Central, Louisiana: 10 Best Short Road Trips Near Baton Rouge

on

10 Easy Road Trips Near Central, Louisiana (That Take You Out of East Baton Rouge Parish)

If you live in or around Central, Louisiana, you probably know the feeling: you want to get out of the house, but you’ve already done most of the nearby spots in East Baton Rouge Parish. The good news? Within about an hour’s drive, you’ve got a whole world of small towns, swamp tours, sugar cane fields, and hidden history waiting in Ascension, Iberville, Livingston, St. Helena, East Feliciana, and West Baton Rouge Parishes. Below are 10 short out-of-parish road trips from Central, LA, with ideas for fun things to do, where to go, and what to expect. These are perfect for Saturday drives, day dates, or family outings.

1. Ascension Parish: Plantations, Jambalaya, and River Road Charm

Ascension Parish sits just southeast of Central and makes for an easy half-day or full-day road trip. Think old plantation homes, river views, and some serious comfort food. Highlights to check out:
  • Houmas House & Gardens (Darrow) – A restored plantation along River Road with huge oak trees, gardens, and a museum-style tour. Even if you’re not a big history buff, simply walking the grounds feels like stepping into another time.
  • The Jambalaya Capital (Gonzales) – Gonzales is known for its jambalaya, and you’ll find plenty of local spots serving big bowls of smoky, hearty goodness.
  • River Road Scenic Drive – Cruise along the Mississippi River levee, roll down the windows, and just enjoy the views of fields and old homes.
If you’re leaving Central in the morning, you can be eating lunch in Gonzales and wandering Houmas House in the afternoon without feeling rushed.

2. Livingston Parish: Antique Hunting and Swamp Adventures

To the east of Central, Livingston Parish is great when you want something low-key but still fun. It’s an easy ride on backroads or the interstate, and it offers a mix of small-town charm and swampy Louisiana nature. Ideas for your Livingston road trip:
  • Denham Springs Antique Village – A stretch of shops in the historic downtown area with antiques, vintage décor, and unique finds. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to browse.
  • Swamp & River Tours (various operators) – Look for tours that launch in the parish along rivers and bayous. You’ll get to see cypress trees, Spanish moss, and maybe a gator or two.
  • Local diners and plate lunch spots – Grab a meat-and-three plate or a big po’ boy before heading back to Central.
If you like slow-paced weekends, this is a perfect day trip. Park the car, stroll downtown, then end the day on the water.

3. West Baton Rouge Parish: Sugar Cane, Museums, and River Views

Just across the river from Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge Parish gives you that “away from the city” feeling without actually being far from home. Don’t miss:
  • West Baton Rouge Museum (Port Allen) – A small but well-done museum that dives into local history, sugar cane farming, and life along the river. It’s a nice stop if you like learning about the stories behind the landscape.
  • Mississippi River Levee Walk – In Port Allen, head up to the levee for wide views of the river and Baton Rouge skyline across the water.
  • Local grills and seafood joints – After your walk, grab some fried catfish or shrimp and enjoy a laid-back meal.
This is a good option if you only have part of a day and don’t feel like driving too far from Central.

4. Iberville Parish: Bayous, Bridges, and Quiet Backroads

Drive southwest from Central into Iberville Parish and you’ll quickly feel the pace slow down: fewer traffic lights, more sugar cane, and long stretches of two-lane road. Things to explore in Iberville:
  • Scenic Drive to Plaquemine – The town of Plaquemine sits near the junction of the Mississippi River and Bayou Plaquemine. The drive itself is half the fun, passing fields and small communities.
  • Old churches and historic buildings – Keep an eye out for older structures in town; it’s a nice area for a simple photo walk.
  • Bayou stops – Look up public areas or boat landings where you can sit near the water, watch boats, and enjoy the quiet.
This makes a peaceful Sunday road trip from Central, especially if you’re into photography or just want some space.

5. Ascension Parish (Again): Shopping and Family Fun in Gonzales

Ascension is close enough that you can build more than one type of trip around it. If plantations aren’t your thing, you can still head to Gonzales for a more modern, family-friendly outing. Try this combination:
  • Tanger Outlets Gonzales – Spend a few hours shopping for clothes, shoes, and home items. It’s a solid spot when you need a wardrobe refresh.
  • Local Cajun restaurants – After shopping, sit down to a plate of crawfish étouffée, gumbo, or boudin balls.
  • Park time for kids – Look up nearby public parks so the kids can run around before you drive back to Central.
Think of this as your “rainy day” or “we need to back-to-school shop but still have fun” road trip.

