Top Things to do in Louisiana
10 Architectural Buildings in Louisiana That You Shouldn't Miss
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. St. Joseph Church and Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
2. Milton H. Latter Memorial Library
3. Women's Guild of the New Orleans Opera
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By SuzyQu15 - Brooklyn, United States
We took a walking tour of the Garden District, past all the beautiful homes, including those of celebrities, and were thrilled to be able to enter one and take a tour. This historic house was built in 1856 and is open on a limited basis for tours, but our visit was included as part of an escorted walking tour. Only the ground floor was available to see, but it was furnished in the period style and very interesting. Gorgeous stained glass window.
4. St. Joseph Co-Cathedral
5. 1811 Kid Ory Historic House
6. Heritage Village
7. Sazarac House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By KingQueen21
The free tour was great at Sazarac House, which included the history of the bitters, the rye and some of their other offerings. Tour guide GreggT was very kind, knowledgeable and made sure to include lemonade for our under aged family member. Their COVID protective measures are high and appreciated. If you love or hunt whiskey, this is a must stop.
8. St. Louis Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,299 reviews
The major landmark of the French Quarter is the oldest continuously active cathedral in the U.S.
Reviewed By Michellereneelove - Chaska, United States
Good opportunity to see beautiful art and architecture even if you aren’t Catholic... gorgeous old church that is meticulously maintained.
9. Oak Alley Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,419 reviews
From its beginnings over 200 years ago, Oak Alley was just a land claim on a map. Today, Oak Alley is a National Historic Landmark, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history its inhabitants left behind. With an emphasis on its time as a sugar plantation, visitors are invited to walk under its iconic alley, explore its exhibits: Slavery at Oak Alley, the ‘Big House’, Sugarcane Theater, People of Oak Alley and the Blacksmith Shop and leave with a better understanding of this plantation’s complex history.
Reviewed By LWRFL - Lakewood Ranch, United States
This was by far our favorite Plantation to see! It's a beautifully preserved National Historic Landmark - a real treasure! The outside is breathtaking - starting with the 28 huge Live Oak trees lining the walk to the mansion, which are mirrored by 28 stately white columns on the home. All of the grounds are well cared for! Plan to eat at the restaurant - it's truly excellent! By the way be sure to get a Mint Julep at the end of your tour - they were so refreshing and delicious - and all of the profits go to the Foundation with cares for this plantation. Really worth a visit!
10. Destrehan Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
Built in 1787, Destrehan Plantation is the oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi Valley. The plantation is open seven (7) days a week with the exception of major holidays from 9am to 4pm. The first tour begins at 9:30am.
Reviewed By ems4ever143
We went on a field trip here and absolutely loved it! We decided to take a tour of the house after we finished the grounds activities. Our tour guide was Mrs. Evelyn and she was wonderful and very knowledgeable about the history of the plantation. I’m always amazed to hear about history and to see how houses were built back then. This is a must do!
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