Whenever 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 USA. Nonetheless, 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 highway journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely cherished how numerous and actually stunning Louisiana is. The state is attractive.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your journey, I’m sharing our prime locations in Louisiana it’s best to cease at as you traverse the state. This fashion, you’ll take advantage of 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’ll 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 It consists of magnificent homes which might be 300 years outdated.
When you’re planning on going to Bourbon Avenue, count on a lot of 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 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 certain that to e book a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unbelievable.
When you’re fascinated about museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to in case you’re fascinated about 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 sensible 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 a part of a number of the swamp excursions to identify a number 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 in case you’re in search of a small exercise as you drive by way of the state. We cherished it.
3.) Laura Plantation
When 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 working 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 excellent stopping level as a part of a wider Louisiana highway 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 individuals 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 off-the-cuff 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, be certain 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 surface have an incredible Gothic fashion.
It’s as comparable 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 Yow will discover the historic web site at 305 South River Highway,
Baton Rouge. It was an lively ship used throughout WWII. Nonetheless, it has been used to supply movies and TV exhibits and is properly price visiting in case you’re fascinated about army 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. You see, it’s obtained every part 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, be certain that to go to Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Web site. Right here, they host Civil Battle 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 by way 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 out 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. Nonetheless, if you wish to take issues sluggish, keep in a single day and absorb the vibe of the town itself.
After arriving in Lafayette, be certain that to go to Vermilionville. It’s a historic museum at 300 Fisher Highway, Lafayette, Louisiana. It options a number of the traditions of the Acadian individuals as they have been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The talents and craftwork of the Acadian individuals have been preserved by way of many generations. We cherished it, and it’s so attention-grabbing to listen to concerning the lives of the First Nation individuals 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 best locations in Louisiana to go to to spend a weekend away.
As soon as right here, be certain that to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Middle. 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 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 those who make up the state. It’s a good 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 very 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 in case you fancy a extra stress-free day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is totally lovely.
Nonetheless, be certain 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 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 among the best locations in Louisiana to go to if you wish to discover a number of the state’s cultural historical past – which, for my part, makes St. Martinville properly 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 neglect 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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