6. East Feliciana Parish: Rolling Hills and Small-Town History

North of Central, East Feliciana Parish feels surprisingly different from the flat river areas. You’ll find gentle hills, old cemeteries, and historic towns that look like movie sets. Road trip ideas in East Feliciana:
  • Clinton – The parish seat has a courthouse square, historic buildings, and that classic small-town South vibe.
  • Country drives – Just drive the backroads. You’ll pass farms, churches, and shaded stretches that make you want to slow down and roll the windows down.
  • Picnic stops – Pack a cooler in Central, find a public park or quiet spot, and enjoy lunch outdoors.
If you’re used to the busier feel of East Baton Rouge, this quick trip north can feel like a mini-vacation.

7. St. Helena Parish: Forests, Backroads, and Quiet Time

Looking for somewhere really peaceful? Head northeast into St. Helena Parish. It’s more rural and forested, with long stretches of road where you might not see many cars at all. What to do in St. Helena:
  • Scenic two-lane drives – Sometimes the goal isn’t a “thing to do” but simply a place to drive. St. Helena is perfect for that.
  • Small-town stops – Pull into a local store, grab a snack, and chat with the folks behind the counter. You’ll get a sense of real rural Louisiana life.
  • Nature breaks – Watch for public areas or trailheads where you can stretch your legs, breathe in the pine-scented air, and listen to the birds.
If life in Central has you feeling rushed, this is the kind of short trip that can reset your brain.

8. Livingston Parish: Rivers, Lakes, and Fishing Spots

We’re heading back to Livingston Parish because it has a totally different side too: water, and lots of it. If you like the idea of a day near a river or lake, this one’s for you. Plan a water-focused day trip:
  • Public boat launches – Even if you don’t have a boat, many boat ramps have spots where you can sit by the water and watch people fish.
  • Fishing – Check local rules, grab a rod, and see what’s biting. It’s a classic Louisiana way to spend a Saturday.
  • Coolers and lawn chairs – Pack like you’re going tailgating. A couple of folding chairs and a cooler can turn a simple riverbank into your own little hangout spot.
From Central, you can be on the bank of a river in Livingston in about an hour or less, depending on where you go.

9. West Baton Rouge Parish: Evening Lights and Sunset Views

Sometimes the best road trips from Central aren’t all-day affairs. If you just want something to do after work or on a Friday night, consider a short hop over to West Baton Rouge Parish. Evening ideas:
  • Sunset over the Mississippi – Head to Port Allen or nearby river spots and watch the sun drop behind the levee or water. On clear evenings, the sky can be stunning.
  • Casual dinner – Find a diner or café and linger over a burger, seafood platter, or plate lunch special.
  • Night drive back to Central – The ride home over the river or along backroads can feel peaceful after dark.
It’s a simple little trip, but sometimes that’s all you need to shake off the workweek.

10. A Feliciana Loop: Mix East Feliciana and St. Helena in One Day

If you’ve got a free Saturday and a full tank of gas, try a loop that hits both East Feliciana and St. Helena before circling back to Central. Sample loop idea:
  • Start in Central and drive north into East Feliciana Parish for small-town exploring and a stroll around a historic square.
  • Continue east or northeast into St. Helena Parish for backroads driving and quiet scenery.
  • Cut back south toward home, maybe dipping into Livingston Parish if you want to follow a different route back.
Bring snacks, a good playlist, and maybe a camera. You’ll come home feeling like you actually went somewhere, even though you never left the region.

Tips for Enjoying Short Road Trips from Central, Louisiana

To make these out-of-parish adventures smoother, keep a few basics in mind:
  • Fuel up first – Some rural areas don’t have gas stations every few miles. Top off in Central before you go.
  • Carry cash – A few small shops, produce stands, or local cafés may still be cash-only.
  • Check hours – Museums, plantation homes, and some restaurants may have limited hours or close early on certain days.
  • Pack for the weather – South Louisiana can go from hot sun to rain in a heartbeat. Toss ponchos, sunscreen, and bug spray in the car.
Think of these short road trips as your “mini vacations” without hotel bills or long drives. From Central, you’re in a great spot to explore a big slice of south Louisiana in easy bites.

Share Your Favorite Road Trips Near Central, LA

Do you have a go-to spot in Ascension, Iberville, Livingston, St. Helena, East Feliciana, or West Baton Rouge Parish that you think more people should know about?
  • Where do you like to drive when you just need to get out of Central for a few hours?
  • Which small-town restaurants or parks are your hidden gems?
Drop your tips in the comments so other folks can discover new places too. And if you found this list helpful, please share it with friends and family who live in or around Central, Louisiana and are always asking, “What is there to do around here this weekend?”
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment