Louisiana is full of life. Its culture, history, and nature are like no other. From lively cities to peaceful swamps, it has something for everyone. You can explore historic plantations, stroll through charming streets, or take a boat ride through a swamp. Whether you’re here for food, history, or adventure, Louisiana won’t disappoint. Let’s dive into some of the best things to do.
1. French Quarter: The Heartbeat of New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
The French Quarter is where Louisiana’s vibrant culture comes to life, blending European charm with Creole flair. Its narrow, historic streets are lined with colorful balconies, street performers, jazz clubs, and world-famous restaurants. As you wander, you’ll pass landmarks like Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral, all while the sounds of jazz fill the air.
Bourbon Street is known for its electric nightlife, but if you’re looking for something more laid-back, head to Royal Street, where you’ll find art galleries, antique shops, and live music on the corners. Stop by Café du Monde for a beignet break, and explore the French Market, where you can sample pralines and local delicacies.
Tip: To enjoy the charm without the crowds, visit early in the morning when the streets are quiet, and you can see the Quarter’s beauty without distractions.
Fun Fact: The French Quarter is home to the oldest continuously operating bar in the U.S.—Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, built in the early 1700s and rumored to be haunted by the pirate Jean Lafitte himself.
2. Oak Alley Plantation: Louisiana’s Iconic Oak-Lined Pathway
Location: Vacherie, along the Mississippi River
Oak Alley Plantation is famous for its stunning pathway lined with 28 massive oak trees that create a grand, picture-perfect entrance. But beyond its beauty lies a complex history tied to Louisiana’s antebellum past. Visitors can explore the Greek Revival-style mansion, stroll the lush grounds, and see exhibits detailing life on the plantation, including the stories of the enslaved people who lived there.
The slave cabin exhibit offers a sobering look at history, while the mansion tour reveals the life of the wealthy Creole family who built their fortune on sugarcane production. After your tour, indulge in traditional Southern fare at the plantation’s on-site restaurant.
Tip: Visit during the spring when the oaks are at their most vibrant, and book a morning tour for the best lighting if you’re hoping to capture that iconic photo of the oak-lined path.
Fun Fact: The majestic oak trees lining the path are more than 300 years old—older than the mansion itself, which was built in 1839.
3. Louisiana State Capitol: Where Politics Meets History
Location: Baton Rouge
As the tallest state capitol building in the U.S., Louisiana’s State Capitol is a marvel of Art Deco design, standing 450 feet tall and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Constructed in the 1930s under the direction of Governor Huey P. Long, the building reflects both Louisiana’s pride and political intrigue.
Visitors can take the elevator up to the 27th-floor observation deck for stunning views of Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River. Inside, you’ll find impressive murals, sculptures, and inscriptions detailing Louisiana’s rich history. Afterward, take a walk through the capitol gardens, filled with statues and native plants, or visit the nearby Old State Capitol, which is now a museum.
Tip: Don’t miss the intricate bronze doors at the entrance or the lobby’s detailed carvings that tell the story of Louisiana’s heritage. The best time to visit is during spring or fall when the gardens are in full bloom.
Fun Fact: Governor Huey P. Long, who was instrumental in building the capitol, was assassinated there in 1935. His grave is located on the capitol grounds, marked by a statue of him facing the building.
4. Atchafalaya Basin: America’s Largest Swamp Adventure
Location: South-central Louisiana
The Atchafalaya Basin is a sprawling 1.4 million-acre wetland filled with cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, winding bayous, and a rich array of wildlife, including alligators, herons, and egrets. Known as the largest swamp in the United States, this natural wonder offers a glimpse into the wild side of Louisiana.
The best way to explore the basin is by taking a guided swamp tour, where local guides share fascinating stories of Cajun culture, folklore, and the swamp’s ecological importance. Adventure-seekers can also kayak through the winding waterways or take a nature walk along the scenic trails in the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, book a sunset swamp tour to watch the golden light reflect off the water as wildlife stirs. Don’t forget insect repellent and a camera to capture the beauty.
Fun Fact: The Atchafalaya Basin is so vast that it contains about 30% of all coastal wetlands in the U.S. and is home to some of the best crawfish farms in the country.
5. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve: A Blend of Nature and History
Location: Multiple locations, with the main preserve near Marrero
Named after the legendary pirate Jean Lafitte, this park is a blend of Louisiana’s natural beauty and rich cultural history. The Barataria Preserve is the most popular section, featuring boardwalk trails through swamps and marshes where you’ll spot alligators, turtles, and an incredible variety of bird species.
