Louisiana’s 10 Most Beautiful Parks

Photo credit: NolaFi.com

The Bayou has some wonderful green spaces to behold as and they’re not situated around swamps.

New research reveals Louisiana’s 10 most beautiful green spaces, with Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans coming in third (New Orleans has some awesome parks).

The study by Leafwell analyzed over 28,000 TripAdvisor reviews to determine which Louisiana parks had the highest percentage of reviews mentioning “beautiful.”

1. Rip Van Winkle Gardens, New Iberia – 61%

Jefferson Island’s gardens are the most beautiful in Louisiana, mentioned in almost two-thirds of over 400 reviews, and the highest in the state. Other popular associations were ‘calm’ and ‘restful.’ One review called the park a “must-see,” and another a “relaxing, peaceful, beautiful place for your wedding.”

2. Afton Villa Gardens, St. Francisville – 59%

Following closely in second place, with 59% of reviews branding it beautiful, is St. Francisville’s historic gardens. The 250-acre grounds feature a ½ mile of oaks leading from the highway to the 19th-century green space, a popular wedding spot.

3. Longue Vue House and Gardens, New Orleans – 50%

Longue Vue House and Gardens is New Orleans’ most beautiful park, named in half of its 260 reviews. The public garden and non-profit museum are open all year round, free for children under three.

4. Lake End Park, Morgan City – 50%

Louisiana’s most beautiful campground and marina, situated on Lake Palourde. The space also features fishing, RV, tent spots, a 1.5-mile hiking trail, and a beach. Users often mentioned the park’s cypress and live oak tree-lined paths. It also ranks tenth among the state’s parks with the best views.

5. Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, Monroe – 49%

Additional to formal gardens and a historic home are a bible museum and a Coca-Cola museum. The home is open for tours, and the grounds feature a Four Seasons Garden, Oriental Garden, and Musical Grotto.

6. Jungle Gardens, Avery Island – 45%

Rated the most beautiful botanical garden in the state. It also has a bird sanctuary, a Buddha temple, and one of the oldest timber bamboo groves across 170 acres. Visitors also tour the island’s Tabasco factory, included in the $15.50 admission.

7. Lake Claiborne State Park, Homer – 43%

The most beautiful state park in Louisiana. The park’s grounds border the 6,400-acre Lake Claiborne, with plenty of areas for fishing, watersports, camping, and hiking.

8. Audubon Park, New Orleans – 42%

New Orleans’ second most beautiful park, as mentioned in over two-fifths of 1,700 reviews. Amenities include a bird sanctuary, riding stables, a golf course and clubhouse, and sports facilities. Orleans Parish residents receive free admission to the zoo, aquarium, and insectarium on certain days.

9. Gardens of the American Rose Center, Shreveport – 42%

Called ‘beautiful’ by over two-fifths of over 2,300 reviews, Shreveport’s non-profit rose garden houses over 20,000 rose bushes across 118 acres of forested woodlands. It is referred to as ‘America’s Rose Garden’. Christmas in Roseland, the center’s largest fundraiser, is ongoing until December 17.

Realtor.com data shows Shreveport’s average house price is the cheapest among Louisiana’s top cities, at $200K.

10. Houmas House and Gardens, Darrow – 42%

This historic plantation home, just a short drive from New Orleans, is the number one thing to do in Darrow, according to TripAdvisor. Experiences include a guided tour, 38 acres of gardens, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

Josh Lamb, Chief Marketing Officer at Leafwell, commented: “The study provides valuable insight into the best green spaces in Louisiana.”

“Green and blue spaces are vital, allowing us to get fresh air, reconnect with nature, and check in with ourselves, which can work wonders for our mental well-being.”

Final Word

As a top-tier convention city, New Orleans is known for its many festivals, parties and events. Is the city safe? Of course. That also means that Nola is also a top travel destination.

Want real-time tips on how to save when you’re on a trip? Read our Travel Savings Guide,

Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.