10 Day Trips

HAVE A NICE DAY TRIP! Top 10 Short Getaways From New Orleans

By Eliana Blum

Autumn weather provides the perfect opportunity to leave the city and escape into nature. Whether your destination is a hike, a beach trip, or a picnic, there is always a good excuse to explore life outside of New Orleans. These 10 spots are idyllic and easy-to-access one-day getaways.

1. Fontainebleau

Less than 45 minutes from New Orleans, this short day trip offers both beaches and beautiful nature walks. The drive over Lake Pontchartrain via the 24-mile bridge is half the fun. Once arriving in Fontainebleau, there are copious spots to picnic, ride bikes, and bird-watch. If desired, it is easy to turn this day trip into an overnight one by staying in a cabin near the water.

2. De Soto State Park

This national forest offers a number of recreational activities in the great outdoors, including swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. One of the most popular areas in the park is the Black Creek Wilderness. The 10-mile Black Creek Trail is a must, as it shows off the best views that the park has to offer. Aside from the well-maintained trail, there are no other man-made developments, allowing visitors to feel completely removed from urban life.

3. Grand Isle

In the southern-most region of Louisiana, this beautiful tiny town is home to scenic beaches, top-notch fishing, and diverse wildlife. Popular for bird watching, Grand Isle hosts the Migratory Bird Festival each spring, when hundreds of species of birds are spotted flying north. Even outside of peak avian season, this spot is worth visiting. Grand Isle offers several great spots for swimming and boating. While there, be sure to visit Elmer’s Island, just off of the main road into town. Although only a two-minute drive from the main stretch, this tiny and secluded island offers plenty of space to roam.

4. Tunica Falls

Suitable for all ages and abilities, Tunica Falls offers a variety of great hikes. Certain trails are longer or more difficult than others, permitting visitors to choose the rigor of their own experience. The terrain varies greatly; expect to walk through trees, rocks, and sand. It is easy to digress from the marked trails and wander towards unusual-looking plants and even covert quicksand. Mini-adventures on the route are encouraged, and all paths are marked clearly enough so that trekkers can easily find their way back.

5. Bogue Chiitto

A trip to Bogue Chitto River is an excellent opportunity to absorb nature while drifting downstream. It is most visited by water-lovers who rent tubes or kayaks to enjoy the area. Water tours are open seven days a week, and they last either two or four hours. Alcohol is permitted on the river, as long as it is not in a glass or Styrofoam container. Overall, this is the perfect place to enjoy a lazy Sunday on a lazy river.

6. Dauphin Island

Although Alabama may seem far from New Orleans, Dauphin Island is an easy two-hour drive from the city. The island is visually striking, and it proudly shows off its brightly colored houses, bleachwhite sand, and expansive ocean. The beach is a long, narrow strip, which makes it easy to spread out and keep distance from others. Although many tourists choose to spend the entire day on the beach, there are other activities to participate in. Visit Aloe Bay to launch kayaks or investigate Audubon Bird Sanctuary to spot hundreds of species of feathered friends.

7. Woodlands Conservancy

With a mission to conserve the forest in Louisiana, Woodlands actively strives to protect over 800 acres of wetlands. Many animals, including 40 species of birds, depend on this land and can be spotted on some of the nature trails. History buffs are especially attracted to the area; those who dare to venture far enough into the woods will discover 10 ammunition magazines from World War II. The large structures serve as a humbling reminder that the region was occupied by the military not too long ago.

8. Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis is the archetype of a beach town. The beautiful stretch of sand spans for miles and is great for swimming and taking long walks. For lunch, be sure to venture into town and dine at The Blind Tiger or delight in ice cream at Purple Banana, both noteworthy staples of the area.

9. Bayou Sauvage Natonal Wildlife Refuge

This hidden gem is mere minutes outside of the city, yet it provides complete seclusion from the New Orleans buzz. The well-marked trails bring visitors on scenic walks, where it is easy to spot all kinds of wildlife, from birds to wild pigs. The trails are lined with signs to educate visitors interested in learning more about the natural makeup of the refuge.

10. Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge

This area is the ideal space to explore flora and fauna, as well as wildlife, in Mississippi. In 1992, Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established to help protect the pine savanna habitats. Since Grand Bay is only an hour from Dauphin Island, it is worth it to fit in a stop here on the way back from the beach.

