Kenner, Louisiana Weekend Escapes: 10 Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Kenner, Louisiana

If you’re based in Kenner, Louisiana and feeling the itch to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can hit swamps, plantations, small historic towns, and some of the best food in the country. This guide covers 10 short road trips from Kenner, all outside Jefferson Parish, in nearby areas like Orleans, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Plaquemines, and Lafourche. Looking for ideas for a Saturday adventure? Or a quick getaway with the kids? These day trips are close, easy, and full of classic south Louisiana charm.

1. Spend a Day in the French Quarter (Orleans Parish)

It’s hard to live near Kenner and not pop over to New Orleans now and then. But instead of rushing through, treat the French Quarter like a real day trip. From Kenner, it’s usually about a 20–30 minute drive, depending on traffic. Park once, then explore on foot.
  • Stroll along Jackson Square and watch street performers.
  • Step into the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral (even if you’re not religious, the architecture is worth it).
  • Walk the Moonwalk along the Mississippi River and watch the ships go by.
  • Grab beignets and chicory coffee at a classic café.
I like to get there early, around 9 a.m., before the crowds and heat. It feels like a different place in the morning—quiet, a little sleepy, and easy to explore. Road trip tip: Wear comfy shoes and bring a light backpack. You’ll walk a lot more than you think.

2. Explore the Garden District & Magazine Street (Orleans Parish)

Just a bit upriver from the French Quarter, the Garden District offers a totally different side of New Orleans. Think: big oak trees, historic mansions, and cozy neighborhood restaurants. Here’s a simple way to do this road trip from Kenner:
  • Drive in and park near Magazine Street.
  • Wander a few blocks to admire the old homes and intricate ironwork.
  • Hop into a local café or po’boy shop for lunch.
  • Browse the boutiques and antique stores along Magazine.
If you like photography, this area is a dream. Every corner feels like a movie set. Why it’s great: It’s close, easy to navigate, and you can make it as short or as long as you want. A perfect half-day road trip from Kenner.

3. Tour Oak Alley Plantation (St. James Area – Easy Access from St. John the Baptist Parish)

While Oak Alley is across the river in St. James Parish, it’s commonly paired with a drive through St. John the Baptist Parish along the River Road. From Kenner, it’s about an hour to reach this iconic Louisiana plantation. The main draw is the row of massive live oaks leading up to the big house—one of the most famous views in the state. What to do there:
  • Take a guided tour of the plantation house.
  • Walk under the 300-year-old oak trees.
  • Visit the exhibits that tell the stories of the enslaved people who lived and worked there.
  • Grab some lunch or a snack at the on-site restaurant.
This is a powerful and beautiful place to visit, especially if you’re interested in history. Road trip idea: Drive there via River Road. The ride itself, passing old sugar plantations and levees, is part of the experience.

4. Explore Laura Plantation: A Creole Heritage Site (St. James via St. John the Baptist)

Just a short drive from Oak Alley, you’ll find Laura Plantation, another must-see along the River Road. Many locals say if you can only do one plantation tour, do this one because of the storytelling. The guided tours focus heavily on people’s stories—Creole families, enslaved communities, and life along the Mississippi. Why combine it with Oak Alley?
  • They’re close together, making for a full but doable day trip from Kenner.
  • Each plantation gives a different angle on Louisiana’s past.
Pro tip: Book your tour in advance, especially on weekends. These places can fill up quickly during busy seasons.

5. Swamp Tour in LaPlace or Nearby (St. John the Baptist Parish)

If you’ve never been on a Louisiana swamp tour, this might be the most “classic” road trip you can take from Kenner. In under 40 minutes, you can be in areas around LaPlace and nearby communities, hopping on a boat to glide through cypress swamps and bayous. On a typical tour, you might see:
  • Alligators sunning on logs
  • Great blue herons and egrets
  • Cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss
  • Traditional Cajun-style fishing camps
The first time I did a swamp tour, I went on an airboat. I didn’t expect the wind to be so strong—it felt almost like a roller coaster. If you prefer something calmer, choose a covered pontoon boat instead. What to bring: Sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and a phone or camera. You’ll want pictures.

6. Drive the Great River Road & Bonnet Carré Spillway (St. Charles & St. John the Baptist)

Sometimes the best road trip near Kenner isn’t a single attraction—it’s the drive itself. Head west from Kenner and follow the River Road along the Mississippi through St. Charles Parish and into St. John the Baptist Parish. You’ll pass sugar refineries, old communities, and wide-open views of the river and levees. A few ideas for stops:
  • Pull over near the Bonnet Carré Spillway and check out the river levee.
  • Bring a picnic and enjoy the fresh air.
  • Watch barges and river traffic roll by—oddly relaxing.
This is an easy, low-stress trip. No tickets. No crowds. Just a classic Louisiana landscape. Tip: This can be a great sunset drive after a lazy afternoon.

