Louisiana is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty – not to mention some of the best food in the nation. From the vibrant city of New Orleans to the peaceful swamps of Cajun country, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Louisiana. Check out these 7 sensational sites:
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The French Quarter
Laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) when in the French Quarter. Located in the heart of New Orleans, this vibrant and historic district is known for its architecture, music, food, and festive spirit. Take a walking tour to learn about the neighborhood’s rich history, including the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and the infamous Bourbon Street. Wander through the colorful streets and browse the many shops and boutiques. Or, take a carriage ride for a more leisurely experience.
Don’t miss out on the delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine the French Quarter is famous for. Enjoy can’t miss dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, boudin, and scrumptious seafood. Taste good home cooking (Louisiana style) at Mother’s Restaurant. And don’t miss a plate of beignets and the famous chicory coffee at Cafe Du Monde. You can feast upon this sugary treat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even as a late-night snack!
At night, the French Quarter comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. You will find jazz music at Preservation Hall and a fabulous piano bar at the famous Pat O’Brien’s. Take a ghost tour for an unforgettable experience or enjoy watching the revilers as you dine on your hotel balcony.
There are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Oak Alley Plantation
Located in Vacherie, Louisiana, Oak Alley Plantation is a must-visit for anyone interested in the antebellum South. Built in 1839, the main attraction of the plantation is its stunning alley of 28 oak trees, which are over 300 years old. Take a guided tour of the plantation, which includes the house, the gardens, and the slave quarters. Inside the house, visitors can admire the grand architecture and period furnishings while learning about the history of the plantation and the people who lived and worked there.
Oak Alley Plantation also offers a self-guided tour of the grounds and gardens. Stroll through the lush gardens, which include a variety of plants and flowers that were common during the antebellum period. The slave quarters offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the enslaved people who worked on the plantation.
The plantation offers a bed and breakfast if you want to stay on-site, or there are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve encompasses six sites in southern Louisiana that offer a glimpse into the history and natural beauty of the area. The park is named after the pirate who used the bayous of the Barataria region for his smuggling operations.
The Barataria Preserve is now a protected natural area. It encompasses more than 23,000 acres of wetlands, bayous, and marshes that are home to a rich array of wildlife, including alligators, otters, snakes, and a variety of bird species. Explore the diverse habitats by hiking on one of the many trails or paddling through the waterways by canoe or kayak. Take a ranger-led swamp tour to see alligators, snakes, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Explore the Chalmette Battlefield, which was the site of the famous Battle of New Orleans. The park also includes the Acadian Cultural Center, which tells the story of the Acadian people who were exiled from Nova Scotia and settled in southern Louisiana.
There are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Bayou Bartholomew
The Bayou Bartholomew springs form the Arkansas River and flows southward parallel to the Mississippi River. At 365 miles, it is the longest bayou in North America. “DaBy” (as the locals call it) once provided steamboat transportation to the remote plantations of the region.
Paddle this un-dammed waterway for a fun and scenic trip. Soak up this paradise of bankside cypress forests and wildlife. Check out Chemin-a-Haut State Park, a forest of giant Louisiana bald cypress you can literally paddle through. You might want to drop a line along the way. The bayou is rich with more the 100 species of fish. You will also find 50 species of mussels.
There are several great places to stay in Bastrop, Oak Grove, or Monroe. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Natchitoches
Natchitoches is a charming central Louisiana city that’s full of history and culture. Check out the historic downtown area, which features beautiful 19th-century architecture, unique shops, and delicious restaurants. Stroll along the Cane River and enjoy the picturesque views, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. Don’t miss the Melrose Plantation, which dates back to the 18th century. Take a guided tour of the property and learn about the history of the once thriving cotton plantation which later became a haven for artists and writers.
Steel Magnolia fans still flock to Natchitoches to visit all the sites from the 1989 blockbuster film that stole their hearts. You will find all the movie sites here – the streets, houses, historic district, parks, and cemetery. If you time it right, you can even attend the Christmas festival which has been happening for nearly 100 years. You can even stay in the Steel Magnolia house!
There are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Cajun Country
If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, then a visit to the Louisiana Cajun Country is a must. One of the best places to experience Cajun culture is in Lafayette, Louisiana and the surrounding area. Don’t miss the Cajun and Creole Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Located just 45 minutes away in Eunice, this museum which celebrates the region’s music and musicians. You can also catch live music performances at local bars and clubs, where Cajun and Zydeco music is always on the menu.
Food is a big part of the Cajun experience. Boiled crawfish, gumbo, and jambalaya are just a few of the dishes that are a must-try. You can find these dishes at local restaurants, or you can attend one of the many food festivals that take place throughout the year.
Lastly, you can experience the Cajun way of life by visiting a Cajun swamp tour. Here, you can ride an airboat through the swamps and bayous and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area. You might even spot an alligator or two!
There are several great places to stay in Lafayette. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Avery Island
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful adventure in Louisiana, be sure to add Avery Island to your travel itinerary. This small island located in the southern part of the state is home to the famous TABASCO® brand of hot sauce Take a tour of the factory to see how the sauce is made and even taste samples.
But the island has more to offer than just hot sauce. Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre botanical garden can also be found on the island. It is home to a diverse collection of plants and wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and many species of birds. Take a self-guided tour through the gardens and enjoy the peaceful setting.
Avery Island is also home to a salt mine, which has been in operation since 1862. Tour the mine to learn about the history of salt mining in the area. See the salt dome, which is one of the largest underground salt deposits in the world.
There are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Plan Your Visit to Louisiana Soon!
From the vibrant city of New Orleans to the peaceful swamps of Cajun country, there is something for everyone in Louisiana. So plan a trip soon!
We hope you have enjoyed this installment on our 7 Sensational Sites in Each State of the USA series. Tell us what you think in the comments below. You can also contact us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post.
