When most people picture New Orleans, they think about brass bands, powdered-sugar beignets, and those colorful streets that always seem to have music floating through the air. And while the city is absolutely one of my favorite places to wander, I’ve realized something over the years: some of the best adventures don’t happen in the middle of the French Quarter at all.
But some of my favorite memories actually come from the quiet bayous, small towns, and beautiful National parks that sit only a short drive away. If you ever want to experience Louisiana the way locals do, you have to leave downtown for a bit. Trust me — that’s where some of the most fun things to do near New Orleans really begin.
In this guide, I’ll take you through my personal favorite adventures within about an hour of the city. These are the spots where I’ve hiked through quiet wetlands, biked along the lakefront, enjoyed some of the best Cajun and Creole food, wandered through small towns full of culture, and learned more about Louisiana history than any museum could ever show me.
1. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve (25-minutes drive)
The first time I visited the Barataria Preserve, I went in expecting a simple walk. I came out feeling like I just stepped into a nature documentary. The boardwalk trail winds through wetlands packed with cypress trees, Spanish moss, and water so still it looks like a mirror.
You’ll hear frogs chirping, birds diving, and sometimes the soft splash of an alligator slipping into the water. It’s peaceful in a way the city simply can’t be. And honestly, it’s one of the best outdoor activities near New Orleans — perfect for walking, photography, or just resetting your brain.
If you’re into history, the Jean Lafitte Visitor Center also explains how the land shaped Louisiana’s culture, from Cajun communities to local traditions. It’s a perfect blend of nature and storytelling.
2. Take a Swamp Tour in Lafitte or Slidell (30–45 minutes drive)
Nothing compares to a Louisiana swamp tour — especially the moment your boat glides through the water and everything gets so quiet you can hear the wind crawling through the trees.
I’ve taken swamp tours in both Lafitte and Slidell, and each time I learn something new about local wildlife, voodoo folklore, and how these marshes shaped Louisiana cooking and culture. And yes, you’ll see alligators. Plenty of them.
Some guides even share stories about life growing up in the bayou, which gives you a deeper sense of the region — way more than you’ll ever get inside the city.
3. Relax on the Lake Pontchartrain Shoreline (20–35 minutes drive)
If you’ve never seen Lake Pontchartrain up close, you may think it’s just a lake. But the first time I stood on the shoreline in Mandeville, with the breeze brushing across the water and the sun dropping behind the marina, I realized how peaceful this area is.
You can walk along the lakefront trail, rent bikes, enjoy live music at local cafés, or just sit with ice cream watching pelicans glide overhead. It’s a perfect break from the busy streets of New Orleans, and the views are honestly beautiful is a simple, calm way.
Mandeville and nearby Madisonville have great seafood restaurants too — fresh, local, and way more relaxed than anything in the tourist zones.
4. Visit Fontainebleau State Park (50 minutes drive)
This is one of my favorite places when I want a full day outdoors. Fontainebleau State Park sits right along the lake, and it has everything: picnic spots, walking trails, biking paths, sandy lakefront areas, mossy trees, and peaceful water views.
Every time I come here, I feel like I’m stepping into a giant nature playground. If you have kids, it’s perfect for them. If you want quiet time, it’s perfect for you too. And the sunsets? Amazing.
The park also connects to the Tammany Trace bike trail, which is one of the best places for a long, scenic ride near New Orleans.
5. Explore the Charming Town of Covington (55 minutes drive)
I didn’t expect to fall in love with Covington, but once I got there, the vibe completely hooked me. The town has this mix of Southern charm, artistic energy, cute shops, local cafés, and tree-lined streets that make you want to slow down and stay awhile.
On weekends, the local markets are full of crafts, food, and live music. It’s a great place to grab a coffee, walk around, and enjoy the small-town life that sits just outside the energy of New Orleans.
If you’re into local culture, Covington and Mandeville together have some of the best neighborhood-style experiences near New Orleans.
6. Visit Oak Alley or Whitney Plantation (60–75 minutes drive)
Plantation tours near New Orleans are emotional, powerful, and important. Each time I’ve visited places like Oak Alley or Whitney Plantation, I walked away with a deeper understanding of history — especially the stories that don’t always show up in textbooks.
Whitney Plantation focuses on the experiences of enslaved people, and the memorials here stay with you long after you leave. Oak Alley, with its long stretch of oak trees leading up to the house, is visually stunning but also carries a lot of heavy history.
Both are worth visiting if you want to learn more about Louisiana’s past beyond the tourist attractions inside the city.
