Once you first take into consideration visiting Louisiana, the very first thing that most likely involves my thoughts is New Orleans, which is without doubt one of the South’s unbelievable cities to go to in the US. Nevertheless, there are heaps extra of the perfect locations in Louisiana that go far past the town itself.
You see, Louisiana is a fairly large state, and you’ll simply go to a good few of those in case you’re driving on a wider US street journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely cherished how various and actually stunning Louisiana is. The state is beautiful.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your journey, I’m sharing our high locations in Louisiana you need to 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 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, the town’s neighbourhoods.
After arriving, be sure you discover New Orleans’ French Quarter. It’s stunning and one of many metropolis’s most outstanding and oldest neighbourhoods. It contains magnificent homes which can be 300 years outdated.
If you happen to’re planning on going to Bourbon Avenue, count on a lot 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 somewhat daunting, however you rapidly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, be certain that to guide a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unbelievable.
If you happen to’re curious about museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to in case you’re curious about Navy 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 reveals an nearly life like expertise of totally 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: 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 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 in case you’re in search of a small exercise as you drive by means of the state. We cherished it.
3.) Laura Plantation
If you happen to plan on travelling to Louisiana, you need 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, 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 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 be taught extra in regards to the historical past of the plantation, its folks and see the gorgeous 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 off-the-cuff lunch.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans
5.) Baton Rouge
Though smaller than New Orleans and rather less vigorous, Baton Rouge is the state capital of Louisiana and an ideal place to spend a number of days.
As soon as right here, be certain that to go to the Outdated State Capitol constructing. This landmark construction is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 100 North Blvd. Each the within design and the surface have a tremendous Gothic type.
It’s as comparable as you may 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’ll find the historic website at 305 South River Street,
Baton Rouge. It was an lively ship used throughout WWII. Nevertheless, it has been used to provide movies and TV reveals and is properly value visiting in case you’re curious about army 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 without doubt one of the finest locations in Louisiana to go to for another metropolis break. It’s bought the whole lot you need from a big American metropolis, nevertheless 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 Conflict reenactments and clarify the turbulent interval in US historical past.
If you happen to’re curious about artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You’ll be able to simply spend an hour wandering by means of 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 in case 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 gradual, keep in a single day and absorb the town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, be certain 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 had been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The talents and craftwork of the Acadian folks have been preserved by means of many generations. We cherished 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 houses in Louisiana.
Additionally, don’t overlook to go to the Hilliard Artwork Museum. It has many seasonal displays that change all year long.
8.) Shreveport
Shreveport is without doubt 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, be certain that to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Heart. It options the whole lot 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 in case 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 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 the 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 stunning in case you fancy a extra enjoyable day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is completely stunning.
Nevertheless, be certain that to take some sunscreen with you; there’s little or no shade in some elements of the historic park.
10.) St. Martinville
Southeast of Lafayette, St. Martinville is properly value exploring, a number of hours’ journey from the town itself. It’s fairly epic to go to, and you’ll 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, in my view, makes St. Martinville properly value 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 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 perfect within the state.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans
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