Top Things to do in Louisiana
Things to do in Louisiana, United States: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
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. Mahaffey Farms
2. Chimp Haven
3. Gator Chateau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
*OPEN!!! Under construction! Building a new Chateau- but the babies are housed in a temporary building next door! Hold a baby gator at our educational baby gator rescue facility! Our babies are fostered by us until they can be released back into the wild! It's a free attraction that is not to be missed! (donations accepted)
Reviewed By 956tiffanyp - Sulphur, United States
If you are traveling on 1-10 through Louisiana, this is a MUST stop. Gator Chateau is conveniently located right off the interstate in Jennings, LA. It's a small town, so it's easy to get on and off the interstate. In addition to this lovely park, there are nearby restaurants and gas stations. The park has walking trails and is a beautiful place to stretch your legs while traveling. Gator Chateau is a rescue and release for baby alligators, and a great opportunity to learn a bit more about these majestic creatures. Kids and adults both will enjoy holding a baby alligator (have your camera ready!). Once the gators are big enough, about the time they hit 5 years old, they will be released back into the wild. When we were there in June 2018, they had an entire nest of babies that Wildlife and Fisheries had found (they believe the mama had been killed during hunting season). It's free, though they do accept donations. My kids and I asked lots of questions, and the young woman running the Chateau that afternoon patiently answered them all. Gator Chateau is currently under construction, so they don't have any gators older than 2 years old right now. I can't wait to go back and see their new facilities in January 2019.
4. Barataria Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Hollyhouse180
We visited the center and then walked the Bayou Coquille Trail, a real gem that takes you through the swamp and along the bayou on dirt trails and boardwalks. Early wildflowers were blooming, and wildlife was abundant! Saw more alligators than I can remember, snakes, egrets, a bald eagle, two nutria, and best of all, the momma alligator with two babies resting on her back. The trail is smooth and easy, so is very family friendly. Loved taking this walk and was sad when it ended; just wish we would have had time to include the marsh walk trail, too. Would definitely go back to this trail again and again and again.
5. Barataria Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By kumtux - Vancouver, United States
This is roughly a 1.5 mile trail out and back through the low land environment to an overlook of the grasslands. Warm weather will guarantee close viewing of lots of snakes and alligators, as well as various birds, insects, and turtles. This is a raised walkway with viewing areas. Free to the public with ample parking. Its a popular route for families.
6. 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.
7. Bird City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Seasonal sanctuary for a variety of birds such as herons and snowy egrets.
Reviewed By davebU933VU - Seguin, United States
Very interesting story about how this became Bird City and a connection to India. Well worth the stop while on the Jungle Tour.