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AMERICAN beautiful outdoor patio while enjoying the 5216 Table & Tap offers classic American fare and drinks. They have tacos, burgers, salads, sandwiches, steaks, desserts from Maurice French Pastries, and the cheesiest cheeseburger and best fries you could and toasted almonds. Or try the pumpkin ravioli, served with sage and a garlicbutter sauce. It’s a perfect meal for fall. 4734 Magazine St., 504-510-2791, misanola.com hope for. Try a delicious craft cocktail from their renovated bar. 5216 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-7661417, 5216tableandtap.com The Steakhouse at Harrah’s combines local ingredients and techniques with highend steakhouse dishes. Try any of their juicy steaks, and make it “surf-and-turf” by Bayou Hot Wings does wings right. They put care into each perfectly cooked wing, with 24 hours of seasoning and brining. Don’t miss out on their popular housemade sauces and sides. Try the Bayou Hot Wing Challenge for a chance to have your topping it with shrimp. The Steakhouse is one of only 28 restaurants in New Orleans to be recognized for its wine collection. 228 Poydras St., 504-533-6111, caesars.com/harrahs-new-orleans/ restaurants/the-steakhouse meal comped and your picture on the Wall of Fame. 6221 S. Claiborne Ave., 504- The Vintage serves fantastic breakfasts, 865-9464, bayouhotwings.com delectable sandwiches, and late-night bites. Crescent City Steakhouse has influenced New Orleans for over 85 years. Their steaks, including their rib eye and delectable baconwrapped filet mignon, are unmatched. The secret? For four generations, the chefs have been cooking their steaks in sizzling butter. you forget the state of the world, and if not, their crawfish queso or beignets will. Take advantage of their $6 house cocktails, beers, wines, and appetizers, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 3121 Magazine St., 504324-7144, thevintagenola.com

1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com ASIAN

The Duke’s legend lies in the food, and MoPho is located near City Park and offers their burgers are definitely legendary. They Vietnamese dishes with a Louisiana twist. also serve salads, pasta, and fried dessert. Chef Michael Gulotta brings it all together, Fried bread pudding, anyone? Anything making MoPho what it is: a super spot for fried ought to be tried. Treat yourself people who want great cocktails, fabulous to “The Hangover,” a burger patty with pho, and cozy patio seating. Also try their scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar, and gravy. Vietnamese coffee. 514 City Park Ave.,

2740 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504-353- 504-482-6845, mophonola.com 4227, thedukemetairie.com

Gattuso’s will satisfy your hunger, whether you’re craving a burger or a salmon salad. They also offer gumbo and appetizers that can sate your appetite before you dig into delectable entrees. Enjoy a meal and cocktail in the large and inviting courtyard. Gattuso’s brings great food with friendly service. 435 Huey P.

Long Ave., Gretna, 504-386-1114, gattusos.net LegacyKitchen.com Expy., Gretna, 504-513-2606,

Misa offers delicious and unique dishes at a customer-friendly price. Dine on their Farmer’s Salad with avocado, olive oil, The relaxing atmosphere almost makes

Mikimoto is popular for its tempura, tuna tartar, and excellent sushi selection. They even offer riceless rolls for those going Keto. For something different, try the wasabi mussels or the squid steak. Enjoy your sushi while sipping a Tiki Bowl cocktail for two. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-

488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Craft Tavern offers a Orleans Grapevine is a wine bar and bistro refreshing take on New Orleans classics. located in the heart of the French Quarter, For their daily brunch, diners can indulge with over 375 different bottled wines. in beignets or customizable waffles. For Grab a seat in their cozy courtyard for a dinner, try their Redfish St. Charles. All breath of fresh air, and pair a glass of fine dishes can be paired excellently with one wine with a cheese board or their ahi tuna of their signature craft cocktails. 700 dish. 720 Orleans St., 504-523-1930,

Tchoupitoulas St., 504-613-2350, orleansgrapevine.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Steak + Chop enhances the foodscape of the Westbank, with refined cuisine in a casual setting. Check out their daily Happy Hour specials, including $5 martinis on Thursdays, half-priced wine, and $1 charbroiled oysters. Their steaks are seasoned with “butter and parsley love.” 91 Westbank McCool’s, offers great bar food, such as a classic burger with two patties and all the fixings, including a special serving of their own spicy mayo. Get your burger with their amazing curry fries, made with curry sauce, lime yogurt, cheese, and jalapenos. 4801 Bienville St., 504-482-9113, rumandthelash.com

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BARS WITH GREAT FOOD

Rum & The Lash, located inside Finn Bearcat Café features both healthy and hearty options: Their menu is split into