Top Things to do in Louisiana
Top 10 Outdoor Activities 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. Wild Country Safari Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Louisiana's only drive through safari park. Wild Country Safari Park is over 300 acres of wild animal fun!!! We have over thirty species, a petting zoo, concession stand and picnic areas.
Reviewed By yokc
It's a nice place to escape and be with the nature. Animals are friendly, happy, and well-fed. The staff and the owner are very informative and welcoming. Would love to re-visit next time.
2. Kincaid Recreation Area
3. Mae's Beach
4. Audubon Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,886 reviews
Located in historic Uptown New Orleans Audubon Zoo offers an exotic mix of animals from around the globe, engaging educational programs, hands-on animal encounters and lush gardens. Unique natural habitat exhibits—such as the award-winning Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle—showcase the relationship between people and nature. Don't miss the daily animal presentations, chats and feeds; our highly endangered whooping cranes, Amur leopards and orangutans; our white tiger; and our mysterious white alligators. Audubon Zoo is often ranked among the country’s best for innovation and entertainment value!
Reviewed By debram0ss - Danville, United States
The zoo was one of the most beautiful zoos that I have visited. The animals seem to be thriving in there habitats. The staff was very knowledgable and caring of the animals. Beautiful mature trees and plants added to the charm of the zoo. The children in our group loved water area and the train ride was enjoyed by all ages in our group.
5. Creole Nature Trail
6. Cane River National Heritage Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Cane River National Heritage Area in northwestern Louisiana is a largely rural, agricultural landscape known for its historic plantations, its distinctive Creole architecture, and its multi-cultural legacy. Historically this region lay at the intersection of French and Spanish realms in the New World. Today it is home to a unique blend of cultures, including American Indian, French, Spanish, African, and Creole. The central corridor of the heritage area begins just south of Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, and extends along both sides of Cane River Lake for approximately 35 miles. The heritage area includes Cane River Creole National Historical Park, seven National Historic Landmarks, three State Historic Sites, and many other historic plantations, homes, and churches. What is a National Heritage Area? A National Heritage Area is a place recognized by the United States Congress for its unique contribution to the American experience. In a national heritage area, natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography. These patterns make national heritage areas representative of the national experience through the physical features that remain and the traditions that have evolved in the areas. Continued use of the national heritage areas by people whose traditions helped to shape the landscapes enhances their significance. The Cane River National Heritage Area is one of forty-nine National Heritage Areas recognized by Congress for their significant contributions to the American experience. In partnership with the National Park Service, CRNHA, Inc. celebrates the nationally significant history of the Cane River region, preserving it for the benefit of current and future generations.
Reviewed By VIEQUESBEACHBUM - Sugar Land, United States
This was a great day trip heading from Natchitoches south along the Cain river. We visited the national park which was a great couple of hours and then traveled south to other plantation estates, Magnolia and Melrose. Pay attention to the signs as Hwy 119 is washed out just on the North side of Magnolia plantation ( For a very long time) so you must travel down Hwy 1 to pick up 119 in Derry. Worth the visit
7. Tammany Trace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By 220kenq
Fun trail to go for a walk, run, or bike ride. I went for about a one mile walk and it was peaceful and had nice scenery.
8. Alexandria Zoological Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
Since 1926, Alexandria Zoological Park has shared the wonders of the natural world with generations of zoo-goers. Get face to face with 500 animals including lions, tigers, crocodiles, monkeys, bears, otters and many more. Come explore a natural world filled with hoots, howls, and roars right in the heart of Central Louisiana. Alexandria Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is the mission of Alexandria Zoological Park to promote understanding and conservation of the natural world in which we live. It is the mission of Alexandria Zoological Park to promote understanding and conservation of the natural world in which we live.
Reviewed By KatL475 - Metairie, United States
I enjoyed the zoo. The temp was mild and cloudy but most of the animals were out. There are no large animals at this zoo, no elephants, giraffes and the like. I appreciated that one of the zoo keepers took the time to talk about 2 of the black monkeys that I was viewing.
9. Gators and Friends - Alligator Park & Exotic Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Alligator park and exotic zoo.
Reviewed By patrickbJ6755XX - Shawnee, United States
This place is amazing we have been going here for over 10 years. It is fun for all ages the set up is ideal to allow many close encounters with deer, kangaroo, goats, gators, and many more. Staff is awesome and always friendly!
10. Kisatchie National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By 713aubreyb
We hiked the Backbone Trail in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area. A great 7.5 mile hike through some rocky/hilly terrain. This is one of three USFS designated wilderness areas in the state, the only one that is a forest. If you are traveling down I-49 it is worth the detour.
