Buccaneer State Park, Mississippi

Once devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Buccaneer State Park’s restoration is proof that humanity can be a beautiful thing when it wants to be. The park is located on the Gulf of Mexico about an hour’s drive from New Orleans and features large moss-draped oaks, marshlands, and sandy beaches.

There’s plenty to do and see here with the Buccaneer Bay Waterpark, Pirate’s Alley Nature Trail and Castaway Cove outdoor pool, just to name a few of the choices you’ll have. Go on, this is one place you’ll want to take your mateys and walk the plank. Keep tabs on special events in the area by checking the park website.