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 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 reasonably large state, and you may simply go to a good few of those for those who’re driving on a wider US street journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely liked how numerous and actually shocking Louisiana is. The state is attractive.
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 manner, you’ll benefit from your time exploring the state with out getting slowed down with the planning.
Have probably the most wonderful journey to Louisiana.
1.) New Orleans
New Orleans is likely one of the most original 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, in fact, the town’s neighbourhoods.
After arriving, you’ll want 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 previous.
When 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, be certain to ebook a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unbelievable.
When you’re eager about museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to for those who’re eager about Army historical past and offers an enormous perception into one of many world’s deadliest and most damaging wars. The “Highway to Berlin” exhibit was top-of-the-line issues in regards to the Museum, it exhibits an virtually lifelike expertise of fully recreated battles with sounds and sight.
Oh, and don’t neglect 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: Greatest 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 a part of a few of the swamp excursions to identify a few of the native wildlife (together with alligators). For top-of-the-line excursions, head over to Cajun Nation Swamp Excursions.
A go to will take round 1 hour, and it’s simply top-of-the-line locations in Louisiana to go to for those who’re in search of a small exercise as you drive by the state. We liked it.
3.) Laura Plantation
When you 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 working 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 good stopping level as a part of a wider Louisiana street journey. You see, as soon as right here, you possibly can head to the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Web site and study extra in regards to the historical past of the plantation, its folks and see the gorgeous grounds.
Additionally, don’t neglect 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: Greatest 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 just a few days.
As soon as right here, be certain 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 model.
It’s as related as you may get in Louisiana to a fortress. 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 Highway,
Baton Rouge. It was an lively ship used throughout WWII. Nevertheless, it has been used to supply movies and TV exhibits and is effectively price visiting for those who’re eager about army historical past.
Afterwards, you’ll want to pop by Elsie’s Plate and Pie. Their apple pie is famous.
Learn extra: Greatest issues 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. It’s obtained every part you need from a big American metropolis, but it surely additionally has that small-town vibe (if that is smart).
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.
When you’re eager about artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You’ll be able to simply spend an hour wandering by 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 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 sluggish, keep in a single day and absorb the town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, be certain to go to Vermilionville. It’s a historic museum at 300 Fisher Highway, Lafayette, Louisiana. It options a few 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 many generations. We liked 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 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 top-of-the-line locations in Louisiana to go to and spend a weekend away.
As soon as right here, be certain to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Heart. 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 for those who’re visiting Shreveport with your loved ones.
Afterwards, head on over to the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. Right here, you possibly can discover Louisiana’s lengthy historical past and the those who make up the state. It’s a good 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 yummy and informal spot for lunch, and scrumptious.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in New Orleans
9.) Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park
Simply shy of New Orleans, you possibly can simply go to the wetlands of Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park for a morning journey from the town itself. It’s top-of-the-line 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 for those who fancy a extra enjoyable day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is completely lovely.
Nevertheless, be certain 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 price exploring, just a few hours’ journey from the town itself. It’s fairly epic to go to, and you may discover a few of the city’s historic websites that date again centuries.
Not solely that, it’s top-of-the-line locations in Louisiana to go to if you wish to discover a few of the state’s cultural historical past – which, for my part, makes St. Martinville effectively price a go to.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to go to the Martin de Excursions Catholic Church and see Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Web site which has been round because the early 1800s.
Lastly, don’t neglect to pop into St. John Restaurant for his or her wonderful seafood. Their catfish strips are the very best within the state.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in New Orleans
12 Very Greatest Issues To Do In New Orleans
Examine Out The Very Greatest Of Nice Britain!
