Top Things to do in Louisiana
The 10 Best Historic Walking Areas in Louisiana, United States
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. Our Sacred Stories
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 208 reviews
Reviewed By BorneAppetit - Indianapolis, United States
Denise has many roots in NOLA. So if you are wanting a tour from an authentic Voodoo practitioner who is well educated in the Christian Saints as well as the St Louis cemetery residents, stories, and symbols then book your tour with Denise.
2. Azalea Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Scenic Lafayette Historic Azalea Trail. A floral splendor in spring of Grand Azalea Boulevards, Drive & Bike Trail, Historic Sites and Neighborhoods, Shops, Arts & Culture Music, Great Restaurants and Museums. Annual Spring Event Classic Car Cruise and Bike Ride.
3. French Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,334 reviews
The heart and cultural center of New Orleans is the French Quarter, a must-see for its high energy, rich history, diverse architecture, music, street performers, renowned jazz clubs, lively nightlife and the finest art galleries and restaurants in the city.
Reviewed By clarissajg1 - East Haven, United States
the music the people the history the mystery the atmosphere the lore the legends the smell the eclectic air its all the French quarter. you either love it or hate it. I love it it is a part of me. there are great restaurants fun shops wonderful music amazing architecture people watching shopping walking cocktails - its truly amazing -- wear your walking shoes and come experience life
4. Jackson Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,042 reviews
Fun area with street painters, musicians and jugglers.
Reviewed By debbiesE2403PL
Jackson Square is a beautiful little area filled with local artists, music, gorgeous flowering plants (these are inside the gated area), horse-drawn carriages, and tons of opportunities to people watch. A definite must-see when visiting New Orleans.
5. Julia Row
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
This 600-block Soho of the South is lined with a wealth of art galleries, not to mention mid-19th century townhouses.
6. Garden District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,808 reviews
An area of the city that features numerous historic homes.
Reviewed By bron1962 - Dural, Australia
Beautiful area and we just took streetcar and walked around ourselves - lovely houses, beautiful mansions and easy just to wander through the streets. We got off at washington street and walked down various streets and got back on streetcar at Louisanna Street
7. Vermilionville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 807 reviews
Get a taste of life for the 18th-century Acadian settlers in this 23-acre village with meticulously recreated period homes, costumed staff demonstrating arts and crafts and a restaurant serving Cajun and Creole food.
Reviewed By virginias729
One of the earliest settlements along the banks of the Bayou Vermilion. Two hundred years ago! Very historic and the interpreters are wonderful. They are in the time period wardrobe and give detailed history of life and crafts of the time period 1765 to 1890. We were totally impressed with this historic village! Spend as much time as you have in this place.
8. Acadian Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 reviews
Step back in time to a small 19th-century Cajun bayou community, which includes genuine Cajun homes relocated and combined with recreated period buildings and a Native American museum.
Reviewed By sodabear2003 - DeRidder, United States
This is a very pretty place to visit, it is a step back in time. when we visited they had a wedding taking place, but you could still visit all the buildings except 2 where the wedding party was. charming, ducks, turtles, and fish are in the ponds and they have little food machine where you can feed all the animals. The store has all kinds of stuff you can buy and the staff is very helpful.
9. Royal Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,734 reviews
This unusual shopping area is one of the city's most historic streets.
Reviewed By Todd45_12 - Newington, United States
A great shopping street with unique French Quarter architecture, impromptu performing musical groups, amazing antique shops and art stores as well as souvenir shops and many excellent restaurants.
10. Pleasant Hill Battlefield
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
Public Park on a portion of the 1864 Pleasant Hill Battlefield. Monuments tell of the battle as well as the old town-site of Pleasant Hill. The Old Pleasant Hill Cemetery holds the remains of Union and Confederate dead as well as notable citizens of the town. A reenactment is held every year, the second weekend in April.
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