7. Spend a Day in Abita Springs (60 minutes drive)
Abita Springs is quirky, cute, artistic, and surprisingly fun. The Abita Brewery is super popular, but I actually loved just walking around the town, visiting the Mystery House (which is… a wild experience), and checking out the bike trails.
It’s one of those places that feels small but full of personality. If you want something offbeat yet relaxing, this little town near New Orleans is perfect.
8. Explore Bayou Segnette State Park (25 minutes drive)
Bayou Segnette is the kind of place you go when you’re craving nature but don’t want to drive too far. It has fishing areas, campgrounds, boating spots, and peaceful trails that wind through wetlands.
If you want a mix of quiet and adventure, this is one of the best fun things to do near New Orleans because it’s close, simple, and refreshing.
9. Take a Road Trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast (60–75 minutes drive)
One of my favorite surprises near New Orleans was discovering how easy it is to reach the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Towns like Bay St. Louis feel like a relaxed beach getaway, with local art, waterfront restaurants, pier walks, and charming shops.
It’s not a wild beach-party scene — more of a peaceful coastal escape. Perfect for couples, families, or anyone who just wants to enjoy the breeze without crowds.
10. Experience Chalmette Battlefield (20 minutes drive)
If you’re into American history, Chalmette Battlefield is a must. It’s where the Battle of New Orleans took place, and walking across the open fields while learning about the past makes you feel connected to a moment that shaped the region.
It’s simple, quiet, and surprisingly interesting — and it’s right outside the city.
11. Visit Local Restaurants & Markets Outside the Tourist Zones
One of the best parts about exploring near New Orleans is discovering food that hasn’t gone “tourist famous” yet. In places like Harahan, Metairie, Mandeville, and Madisonville, you’ll find local restaurants serving:
- Gumbo
- Jambalaya
- Po’boys
- Boiled seafood
- Fresh fish
- Classic Creole dishes
These spots feel more local, more relaxed, and sometimes even tastier than places inside the busy neighborhoods. If you want real Louisiana flavor, eating outside the city is honestly the way to do it.
12. Explore Crescent Park & Riverfront Trails (Just outside the core)
Even though Crescent Park touches the edge of New Orleans, it still counts as one of the easiest “nearby” escapes. The trails here are perfect for biking, walking, photography, or just enjoying some quiet river views away from the downtown crowds.
It’s where I go when I want fresh air without committing to a long drive.
Here is the map of all of your attractions:
Conclusion
Every time I explore outside the city, I’m reminded that New Orleans isn’t just one place — it’s a whole region full of nature preserves, bayous, small towns, state parks, history, food, music, and culture that stretches far beyond its famous streets.
You don’t have to go far to find unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re taking a swamp tour in Lafitte, biking along the lakefront, wandering through Covington’s charming downtown, or watching the sun melt into Lake Pontchartrain, you’ll experience a side of Louisiana that’s just as magical as anything inside the French Quarter.
So if you’re ready for fresh air, new flavors, peaceful trails, and a deeper look into Louisiana life, these are the best fun things to do near New Orleans — and I hope you enjoy every moment as much as I did.
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FAQs
1. What are the best fun things to do near New Orleans?
Some of the best things to do near New Orleans include swamp tours in Lafitte or Slidell, hiking at Barataria Preserve, relaxing at Lake Pontchartrain, visiting Fontainebleau State Park, exploring Covington or Abita Springs, and touring Oak Alley or Whitney Plantation.
2. What is the closest outdoor activity near New Orleans?
The closest outdoor spots include Barataria Preserve, Bayou Segnette State Park, and sections of the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline, all within about 25–30 minutes.
3. What is the best day trip from New Orleans?
Popular day trips include Fontainebleau State Park, Covington, Abita Springs, Oak Alley Plantation, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
4. Can you visit Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans?
Absolutely. The lakefront towns of Mandeville and Madisonville offer walking paths, bike trails, seafood restaurants, and peaceful water views just 30–40 minutes away.
5. What historical places can I visit near New Orleans?
You can explore Chalmette Battlefield (20 minutes away) or tour plantations like Whitney Plantation and Oak Alley Plantation, both around an hour from the city.
6. Is the Mississippi Gulf Coast a good trip from New Orleans?
Yes — it’s about an hour away and offers beaches, local shops, art galleries, and waterfront dining in towns like Bay St. Louis.
7. Can I find good Cajun and Creole food outside New Orleans?
Definitely. Nearby towns like Harahan, Metairie, Mandeville, and Madisonville have incredible local restaurants serving gumbo, jambalaya, seafood, and traditional Creole dishes.
