Location: Lafayette
Top Things to do in Lafayette
What to do and see in Lafayette, Louisiana (LA): The Best Things to do
Founded by the Acadians in the 19th century, the legacy of Louisiana's French, Spanish and Caribbean ancestors comes together in Lafayette, creating a city with, amongst other things, a vast selection of restaurants serving everything from spicy po'boys to crawfish etouffee. With its lively street festivals, impromptu Zydeco concerts, historic plantations and food markets where locals still order their plate lunches in Louisiana French, Lafayette is the heart of Cajun country.
Restaurants in Lafayette
1. Evangeline State Park
2. Cathedral of St John the Evangelist
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 403 reviews
This quasi-Romanesque brick cathedral in Lafayette is worth a look.
Reviewed By sallyhZ267CK - Youngsville, United States
We were led to grounds of St John’s Cathedral in our downtown Lafayette scavenger hunt. We happened to see the cathedral the day before Easter. Unbelievably beautiful!
3. Alexandre Mouton House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Built in 1800 by city founder Jean Mouton, this antebellum home later belonged to Jean's son, Alexandre, first Democratic governor of Louisiana, and now houses antiques, paintings and a collection of Mardi Gras costumes.
Reviewed By Bcooking - Queen Creek, United States
My last visit was 50years ago, in town for a high school reunion, it’s an education to see this building again and the restoration at hand. Outside, time seems to stand still, but on the inside there is much going on. This is a must see to understand the Lafayette experience and remember the past. Take the tour, fun.
4. Cajundome & Convention Center
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Lafayette Science Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
The cultural heritage of Southwestern Louisiana is preserved at this combination museum and planetarium, which houses over 1,000 paintings, prints and sculpture of Louisiana artists and regularly changing exhibits and planetarium programs.
Reviewed By kellymB5695PA - Opp, United States
Downtown Lafayette so it's within walking distance of parking and other places to visit. Admission prices are reasonable, staff is very friendly and helpful. Lot's of hands on activities and interesting exhibits. Loved the Acadiana 360 virtual reality experience and the big screen that put you in the picture (forgot what the exhibit was called). A must do when in downtown Lafayette.
8. Children's Museum of Acadiana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Four_Points_Travel - League City, United States
We stopped in with the kids one day, there was plenty to do for both even with a pretty big age gap between them. Price is reasonable, and the staff is great!
9. Acadian Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By ebu63
Everyone who lives or is a visitor to Acadiana, must come and see the history of the Cajuns; Over 200 years masterfully set at this museum, along with a short film to highlight their journey! The staff is not only friendly but extremely knowledgeable about the history! And it is FREE! Best I have experienced in all my travels! A must on your agenda of things to do!!
10. Lake Martin Rookery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By 218SD - Franklin, United States
April is the month to go to view the colorful Irises. We saw the blue, purple, yellow, white and 1 rust color. The white birds were nestled far back into the rookery. You can ride on the gravel road both right and left. The boat landing is closed, but there is a place to let down boats and kayaks. The flowers are past the boat landing on the left side a lone home is on the right. You have to turn around or park your car and walk around the lake. But NOT during alligator mating season. We did see a medium size alligator not in the lake but across the road in the ditch! It is a gravel road and does have many deep ruts, I don't recommend going when it has rained a lot. It is my peaceful place to go for a drive and enjoy the scenery
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