any such ecosystem has been utterly misplaced within the nation and are thought of endangered.
In addition to vegetation, there are additionally endangered animals in De Soto Nationwide Forest together with gopher tortoises, gopher frogs, and carnivorous vegetation.
You are able to do something from mountaineering, tenting, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, to chicken watching right here.
7. The Cities of Coastal Mississippi
varied cities, roughly 1 hour half-hour drive, 95 miles
Coastal Mississippi is a good day journey from New Orleans. Whereas most individuals drive instantly between New Orleans and Cellular, those that enterprise south of I-10 will uncover the exceptional Secret Coast (as Mississippi Gulf Coast now calls itself). And what a secret it’s.
Bay St Louis is barely an hour from the French Quarter and locals name it “the place New Orleans goes for trip.” Maybe nowhere else within the US are you able to drive lengthy stretches and see nothing out your window besides water and sugar sand.
There’s an ample quantity of FREE beachfront parking that begs so that you can cease OFTEN and let your toes discover that clear and smooth sand. Do it!
Biloxi is the seafood capital of America and you could attempt Gulf shrimp in your Coastal Mississippi highway journey—attempt a bahn mi po boy from Le Bakery Cafe or shrimp and grits from White Pillars.
Enable time to savor Ocean Springs, one of the crucial romantic cities alongside the US Gulf Coast. Stroll downtown among the many magnificent dwell oaks, go to the extraordinary (and hidden gem) Walter Anderson Artwork Museum, deal with your self to dinner at Vestige.
Ought to you end up in Pascagoula—the birthplace of Jimmy Buffett—go to the Pascagoula River Audubon Middle and discover the most important pure free-flowing river within the decrease 48 states.
However no matter you do in Coastal Mississippi, be sure to are on a seashore for an distinctive sundown.
Contributed by Charles of McCool Journey
8. Lake Pontchartrain at Fontainebleau State Park
30-50 minutes, 27-39 miles
One other one of the crucial accessible and simple to get to and among the best day journeys from New Orleans is Lake Pontchartrain at Fontainebleau State Park simply exterior of the town.
Escape to the most important inland physique of water within the state of Louisiana related to the Gulf of Mexico, bayous, and rivers. Although the identify is Lake Pontchartrain, it’s really not a lake however an estuary, or a tidal mouth of a river.
Make sure to drive throughout the longest bridge over water on this planet stretching 23 miles in size often called The Causeway Bridge. It takes round 50 minutes to cross all the bridge by automotive!
You could find many unbelievable issues to do at Lake Pontchartrain from boating, biking, fishing, procuring, consuming recent seafood at native eating places, go to the Nationwide World Struggle II Museum, or the New Canal Lighthouse Museum to call a couple of!
There’s even a on line casino right here. If you end up desirous to spend greater than only a day journey from New Orleans right here we advocate spending the night time and staying within the overwater cabins in Fontainebleau State Park that are as magical as they appear.
You’ll be able to learn extra about them in our cabin getaways within the US information.
9. Abita Springs, Louisiana
55 minutes, 45 miles
One other good spot to discover and day journey from New Orleans is Abita Springs, Louisiana. This could simply be mixed with or achieved by itself with Lake Pontchartrain and Fontainebleau State Park.
Attending to Abita Springs from New Orleans you’ll get to cross the world’s longest bridge over water in that runs 23 miles lengthy often called The Causeway Bridge already talked about above over Lake Pontchartrain.
When you get to Abita Springs you possibly can’t miss Abita Brewery which is understood for its beer which makes use of the well-known artesian water from Abita Spring. The brewery is the most important and oldest in all of Louisiana as effectively.
This lovely city has a quaint and charming major road to wander down, bike leases so you possibly can experience alongside the Tammany Hint, and naturally, you possibly can’t go away with out attempting their well-known water and beer.
10. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
1 hour half-hour – 2 hours, 98 miles
One other wonderful New Orleans day journey just below two hours up the Mississippi River lies Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana.
