Day-Trip Itinerary: Alexandria & Pineville

At a Glance 

• Alexandria and Pineville sit on opposite sides of the Red River in central Louisiana, forming a connected hub known for culture, history and outdoor recreation.
• Family attractions like the Alexandria Zoo and Gone Wild Safari make the region popular for all ages, while outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the Kisatchie National Forest.
• Key cultural stops include the Alexandria Museum of Art, Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum and Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site. 

Alexandria and the adjacent Pineville, just across the Red River, form a hub, combining elements of north and south Louisiana neighbors. Cajun bonhomie and an annual Mardi Gras celebration thrive among all the amenities of a modern Southern city. A robust sportsman's culture is nurtured by outdoor opportunities at Kisatchie National Forest, nearby bayous and manmade lakes.

Morning Activities and Attractions

Kent Plantation House

Kent Plantation House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is an authentic Creole plantation house built circa 1796 prior to the Louisiana Purchase. The plantation house is one of the oldest standing structures in the state of Louisiana.

Alexandria Zoological Park

Set off for adventure at Alexandria Zoo, Central Louisiana’s number one destination for wild family fun. Discover over 500 extraordinary animals representing more than 160 species from all over the world.

Wild Azalea Trail—Kisatchie National Forest

Did you know that there are over 150 miles of trails for hiking and backpacking a short drive from the Alexandria/Pineville Area? The Wild Azalea Trail is the longest continuous hiking trail in Louisiana at 26.2 miles long. This is also a popular spot with mountain bikers from all over. Learn more about the Kisatchie National Forest.

Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum

Built as a replica WWII barracks, the Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum houses memorabilia and artifacts from the WWII era, as well as WWI and earlier time periods. View life-size military vehicles, authentic military uniforms, and historic pieces from the home front. The museum is located on Camp Beauregard, an active military base. Over the course of training for WWII, Louisiana became the largest training site for over 472,000 soldiers.

Frogmore Plantation

Frogmore Plantation in Frogmore is a cotton plantation from the early 1800’s located just across the Mississippi River from Natchez, yet is still a working operation today. Visitors can learn about the contrasts between life on the farm in the Antebellum South and the modern cotton farming and ginning that occurs there today.

Lunch Options

Atwoods Bakery

Love a good sandwich? Savor chicken salad-stuffed croissants, cheesy French dips served in a crispy roll, bacon-studded pimento cheese stacks and more at Atwoods Bakery. This homestyle deli doubles as a bakery, so be sure to grab a scone, petit four or danish for the road. 

The Cottage Restaurant

The Cottage Restaurant features traditional, homestyle American lunch dishes, from stuffed hamburgers to cream of shrimp soup. It doesn't get much better than this!

Caro’s Authentic Mexican and Caribbean Cuisine

Experience some of the best flavors from Latin America at Caro’s. Their original recipes showcase the fresh ingredients and the rich spices and flavors found in this fusion of cuisine.

Afternoon Activities and Attractions

River Oaks Square Arts Center

The River Oaks Square Arts Center features visual arts and crafts in two facilities: the Bolton House (circa 1899) and the studio annex building. It is home to more than 30 resident artists with a combination of activities including workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and special events. Artists’ wares can be purchased in the gift shop.

Alexandria Museum of Art

The Alexandria Museum of Art is the centerpiece of Alexandria’s river front, situated on the entire 900 block of Second Street. Through its exhibition program of an ever-changing array of collections on loan from around the world, its extensive permanent collection of contemporary Louisiana art and the state’s largest collection of North Louisiana Folk Art, AMoA entices visitors of diverse tastes.

Gone Wild Safari

Gone Wild Safari is home to hundreds of exotic animals! Take an exciting safari ride and explore this amazing wildlife preserve with many roaming freely in habitats much like you would find them in the wild!

Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site

Located on Red River in downtown Pineville, the Forts Randolph and Buhlow Historic Site includes a visitor center with exhibits on the Civil War Red River Campaign, an elevated boardwalk around the fort area, with an overlook near Bailey’s Dam site, and an open field for Civil War re-enactments.

Dinner Options

Tunk’s Cypress Inn and Oyster Bar

Located right on Lake Kincaid, Tunk’s Cypress Inn and Oyster Bar offers delicious food, rustic atmosphere and epic views. Home to an extensive seafood collection, Tunk's Oyster Bar is the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day. Whether it's on the half-shell or deep-fried to a golden brown, Tunk's oysters are sure to please.

The Diamond Grill

The Diamond Grill serves up prime steaks, fresh seafood, local produce and more. Its location is quite convenient, as it's walking distance from prime attractions such as The Hotel Bentley, Alexandria Museum of Arts and Alexandria riverfront. 

Spirits Food & Friends

Spirits Food & Friends has an extensive menu, sure to please everyone in your party. Spirits sources the freshest and highest quality product, working with local suppliers and farms, so you're sure to get quality food along with a quality experience.

Still looking for more ideas about things to do in the surrounding Alexandria area? Watch this interactive video where you can choose your adventure throughout Kisatchie National Forest and visit Tunk's for an oyster!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Alexandria, Louisiana worth visiting for a day?

 Yes, Alexandria is a convenient central Louisiana destination known for its mix of history, outdoor recreation and cultural attractions. Visitors can experience museums, historic homes, wildlife attractions and nearby natural areas like Kisatchie National Forest, all within a short driving distance. 

How far apart are Alexandria and Pineville? 

Alexandria and Pineville sit directly across the Red River from each other and are connected by several bridges. The drive between downtown areas typically takes only a few minutes, making it easy to explore both cities in a single trip. 

What are the must-see museums in Alexandria and Pineville? 

Top museums include the Alexandria Museum of Art, which features regional and national exhibits, and the Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum in Pineville, which highlights Louisiana’s role in World War II military training. These attractions showcase both cultural and military history in the region. 

What are the best family-friendly activities in Alexandria and Pineville? 

Families can visit the Alexandria Zoo, explore interactive exhibits at local museums, take a safari-style experience at nearby wildlife parks and enjoy outdoor spaces like Buhlow Lake and Kisatchie National Forest. The area offers a mix of education, nature and hands-on experiences for all ages. 

What is the best time of year to visit Alexandria and Pineville? 

Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for visiting, with milder temperatures that are ideal for outdoor activities, walking tours and exploring parks and historic sites. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild. 

What are the best outdoor activities near Alexandria and Pineville? 

Top outdoor activities include hiking and biking in Kisatchie National Forest, fishing and boating at Buhlow Lake, and exploring scenic trails such as the Wild Azalea Trail. The region also offers wildlife viewing, camping and nature photography opportunities.