When you first think about visiting Louisiana, the first thing that probably comes to my mind is New Orleans, which is one of the South’s incredible cities to visit in the United States. However, there are heaps more of the best places in Louisiana that go far beyond the city itself.
You see, Louisiana is a pretty big state, and you can easily visit a fair few of these if you’re driving on a wider US road trip. This is exactly what we did, and we totally loved how diverse and honestly surprising Louisiana is. The state is gorgeous.
So, to help you get the most out of your trip, I’m sharing our top places in Louisiana you should stop at as you traverse the state. This way, you’ll make the most of your time exploring the state without getting bogged down with the planning.
Have the most amazing trip to Louisiana.
1.) New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the US to visit. It’s just incredible, and you can easily spend three or four days there, soaking up the culture, history, and, of course, the city’s neighbourhoods.
After arriving, be sure to explore New Orleans’ French Quarter. It’s beautiful and one of the city’s most prominent and oldest neighbourhoods. It includes magnificent houses that are 300 years old.
If you’re planning on going to Bourbon Street, expect lots of Mardi Gras crowds. It’s a fun-fuelled street that buzzes as the sun goes down. One thing I would say about Bourbon Street is that it can take some getting used to. We first ventured here in the early evening, and it was as busy as it gets.
As a first-time visitor to New Orleans, this felt a little daunting, but you quickly acclimate to the joy and ruckus. Once here, make sure to book a concert at Preservation Hall, a historic and intimate little venue that’s just incredible.
If you’re interested in museums, head over to the National WWII Museum. It’s a perfect place to visit if you’re interested in Military history and gives a huge insight into one of the world’s deadliest and most destructive wars. The “Road to Berlin” exhibit was one of the best things about the Museum, it shows an almost realistic experience of entirely recreated battles with sounds and sight.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab a bite at Antonie’s Restaurant. It’s the oldest restaurant in New Orleans, and the food is delicious. Their fish amandine is so yummy.
Read more: Best things to do in New Orleans
2.) Lake Martin
Lake Martin is a swamp area around a 2-hour drive from New Orleans. Although small, it is pretty epic to visit. You can join some of the swamp tours to spot some of the local wildlife (including alligators). For one of the best tours, head over to Cajun Country Swamp Tours.
A visit will take around 1 hour, and it is easily one of the best places in Louisiana to visit if you’re looking for a small activity as you drive through the state. We loved it.
3.) Laura Plantation
If you plan on travelling to Louisiana, you should visit the Laura Plantation. It is located at 2247 Hwy 18, Vacherie, Louisiana, and has been open to visitors since 1994.
This plantation was used to harvest sugarcane for over 180 years. The building still has furniture from the original period, and it’s quite pertinent to visit. The tour also focuses on the stories of enslaved people who, as we know, were integral to the running of the plantation. It’s a stark reminder of the horrors of slavery.
Visits will take around 90 minutes and are well worth visiting as you drive west from New Orleans.
4.) St. Francisville
Just north of Baton Rouge, St. Francisville is a relatively small town but the perfect stopping point as part of a wider Louisiana road trip. You see, once here, you can head to the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site and learn more about the history of the plantation, its people and see the stunning grounds.
Also, don’t forget to pop by the Grace Episcopal Church and grab a bite to eat at The Francis. They serve a tasty shrimp leon and it’s the perfect stopping point for a casual lunch.
Read more: Best things to do in New Orleans
5.) Baton Rouge
Although smaller than New Orleans and a little less lively, Baton Rouge is the state capital of Louisiana and a perfect place to spend a few days.
Once here, make sure to visit the Old State Capitol building. This landmark structure is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 100 North Blvd. Both the inside design and the outside have an amazing Gothic style.
It is as similar as you can get in Louisiana to a castle. You can even spot the Mississippi River from the towers’ great heights.
Another key site to visit in Baton Rouge is USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial You can find the historic site at 305 South River Road,
Baton Rouge. It was an active ship used during WWII. However, it has been used to produce films and TV shows and is well worth visiting if you’re interested in military history.
Afterwards, be sure to pop by Elsie’s Plate and Pie. Their apple pie is legendary.
Read more: Best things to do in New Orleans
6.) Alexandria
Right in the heart of the state, Alexandria is one of the best places in Louisiana to visit for an alternative city break. It’s got everything you want from a large American city, but it also has that small-town vibe (if that makes sense).
Once you’re here, visit Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site. Here, they host Civil War reenactments and explain the turbulent period in US history.
If you’re interested in art, visit the Alexandria Museum of Art. You can easily spend an hour wandering through the exhibitions here. We loved it.
Also, for some tasty boiled shrimp, head on over to Debarge’s Crawfish. It’s nothing fancy, but the food is so good for a lunch in Alexandria.
7.) Lafayette
West of New Orleans, Lafayette is another gem to visit in Louisiana if you drive across the state. It’s small enough that a day’s visit is just enough. However, if you want to take things slow, stay overnight and soak up the city’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, make sure to visit Vermilionville. It’s a historical museum at 300 Fisher Road, Lafayette, Louisiana. It features some of the traditions of the Acadian people as they were between the 18th and 19th centuries. The skills and craftwork of the Acadian people have been preserved through many generations. We loved it, and it’s so interesting to hear about the lives of the First Nation people and other populations that made their homes in Louisiana.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Hilliard Art Museum. It has many seasonal exhibits that change throughout the year.
8.) Shreveport
Shreveport is one of the largest cities in the state and one of the best places in Louisiana to visit and spend a weekend away.
Once here, make sure to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Center. It features everything and anything related to science, which makes it fun for the whole family. Visits take around 90 minutes, and it’s a perfect morning activity if you’re visiting Shreveport with your family.
Afterwards, head on over to the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. Here, you can explore Louisiana’s long history and the people that make up the state. It’s a great way to learn more about the state’s history.
Oh, and pop into The Blind Tiger for their seafood gumbeaux. It’s a yummy and casual spot for lunch, and delicious.
Read more: Best things to do in New Orleans
9.) Jean Lafitte National Historical Park
Just shy of New Orleans, you can easily visit the wetlands of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park for a morning trip from the city itself. It’s one of the best places in Louisiana to visit if you want to explore the unique geographical history of the state’s coastlines.
Plus, it’s absolutely beautiful if you fancy a more relaxing day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Preserve is absolutely beautiful.
However, make sure to take some sunscreen with you; there’s very little shade in some parts of the historical park.
10.) St. Martinville
Southeast of Lafayette, St. Martinville is well worth exploring, a few hours’ trip from the city itself. It’s pretty epic to visit, and you can explore some of the town’s historical sites that date back centuries.
Not only that, it’s one of the best places in Louisiana to visit if you want to explore some of the state’s cultural history – which, in my opinion, makes St. Martinville well worth a visit.
Once here, be sure to visit the Martin de Tours Catholic Church and see Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Site which has been around since the early 1800s.
Finally, don’t forget to pop into St. John Restaurant for their amazing seafood. Their catfish strips are the best in the state.
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