While 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 unbelievable cities to go to in the US. Nonetheless, there are heaps extra of one of the best locations in Louisiana that go far past the 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 actually shocking Louisiana is. The state is attractive.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your journey, I’m sharing our high locations in Louisiana it’s 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 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 unbelievable, and you may simply spend three or 4 days there, absorbing the tradition, historical past, and, after all, the 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 contains magnificent homes which can be 300 years previous.
In the event you’re planning on going to Bourbon Road, 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 Road is that it could 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 little bit daunting, however you shortly 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 unbelievable.
In the event you’re taken with museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to if you happen to’re taken with Army historical past and provides an enormous perception into one of many world’s deadliest and most damaging wars. The “Highway to Berlin” exhibit was among the best issues concerning the Museum, it exhibits an nearly real looking 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: 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 among the swamp excursions to identify among 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 on the lookout 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, it’s 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 effectively 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 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 Web site and be taught extra concerning 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 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 full of life, Baton Rouge is the state capital of Louisiana and an ideal place to spend a couple of days.
As soon as right here, make sure 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 an incredible Gothic type.
It’s as related as you may 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’ll 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 provide movies and TV exhibits and is effectively price visiting if you happen to’re taken 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 an alternate metropolis break. It’s received all the things 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 Web site. Right here, they host Civil Warfare reenactments and clarify the turbulent interval in US historical past.
In the event you’re taken with artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You may 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 if you happen to 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 take in the town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, make sure that to go to Vermilionville. It’s a historic museum at 300 Fisher Highway, Lafayette, Louisiana. It options among the traditions of the Acadian folks as they have been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The talents 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 concerning 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 among the best 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 Heart. 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 if you happen to’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 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: 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 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 enjoyable day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is completely lovely.
Nonetheless, make sure 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 effectively price exploring, a couple of hours’ journey from the town itself. It’s fairly epic to go to, and you may discover among 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 among the state’s cultural historical past – which, in my view, makes St. Martinville effectively price 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 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 one of the best within the state.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans
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