History buffs can visit the Chalmette Battlefield, where the Battle of New Orleans was fought during the War of 1812. The park also highlights the history of Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole cultures through interactive exhibits at its visitor centers.
Tip: The boardwalk trails at Barataria Preserve are perfect for a family-friendly nature walk, and they’re wheelchair-accessible. Arrive early in the morning to maximize wildlife sightings.
Fun Fact: Jean Lafitte, the park’s namesake, wasn’t just a pirate—he was also a hero who helped General Andrew Jackson defeat the British at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.
6. Creole Nature Trail: Louisiana’s Scenic Byway
Location: Southwest Louisiana, near Lake Charles
Known as “Louisiana’s Outback,” the Creole Nature Trail is a 180-mile scenic drive that takes you through some of the most pristine and beautiful landscapes in the state. Along the way, you’ll pass marshes, bayous, coastal beaches, and wildlife refuges teeming with alligators, crabs, and migratory birds.
Popular stops include the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, both perfect for hiking, bird-watching, or fishing. The trail also leads you to the Gulf of Mexico’s beaches, where you can relax or go crabbing right on the shore.
Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars for bird-watching and make sure to check local tide charts if you’re planning a crabbing adventure. Spring and fall are ideal for a visit, as the weather is mild and wildlife is abundant.
Fun Fact: The Creole Nature Trail passes through one of the largest migratory bird flyways in North America, making it a paradise for birdwatchers, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons.e Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and Sabine National Wildlife Refuge provide opportunities for nature hikes and bird-watching. For beach lovers, stop by the Gulf Coast beaches to enjoy fishing, crabbing, or just relaxing by the water. The Creole Nature Trail offers a peaceful and authentic way to experience Louisiana’s natural beauty.
7. Laura Plantation: A Window into Creole Life
Location: Vacherie, along the Mississippi River
Laura Plantation offers a fascinating glimpse into Louisiana’s Creole culture and history. Unlike traditional plantations that focus solely on the grandeur of the main house, this site highlights the everyday lives of both the plantation owners and the enslaved people who lived there. The plantation’s story is rooted in Laura Locoul Gore’s memoirs, which detail 200 years of family history, including success, conflict, and tragedy.
Visitors can tour the colorful Creole-style main house, explore the reconstructed slave cabins, and learn about the plantation’s role in Louisiana’s sugarcane production. The exhibits provide an unflinching look at the experiences of the enslaved and how their contributions shaped the region.
Tip: If you’re visiting during the summer, arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. The plantation offers shaded paths and water stations to keep you cool during the tour.
Fun Fact: Laura Plantation sits on the land where the traditional Br’er Rabbit folktales were first recorded, making it a key piece of literary history as well.
8. Natchitoches: Louisiana’s Oldest Settlement
Location: Northwestern Louisiana, along the Cane River
Founded in 1714, Natchitoches (pronounced “NACK-uh-tish”) is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. The town’s historic downtown, with its red-brick streets and charming riverfront, is a National Historic Landmark District, making it a walkable treasure trove of history, shops, and cafes.
Visitors can explore attractions like the Steel Magnolia House, famous for its role in the film Steel Magnolias, or tour the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, which preserves the region’s plantation heritage. For a bite to eat, grab a famous Natchitoches meat pie from a local restaurant.
Tip: Visit during the Festival of Lights, held annually from late November through early January, when the entire downtown area transforms into a holiday wonderland with parades, fireworks, and light displays.
Fun Fact: Natchitoches was established as a French outpost to trade with the Spanish in Texas, making it a unique blend of French, Spanish, and Creole influences.
9. Tabasco Factory Tour: A Spicy Louisiana Tradition
Location: Avery Island
If you’re a fan of hot sauce, the Tabasco Factory Tour is a must-see. Located on Avery Island, this facility has been producing the world-famous Tabasco sauce for over 150 years. The self-guided tour takes you through the entire production process, from pepper harvesting and aging to bottling and distribution. Interactive exhibits provide insight into the McIlhenny family’s legacy and the global reach of their iconic hot sauce.
After the tour, stroll through the island’s Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre botanical preserve featuring exotic plants, a centuries-old Buddha statue, and local wildlife like alligators and egrets.
Tip: Don’t leave without stopping by the gift shop, where you can sample Tabasco-flavored snacks, hot-sauce-infused chocolates, and even Tabasco ice cream!
Fun Fact: Avery Island isn’t just home to Tabasco sauce—it’s also a massive salt dome, part of the reason the McIlhenny family chose this location to grow their pepper crops and age the sauce.
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