While you first take into consideration visiting Louisiana, the very first thing that in all probability involves my thoughts is New Orleans, which is without doubt one of the South’s unbelievable cities to go to in the USA. Nevertheless, there are heaps extra of the most effective locations in Louisiana that go far past 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 highway journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely beloved how various and actually stunning Louisiana is. The state is attractive.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your journey, I’m sharing our prime 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 without doubt 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, town’s neighbourhoods.
After arriving, you should definitely 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 can be 300 years previous.
For those who’re planning on going to Bourbon Avenue, anticipate 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 well 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 rapidly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, be certain that to guide a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unbelievable.
For those who’re focused on museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to for those who’re focused on Navy historical past and offers an enormous perception into one of many world’s deadliest and most harmful wars. The “Highway to Berlin” exhibit was top-of-the-line issues concerning the Museum, it exhibits an virtually sensible expertise of totally 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 possibly can be part of a number of the swamp excursions to identify a number 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 means of the state. We beloved it.
3.) Laura Plantation
For those who 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, 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 nicely 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 highway journey. You see, as soon as right here, you possibly can head to the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Web site and study extra concerning the historical past of the plantation, its folks 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 right 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 energetic, Baton Rouge is the state capital of Louisiana and an ideal place to spend a number of 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 a tremendous Gothic model.
It’s as related as you may get in Louisiana to a fortress. You possibly can 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. Nevertheless, it has been used to supply movies and TV exhibits and is nicely price visiting for those who’re focused on navy historical past.
Afterwards, you should definitely 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 without doubt 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, nevertheless it 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.
For those who’re focused on artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You possibly can 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 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 town’s vibe.
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 folks as they have been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The talents and craftwork of the Acadian folks have been preserved by means of many generations. We beloved 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 neglect to go to the Hilliard Artwork Museum. It has many seasonal reveals that change all year long.
8.) Shreveport
Shreveport is without doubt 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 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 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 an effective way to study 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 possibly can simply go to the wetlands of Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park for a morning journey from 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 stunning for those who fancy a extra stress-free day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is completely stunning.
Nevertheless, be certain 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 nicely price exploring, a number of hours’ journey from town itself. It’s fairly epic to go to, and you may discover a number 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 number of the state’s cultural historical past – which, in my view, makes St. Martinville nicely price a go to.
As soon as right here, you should definitely 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 superb seafood. Their catfish strips are the most effective within the state.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans
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