Once 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 incredible cities to go to in the US. Nevertheless, there are heaps extra of the very 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 for those who’re driving on a wider US highway journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely beloved how numerous and truthfully shocking Louisiana is. The state is beautiful.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your journey, I’m sharing our high locations in Louisiana it is 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 probably the most superb journey to Louisiana.
1.) New Orleans
New Orleans is likely one of the most unique cities in 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, 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 distinguished and oldest neighbourhoods. It consists of magnificent homes which might be 300 years previous.
In case you’re planning on going to Bourbon Avenue, anticipate plenty 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 a bit of daunting, however you shortly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, ensure that to ebook a live performance at Preservation Hall, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unbelievable.
In case you’re fascinated about museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to for those who’re fascinated about Army historical past and provides an enormous perception into one of many world’s deadliest and most harmful wars. The “Street to Berlin” exhibit was the most effective issues in regards to the Museum, it exhibits an nearly life like expertise of solely 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.
Read more: Best things 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 among the swamp excursions to identify among the native wildlife (together with alligators). For the most effective excursions, head over to Cajun Country Swamp Tours.
A go to will take round 1 hour, and it’s simply the most effective locations in Louisiana to go to for those who’re in search of a small exercise as you drive by means of the state. We beloved it.
3.) Laura Plantation
In case 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, had 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 effectively 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 highway journey. You see, as soon as right here, you may head to the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Web site and study extra in regards to the historical past of the plantation, its individuals and see the beautiful 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.
Read more: Best things 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 just a few days.
As soon as right here, ensure 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 skin have an incredible Gothic type.
It’s as related as you may get in Louisiana to a citadel. You’ll be able to 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 Street,
Baton Rouge. It was an lively ship used throughout WWII. Nevertheless, it has been used to provide movies and TV exhibits and is effectively value visiting for those who’re fascinated about army historical past.
Afterwards, be sure you pop by Elsie’s Plate and Pie. Their apple pie is known.
Read more: Best things to do in New Orleans
6.) Alexandria
Proper within the coronary heart of the state, Alexandria is likely one of the greatest locations in Louisiana to go to for an alternate metropolis break. You see, it’s obtained the whole lot you need from a big American metropolis, but it surely additionally has that small city vibe (if that is smart).
When you’re right here, ensure that to go to Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site. Right here, they host Civil Warfare 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 Art. You’ll be able to simply spend an hour wandering by means of the exhibitions right here. We beloved 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 for those who 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 take in the vibe of the town itself.
After arriving in Lafayette, ensure that to go to Vermilionville. It’s a historic museum at 300 Fisher Street, Lafayette, Louisiana. It options among the traditions of the Acadian individuals as they had been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The abilities and craftwork of the Acadian individuals have been preserved by means of many generations. We beloved 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 properties in Louisiana.
Additionally, don’t neglect to go to the Hilliard Art 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 the most effective locations in Louisiana to go to to spend a weekend away.
As soon as right here, ensure that to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Center. 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 for those who’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 an effective 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 very yummy and informal spot for lunch, and scrumptious.
Read more: Best things 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 National Historical Park for a morning journey from the 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 for those who fancy a extra stress-free day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is totally stunning.
Nevertheless, ensure 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 effectively value exploring, just a few 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 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 effectively 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 Site which has been round because the early 1800s.
Lastly, don’t neglect to pop into St. John Restaurant for his or her superb seafood. Their catfish strips are the very best within the state.
Read more: Best things to do in New Orleans
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