2023-01-13 04:20:37
PLAY, STAY, THEN ADD A DAY! The best of the great outdoors is yours in Louisiana. With rolling hills and lush forests to explore in the north, mysterious swamps and bayous in the south and everything in between, nature’s bounty is on full display. And with activities like hiking, biking, paddling, fishing and more, there are plenty of awesome places where you can play, stay, then add a day! South Louisiana Play: Catch some fish (and a sunset or two) on Lake Pontchartrain, Grand Lake or check out the birding and nature trails at White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area, then ramp up the fun on the state’s longest zipline at Magnolia Ridge Adventure Park. Stay: Along with wildlife, this area is teeming with artsy B&Bs, grand hotels and fun casinos. After fishing and hunting in the great outdoors, you can try your luck indoors at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles. Big stars entertain there regularly, so plan your trip accordingly. Add a Day: Don’t go home without exploring the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, affectionately known as “Louisiana’s Outback.” It’s one of less than 60 designated Scenic Byways in the U.S. and unlike anywhere else on Earth. Central Louisiana Play: Time to get wild! Get up close and personal with everything from alligators to zebras at Alexandria Zoological Park. In nearby Pineville, drive through Gone Wild Safari, where exotic creatures roam free. At Hayes E. Daze Ranch, you can ride on 70 miles of sandy horseback trails in Kisatchie National Forest. Stay: While camping in the Kisatchie is always a breath of fresh air, historic Hotel Bentley will take your breath away. Famous guests of this grand hotel have included generals Eisenhower and Patton and film stars John Wayne and Roy Rogers. Add a Day: Some of the best bass fishing in the country is at Toledo Bend Lake, which has previously come in at No. 1 in Bassmaster magazine’s top bass fishing destinations. Flower Power! When you’re out exploring Louisiana, take a moment to stop and smell the roses (and magnolias, irises, orchids, azaleas, violets and more) at botanical gardens across the state. Follow the bees to New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park, where more than 2,000 plants from around the world are flourishing. Everything’s coming up roses at Shreveport’s American Rose Center, the largest park in the country dedicated to the world’s most romantic flower. While there’s much ado about bamboo at Jungle Gardens on Avery Island, you’ll find Rip Van Winkle Gardens nearby is an eye-opening experience as well, despite its sleepy name. North Louisiana Play: Hike, swim, fish and camp away the day at pristine spots all over the region like Cypress Black Bayou. Have little ones? They’ll love the petting zoo here. Stay: After roughing it, consider a night of pampering at The Remington Suite Hotel and Spa in Shreveport with a full-service spa, indoor heated pool and sweet suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and hardwood floors. Add a Day: Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston has one of the best mountain biking trails in America. There are also piers for fishing and sandy beaches for swimming, canoeing and kayaking. Campfires are permitted, so bring your guitar. Get out and play at LouisianaTravel.com/Outdoors!
©Louisiana. View All Articles.
Outdoors
https://digital.milespartnership.com/article/Outdoors/4460245/779803/article.html