It’s right here the place southern allure mixes with cajun and creole tradition leading to a city that’s equal components custom and leading edge.
Similar to New Orleans, you’ll discover some wonderful meals right here, starting from boudin and oysters to catfish and collard greens. If in case you have only one meal in Baton Rouge make it Elsie’s Plate and Pie (their s’mores pie is to die for!).
As Louisiana’s state capital, Baton Rouge is dwelling to not only one, however two state capital buildings. The Previous State Capital is a Gothic fortress overlooking the Mississippi River with a whimsically colourful inside.
A couple of blocks away the New State Capitol options lovely artwork deco structure and at 450 toes excessive is the tallest state capital constructing within the nation.
Contributed by Brianna of Informal Travelist
11. Fishing at Plaquemines Parish
1 hour 25 minutes, 66 miles
Probably the greatest day journeys from New Orleans is simply exterior the town middle in Plaquemines Parish, the peninsula that runs alongside each side of the Mississippi River the place it flows into the Gulf of Mexico.
Situated on the southeast border and fringe of New Orleans, this space is taken into account extra like a county and is kind of unfold out. This space can be the situation the place a few of the worse and most catastrophic injury from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
With over tons of of miles of shoreline, and almost 80 recent and saltwater lakes due to its location to the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River, and wetlands, Plaquemines Parish is named a world-class fishing vacation spot with giant quantities of each recent and saltwater fish.
In addition to fishing, there are additionally different actions to do right here together with visiting historic landmarks like Fort Jackson, a Civil Struggle fort.
12. Cellular, Alabama
2 hours quarter-hour, 145 miles
One other incredible day journey from New Orleans is Cellular, Alabama. You could be shocked to seek out that Cellular has many similarities with New Orleans, however in a smaller, extra family-friendly bundle and is simply over a two hour drive away making it very accessible to go to from New Orleans!
Though it’s now a part of the state of Alabama, it was the unique capital of French Louisiana. Thus, along with the stately antebellum mansions, you’ll additionally see brick buildings with wrought-iron balconies paying homage to the structure in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
And the locals will proudly let you know that the Mardi Gras celebrations held right here yearly are the oldest in america!
Actually, it was a Mobilian who introduced the custom to New Orleans. Parades and masked balls are held over a two-week interval main as much as Lent.
The Mardi Gras celebrations in Cellular are fashionable with native kids in addition to adults and will not be as raucous as the road events in NOLA.
One other fashionable occasion is the Azalea Path Pageant, which takes place in mid-March when pink and white azalea flowers bloom throughout city.
Senior women from native excessive colleges gown up in frilly, pastel-colored hoop skirts and welcome guests with their quintessential Southern hospitality.
Even for those who can’t make it for both of those native festivals, you possibly can take pleasure in Cellular’s scrumptious eating places, historic mansions and exquisite seashores at any time of yr.
Contributed by Wendy Werneth of The Nomadic Vegan
13. Grand Isle State Park
2 hours quarter-hour, 110 miles
Be aware: Grand Isle State Park is briefly closed on account of injury from Hurricane Ida, make sure to test to see the standing of the park earlier than visiting to make sure it’s reopened earlier than visiting.
One other among the best day journeys from New Orleans is Grand Isle State Park on Grand Isle in Louisiana. Situated on a barrier island that was significantly broken and destroyed throughout 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, you possibly can assist by visiting the renovated and restored seashores and park as their efforts of rebuilding proceed.
One other tragedy that happened right here brought on the seashore to shut in 2010 on account of oil contamination and spillage from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Volunteers labored relentlessly to get the seashore again open only a yr later in addition to plant extra mangrove bushes and different efforts to assist shield the biodiversity and pure magnificence right here.
Get pleasure from kayaking, fishing, beachcombing, boating, chicken watching, wildlife recognizing, and tenting right here. Additionally, make sure to go to the 2 major piers.
