Unforgettable Louisiana Experiences: New Orleans to the Great Outdoors

Louisiana is a destination unlike any other. Throughout the state, you’ll find warm and friendly people, endless outdoor adventure and a rich cultural tapestry reflected in its festivals, food and music. And with over 11,000 kilometers of waterfront and 21 state parks, it’s no wonder Louisiana is known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise.” Start your trip in New Orleans and enjoy its lively music scene, world-class museums and delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine. Outside the city, get ready for epic adventures like airboat rides through the bayou, deep-sea fishing, hiking, unmatched bird-watching or glamping in a rustic but fully outfitted cabin.

Memorable Adventures On and Off the Water in St. Tammany Parish

On the Northshore of New Orleans, across Lake Pontchartrain’s impressive 1,630-square-kilometer expanse, sits St. Tammany Parish. An adventurer’s paradise, it’s known for the Tammany Trace biking and walking path, Tchefuncte River Lighthouse and two waterfront state parks: Fontainebleau and Fairview-Riverside. After exploring these can’t-miss destinations, make your way to Honey Island Swamp for a guided tour through 280 hectares of cypress swamp teeming with wildlife like eagles, egrets, alligators and nutria. End the day enjoying the diverse culinary scenes and vibrant shopping districts of St. Tammany Parish’s charming, walkable towns like Covington, Slidell and Mandeville. 

Bayou Hiking and River Cruising in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, the bustling capital of Louisiana, blends historical landmarks, chef-driven dining establishments and an ever-growing arts scene. While you should absolutely take the time to explore the city’s exciting neighborhoods by bike or foot, no trip to Baton Rouge would be complete without some time in nature. Take a sunset cruise along the Mississippi River on a vintage paddlewheel boat, grab your clubs and choose from over 30 premier golf courses, or hike one of Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center’s hauntingly beautiful nature trails. There’s something for everyone in this lively south Louisiana city.

Cajun Country Comes Alive in Lafayette

Head an hour southwest from Baton Rouge to Lafayette, the heart of Cajun country. Take a breathtaking airboat tour of the Atchafalaya Basin, the USA’s largest river swamp, or explore Lake Martin and the Vermillion River by kayak or canoe. You won’t soon forget their breathtaking cypress tree canopies, sun-dappled mist and birdsong echoing through the trees. Spring brings dozens of outdoor festivals and events to Lafayette, including Cycle Zydeco, the Zydeco Marathon and the Vermillion Voyage – a three-day, 80-kilometer paddle down the Bayou Vermillion. Before dinner, stroll Lafayette’s charming neighborhoods and green spaces lined with ancient oaks. 

Water Adventure and Fun Festivals in Lake Charles

Continue west through central Louisiana to the city of Lake Charles. Known for its buzzing festival scene, Lake Charles is also a haven for outdoor adventure. The 290-kilometer Creole Nature Trail, designated an All-American Road since 2002, winds through one of the USA’s “Last Great Wildernesses” teeming with wildlife and spectacular landscapes. Other outdoor experiences include kayaking, paddleboarding or fishing on the city’s namesake lake, biking and fishing in Sam Houston Jones State Park, or renting a decked-out tent for a glamping trip. After working up an appetite, dine at one of the city’s authentic restaurants for local favorites like crawfish and boudin.