Louisiana is full of beautiful little hidden gems that are just waiting to be explored. Some of the most beautiful places in Louisiana might be less than 20 minutes from where you live, and all you need to do is hop in the car to see them. These 8 sensational spots in Louisiana are like little pockets of paradise, perfect for when you need a break from it all.
- Lake Martin
Michael McCarthy/Flickr For beautiful swamp views, nothing compares to Lake Martin. Located in the heart of Cajun Country in Breaux Bridge, Lake Martin is part of the Cypress Island Nature Preserve. Not only is it home to one of the largest nesting colonies for water birds in the state, but it’s also home to countless alligators, nutria, snakes, and turtles. Take a stroll down the nature trail or drive down Rookery Road for the best views, or bring your kayak and see the lake from an entirely new perspective. Learn more about Lake Martin in our previous article here.
Address: 1209 Rookery Road, Breaux Bridge, LA, 70517
- Barataria Preserve
Jackie Ann/Flickr For a truly immersive experience, a trip to Barataria Preserve is an absolute must. There are several boardwalk and gravel trails that will take you through the preserve’s 23,000 acres while offering stunning bayou, swamp, marsh, and forest views. Learn more about Barataria Preserve in our previous article here.
Address: 6588 Barataria Boulevard, Marrero, LA, 70072
- Louisiana State Arboretum
Louisiana State Arboretum/Facebook Established in 1961, the Louisiana State Arboretum was the first state-supported arboretum in the country. Since it’s beginnings, the arboretum has grown to a 600-acre preserve with more than six miles of hiking trails to explore. The 6,000-square foot nature center is a great pit stop for families with little ones and offers several interactive exhibits. Learn more about this beautiful arboretum in our previous article here.
Address: 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA, 70586
- Kiroli Park
Kiroli Park/Facebook If you live in the West Monroe area, then you know how beautiful Kiroli Park is. This 150-acre public park has it all: playgrounds, nature trails, fishing ponds, a hammock village, and so much more. One thing is for sure: a trip to Kiroli Park never disappoints. To learn more about Kiroli Park, check out our previous article here.
Address: 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe, LA, 71291
- Cypremort Point State Park
Cypremort Point State Park/Facebook Nestled along Vermilion Bay, Cypremort Point State Park offers something for everyone. From sailing to swimming, you can do it all at this underrated state park. The sunsets are truly spectacular, so be sure to stick around till dusk to watch the sun set over the water. Learn more about Cypremort Point State Park in our previous article here.
Address: 306 Beach Lane, Cypremort Point, LA, 70538
- Grand Isle
Billy Metcalf Photography/Flickr For a relaxing getaway, Grand Isle is just the ticket. Sink your toes in the sand, take a stroll along the seven miles of public beaches, or bring your gear and drop a line from the 400-foot fishing pier over at Grand Isle State Park. Whatever you decide to do in this beautiful little barrier island, you’ll feel like you’ve slipped away to paradise. Learn more about Grand Isle, including camping opportunities, in our previous article here.
- Driskill Mountain
Thomas Marceaux/All Trails That’s right, we do indeed have an adorable little mountain. Measuring in at 535 feet, Driskill Mountain is the highest natural summit in Louisiana, and there’s a trail that will take you straight to the top. From the top, you’ll have a lovely view of the surrounding area. Learn more about Driskill Mountain in our previous article here.
- Fontainebleau State Park
Frequent Traveler/Trip Advisor One of the most popular state parks in southeastern Louisiana is Fontainebleau State Park and for good reason. Nestled up on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, the waterfront views are absolutely mesmerizing. There’s a sandy little beach to sit back and relax on, several playgrounds for the kids, and a few nature trails that will take you on a journey through multiple ecosystems. Learn more about this beautiful state park in our previous article here.
Address: 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA, 70471
How many of these little pockets of paradise have you been to? Let us know in the comments below!
Michael McCarthy/Flickr
For beautiful swamp views, nothing compares to Lake Martin. Located in the heart of Cajun Country in Breaux Bridge, Lake Martin is part of the Cypress Island Nature Preserve. Not only is it home to one of the largest nesting colonies for water birds in the state, but it’s also home to countless alligators, nutria, snakes, and turtles. Take a stroll down the nature trail or drive down Rookery Road for the best views, or bring your kayak and see the lake from an entirely new perspective. Learn more about Lake Martin in our previous article here.
Address: 1209 Rookery Road, Breaux Bridge, LA, 70517
Jackie Ann/Flickr
For a truly immersive experience, a trip to Barataria Preserve is an absolute must. There are several boardwalk and gravel trails that will take you through the preserve’s 23,000 acres while offering stunning bayou, swamp, marsh, and forest views. Learn more about Barataria Preserve in our previous article here.
Address: 6588 Barataria Boulevard, Marrero, LA, 70072
Louisiana State Arboretum/Facebook
Established in 1961, the Louisiana State Arboretum was the first state-supported arboretum in the country. Since it’s beginnings, the arboretum has grown to a 600-acre preserve with more than six miles of hiking trails to explore. The 6,000-square foot nature center is a great pit stop for families with little ones and offers several interactive exhibits. Learn more about this beautiful arboretum in our previous article here.
Address: 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA, 70586
Kiroli Park/Facebook
If you live in the West Monroe area, then you know how beautiful Kiroli Park is. This 150-acre public park has it all: playgrounds, nature trails, fishing ponds, a hammock village, and so much more. One thing is for sure: a trip to Kiroli Park never disappoints. To learn more about Kiroli Park, check out our previous article here.
Address: 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe, LA, 71291
Cypremort Point State Park/Facebook
Nestled along Vermilion Bay, Cypremort Point State Park offers something for everyone. From sailing to swimming, you can do it all at this underrated state park. The sunsets are truly spectacular, so be sure to stick around till dusk to watch the sun set over the water. Learn more about Cypremort Point State Park in our previous article here.
Address: 306 Beach Lane, Cypremort Point, LA, 70538
Billy Metcalf Photography/Flickr
For a relaxing getaway, Grand Isle is just the ticket. Sink your toes in the sand, take a stroll along the seven miles of public beaches, or bring your gear and drop a line from the 400-foot fishing pier over at Grand Isle State Park. Whatever you decide to do in this beautiful little barrier island, you’ll feel like you’ve slipped away to paradise. Learn more about Grand Isle, including camping opportunities, in our previous article here.
Thomas Marceaux/All Trails
That’s right, we do indeed have an adorable little mountain. Measuring in at 535 feet, Driskill Mountain is the highest natural summit in Louisiana, and there’s a trail that will take you straight to the top. From the top, you’ll have a lovely view of the surrounding area. Learn more about Driskill Mountain in our previous article here.
Frequent Traveler/Trip Advisor
One of the most popular state parks in southeastern Louisiana is Fontainebleau State Park and for good reason. Nestled up on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, the waterfront views are absolutely mesmerizing. There’s a sandy little beach to sit back and relax on, several playgrounds for the kids, and a few nature trails that will take you on a journey through multiple ecosystems. Learn more about this beautiful state park in our previous article here.
Address: 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA, 70471
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