In the event you’re into ghosts and the supernatural you’ll be excited to listen to that Grand Isle State Park is taken into account one of the crucial haunted locations within the US together with America’s Most Haunted Seaside. Simply concentrate on that in case you lengthen your day journey from New Orleans to an in a single day one!
14. St. Francisville, Louisiana
2 hours quarter-hour, 112 miles
Probably the greatest day journeys from New Orleans heading to the north is the small city of St Francisville. Filled with historic houses, plantations, historic websites, and antebellum gardens this has grow to be a preferred highway journey cease within the area for its magnificence and historic landmarks.
You’ll discover that the city has an artsy really feel to it with some cute outlets, attractive previous houses, cafes, and different historic buildings.
In addition to an cute downtown, you can even discover some nice out of doors actions to do right here together with trails within the Tunica Hills Wildlife Administration Space. You’ll be able to hike, bike, or horseback using to some unbelievable viewpoints.
One other notable attraction on this day journey from New Orleans is Imahara’s Botanical Backyard, a personal assortment of uncommon vegetation, flowers, and bushes together with their very own mini Mount Fuji and man-made ponds.
15. Whitney Plantation
55 minutes, 46 miles
New Orleans is a well-liked vacation spot and for superb causes – Bourbon Road, Cajun meals, lovely structure, and a lot fascinating historical past. When you might go to New Orleans with out ever needing a automotive, there are many nice day journeys from New Orleans exterior of the town middle.
Visiting New Orleans, or Louisiana on the whole, ought to by no means be with out studying extra concerning the historical past – together with the darkish facet. Plantation excursions have lengthy been a vacationer attraction on many individuals’s want lists, however these are often concerning the “lovely” houses and never what the plantations actually have been – the place many, many individuals have been enslaved, tortured, and died.
There may be one exception although – the Whitney Plantation. This specific plantation has as an alternative taken the main focus off of the house and onto what it needs to be about – the individuals who unwillingly even made that dwelling potential.
The museum is dedicated to slavery within the Southern United States and is the one plantation advisable to go to. The Whitney Plantation is a somber expertise, however extremely necessary and price a day journey from New Orleans.
Contributed by Ashley from Wild-Hearted
16. Louisiana Northshore
45 minutes, 32 miles
One other wonderful New Orleans day journey is a brief drive from the guts of the French Quarter in New Orleans throughout the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway into Louisiana’s Northshore. The scenic drive on the causeway alone was well worth the journey.
In Louisiana Northshore, discover Madisonville, a cute little city stuffed with boutique outlets, an ideal bookstore and café, some nice eating places, and native bars. From there, we make your approach to Covington, the place you possibly can take pleasure in Excessive Tea within the English Room and flick thru their historic procuring district.
Journey seekers will love a pontoon boat tour with Louisiana Excursions & adventures on the Tchefuncte River, the place you possibly can admire the various alligators, birds, and wildlife. Plan your journey throughout sundown and get a spectacular picture of the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse because the sunsets.
Cyclists can lease bikes and comply with the Mandeville Trailhead, which runs by means of the communities of Louisiana Northshore, together with Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell.
Contributed by Sharon of Every day Dream 360
Did we miss any of the most effective New Orleans day journeys? Tell us within the feedback under! Bookmark for afterward Pinterest under!
Finest Day Journeys from New Orleans Abstract:
- Lafayette, Louisiana
- Tabasco Manufacturing facility Tour on Avery Island
- Honey Island Swamp Tour in Louisiana
- Infinity Science Middle in Mississippi
- Natchitoches, Louisiana
- De Soto Nationwide Forest in Mississippi
- Coastal Mississippi
- Lake Pontchartrain at Fontainebleau State Park
- Abita Springs, Louisiana
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Plaquemines Parish
- Cellular, Alabama
- Grand Isle State Park, Louisiana
- St. Francisville, Louisiana
- Whitney Plantation
- Louisiana Northshore
