Here in the south, we don’t get those beautiful splashes of color during the fall like our northern friends do. But we still have some downright delightful places you should visit in the fall, if you know where to look. New Orleans is beautiful year-round, but there’s certainly something special about spending some time outdoors when the air is crisp and the bugs are at bay. Here are 6 of the most beautiful fall destinations near New Orleans that you’ll want to check out this year. For peak fall foliage, you'll want to time your visits towards the beginning or middle of November, so mark those calendars!
Conveniently located in Livingston Parish, Tickfaw State Park is an easy drive from both New Orleans and Baton Rouge, making it one of Louisiana’s most popular state parks. With over 1,200 acres to explore, Tickfaw State Park is truly magical this time of year.
Rolling hills, boardwalk trails, and scnic river views await you at Bogue Chitto State Park. When the leaves begin to change, the treeline becomes a rustic beauty that will have you seeing Louisiana's wetlands in a whole new light.
Located just across the Causeway, the Northlake Nature Center is great for families with kids of all ages. The boardwalk trails will take you on an incredibly scenic journey through the marshes, bayous, and forested areas around this little St. Tammany Parish gem.
It’s about a 2.5 hour drive from New Orleans, but it’s worth every mile. The trails at the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area have some of the most unique terrain around, and the colors in the fall just add to the magic of it all.
City Park is beautiful year-round, but there's something so lovely about spending your day under the shade of a beautiful oak tree when the weather is just cold enough so you need a light jacket.
For nature lovers, there's no better spot near New Orleans than Fontainebleau State Park. There are several trails that will take you throughout the park's marshy areas, plus you'll get to see the remains of the old sugar mill, a unique historic attraction at this delightful park.
The new year often brings about feelings of exploration, and the yearning to try new things and explore the must-visit places in New Orleans. Why not combine the two and have your next year filled with memorable day trips in NOLA? We've got some incredible places to explore in New Orleans peppered throughout southeastern Louisiana that you'll want to mark on your calendars. All of these attractions are within a 3-hour driving distance, making them the best day trips in New Orleans.
The Tammany Trace is Louisiana’s only rail-to-trail conversion, and boy is it a stunner. The 30+ mile trail will take you through five towns in St. Tammany Parish: Abita Springs, Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, and Lacombe. You can start or stop your journey at any of the trailheads, and the paved trail makes it great for bikers and rollerbladers, too. There’s also an equestrian trail that runs parallel to some parts of the trail, so you can bring along your gentle giant for an epic adventure through St. Tammany Parish. Follow along on a bike ride along Tammany Trace:
Houma is just about a 90-minute drive from the city and is ideal for anyone looking for a change of scenery. On February 25th, 2023, the annual Houma Cast Iron Cookoff returns to downtown Houma, and you won’t want to miss it. Over 40 teams will be out cooking some of their best dishes in their cast iron cookware, and you can taste everything and cast your vote for your favorite. There will be live music, games, booze, and more, so be sure to mark your calendars. Take a drive through the quaint town of Houma:
3. March: Explore Baton Rouge and all our state’s capital has to offer
Baton Rouge truly features something for everyone. Downtown Baton Rouge is easily walkable and is peppered with dozens of delicious restaurants, historic buildings, and unique architecture. Take a tour of the Old State Capitol, climb aboard the USS Kidd, or just walk along the river and take in the beautiful views of the Mighty Mississippi.
4. April: Get lost in the swamps and bayous of Barataria Preserve
Barataria Preserve is less than an hour away from New Orleans, but you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world. The boardwalk and gravel trails will lead you on an emerald adventure through the preserve’s 30,000 acres of swamps, bayous, and forests. April is a great time of year to hit the trails at Barataria because it’s usually not that hot, the bugs are at bay, and you’ll still have an opportunity to see tons of wildlife including alligators, turtles, snakes, and birds. Take a stroll along the boardwalks in Barataria Preserve:
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5. May: Sample endless jambalaya at the annual Jambalaya Festival in Gonzales
Gonzales is known as the "Jambalaya Capital of the World" and for good reason. The Jambalaya Festival returns for its 56th year May 26-28, 2023, and this year promises to be its best one yet. The three-day festival is jam-packed with local music, a carnival, cooking demonstrations, a car show, and of course, endless amounts of jambalaya made by some of the best chefs in the state.
6. June: Take a scenic drive down historic River Road
The Greater River Road area between New Orleans and Louisiana is peppered with history and scenic views. The 70-mile stretch is home to several historic plantations, like the Destrehan Plantation, San Francisco Plantation, Laura Plantation, Houmas House Plantation, and perhaps the most iconic, Oak Alley Plantation. For a picture-perfect day, stop off at any of these plantations along your drive to learn more about each of these plantations, take a tour, and maybe eat some lunch.
