Top 5 Scenic Day Trips from New Orleans

While the Crescent City’s joie de vivre makes for endless adventure, sometimes an escape from the hustle and bustle is in order. If you’re looking for a fun weekend or day trip from New Orleans, cities like Baton Rouge, Chalmette, Mandeville and Abita Springs inspire. If you're looking explore more of Louisiana, browse our byways.

Explore the Top 5 Most Exciting Day Trips from New Orleans:

1. Baton Rouge
2. St. Bernard Parish
3. The Northshore
4. Louisiana River Parishes
5. Jefferson Parish

1. Baton Rouge

1.5 hours from New Orleans | 82 miles 

Perhaps the top road trip from New Orleans, Louisiana’s capital city offers history, charm and outdoor adventure. Start at the Capitol Park Museum, where you can learn about everything from Mardi Gras to Louis Armstrong. See a 2,300 year-old mummy at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, or explore Louisiana’s Old State Capitol. Spot sweet foxes, deer and birds and the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center before cooling off with a Pale Ale or IPA at Tin Roof.

2. St. Bernard Parish

20 minutes from New Orleans | 9 miles 

Located in St. Bernard Parish just down river from New Orleans, Chalmette offers small-town charm and rich history. Start by exploring the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve: Chalmette Battlefield, where you can enjoy a self-guided tour around the premises, complete with Mississippi River views, before wandering St. Bernard State Park. Later, observe the Hurricane Katrina Memorial at Shell Beach before fishing along the Mighty Mississippi. When you're ready to fuel up, consider a steak from Brewster’s or a heaping plate of homemade mac and cheese at Rocky and Carlo's.

3. The Northshore

45 minutes from New Orleans | 36 miles 

The Northshore is one of the best day trips from New Orleans to take, not only for its proximity to the city, but for its picturesque waterfront views. Paddle down Cane Bayou, located between Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville and the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Lacombe. Rent a candy-colored bike from Brooks’ Bike Shop and glide through Old Mandeville — a historic community enveloped in charm. History lovers can explore the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum before grabbing a bite at Sal & Judy’s, a beloved Creole-Sicilian restaurant.

4. Louisiana River Parishes

1 hour from New Orleans | 53 miles

Stretching from the outskirts of the Big Easy down the Mighty Mississippi are the Louisiana River Parishes, where the innate beauty of Louisiana’s swamplands shine. Soar through forested greenspace at Zip NOLA in LaPlace; float down cypress-dotted marshlands with Swamp Adventures; and marvel at the sprawling, lush oaks of Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie. End the day with a long look at the Whitney Plantation, which tells the story of the South through the eyes of the formerly enslaved. Later, grab a bite of friend alligator sausage from Frenier Landing Restaurant; pillowy beignets from Chung's Heavenly Cafe; or a spicy link of sausage along the area’s tasty Andouille Trail.

5. Jefferson Parish

30 minutes from New Orleans | 108 miles

Known as New Orleans’ neighbor, Jefferson Parish is one of the top road trips from New Orleans travelers can take, largely due to Grand Isle — Louisiana’s premier beach destination. Stroll two miles of beaches with postcard-perfect views, walk nature trails or camp along the waterfront. Along Jean Lafitte Harbor, trap crabs and spy gators, or learn of the city’s long standing fishing legacy at Lafitte's Barataria Museum. Looking to spruce things up? Explore the Lakeside Shopping Center, the area’s premier destination for shopping. For dinner, sample famous charbroiled oysters from legendary Metairie restaurant Drago's — just one stop along the Louisiana Oyster Trail.

For more adventurous day trips and weekend getaways, journey through Louisiana’s byways.