7. Relax on the Northshore: Mandeville Lakefront (St. Tammany Parish)

Want a change of scenery without going too far? Cross the Causeway bridge and head to Mandeville in St. Tammany Parish. From Kenner, you’re there in about 40–45 minutes, depending on traffic. The Lake Pontchartrain lakefront in Mandeville is simple but beautiful:
  • Walk or bike along the water under huge oak trees.
  • Let the kids run around the park and playgrounds.
  • Sit on a bench and watch the sun start to drop over the lake.
  • Grab dinner at a nearby restaurant with outdoor seating.
On a breezy day, this is one of the most pleasant spots near Kenner to just slow down. Northshore bonus: The drive over the Causeway—about 24 miles long—feels like you’re floating in the middle of the lake.

8. Stroll Historic Downtown Covington (St. Tammany Parish)

Keep going a bit past Mandeville, and you’ll reach Covington, a charming small town with a laid-back vibe. It’s usually about an hour from Kenner, depending on your route. Downtown Covington is perfect for a relaxed day trip:
  • Walk around the old streets and peek into art galleries and boutiques.
  • Stop at a local café for coffee and a pastry.
  • Check if there’s a farmers’ market or art market happening.
  • Explore nearby trails or the riverfront areas if you like being outdoors.
I like to think of Covington as “small-town Louisiana meets artsy weekend getaway.” It’s a nice break from city traffic and noise. Tip: This is a great road trip if you’re into local art, handmade goods, and slower-paced exploring.

9. Down the Road to Port Sulphur & Beyond (Plaquemines Parish)

If you want to see a different side of Louisiana, point your car south toward Plaquemines Parish. This long, narrow parish follows the Mississippi River almost to the Gulf of Mexico. A drive down toward Port Sulphur and beyond will show you:
  • Wide-open marshes and wetlands
  • Fishing communities and small towns
  • Levees and canals that define life along the lower river
This isn’t a touristy area in the usual sense. That’s actually the appeal. It’s more about the journey than a list of attractions. Ideas for this road trip from Kenner:
  • Stop at a local seafood spot at the right season for fresh shrimp or oysters.
  • Bring a camera—weathered docks and big southern skies make great photos.
  • Watch for birds and other wildlife along the highway.
It’s a longer day, but if you’re curious about Louisiana’s coastal life, it’s worth the drive.

10. Head Toward the Bayou: Thibodaux Area (Lafourche Parish)

Looking for more of that small-town bayou feel? From Kenner, you can drive to the Thibodaux area in Lafourche Parish in about an hour and change, depending on your route. Thibodaux makes a great base to explore Bayou Lafourche country:
  • Walk around the historic downtown streets.
  • Find a local spot for gumbo, étouffée, or a good plate lunch.
  • Drive along the bayou and enjoy the water views, shrimp boats, and fishing camps.
You’ll feel the culture shift a bit here—more French surnames, stronger Cajun influence, and a slower pace of life. Optional add-ons:
  • Look for local museums or cultural centers that share the story of Cajun life.
  • See if there are any festivals or events during your visit—this area loves a good celebration.

Planning Your Kenner Road Trips: Quick Tips

To make the most of these short road trips from Kenner, keep a few simple things in mind:
  • Leave early: Morning drives mean lighter traffic and cooler temperatures.
  • Check the weather: Storms can move in fast, especially in summer.
  • Book ahead: Plantation tours and swamp tours often require reservations.
  • Pack smart: Sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, water, and a light rain jacket go a long way.
Whether you want history, nature, food, or just a scenic drive, you don’t have to go far from Kenner to find it.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Kenner?

These 10 ideas are just a starting point. There are countless little side roads, small towns, and hidden stops in Orleans, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Plaquemines, and Lafourche that are worth a detour. Have you taken a great day trip from Kenner lately?
  • Did you discover a favorite swamp tour?
  • Find an amazing little restaurant along the River Road?
  • Catch a perfect sunset over Lake Pontchartrain?
Share your experiences in the comments—your story might inspire someone else’s next adventure. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with friends and family who live in or near Kenner. You never know who’s looking for an easy weekend escape right in their own backyard.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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