Time For a Day Trip Around New Orleans!

There's definitely a lot to do around Covington and Slidell, but sometimes it's nice to get in the car and venture a little farther from home for a day trip. Here are four places to visit the next time you have a long weekend or an extra day reserved for fun.

1. Clark Creek Natural Area

Located about 2.5 hours northwest of New Orleans in Baton Rouge, this natural area is a great spot to spend the day hiking, fishing and bird-watching. There's a strenuous 4.7-mile hiking loop that winds through waterfalls and rocky coves. Make sure you wear your trail shoes so you can navigate the steep and often slippery ascents safely.

When you hike the Clark Creek Natural Area, you must bring your own drinking water and be prepared to carry out any waste you create. There are no public bathrooms in the area, but refreshments are sold at a small store near the trailhead.

2. National World War II Museum

If you're a history buff or are just looking for a way to teach your kids about the nation's past, take a short trip and spend a day at the National World War II Museum in downtown New Orleans. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., so you can easily make an entire day trip of it. Tickets are $27 for adults and $17.50 for students and there's a soda shop on-site where you can grab lunch.

Inside the museum, you'll see war artifacts and displays that explain how the U.S. got involved in the conflict and how World War II changed the course of history forever.

3. Visit Breaux Bridge

Sometimes it's nice to explore what another town has to offer. Breaux Bridge is a small, unique city about two hours east of New Orleans. It hails itself as the Crawfish Capital of the World and was named one of the 25 Best Small Lake Towns in America.

Drive out to Breaux Bridge for the day, or book a hotel room and make a whole weekend out of your visit. Most residents speak French, which will make you feel like you're a great distance from home. A walking tour will take you past the town's infamous bridge, local art galleries and more.

4. Camp at Bayou Segnette State Park

Just 30 minutes outside New Orleans, this state park is the perfect spot for a camping adventure. They have numerous tent sites along with boating, canoeing, playgrounds and opportunities for hiking. You'll see swamps and marshlands as you meander through the park.

Bayou Segnette State Park is also a popular destination for fishing where bass, trout and perch are all common in the waters.

If you are a current resident at Springs at River Chase or Springs at Fremaux Town Center, please share any additional day trip ideas you might have in the comments. There are so many fun sights to see in the area, and we'd love to hear of your experiences.