articles

Best Places to Visit in Louisiana for the Day

Plan a Family Fun Day Trip or Mini Vacay

By Macaroni KID Publisher, Courtney J June 29, 2022

Looking for a new adventure with your family? A day trip? A change of scenery? We've got the hookup on several fun destination spots right here in Louisiana to discover and create lifetime memories with your family. 

Beaches 

If you're itching to get your feet in the sand but don't want to leave the state, there are a few surprising spots you may want to check out!




Lake Charles Beach 
The city of Lake Charles has lakeside parks and a little beach! You can sit and relax while enjoying the magnificent views over the Lake Charles Lake from the marina. Head over to North Beach and lie on the sand; sunbathing and relaxing with the family. And if you and the family haven't quite had enough of the beach, you can take a little drive, just 30-45 minutes away you can also reach Rutherford Beach! 

Rutherford Beach 
Rutherford is a tranquil spot with a secluded feel to it. It offers the perfect spot for canoeing and kayaking adventures and you can access the beach easily along the Gulf Beach Highway. This beach is quiet, sandy, and charming and you can camp right on the beach! If you feel so inclined, you can pitch up your tent along the shore or even drive your RV onto the sand. 

White Sands Lake Day Beach
You can easily spend a morning or afternoon at this lakeside beach located in the town of Franklinton. There are many family fun activities and amenities offered including an Aqua park with inflatables and water toys, beach volleyball, boat and kayak rentals, shaded cabanas, changing rooms, and much more!

Campgrounds and RV Resorts



Cajun Oasis in Vinton
This RV campground is located near Delta Downs and Nibletts bluff off of I-10. The campground offers a quiet, country setting with its own beach and features live music and band performances on select weekends.  Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am - 6:30pm. Call ahead to make reservations or plan to arrive early for a day-pass. Parking space is limited.

Hidden Pines Campground
This is a family friendly campground in Egan with 65 sites, 2 pools, and a double water slide. There is also a pavilion for hosting bands and activities. You can go for the day with a day-pass for access to the pool. For holidays and special weekend events there is a 3-night minimum stay

Lakeview Beach

Lakeview Park is located 3 miles North of Eunice, Louisiana on Hwy 13. This campground features a large selection of traditional as well as high tech amenities to make your stay more enjoyable including a private beach! Jump in to this 1-acre swimming area with fresh well water pumped into it daily. The water is cold and refreshing. While relaxing on the sandy beach enjoy live music and local events on the weekends, weather permitting. The beach is open for day passes to the public only on weekdays and Sundays. For more information on their day passes and rates visit their page

Drive-Thru Safaris 

Enjoy the view and experience up-close and personal encounters with animals at these drive-thru safaris and guided tours! Tip: If you have a flexible schedule plan a weekday trip! They're less crowded and awesome days to get the most out of your tour.



Global Wildlife Center
Take an exciting safari ride and explore this amazing wildlife preserve located in Folsom, La.  Global Wildlife Center is home to over 3,500 exotic, endangered, and threatened animals from all over the world. Global Wildlife offers wagon tours as well as private tours to get one-on-one with their wild and exotic animals. 

Wild Country Safari Park
Located North of Delhi, La on Hwy. 17 is the Wild Country Safari Park- home to over 30 species of animals ranging from exotics such as zebras, antelopes, and water buffalo to adorable farm animals like pigs and goats. You can drive-thru where you can view and interact with animals from the comfort of your own vehicle or plan a guided tour.

Gone Wild Safari
Open daily (weather permitting) the Gone Wild Safari in Pineville offers a drive-thru experience with many animals roaming freely in habitats much like you would find them in the wild. Guests of all ages can also enjoy the petting zoo, animal feeding experience, gift shop, and much more. 

Bed & Breakfast

Looking for a place to just kick back and enjoy some much needed R&R? We have some great locations we recommend whether you're looking for some quiet alone time with your partner or a nice place to bring the family for a mini getaway. 



Crying Eagle Lodging Company
This retreat borders Bayou Nepique and offers beautiful woods full pine and hardwood trees along with rolling hills. Perfect get away place for the family or just some quiet alone-time. From the beautiful pool and hot tub and BBQ area to the tennis courts and cabins. No detail is overlooked. There is even a massage therapist available for your stay. 

1896 O'Malley House
If you're looking for a stay that is not so off the beaten path and a little closer to civilization you might enjoy this lovely bed and breakfast in the Mid-City neighborhood of New Orleans. The O'Malley House is known for friendly hospitality, and elegant yet comfortable lodgings.