Louisiana Coast, June 2014 – Families looking for a vacation destination that allows for plenty of outdoor adventure should look no further than the wild and beautiful Louisiana Coast. With opportunities for biking, hiking, fishing, paddling, boating, golfing, birding and otherwise exploring the area's highways and byways, Coastal Louisiana offers adventures at every level, from mild to wild and everywhere in between.

There are few adventures more exhilarating—or more authentically “Louisiana”—than winding through the swamp by boat. Swamp tours take visitors into a remote and wild place—an exciting experience for kids and adults alike. Once afloat, visitors are surrounded by a brilliant canopy of flora with the opportunity to come face-to-face with the denizens of this unique eco-system, including nutria, otter, wild cat, black bear, exotic birds, and of course, alligators (some measuring up to a whopping 13 feet in length). Under the canopied tent of a swamp tour adventure boat, visitors are protected from wildlife draping on tree limbs as skilled captains navigate into the heart of murky waters of a Louisiana swamp and its banks. A collection of birding trails and nature parks gives visitors additional ways to access this remarkable world.

The region's hundreds of miles of inland waterways, marshes and lakes, as well as the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp in the United States, are prime territory for paddling. Kayaking or canoeing through the marshes and waterways can be both a relaxing and exhilarating experience, offering the chance to float silently through the marsh grass taking in the view, or to catch a glimpse of the snapping turtles, deer, frogs, snakes and alligator that call these environments home. Standup paddleboarding—or SUPing—has gained popularity in Coastal Louisiana, as it offers a novel view and a bit of a physical challenge. Most parishes along the coast have kayak and canoe launch sites as well as outfitters that rent equipment or offer tours.

Family camping trips on Louisiana's coast can be rustic or refined. Options range from tent camping sites in the wilderness to rustic cabins to RV parks to grand lodges with full amenities. Nine state parks across the coast offer families the opportunity to camp near lakes, bayous or on an island in the Gulf of Mexico. Families that love to fish will find it easy to catch dinner here—adding an extra thrill to the Louisiana camping experience.

One of the easiest and most relaxed ways to see the natural beauty of the Louisiana coast is through its many nature trails. Family-friendly trails in state parks and wildlife refuges across the coast allow visitors to journey off the beaten path and see historic sites, unmatched beauty and wildlife galore. The 180-mile Creole Nature Trail was designated an All-American Road in 2002, making it a destination unto itself. Along with incredible birding (the trail features more than 400 species of bird), opportunities for fishing, beach-going and viewing wildlife abound.

Other outdoor adventures available along the Louisiana Coast include biking, birding, boating, fishing, golf and outdoor festivals. For a complete list of outdoor activities, visit the Louisiana Tourism Coastal Coalition website.

Collectively known as the Louisiana Tourism Coastal Coalition (LTCC), the coastal parishes of Louisiana promote natural, recreational and cultural experiences to residents of and visitors to these parishes. The LTCC is also an advocate for the sustainable development of coastal communities and protection of the area's fragile wetlands.

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Lauren Frye

lauren@gilliesandzaiser.com

212-724-7783 x3

Gillies and Zaiser

LTCC-6-June 2014