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 USA. Nevertheless, there are heaps extra of one of the 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 should you’re driving on a wider US highway journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely beloved how various and truthfully stunning Louisiana is. The state is attractive.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your journey, I’m sharing our high locations in Louisiana it is best to cease at as you traverse the state. This manner, you’ll benefit 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, in fact, town’s neighbourhoods.
After arriving, be 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 It contains magnificent homes which might be 300 years outdated.
Should you’re planning on going to Bourbon Avenue, anticipate numerous Mardi Gras crowds. It’s a fun-fuelled avenue that buzzes because the solar goes down. One factor I’d say about Bourbon Avenue is that it will 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 a bit of daunting, however you rapidly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, make sure that to ebook a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unimaginable.
Should you’re fascinated by museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to should you’re fascinated by Army 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 finest issues concerning the Museum, it reveals an virtually real looking expertise of fully 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: 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 may be part of a few of the swamp excursions to identify a few of the native wildlife (together with alligators). For among the finest excursions, head over to Cajun Nation Swamp Excursions.
A go to will take round 1 hour, and it’s simply among the finest locations in Louisiana to go to should you’re on the lookout for a small exercise as you drive via the state. We beloved it.
3.) Laura Plantation
Should you plan on travelling to Louisiana, it is best to 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, had 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 properly price 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 possibly can 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 proper 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 a tremendous Gothic fashion.
It’s as related as you will get in Louisiana to a citadel. You may even spot the Mississippi River from the towers’ nice heights.
One other key web site to go to in Baton Rouge is USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial You will discover the historic web site at 305 South River Street,
Baton Rouge. It was an lively ship used throughout WWII. Nevertheless, it has been used to supply movies and TV reveals and is properly price visiting should you’re fascinated by navy historical past.
Afterwards, be sure you 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. You see, it’s bought all the things you need from a big American metropolis, but it surely additionally has that small city vibe (if that is sensible).
When you’re right here, make sure that to go to Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Website. Right here, they host Civil Struggle reenactments and clarify the turbulent interval in US historical past.
If it’s artwork your after, then head on over to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You may simply spend an hour wandering via the exhibitions right here. We beloved 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 out in Alexandria.
7.) Lafayette
West of New Orleans, Lafayette is one other gem to go to in Louisiana should you 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 take in the vibe of town itself.
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 few of the traditions of the Acadian folks as they had been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The abilities and craftwork of the Acadian folks have been preserved via many generations. We beloved it, and it’s so fascinating to listen to concerning the lives of the First Nation folks and different populations that made their properties in Louisiana.
Additionally, don’t neglect to go to the Hilliard Artwork Museum. It has many seasonal displays that change all year long.
8.) Shreveport
Shreveport is likely one of the largest cities within the state and among the finest locations in Louisiana to go to to spend a weekend away.
As soon as right here, make sure that to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Middle. It options all the things 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 should you’re visiting Shreveport with your loved ones.
Afterwards, head on over to the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. Right here, you possibly can discover Louisiana’s lengthy historical past and the people who make up the state. It’s an effective 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 completely 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 possibly can simply go to the wetlands of Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park for a morning journey from town itself. It’s among the finest 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 should you fancy a extra stress-free day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is totally 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 properly price 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 finest locations in Louisiana to go to if you wish to discover a few of the state’s cultural historical past – which, in my view, makes St. Martinville properly price a go to.
As soon as right here, be sure you go to the Martin de Excursions Catholic Church and see Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Website which has been round for the reason that early 1800s.
Lastly, don’t neglect to pop into St. John Restaurant for his or her superb seafood. Their catfish strips are one of the best within the state.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans