Summer is the perfect time to be exploring this beautiful state of ours, although the extreme heat does make it tricky to be spending extended periods of time outdoors. These awesome destinations in Louisiana are ideal for summer fun, featuring everything from beautiful beaches to thrilling aqua parks.
- Cypremort Point State Park
Cypremort Point State Park/Facebook Located on the Vermilion Bay, Cypremort Point State Park has a little bit of everything. For nature lovers, there’s no better spot than this secluded little park. Fishing is quite popular here, and you’ve got plenty of options: drop a line from the dock, take your boat out along the bay, or even head further out into deeper Gulf waters. The cabins are perfect for a weekend of pure relaxation, and the little stretch of sandy beach will make you feel like you’ve drifted away to a tropical paradise.
- White Sands Lake Day Beach
Rya Butterfield/Google This little hidden gem over in Franklinton will make you feel like a kid again. Featuring several inflatable slides, trampolines, and more, this is one aqua park the entire family will enjoy. Rent one of the pavilions for some shade and access to a grill, so you can bring some burgers and grill up some grub in between fun on the lake.
- Louisiana State Arboretum
Jerry Lathem/Google Located in Ville Platte, the Louisiana State Arboretum is a 600-acre natural oasis tucked snuggly within Chicot State Park. The trails will take you all around the beautiful landscape, underneath canopies of towering sycamores, maples, beeches, magnolias, and more. Fun fact: the Louisiana State Arboretum is the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country!
- Insta-Gator Alligator Ranch
Insta-Gator Ranch & Hatchery/Google If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Louisiana’s most ancient resident, then a trip to Insta-Gator Alligator Ranch is just what you need. This working alligator farm will educate you on everything you need to know about these beautiful beasts, and you can even jump in the wading pool and hold one of the baby gators yourself!
- Longleaf Vista Recreation Area
Bill Cook/Google It’s not very often we get the luxury of enjoying treetop views, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Longleaf Vista Recreation Area. There’s even a few nearby trails you can take to explore the area further.
- Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Dawn Owens/Google Build in 1870, the Rip Van Winkle Gardens on Jefferson Island is a true hidden gem for both history and nature lovers. Spend some time strolling the grounds, taking in all the sights and sounds of the beautiful gardens, and be sure to check out the lovely views of Lake Peigneur, too. Oh, and watch out for peacocks. While they’ll probably leave you alone if you do the same, since it’s not every day you run across a peacock, we thought we’d give you a fair warning just in case these beautiful birds startle you.
- Lake Claiborne State Park
Brian Cockrell/Google This scenic state park is an ideal destination to spend a day or two. The 643-acre park features several nature trails to explore, a top-ranking 18-basket disc golf course, and a beautiful stretch of beach to sink your toes into in between swimming in the refreshingly cool waters of Lake Claiborne.
Have you ever visited any of these destinations? Let us know in the comments below!
Cypremort Point State Park/Facebook
Located on the Vermilion Bay, Cypremort Point State Park has a little bit of everything. For nature lovers, there’s no better spot than this secluded little park. Fishing is quite popular here, and you’ve got plenty of options: drop a line from the dock, take your boat out along the bay, or even head further out into deeper Gulf waters. The cabins are perfect for a weekend of pure relaxation, and the little stretch of sandy beach will make you feel like you’ve drifted away to a tropical paradise.
Rya Butterfield/Google
This little hidden gem over in Franklinton will make you feel like a kid again. Featuring several inflatable slides, trampolines, and more, this is one aqua park the entire family will enjoy. Rent one of the pavilions for some shade and access to a grill, so you can bring some burgers and grill up some grub in between fun on the lake.
Jerry Lathem/Google
Located in Ville Platte, the Louisiana State Arboretum is a 600-acre natural oasis tucked snuggly within Chicot State Park. The trails will take you all around the beautiful landscape, underneath canopies of towering sycamores, maples, beeches, magnolias, and more. Fun fact: the Louisiana State Arboretum is the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country!
Insta-Gator Ranch & Hatchery/Google
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Louisiana’s most ancient resident, then a trip to Insta-Gator Alligator Ranch is just what you need. This working alligator farm will educate you on everything you need to know about these beautiful beasts, and you can even jump in the wading pool and hold one of the baby gators yourself!
Bill Cook/Google
It’s not very often we get the luxury of enjoying treetop views, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Longleaf Vista Recreation Area. There’s even a few nearby trails you can take to explore the area further.
Dawn Owens/Google
Build in 1870, the Rip Van Winkle Gardens on Jefferson Island is a true hidden gem for both history and nature lovers. Spend some time strolling the grounds, taking in all the sights and sounds of the beautiful gardens, and be sure to check out the lovely views of Lake Peigneur, too. Oh, and watch out for peacocks. While they’ll probably leave you alone if you do the same, since it’s not every day you run across a peacock, we thought we’d give you a fair warning just in case these beautiful birds startle you.
Brian Cockrell/Google
This scenic state park is an ideal destination to spend a day or two. The 643-acre park features several nature trails to explore, a top-ranking 18-basket disc golf course, and a beautiful stretch of beach to sink your toes into in between swimming in the refreshingly cool waters of Lake Claiborne.
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Address: Rip Van Winkle Gardens, 5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560, USAAddress: Lake Claiborne State Park, 225 State Park Rd, Homer, LA 71040, USAAddress: Cypremort Point State Park, 306 Beach Ln, Cypremort Point, LA 70538, USAAddress: Insta-Gator Ranch & Hatchery, 74645 Allen Rd, Covington, LA 70435, USAAddress: White Sands Lake, 52129 Sandstone Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438, USAAddress: Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area, 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USAAddress: Longleaf Vista Recreation Area, Provencal, LA 71468, USA
