The 10 Best Picnic Spots in Louisiana!
There are so many cozy places to nestle for a picnic in Louisiana. Lakes and waterways within and outside city limits make for beautiful spots to take in the unique views of the state, while tiny parks make for quiet escapes close to home. No matter if you’re looking for a private picnic for two or a little peaceful afternoon, Louisiana has got you covered. Here are the 10 best picnic spots in Louisiana.
Big Lake in New Orleans City Park, New Orleans, LA
Though the sites in New Orleans City Park are truly endless, the special spot overlooking Big Lake is an especially sweet spot for a picnic for several reasons. It not only overlooks this iconic lake that has the 3/4-mile Zemurray Trail running around it, but it is also the resting place of the famous Singing Oak. The huge majestic oak is decorated in wind chimes that ring a pentatonic scale. The tree sits in a meadow and one of the chimes is even as big as 14 feet-long! Watch paddle boaters on the lake, while soaking in shade of the Singing Oak., and hop on over to the New Orleans Museum of Art right around the corner.
Audubon Butterfly Riverview Park, New Orleans, LA
Commonly known as “the fly” to locals this is not a picnic are where you will be alone but that is simply part of the fun. This area is located right along the Mississippi River and has gazebos, soccer goals, baseball fields, and tons of green space all along the banks. For over 50 years this has been a favorite spot to sip a cool one, eat some crawfish, and toss a Frisbee amongst the younger folks in the city. Trees surround the area for those in need of shade, but the gleam off the river provides plenty of rays for hose looking to sunbathe. Public restrooms are available making for convenient rest stops at this Uptown location in the Riverbend.
Milford Wampold Memorial Park, Baton Rouge, LA
Sitting on the Louisiana State University Lake on Stanford Avenue this park has a few amenities that make it a premier spot for an afternoon snack in the fresh air. First off is simply the view. The LSU Lakes are littered with lush fauna and bold cypress trees. The lakes can be easily viewed from bank to bank and the views are breathtaking at sunset. Secondly is the beach. This is rather large man made beach can be picnic friendly if a blanket is set down and is surely clean as well as hospitable. However, grassy areas bordering the beach can accommodate visitors with a less sandy appetite. Lastly, pier is a perfect place to feed the ducks or cast a line in the water though it is catch-and-release only.
Girard Park, Lafayette, LA
This park has it all, including plenty of green space in the city that have great spots for a picnic. The pond has a 1/3-mile walking path around it and is a peaceful place to nestle down next to. On the opposite side of the park is a huge space of green with litters of shady trees that provide for more of your classic picnic in the park type atmosphere. However, in between these two attractions are tennis courts, basketball courts, a recreation center, pool, playground, baseball/softball field and many more entertainments to enjoy after a healthy meal.
East Kings Highway Park, Shreveport, LA
By the locals this park is simply called “duck park,” due to the duck pond that is located in the middle of the park. The pond and friendly critters it houses make this location such a charming spot for an outdoor get away in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Still, the walking trail and playground also make this park a great place for a time with the kids. Feed yourself, feed the ducks, and play till nap time
Cheniere Lake Park, West Monroe, LA
Located on a beautiful 3,600-acre lake this park has breathtaking views. Located just outside the small north Louisiana town of West Monroe this lake is the largest in Ouachita Parish and is covered in Spanish mosh laden cypress trees, tall Tupelo Gum trees, and lots of wildlife to take in. Picnic areas are located in the pavilions that also have water, electricity, and a kitchen area for a daily fee. However, feel free to just sprawl out in the large park that has lots of scenic area where visitors can get a private escape.
Cypress Island, LA
People from all over the world flock to this location to experience its annual migration of birds and Louisiana paradise of the island. Located in Acadiana between Breaux Bridge and Lafayette, the visitor center also boasts a huge picnic pavilion where guest from across the globe can enjoy a meal in this scenic place. Having opened in 2010, the center is funded by the Nature Conservancy who protects this import 9,500-acre area oh bottomland hardwood forest and tupelo cypress swamp. Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, and Little Blue Herons are just a few of the birds to have been spotted here.
Prien Lake Park, Lake Charles, LA
This park has a haven of trees, grass, bayside views, flowers, fountains, and so much more. A little oasis overlooking Indian Bay on the eastern shore of Prien Lake, this a spot where 19th-century schooners used to cruse by though today the 29-acre park has more to offer than just scenery. The playground, picnic areas, “sprayground,” and walking trail all make this a great recreational area for people of all ages. Find a little nook of your own in the large park or simply watch the spray come off the bay, while watching the sunset over the I-210 Bridge. This park in Lake Charles makes for a relaxing afternoon off.
Tunica Hills, St. Francisville, LA
Located just outside of the historic town of St. Francisville these hills are a great place for a picnic after a nice hike. The Wildlife Management Area boasts a few hiking trails that range between 3-4 miles in length. Though it is also peaceful just to watch the surrounding scenery as well as wildlife or stroll down the nature trail that is less than one-mile-long and has tree markers describing the different species of trees. Picnic tables are enjoyed outside the trails in the rest area and the cool, clear creek awaits under Old Tunica Road.
Fairview Riverside State park, Madisonville, LA
This park is a favorite fishing hole for locals in the quaint town of Madisonville on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Still, the park is not very crowded and makes for a relaxing afternoon along the water as well as in the shade of the beautiful trees. The 100-acre park along the Tchefuncte River is truly a slice of peace. Cookout areas are located all in one place under stately oaks. Fire rings and barbeque pits are conveniently nestled beside the picnic tables with plenty of open space for play and recreation. The area is also home to an old sawmill that can be explored along with boardwalks that wind through the marsh areas. Fishing, boating, and the Otis House Museum are other favorite past times in the park.