7. July: Experience the Tarpon Rodeo at Grand Isle
Every year, thousands of people head down to Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island to take part in our nation’s oldest fishing tournament, the International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. The dates for 2023 have yet to be released, but the event typically takes place in July, and even if you’re not a fisherman, it’s worth the road trip. Grand Isle also features several miles of beautiful beaches you can sink your toes into, as well as a state park that’s perfect for nature walks and birdwatching.
8. August: Visit the most haunted plantation in the country in St. Francisville
St. Francisville is a sleepy little town just north of Baton Rouge with a historic plantation that might just make you sleep with the lights on after your visit. The Myrtles Plantation is known for being the most haunted home in the United States, and if you dare, you can rent a room and spend the night.
Home to Tabasco Hot Sauce, Avery Island is a picturesque little salt dome in Iberia Parish. Take a tour of the Tabasco factory to learn how this iconic little bottle gets made, and then be sure to pop into the restaurant where you can feast on delicious Cajun and Creole dishes, spiced up with that famous little bottle. Afterward, take a casual stroll through the Jungle Gardens, an expansive botanical garden, and be sure to check out Bird City, home to countless egrets, herons, and other migratory birds.
10. October: Watch a mesmerizing sunset at Cypremort Point State Park
Cypremort Point State Park is about a 2.5-hour drive away, but the sunset views will make it all worth it. This tiny but mighty state park is nestled against Vermilion Bay, making it an ideal spot for anyone looking to fish either from their own boat or the pier. After you’ve reeled in your catches for the day, take a seat on the little stretch of beach and be prepared to watch one of the most mesmerizing sunsets of your life.
Tunica Hills WMA is a nature lover’s paradise. The wildlife area offers horseback riding, hiking, and biking trails that will lead you on an incredible journey. The rolling hills and varied terrain will have you second-guessing if you’re still in Louisiana, and if you do cross over to Mississippi, you’ll be treated to a rare site: a waterfall! The Clark Creek Natural Area isn’t far from Tunica Hills, and the opportunity to see the Clark Creek Waterfall is worth the extra effort.
12. December: Shop 'til you drop at the Denham Springs Antique Village
As December rolls around, you’ll probably be in holiday shopping mode, and the Denham Springs Antique Village is just the spot to get all of your holiday shopping done. Located in the heart of Denham Springs on North Range Avenue, the village features dozens of antique shops, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
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Have you been to any of the locations of the best day trips in New Orleans? Planning on taking any of these day trips? Let us know in the comments! When you come exploring, check out some of the unique places to stay in New Orleans.
Are you looking for a getaway in the New Orleans area? All of these destinations are just a few hours away but will make you feel like you are traveling to a different world. We think you are going to love going on these adventures. Without further ado, here are eight of the very best day trips near New Orleans you can take. (Click on the captions to learn more information about each spot!)
Who doesn't enjoy a cold Abita brew after a long day? If you can't get enough of all the awesome beer brewed here, you'll love the tour. Learning about all of the ways this beer is created is a truly special experience! You can also take some time to enjoy the town of Abita Springs. It's one of the most unique things to do near New Orleans.
Less than 2.5 hours away, you will feel like you are in a whole new landscape. Waterfalls near New Orleans?? You have to see it to believe it. And the waterfalls here are beautiful. In fact, Clark Creek Natural Area is one of the most beautiful day trip spots near New Orleans.
Head on out down LA-1 as you follow the river to one of the only remaining barrier islands in Louisiana. You will see some amazing sunsets and eat some great seafood one of the most perfect day trips near New Orleans.
Without a doubt, this is the most important plantation tour you can take in the New Orleans area. It focuses on the lives of the slaves that lived here, giving you a perspective on history that you simply won't get anywhere else. And the art and memorials here are truly beautiful.
Alabama's barrier island also makes for one of the most beautiful day trips near New Orleans. Some really awesome museums are also found here. You will love the beaches as well.
Spend a gorgeous day on the river. As you sip on beer and slowly float down the Bogue Chitto, your worries will feel a million miles away. And it's a great way to enjoy a group adventure! Take either a two- or four-hour tour. It will be one of the most memorable day trips near New Orleans you can take.
Are you looking for a beautiful way to enjoy an afternoon? Right over in Slidell, a beautiful swamp is waiting for your enjoyment. You will love the beauty you could find here as well as the wildlife. It's one of the best day trips near New Orleans.
One of the most talented artists of the Gulf South, you will love the beautiful art of Walter Anderson. This museum is full of his amazing artworks. Ocean Springs is a really sweet town to explore as well, so make sure you plan enough time to see it all. It's one of the most charming getaway spots near New Orleans.
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How many of these awesome best day trips near New Orleans have you taken? Do you have a favorite one? Let us know where you like to go in the comments. All of your feedback is really important to us!
