As you try to grab the prized beads and throws from this year’s Mardi Gras parades, you may want to take in the art and pageantry of what’s rolling by you on the street.

“Mountain bike through winding trails at Bogue Chitto State Park, kayak under the ancient cypress trees at Lake Fausse Pointe or Chemin-A-Haut state parks, or tour Longfellow-Evangeline State ...