If you first take into consideration visiting Louisiana, the very first thing that in all probability involves my thoughts is New Orleans, which is likely one of the South’s unimaginable cities to go to in the US. Nevertheless, there are heaps extra of the most effective 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 if you happen to’re driving on a wider US street journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely liked how various and truthfully shocking Louisiana is. The state is beautiful.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your journey, I’m sharing our prime locations in Louisiana it is best to cease at as you traverse the state. This fashion, you’ll profit from your time exploring the state with out getting slowed down with the planning.
Have probably 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, after all, town’s neighbourhoods.
After arriving, make sure you discover New Orleans’ French Quarter. It’s lovely and one of many metropolis’s most distinguished and oldest neighbourhoods. It contains magnificent homes which can be 300 years outdated.
Should you’re planning on going to Bourbon Avenue, anticipate numerous Mardi Gras crowds. It’s a fun-fuelled road that buzzes because the solar goes down. One factor I’d say about Bourbon Avenue is that it may possibly 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 slightly daunting, however you shortly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, be sure to guide a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unimaginable.
Should you’re fascinated with museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to if you happen to’re fascinated with Navy historical past and offers an enormous perception into one of many world’s deadliest and most damaging wars. The “Street to Berlin” exhibit was among the best issues concerning the Museum, it exhibits an virtually life like expertise of totally recreated battles with sounds and sight.
Oh, and don’t neglect 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: Greatest 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 possibly can be part of a few of the swamp excursions to identify a few of the native wildlife (together with alligators). For among the best excursions, head over to Cajun Nation Swamp Excursions.
A go to will take round 1 hour, and it’s simply among the best locations in Louisiana to go to if you happen to’re in search of a small exercise as you drive by means of the state. We liked it.
3.) Laura Plantation
Should you plan on travelling to Louisiana, it is best to go to the Laura Plantation. It’s positioned 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 working of the plantation. It’s a stark reminder of the horrors of slavery.
Visits will take round 90 minutes and are nicely 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 street journey. You see, as soon as right here, you’ll be able to head to the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Website and study extra concerning the historical past of the plantation, its folks and see the gorgeous grounds.
Additionally, don’t neglect 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: Greatest issues to do in New Orleans
5.) Baton Rouge
Though smaller than New Orleans and rather less full of life, Baton Rouge is the state capital of Louisiana and an ideal place to spend just a few days.
As soon as right here, be sure 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 model.
It’s as comparable as you may get in Louisiana to a fort. You possibly can 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 will discover the historic website at 305 South River Street,
Baton Rouge. It was an energetic ship used throughout WWII. Nevertheless, it has been used to supply movies and TV exhibits and is nicely value visiting if you happen to’re fascinated with army historical past.
Afterwards, make sure you pop by Elsie’s Plate and Pie. Their apple pie is known.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in New Orleans
6.) Alexandria
Proper within the coronary heart of the state, Alexandria is likely one of the greatest locations in Louisiana to go to for an alternate metropolis break. It’s bought every part you need from a big American metropolis, however it additionally has that small-town vibe (if that is sensible).
When you’re right here, go to Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Website. Right here, they host Civil Battle reenactments and clarify the turbulent interval in US historical past.
Should you’re fascinated with artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You possibly can simply spend an hour wandering by means 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 if you happen to drive throughout the state. It’s sufficiently small {that a} day’s go to is simply sufficient. Nevertheless, if you wish to take issues sluggish, keep in a single day and absorb town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, be sure to go to Vermilionville. It’s a historic museum at 300 Fisher Street, Lafayette, Louisiana. It options a few 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 means of many generations. We liked it, and it’s so fascinating to listen to concerning the lives of the First Nation folks and different populations that made their houses in Louisiana.
Additionally, don’t neglect 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 among the best locations in Louisiana to go to and spend a weekend away.
As soon as right here, be sure to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Heart. It options every part 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 if you happen to’re visiting Shreveport with your loved ones.
Afterwards, head on over to the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. Right here, you’ll be able to discover Louisiana’s lengthy historical past and the those that make up the state. It’s a good way to study extra concerning 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: Greatest issues to do in New Orleans
9.) Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park
Simply shy of New Orleans, you’ll be able to simply go to the wetlands of Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park for a morning journey from town itself. It’s among the best 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 if you happen to fancy a extra stress-free day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is completely lovely.
Nevertheless, be sure 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 nicely value exploring, just a few hours’ journey from town itself. It’s fairly epic to go to, and you may discover a few of the city’s historic websites that date again centuries.
Not solely that, it’s among the best locations in Louisiana to go to if you wish to discover a few of the state’s cultural historical past – which, for my part, makes St. Martinville nicely value a go to.
As soon as right here, make sure you go to the Martin de Excursions Catholic Church and see Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Website which has been round because the early 1800s.
Lastly, don’t neglect to pop into St. John Restaurant for his or her superb seafood. Their catfish strips are the most effective within the state.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in New Orleans
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