Top Things to do in Louisiana
Things to do in Louisiana, United States: The Best Gardens
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. Hollygrove Market and Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
2. Briarwood - The Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve
3. Jungle Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 648 reviews
Avery Island, home of TABASCO® Pepper Sauce, is also home to a 170-acre botanical treasure known as Jungle Gardens! Take a self-guided tour through southern Louisiana marshes and bayous inhabited by indigenous wildlife. Visitors can walk, bike, hike or drive the 3-mile garden trail with multiple stops to view alligators, a White Egret rookery, live oak gardens and more!
Reviewed By 1949hodad - Gambier, United States
You probably came to see the Tabasco factory, but the Jungle Gardens is the real star of the show. The layout is informal and welcoming. The overall result is wondrous. Big oaks, bamboo stands, herons, Spanish moss, gators and waterways blend together in an amazing tapestry. The round trip is about 3 miles and can be done by walking or by car. We drove and with numerous stops it was about a relaxing 45 minutes. I would like to do a walk-around next time.
4. Longue Vue House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
Longue Vue House and Gardens is a multifaceted historic estate featuring a world-class house museum and eight acres of stunning gardens that include an interactive Discovery Garden for children of all ages. From art to architecture, gardens to gift shop, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Longue Vue. Longue Vue is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. The last house tour is at 4 p.m. Tours start at $12.00 for the day. Discounts for groups, seniors, and children are available.
Reviewed By rgdavis2 - Atlanta, United States
Beautiful historic home with original furnishings, the guided home tour is great, & nice gardens to stroll through.
5. Imahara Botanical Garden
6. 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.
7. Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Built in 1913 by Joseph A. Biedenharn, visitors can tour this historic home and magnificent Elsong Gardens located on the estate.
Reviewed By papertravel - Alexandria, United States
We'd been meaning to go here for years because everyone says it's an amazing experience but we kept putting it off for some reason. Finally went and we were just floored. The house is amazing, every single thing about it is fun, interesting, cool as all get-out. The museum is wonderful too and has a really nice gift shop. Employees are personable. I won't even try to describe the house furnishings, the grandeur, etc. The daughter was an internationally celebrated opera singer and the dad was basically Mr. Coca Cola. Everything is just stunning. The gardens alone kill ... beautiful and elegant and plenty of wow factor. Maybe you have to live in a brick ranch like I do to truly appreciate the grandeur and how above our pay grade to walk such a house and such gardens. Extra nice thing happened day we were there. A group of gorgeous black ladies who all looked like super models were in one particular area of the gardens doing some kind of I think super fancy (as in not standard) yoga class. I love wondrously serendipitous stuff like that in life ... and in gardens, lol.
8. Afton Villa Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By 176tiffinyd - Oakdale, United States
This place is absolutely gorgeous. The flowers in bloom are beautiful and there is plenty to look at when you are walking the grounds.
9. Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
Reviewed By Chopper088 - New Orleans, United States
The gardens by Lake Peigneur are simply stunning and the Rip Van Winkle B&B was delightful! I highly recommend staying here and enjoying the wonderful hospitality, a tour of the Jefferson house and strolling the grounds...peacocks, a resident kitty named Kit will greet you. The on-site cafe is very good for lunch too! Thanks for a delightful respite!
10. LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Burden Museum & Gardens offers discovery and adventure through historic, natural and educational experiences that provide a window into Louisiana’s rich, cultural past. Situated on 440 acres in the heart of Baton Rouge, it is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the flora and fauna of Louisiana’s lush landscapes and agricultural heritage. Burden Museum & Gardens includes the LSU Rural Life Museum, the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens and Windrush Gardens.
