10 Easy Road Trips From LaPlace, Louisiana (All Outside St. John the Baptist Parish)
If you live in or near
LaPlace, Louisiana, you probably know it’s a great home base. You’re close to New Orleans, but you still get that small-town river vibe.
But what if you’re itching to get out for a day, explore something new, and still be home by bedtime?
This guide covers
10 easy out-of-parish road trips near LaPlace, all in neighboring parishes like
Ascension, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa. None of these stops are in LaPlace or St. John the Baptist Parish, so you’ll truly be getting “out of town” while staying close to home.
Most drives are about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours from LaPlace, making them perfect for a relaxed weekend day trip.
1. Walk the Lakefront in Mandeville – St. Tammany Parish
If you’re craving water views and a calm small-town feel, head to the
Mandeville lakefront on the north shore of
Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish.
You can stroll along the seawall under giant oaks that look like they’ve been there forever. On a breezy evening, families are out walking dogs, kids are biking, and couples are sitting on benches just watching the water.
- About 1 hour from LaPlace
- Relax by the lake or bring a picnic
- Plenty of nearby cafes and seafood spots
If you time it right, the sunsets over the lake can be quietly stunning—no big crowds, just you and the water. It’s one of those simple road trips near LaPlace that doesn’t take much planning but feels like a mini-vacation.
2. Explore Downtown Covington – St. Tammany Parish
Just a bit farther into St. Tammany Parish is
Covington, a charming small city with old Southern vibes and a walkable historic district.
Think brick streets, big trees, and local shops where the owner actually talks to you.
- Roughly 1 hour 15 minutes from LaPlace
- Browse local boutiques and art galleries
- Stop into a café for coffee, pastries, or brunch
On weekends, you might catch a farmers market or live music in town. It’s a perfect road trip from LaPlace if you like browsing, strolling, and lingering over lunch instead of rushing from attraction to attraction.
3. Hit the Trails at Fontainebleau State Park – St. Tammany Parish
Still in St. Tammany but worth its own trip,
Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville is a favorite for families and nature lovers.
The park sits right on Lake Pontchartrain and offers:
- Easy walking and biking trails
- A sandy beach area along the lake
- Picnic tables under tall pines and mossy oaks
It’s about
1 hour from LaPlace, so you can leave after breakfast and still have a full day outside. If you like photography, the old sugar mill ruins and long shadows from the trees make for great pictures, especially in the late afternoon.
4. Drive the Great River Road to Vacherie – St. James Parish
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re driving through a history book, take a slow ride along the
Great River Road into
St. James Parish toward Vacherie.
You’ll pass sugarcane fields, levees, and small river communities that haven’t changed much in decades. It’s not about getting somewhere fast—it’s about the ride.
When you get into St. James Parish, you can:
- Pull off at levee access points for Mississippi River views
- Look for local diners and plate lunch spots
- Explore small-town churches and historic buildings from the outside
It’s an easy
30–45 minute trip from LaPlace, depending on your stops. This is one of those
short road trips near LaPlace that’s perfect when you just want to roll the windows down, feel the breeze, and see something different without planning an entire outing.
5. Scenic Stop in Gramercy and Lutcher – St. James Parish
Also in
St. James Parish, the river towns of
Gramercy and
Lutcher offer that laid-back Louisiana feel.
If you enjoy exploring small towns, you can:
- Walk the streets and check out local architecture
- Stop by a bakery or café for something sweet
- Head up on the levee for wide river views
Many locals pass through these towns on the way to somewhere else, but they’re worth a stop of their own. This makes for a simple, half-day adventure from LaPlace when you don’t want a long drive.
6. Shopping & Dining in Metairie – Jefferson Parish
When you want more action—shopping, dining, and people-watching—
Metairie in
Jefferson Parish is an easy pick.
It’s close enough to feel like a quick hop yet different enough from LaPlace to feel like a day out.
You can:
- Hit the malls or big-box stores you might not have nearby
- Try new restaurants and dessert spots
- Walk a bit along Veterans Memorial Boulevard and explore side streets
Metairie is about
35–45 minutes from LaPlace depending on traffic. It’s a go-to
day trip from LaPlace when you need to run errands, treat yourself, or just break out of your regular routine.
7. Relax in Des Allemands – Jefferson Parish
On the western side of Jefferson Parish,
Des Allemands is a small community with a big reputation—especially when it comes to catfish.
The area has a quiet, rural feel with bayous, boats, and wide-open skies. While it’s not packed with “attractions,” that’s part of the charm.
Think about:
- Enjoying a drive along the bayou
- Stopping at a local eatery for seafood
- Snapping photos of boats and marsh scenery
It’s roughly
30–40 minutes from LaPlace and fits perfectly when you want a peaceful, no-rush escape.
8. Gonzales Getaway – Ascension Parish
Gonzales in
Ascension Parish is known as the “Jambalaya Capital of the World,” and it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a mix of shopping and good eating.
From LaPlace, it’s around
45–60 minutes, mostly highway driving.
In Gonzales you can:
- Check out outlet-style shopping areas
- Find Cajun and Creole dishes at local spots
- Use it as a base to explore more of Ascension Parish
If you’re planning a weekend, it’s an easy spot to meet friends or family from Baton Rouge or New Orleans halfway.
9. Nature Time in Livingston Parish
If you’re craving fresh air, Livingston Parish offers plenty of outdoor options within about
1–1.25 hours of LaPlace, depending on where you go.
Across the parish, you’ll find:
- Rivers and bayous for paddling and fishing
- Small-town parks and picnic areas
- Country backroads that are fun to simply drive and explore
Bring a cooler, some snacks, and maybe a folding chair. Sometimes the best
road trips near LaPlace are the simple ones—just you, the open road, and somewhere quiet to sit by the water.
10. Tangipahoa Parish Town-Hopping
About an hour north of LaPlace,
Tangipahoa Parish has several little towns that are fun to string together into a day-long loop.
You might:
- Visit one town for brunch
- Drive to another for an afternoon coffee or snack
- End the day with a walk in a local park or around a small downtown area
This kind of trip is all about wandering. Instead of planning every minute, you follow your curiosity—if a roadside sign or shop catches your eye, you stop. It’s a relaxing way to see more of Louisiana without going too far from LaPlace.
Tips for Enjoying Short Road Trips From LaPlace
To make your
LaPlace day trips smoother, a little prep goes a long way:
- Check drive times: Most of these are under 1.5 hours one way.
- Pack light: Water, snacks, phone charger, and a light jacket are usually enough.
- Be flexible: Road trips near LaPlace are often about taking that side road or stopping when something looks interesting.
One thing I’ve noticed on these short trips: the best memories usually aren’t from some big attraction. They’re from small moments—talking with a local at a café, catching a sunset you didn’t expect, or finding a quiet bench by the water.
Plan Your Next Road Trip From LaPlace
Living in or near LaPlace puts you in a great spot. You’re surrounded by
St. Tammany, St. James, Jefferson, Ascension, Livingston, Lafourche, St. Charles, and Tangipahoa Parishes, each with its own flavor and pace of life.
From peaceful bayous and lakefronts to small historic towns and busy shopping areas, you’ve got plenty of
things to do near LaPlace without ever crossing the state line.
Now it’s your turn:
- Which of these short road trips sounds best for your next free Saturday?
- Do you have a favorite out-of-parish spot that other people from LaPlace should know about?
Share your ideas and experiences in the comments so other readers can discover new places, too. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for easy day trips from LaPlace, Louisiana. Your share might be the nudge they need to get out and explore this beautiful part of the state.
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