15 Day Trips from New Orleans

New Orleans is a magnificent place not only to visit, but to live as well. People come here from all over the world to experience the unique culture, the food, music, people, and more. The city offers something to do every night of the week at every energy level. One night you could be putting on your dancing shoes to live music and the next having a quiet date night at a cozy restaurant. New Orleans really has it all.

Regionally, New Orleans is close to so much, and in this guide I’m going to point out some great places to visit for the day if you’re so inclined. Whether you’re a resident of New Orleans or visiting for a few days, getting out of the city and exploring some new territories could be worth your while. There’s so much to do just outside of New Orleans, and I’m going to point you in the right direction so you won’t waste time figuring it out yourself.

Swampy Landscape at Jean Lafitte National Park

Explore Nature and Wildlife

One of the most underrated things to do is visit our swamps, and not riding on a loud airboat. Getting into the nature and beauty, whether through a hike or flat boat tours, is something that I do as a local as often as I can. Getting to see wildlife on any given Wednesday is a gift, and it’s a great way to have peace from a very active and bustling city. I’m a huge fan, and I always want visitors to experience this side of our region.

Visit a Historic Site or Plantation

Going on a plantation tour is something that many people are interested in seeing when they visit the south in general. It’s a day well spent getting educated on the history of how the south was built. It’s a unique experience for many, especially since there are so many to choose from, in such close proximity to New Orleans. Whether it’s through a tour company or on your own, this is an experience you may want to consider.

Experience Small Towns and Local Culture

There are so many small towns and cities that are within driving distance of New Orleans. Now that the Mardi Gras line on Amtrak is up and running, some are also just a train ride away. Taking a day to see another town or city a short distance from New Orleans is an enjoyable way to spend a day, and one that I do quite often.

Hit the Beach or the Coast

New Orleans is surrounded by water, and we are not far from other coastal towns and beaches. To get to some good beaches, it’s a bit of a distance, but if you want to put your toes in the sand, there are some good options a drive away. Maybe taking the day to do some shopping and then enjoying a sunset while having dinner is just what the doctor ordered. There are several places you can do this, and they’re not far from New Orleans.

Shopping in Ocean Springs

Whitney Plantation (Most Educational Experience)

If a plantation tour is what you want, this is the one to do. It focuses on the lives of the enslaved people, and ethically the one I promote the most in my preference because of this. You’re going to come away with the reality of what happened during the times of slavery, and it’s an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge of something you won’t find at the other plantation homes. It’s a meaningful day trip, and one well spent.

The Myrtles Plantation (History + Haunted Experience)

Between an hour and a half and two hours away, you can hop in a car and visit a plantation home known for its haunted history. In recent years, I visited for the first time and was impressed by the tour and the grounds of this place. If you decide you want to spend the night there, you can stay there and hope that a ghost doesn’t run you off in the middle of the night. A day trip for me was enough, but I’ll let you decide how spooky you like to get it.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (Walking Swamp Experience)

One of my absolute favorite day trips from New Orleans is Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Being able to be on the ground, walking on a trail through the swamps of Louisiana is something that is unlike anything else the area has to offer. There are multiple trails from which you can choose, and there is a visitor center you can pull into and ask the rangers for advice (and use the bathroom). Prepare to be up close and personal with our area’s most beautiful landscape.

Pontoon Swamp Tour (Classic Louisiana Swamp Experience)

There are a number of swamp tours that will pick you up from your hotel or at a specified location and take you to the swamps, put you on a flat boat, and journey you into another world. I’ve done it, and I love it. You’ll likely see alligators, birds, frogs, and more while being peacefully guided. Whether you choose a company like Cajun Encounters or Cajun Pride Swamp Tours, you’ll be in good hands, and you’ll have a day trip to remember.

Kayak the Swamp (Peaceful Swamp Tour)

A few years ago, I did one of the Honey Island swamp tours via a kayak, and it was very different from what I was used to as a local. Quietly boating amongst the hundreds-year-old cypress trees was one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had, and just a short day trip from New Orleans. I drove myself out there, met with a guide, and had a memory I’ll never forget. This is something to do if you want a very different experience than the normal swamp tour.

Fontainebleau State Park (Easy Nature Day Trip)

Located just across the longest contiguous bridge over water in the world (the Causeway), you’ll find Fontainebleau State Park. You’ll have some open water views of the lake, walking and biking trails, and a very different landscape compared to what you’ll find in New Orleans. There’s no appointment or reservation needed, but do check opening and closing hours so you know you can get in when you go.

Downtown Covington (Shopping + Slow Afternoon Day Trip)

Downtown Covington is a cute little area that has several nice restaurants and shops. While New Orleans has loads of them, as a local it’s nice to be able to experience something that offers a much slower pace. It’s located on the Northshore, and easy to get to from the Causeway Bridge. Plan about 45 minutes door to door, and enjoy your time on the other side of the lake for a day.

