While you first take into consideration visiting Louisiana, the very first thing that in all probability involves my thoughts is New Orleans, which is without doubt one of the South’s unbelievable cities to go to in the US. Nonetheless, there are heaps extra of the perfect locations in Louisiana that go far past town itself.
You see, Louisiana is a reasonably large state, and you’ll simply go to a good few of those when you’re driving on a wider US street journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely cherished 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 prime locations in Louisiana it is best to cease at as you traverse the state. This manner, 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 without doubt one of the most distinctive cities within the US to go to. It’s simply unbelievable, and you’ll simply spend three or 4 days there, absorbing the tradition, historical past, and, in fact, town’s neighbourhoods.
After arriving, you should definitely discover New Orleans’ French Quarter. It’s stunning and one of many metropolis’s most distinguished and oldest neighbourhoods. It contains magnificent homes which can be 300 years previous.
When you’re planning on going to Bourbon Road, anticipate a number of Mardi Gras crowds. It’s a fun-fuelled avenue that buzzes because the solar goes down. One factor I’d say about Bourbon Road is that it could actually 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 rapidly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, be certain to e-book a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unbelievable.
When you’re focused on museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to when you’re focused on Army historical past and provides an enormous perception into one of many world’s deadliest and most harmful wars. The “Highway to Berlin” exhibit was the most effective issues in regards to the Museum, it exhibits an nearly practical expertise of solely recreated battles with sounds and sight.
Oh, and don’t overlook to seize a chunk 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 may be a part of among the swamp excursions to identify among the native wildlife (together with alligators). For the most effective excursions, head over to Cajun Nation Swamp Excursions.
A go to will take round 1 hour, and it’s simply the most effective locations in Louisiana to go to when you’re in search of a small exercise as you drive by the state. We cherished it.
3.) Laura Plantation
When 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 operating of the plantation. It’s a stark reminder of the horrors of slavery.
Visits will take round 90 minutes and are properly 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 excellent stopping level as a part of a wider Louisiana street journey. You see, as soon as right here, you may head to the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Website and study extra in regards to the historical past of the plantation, its individuals and see the beautiful grounds.
Additionally, don’t overlook to pop by the Grace Episcopal Church and seize a chunk 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 certain 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 model.
It’s as related as you will get in Louisiana to a fortress. 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 could find the historic web site at 305 South River Highway,
Baton Rouge. It was an energetic ship used throughout WWII. Nonetheless, it has been used to supply movies and TV exhibits and is properly value visiting when you’re focused on army historical past.
Afterwards, you should definitely 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 without doubt one of the finest locations in Louisiana to go to for another metropolis break. It’s received every part you need from a big American metropolis, but it surely 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.
When you’re focused on artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You may simply spend an hour wandering by the exhibitions right here. We cherished 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 when you drive throughout the state. It’s sufficiently small {that a} day’s go to is simply sufficient. Nonetheless, if you wish to take issues gradual, keep in a single day and absorb town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, be certain to go to Vermilionville. It’s a historic museum at 300 Fisher Highway, Lafayette, Louisiana. It options among the traditions of the Acadian individuals as they have been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The abilities and craftwork of the Acadian individuals have been preserved by many generations. We cherished it, and it’s so fascinating to listen to in regards to the lives of the First Nation individuals and different populations that made their houses 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 without doubt one of the largest cities within the state and the most effective locations in Louisiana to go to and spend a weekend away.
As soon as right here, be certain 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 when you’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 folks that make up the state. It’s a good way to study 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: Greatest 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 the most effective 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 stunning when you fancy a extra stress-free day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is completely stunning.
Nonetheless, be certain 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 value exploring, just a few hours’ journey from town itself. It’s fairly epic to go to, and you’ll discover among the city’s historic websites that date again centuries.
Not solely that, it’s the most effective locations in Louisiana to go to if you wish to discover among the state’s cultural historical past – which, in my view, makes St. Martinville properly value a go to.
As soon as right here, you should definitely 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 overlook to pop into St. John Restaurant for his or her superb seafood. Their catfish strips are the perfect within the state.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in New Orleans
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