Top Things to do in Louisiana
The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks 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. Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A multi-purpose venue in Houma, Louisiana for events such as concerts, conventions, tradeshows, sporting events, business meetings, weddings and receptions.
2. Chapel of the Madonna - "Smallest Church in the World"
3. Heritage Village
4. Moviesets
5. 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
6. 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.
7. Preservation Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,774 reviews
New Orleans' Preservation Hall was established in 1961 to honor one of America's truest art forms - Traditional New Orleans Jazz. Operating as a music venue, a touring band, and a non-profit organization, Preservation Hall continues its mission today as a cornerstone of New Orleans music and culture. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts over 350 nights a year featuring ensembles from a current collective of 100+ local master practitioners. On any given night, audiences bear joyful witness to the evolution of this venerable and living tradition.
Reviewed By 226tandyc - Six Mile, United States
Preservation Hall was a lot smaller and more intimate than I had envisioned, but it was perfect, and we loved our experience. We booked tickets ahead of time, which was fortunate since the line of people waiting to get in was extraordinarily long, and those without reservations who were able to buy on-site tickets had to sit on the floor or stand at the back. We sat on a bench at the front; the wooden benches are probably original, hard and unpadded (for those with bad backs). Surprisingly, there are no bathrooms inside; they send people to the bar next door. You can bring food and drinks inside. The musicians are gifted, funny, and engaging. The whole experience was memory-making. So glad we booked this piece of historic New Orleans.
8. Magazine Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,152 reviews
Eclectic collectors and professional browsers will love this six-mile long street which starts at the French Quarter and is known worldwide for its antiques and art.
Reviewed By Fastsailor - Key West, United States
Lots of fun shops and restaurants on this diverse street. Plenty to do for all ages and budgets. Good spot for a walk on a nice day.
9. Evergreen Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 418 reviews
Reviewed By andrewkB477AJ
Stopped off at Evergreen Plantation on our way to New Orleans with wife and two teen kids. The price was reasonable compared to other tours we had seen online. Fantastic tour of a remarkably well preserved plantation house and surrounding gardens, along with original slave quarters hidden in the impressive oak alley. Even the kids were fascinated by the history delivered by our energetic and passionate guide.
10. Houmas House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,946 reviews
Houmas House and Gardens is an Historic Estate open for daily tours. The guided tour walks through the 250 year history of this estate and how a succession of owners and the Mississippi River grew this modest manor house into the estate it is today. A collection of art, furniture, and antique artifacts help tell the story of plantation life. 38 acres of gardens surround the mansion, restaurants and gift shop and are self-paced. Plan on spending 3 hours to fully visit this site. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available in The Carriage House Restaurant. The Inn at Houmas House has 21 rooms for overnight stays. Experience all that Houmas House has to offer.
Reviewed By LoveAGreatBnB - Lambertville, United States
This place is beautiful even on a cloudy day with light rain! The gardens are lovely! The property has history dating back over 300 years. The house has 85% of its original furnishings. Our tour guide was great, and dressed in 1800s dress. There are fascinating artifacts in every room, Including tie-ins to the movie “Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte,” starring Bette Davis, which was shot there; the designer of the confederate flag; the artist Monet; the sculptor of Mount Rushmore, and more! There are interesting animals on the property roaming freely, including chickens, turkeys, and dogs. There is also a pretty, pale pink parrot that was quite animated with us. There are several restaurants on the property, which we did not try. There is also a very large gift shop. If you are a AAA member, show your card for a $1 per ticket discount for tour of the house and gardens.
