Summer is here, my friends, and we all know what that means: sweltering heat. Growing up in Central City, my favorite way to cool off was to hit the local snowball stand … Mrs. V’s, it was called. One of the many good things about living in the Deep South is that there’s no shortage of snowball stands. There’s also no shortage of other ways to beat the heat and cool off. From breweries, taprooms, and river excursions to beaches, waterparks, and splash pads, South Louisiana holds something for everyone to enjoy.
Breweries & Tap Rooms
Louisiana is home to some of the best breweries and tap rooms (and food) in the country. From traditional brewing methods to unique cultural flavors, the beer flows freely and goes together with everything about Louisiana culture. Below are some popular breweries and tap rooms in and around Baton Rouge worth a visit, especially on a hot summer day.
Baton Rouge
Agile Brewing
Cypress Coast Brewing Co
MID TAP
Rally Cap (sports-themed) Brewing Company
Tin Roof Brewing Co.
Covington
Denham Springs
Mandeville
The Barley Oak (on Lake Ponchartrain)
New Orleans
Tubing, Canoeing, Kayaking, and Paddleboard Adventures
Water sport adventures make for refreshing ways to beat the heat and are absolutely worth the drive. Hone your skills and play with family and friends as you navigate the waterways across the area. Here are some locations you’ll want to check out, some of which also offer camping opportunities; those are noted with an asterisk.
Baker
Baton Rouge
Highland Road Community Park
Milford Wampold Memorial Park (on the LSU Lakes)
Muddy Water Paddle Company
Bogalusa
Denham Springs
Franklinton
*Louisiana River Adventures
Sandy Bottoms Tubing & Kayaking
Lafayette
Pack & Paddle
Lake Charles
Prien Lake Park
Ponchatoula
*Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore (formerly Reunion Lake)
New Orleans
Beaches
Everyone loves a beach when it’s hot, especially when it’s located nearby. To dig your toes into the sand without having to leave the state, visit any of these beaches and don’t forget your umbrella and your tunes.
Baton Rouge
Milford Wampold Memorial Park beach at the LSU Lakes
Mandeville
Fontainebleau State Park on the shores of Lake Ponchartrain
Grand Isle
Water Parks & Splash Pads
During the summer, waterparks with lazy rivers, splash fountains, water cannons, and water slides call out to kids of all ages, even grown-up ones. Whichever is your jam, there are plenty of ways to get soaked at any of these locations.
Baton Rouge
Blue Bayou Water Park and Dixie Landin’
Liberty Lagoon Water Park
Greenwood Community Park Splash Pad
Highland Road Community Park Splash Pad
North Sherwood Forest Community Park Splash Pad
Zachary Community Park Splash Pad
New Orleans
Lake Charles
Ponchatoula
Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore
