Once you first take into consideration visiting Louisiana, the very first thing that most likely involves my thoughts is New Orleans, which is likely one of the South’s unimaginable cities to go to in the USA. Nevertheless, there are heaps extra of the very best locations in Louisiana that go far past town itself.
You see, Louisiana is a fairly large state, and you may simply go to a good few of those for those who’re driving on a wider US highway journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely liked how numerous and actually stunning Louisiana is. The state is beautiful.
So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your journey, I’m sharing our prime locations in Louisiana you must cease at as you traverse the state. This fashion, you’ll benefit from your time exploring the state with out getting slowed down with the planning.
Have essentially the most superb journey to Louisiana.
1.) New Orleans
New Orleans is likely one of the most distinctive cities within the US to go to. It’s simply unimaginable, and you may simply spend three or 4 days there, absorbing the tradition, historical past, and, in fact, town’s neighbourhoods.
After arriving, make sure to discover New Orleans’ French Quarter. It’s lovely and one of many metropolis’s most distinguished and oldest neighbourhoods. It consists of magnificent homes which can be 300 years outdated.
In the event you’re planning on going to Bourbon Avenue, count on plenty of Mardi Gras crowds. It’s a fun-fuelled road that buzzes because the solar goes down. One factor I might say about Bourbon Avenue is that it may take some getting used to. We first ventured right here within the early night, and it was as busy because it will get.
As a first-time customer to New Orleans, this felt a bit daunting, however you shortly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, make sure that to e-book a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unimaginable.
In the event you’re occupied with museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to for those who’re occupied with Army historical past and provides an enormous perception into one of many world’s deadliest and most damaging wars. The “Street to Berlin” exhibit was probably the greatest issues in regards to the Museum, it exhibits an nearly lifelike expertise of totally recreated battles with sounds and sight.
Oh, and don’t overlook to seize a chew at Antonie’s Restaurant. It’s the oldest restaurant in New Orleans, and the meals is scrumptious. Their fish amandine is so yummy.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans
2.) Lake Martin
Lake Martin is a swamp space round a 2-hour drive from New Orleans. Though small, it’s fairly epic to go to. You’ll be able to be a part of a number of the swamp excursions to identify a number of the native wildlife (together with alligators). For probably the greatest excursions, head over to Cajun Nation Swamp Excursions.
A go to will take round 1 hour, and it’s simply probably the greatest locations in Louisiana to go to for those who’re searching for a small exercise as you drive by way of the state. We liked it.
3.) Laura Plantation
In the event you plan on travelling to Louisiana, you must go to the Laura Plantation. It’s situated at 2247 Hwy 18, Vacherie, Louisiana, and has been open to guests since 1994.
This plantation was used to reap sugarcane for over 180 years. The constructing nonetheless has furnishings from the unique interval, and it’s fairly pertinent to go to. The tour additionally focuses on the tales of enslaved individuals who, as we all know, have been integral to the operating of the plantation. It’s a stark reminder of the horrors of slavery.
Visits will take round 90 minutes and are effectively value visiting as you drive west from New Orleans.
4.) St. Francisville
Simply north of Baton Rouge, St. Francisville is a comparatively small city however the good stopping level as a part of a wider Louisiana highway journey. You see, as soon as right here, you may head to the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Web site and be taught extra in regards to the historical past of the plantation, its folks and see the beautiful grounds.
Additionally, don’t overlook to pop by the Grace Episcopal Church and seize a chew to eat at The Francis. They serve a tasty shrimp leon and it’s the right stopping level for an informal lunch.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans
5.) Baton Rouge
Though smaller than New Orleans and rather less energetic, Baton Rouge is the state capital of Louisiana and an ideal place to spend just a few days.
As soon as right here, make sure that to go to the Previous State Capitol constructing. This landmark construction is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 100 North Blvd. Each the within design and the skin have an incredible Gothic fashion.
It’s as comparable as you will get in Louisiana to a fort. You’ll be able to even spot the Mississippi River from the towers’ nice heights.
One other key website to go to in Baton Rouge is USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial You could find the historic website at 305 South River Street,
Baton Rouge. It was an energetic ship used throughout WWII. Nevertheless, it has been used to provide movies and TV exhibits and is effectively value visiting for those who’re occupied with navy historical past.
Afterwards, make sure to pop by Elsie’s Plate and Pie. Their apple pie is known.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans
6.) Alexandria
Proper within the coronary heart of the state, Alexandria is likely one of the finest locations in Louisiana to go to for another metropolis break. It’s received all the pieces you need from a big American metropolis, however it additionally has that small-town vibe (if that is smart).
When you’re right here, go to Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Web site. Right here, they host Civil Warfare reenactments and clarify the turbulent interval in US historical past.
In the event you’re occupied with artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You’ll be able to simply spend an hour wandering by way of the exhibitions right here. We liked it.
Additionally, for some tasty boiled shrimp, head on over to Debarge’s Crawfish. It’s nothing fancy, however the meals is so good for a lunch in Alexandria.
7.) Lafayette
West of New Orleans, Lafayette is one other gem to go to in Louisiana for those who drive throughout the state. It’s sufficiently small {that a} day’s go to is simply sufficient. Nevertheless, if you wish to take issues gradual, keep in a single day and absorb town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, make sure that to go to Vermilionville. It’s a historic museum at 300 Fisher Street, Lafayette, Louisiana. It options a number of the traditions of the Acadian folks as they have been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The abilities and craftwork of the Acadian folks have been preserved by way of many generations. We liked it, and it’s so attention-grabbing to listen to in regards to the lives of the First Nation folks and different populations that made their properties in Louisiana.
Additionally, don’t overlook to go to the Hilliard Artwork Museum. It has many seasonal reveals that change all year long.
8.) Shreveport
Shreveport is likely one of the largest cities within the state and probably the greatest locations in Louisiana to go to and spend a weekend away.
As soon as right here, make sure that to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Middle. It options all the pieces and something associated to science, which makes it enjoyable for the entire household. Visits take round 90 minutes, and it’s an ideal morning exercise for those who’re visiting Shreveport with your loved ones.
Afterwards, head on over to the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. Right here, you may discover Louisiana’s lengthy historical past and the those that make up the state. It’s an effective way to be taught extra in regards to the state’s historical past.
Oh, and pop into The Blind Tiger for his or her seafood gumbeaux. It’s a yummy and informal spot for lunch, and scrumptious.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans
9.) Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park
Simply shy of New Orleans, you may simply go to the wetlands of Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park for a morning journey from town itself. It’s probably the greatest locations in Louisiana to go to if you wish to discover the distinctive geographical historical past of the state’s coastlines.
Plus, it’s completely lovely for those who fancy a extra enjoyable day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is completely lovely.
Nevertheless, make sure that to take some sunscreen with you; there’s little or no shade in some components of the historic park.
10.) St. Martinville
Southeast of Lafayette, St. Martinville is effectively value exploring, just a few hours’ journey from town itself. It’s fairly epic to go to, and you may discover a number of the city’s historic websites that date again centuries.
Not solely that, it’s probably the greatest locations in Louisiana to go to if you wish to discover a number of the state’s cultural historical past – which, for my part, makes St. Martinville effectively value a go to.
As soon as right here, make sure to go to the Martin de Excursions Catholic Church and see Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Web site which has been round because the early 1800s.
Lastly, don’t overlook to pop into St. John Restaurant for his or her superb seafood. Their catfish strips are the very best within the state.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans
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