Top Things to do in Louisiana
10 Hidden Gems Things to do 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. Lake Martin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 382 reviews
This small lake contains an enormous amount and variety of wild animals and birds.
Reviewed By HELUIN - Norfolk, United States
A quiet and interesting boat trip alongside alligators, blue herons, aigrettes and nutria! I recommend at sunset especially for pictures.
2. R. W. Norton Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 366 reviews
Museum chronicles more than four centuries of American and European art featuring the works of Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The springtime sees more than 10,000 azaleas bloom in the museum's garden.
Reviewed By jkj01
So glad we sought this museum out and visited! Beautiful art. My husband appreciated the gun collection. A special section of art for children. The setting is another destination not to be missed. Grounds are immaculately manicured with a walking trail to enjoy. We cannot wait to return to see hundreds of azaleas in full bloom!
3. Chennault Aviation and Military Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 137 reviews
Located in one of the last standing buildings from the World War II Selman Field Army Air Corps Navigation School, the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum highlights northeast Louisiana's impact on aviation and military history. Admission is always free. Exhibits feature weaponry, uniforms, photographs, documents and other artifacts. A growing collection of military aircraft is located outside. All branches of the U.S. military are featured, from World War I through the present day, and there are also exhibits on Selman Field (which trained over 15,000 navigators) and Delta Airlines (which was born in Monroe from a regional crop dusting service). An extensive exhibit is dedicated to the life and times of Gen. Claire L. Chennault (a northeast Louisiana native) and his Flying Tigers fighter group.
Reviewed By A6943GEmariar
Housed in one of the last remaining school buildings that comprised the largest navigation school in the United States during World War II, the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum is definitely a must see. More than 11,000 artifacts are on display, with many personal stories from local veterans. The museum docents are extremely personable and knowledgeable as they relate the story of General Chennault, the Selman Navigational School, and the birthplace of one of the largest airline companies, Delta Airlines. The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum is truly a fascinating place to visit. And admission is free, too!
4. Lincoln Parish Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Rver_AR - Little Rock, United States
Came to LPP on friend’s recommendation - wished we could stay more than 1 night - enroute to see grandchildren. Full hookups, Class AAA campsites. We had primo site on the lake - 18. Rustic loop available for a woods tent camping experience. Even in winter this wooded park is really pretty. And we had a relaxed back-highways drive from Little Rock. Great lake views from the campground loops. Paved easy 1.25 mi. trail around the lake. Fishing swimming boating. Park is well-known for its bicycle trails. After dreary days - rain with blustery winds - we experienced a nice winter day at LPP. Highly recommend this hidden country gem for day visit or camping.
5. Whitney Plantation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,642 reviews
Reviewed By colleenpollett - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Our visit to the Whitney Plantation exceeded our expectations. Ali was our tour guide and he did an excellent job of explaining the history of the plantation and the history of America colonization providing context and perspective that is missing from the history lessons we received in school. Anyone who has the opportunity should make the trip. I hope other plantation tours across the American South start to incorporate this level of education and expertise into their tours.
6. Regional Military Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
Our museum is dedicated to the brave men and women throughout our country’s history who have defended our great nation, at home and abroad. The goal of the Regional Military Museum is to commemorate their sacrifices made in behalf of all Americans – past, present, and future. Please visit our website to learn more or stop in for a visit.
Reviewed By V8826FJTraveler - Culver, United States
We really enjoyed our visit to this regional museum. Our guide, Ben, was turning 13 the week we were there and his knowledge and enthusiasm were fantastic. Please don’t skip this site. You’ll be glad you visited this museum.
7. Three Roll Estate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Three Roll Estate opened in Spring of 2017 in downtown Baton Rouge. It is a full production distillery, and features a Tasting Room, outdoor courtyard and tours (by reservation only). Three Roll Estate was created in partnership with Alma Sugar Plantation. The partnership between the sugar mill and the distillery allows for a unique control over the quality of spirits produced. This results in one of the country’s only estate bottled producers of spirits and rhum agricole in the continental U.S. From our farm, to our mill, to our distillery, to your glass - we ferment our own.
Reviewed By GrapevineEscape - Grapevine, United States
We took a tour of the Three Roll Estate facility and had a tasting of their amazing rums! Each one has a unique flavor, and everything was so incredibly impressive. Kendrick was truly extraordinary! Three Roll Estate is extremely lucky to have such a talented and professional individual. We had a young one with us, and he made her a fruit juice drink and let her try sugar cane. Simply. Amazing. This was a highlight to our trip. If you like distilleries, do yourself a favor and don’t miss out on this experience!!!
8. 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!
9. Church of St Martin de Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
The mother church of the Acadians, this lovely 162-year-old church sits in the heart of charming St. Martinville.
Reviewed By TrueTexasTraveler - Amarillo, United States
This church building is absolutely stunning. While it still serves as the focal point of this Cajun town, the Catholic church originally ran in the town (as they did in France). It's fascinating to visit a place in the United States where this was the case. A visit here takes you out of exhibits about the Cajun people and culture and how they came to form the communities they did in southern Louisiana, and puts you right in the middle of an epicenter. The building is stunning, inside and out, and a walk through it and around town will truly leave you feeling like you're in a different world.
10. New Orleans City Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,252 reviews
One of the largest urban parks in the country, City Park has golf, tennis and horseback riding.
Reviewed By marion542017 - Manchester, United Kingdom
New Orleans City Park has plenty of art and nature attractions: wonderful Oak trees dripping in Spanish Moss and a beautiful lake; New Orleans Botanical Garden; Storyland; Carousel Gardens Amusement Park; City Putt; Louisiana Children’s Museum; New Orleans Museum of Art and The Sydney and Walda Besthoff; Sculpture Garden; Train Garden; City Park Birding Corridor. The park has plenty of scope for recreational activities too: Bayou Oaks Golf; City Park / Pepsi Tennis Center: 2019 Outstanding Facility Award recipient; Big Lake; NOLA City Bark Dog Park; City Park Snoballs; Boating & Biking; Couturie Forest; Playgrounds; Festival Grounds; Fishing; Birding; Equest Farm; Disc Golf; Sports Fields; Walk, Bike or Run. There are regular featured events: Thursdays at Twilight; Garden Concert Series and Celebration in The Oaks. If you are in need of refreshment, I can recommend the Cafe Du Monde, located in the Park's Casino Building, for traditional New Orleans beignets and coffee. The Casino Building also has a Park gift shop and public restrooms.