Abita Brewing Company + Abita Mystery House (Quirky Add-On Stops)

I’m not sure I’d tell you to take a trip for either of these alone, but if you find yourself on the Northshore for another reason, you could pop in for a beer at the brew company in Abita Springs (strawberry is my favorite flavor during the season) and hit the Mystery House. The brewery is exactly what you’d expect. You can do a quick tour of the place, some tastings, but not too much since you’re driving back to New Orleans. The Abita Mystery House is something you might see and come away confused or excited, depending on your personality. Only one way to find out.

Bay St. Louis (Coastal Small Town Escape)

I’ve been going to BSL for much of my life. A lot of New Orleanians have houses over there because it’s an hour getaway from it all. The town has been built up a lot over the years, and it’s a fantastic day to spend shopping downtown and soaking up that coastal feel. There are several great restaurants, both touristy and not as touristy, and it’s a place where you can also put your feet in the sand if you want while you’re there.

Ocean Springs (Artsy + Food-Focused Coastal Day Trip)

My home away from New Orleans (home), Ocean Springs is my top destination to tell people to go if they have a day or two to spare. It’s a perfect mix of food and art, and it’s located on the water so you can also have a nice beach stroll to watch a beautiful sunset. The boutiques and shops are amazing, and they have recently opened a couple of new hotels, creating multiple nice places for people to stay overnight. I’m a huge fan, and this is one of my favorite spots that is just an hour and a half from New Orleans.

For a two day Ocean Springs itinerary, check out this article I wrote about it.

Gulfport (Beach + Activity Option)

A quick car or train ride from New Orleans, Gulfport is not far from BSL or Ocean Springs, but the vibe is much different. It’s got more beach vibes, plus you have a plethora of casinos, so there’s that piece as well. While you’re there, can you visit the Mississippi Aquarium, which is not as big as the one in New Orleans, but it focuses on the ecosystems of the Gulf Coast, Mississippi River, and the wetlands that surround. You could pair this trip with BSL if we’re being efficient with our time.

Ship Island

The only official beach day experience I’m going to offer in this guide, Ship Island is worth being the only one. From Gulfport, you’ll hop on a ferry that takes you to this barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. On the way, look out for jellyfish and dolphins, and get yourself a snack. Make sure you pack what you need: bathing suit, sunscreen, etc, and be prepared to spend a few hours enjoying this unique piece of land that’s just a day trip away from New Orleans.

Lafayette (Full Cajun Culture Day Trip)

Let’s go to Cajun country, shall we? Growing up, I frequently went to Lafayette for the day, as we had family friends who lived there that we would visit. We’d also go there to eat crawfish during crawfish season, as they do it differently than we do in New Orleans. Lafayette is quite different and more built up than when I went as a kid, but absolutely worth a day trip (albeit rather long - 2.5ish hours one way) from New Orleans. You’ll see where those thick cajun accents come from when you visit this city.

Great River Road (Scenic + Flexible Day Trip)

If aimlessly driving is your jam, then taking the Great River Road to wherever it takes you is the way to go. Along the drive, you’ll pass plantation homes and see a side of Louisiana you never would’ve known existed. Even people from New Orleans who have never been that way would be shocked to see the difference in landscape. It’s peaceful and quiet, and something to do if you want to get out of the city for a day.

Tunica Hills (Hiking Near New Orleans)

I’m going to use the word “near” New Orleans loosely, because Tunica Hills is about two hours away, but so worth it. This is a beautiful hike in Mississippi, and one I have done several times. You can pair this with a trip to the Myrtles Plantation, as it’s near the town of St. Francisville as well. The landscape is forest, there is actual elevation, and you might stumble upon some waterfalls. It’s a commitment, as you might be tired from the hike, but stop off and get something to eat and reward yourself with a cold iced tea. This day trip is a complete 180 from New Orleans.

Watch a Sunset on the Coast

We can’t argue that New Orleans is one of the most fascinating cities in the country, but it’s not representative of the full region. To get to know more of the state and the surrounding areas, you’ll need to take a few day trips, or even an overnight trip. Whether it’s seeing a swamp or ferrying to a barrier island, you’ll be happy you made the effort to get out of the city for a little while. These are some vastly different options from which you can choose, and I know something in here will excite you enough to do it. Enjoy New Orleans, and enjoy what the rest of the region has to offer. Let’s pack our bags and get outta town!

If you’re planning ahead, you might want to read my guide on what to pack for a weekend trip in case you decide to stay overnight. For your trip to New Orleans, this is a list of hotels to stay to walk everywhere.

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