Top 10 Things to do in Louisiana
Louisiana makes you dream with its mysterious bayous, its unique Cajun culture, and its historic cities? Between the vibrant New Orleans, majestic plantations, and marshes teeming with alligators, this Southern U.S. state is overflowing with treasures to discover.
Discover our top 10 must-do activities to experience during a road trip in Louisiana, for an authentic adventure in the heart of Cajun country!
TOP 10 things to do to discover Louisiana, in the United States
1. The French Quarter in New Orleans
Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
At the heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square embodies the historical soul of New Orleans. This former Place d’Armes, lined with colonial buildings with wrought-iron balconies, offers a unique atmosphere where street artists, musicians, and fortune-tellers mingle. The majestic St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest active cathedral in the United States, dominates the square with its immaculate white facade. I recommend coming here early in the morning to enjoy the calm and golden light, perfect for photos.
Bourbon Street: the beating heart of jazz
Bourbon Street is the liveliest artery in the French Quarter, especially in the evening. This legendary street pulses to the rhythm of jazz clubs, traditional bars, and restaurants. Don’t miss Preservation Hall, a historic music institution where you can hear authentic jazz in an intimate setting. For a more authentic experience, I recommend visiting Bourbon Street in the early evening, between 6pm and 9pm, before the atmosphere gets too festive.
Royal Street and its antique shops
Parallel to Bourbon Street, Royal Street is paradise for art and antique lovers. This elegant pedestrian street is home to superb art galleries, antique shops, and remarkably preserved historic homes. Take the time to stroll in the afternoon, when the street is closed to traffic, to admire the Creole facades and listen to the street musicians playing there.
2. Lafayette
Dive into the vibrant soul of the Lafayette region, the true birthplace of Cajun culture in the United States. The historic downtown immerses you in a world where the French language still resounds, especially during music nights at the Blue Moon Saloon, where the rhythms of the accordion meet traditional dancing.
For an authentic guided tour, head to Vermilionville, a living museum that recreates the life of the first settlers through its restored old wooden houses. Craftsmen in period costumes share their know-how, from weaving techniques to the secrets of Creole cuisine.
3. Discover the bayous by airboat
Airboats offer a unique way to explore Louisiana’s bayous and local wildlife, gliding over shallow waters where traditional boats cannot go. Aboard these craft, powered by large propellers, you’ll discover a pristine natural habitat among majestic cypress trees and the mysterious bends of the marshes.
Jean Lafitte National Park, just 30 minutes from New Orleans, offers particularly memorable swamp tours. Your native captain shares their knowledge of the local wildlife—alligators, herons, and turtles—while expertly navigating through this aquatic labyrinth.
4. The Plantation Trail
The Plantation Trail follows a fascinating route along the Mississippi between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. These majestic mansions, witnesses of the antebellum era, tell the complex story of Louisiana through their splendid architecture and century-old gardens. The legendary oaks of Oak Alley Plantation, draped in Spanish moss, form a spectacular natural avenue leading to the main manor.
Each plantation offers a unique perspective on the lives of the owners and the region’s cultural heritage.
For a deeper experience, Laura Plantation’s Maison des Cultures uncovers the Creole influence in local architecture and traditions.
5. Baton Rouge: cultural capital
Baton Rouge may not have movie-set scenery at every street corner, but it conceals true architectural and natural gems. If you focus your visit around the downtown area, the riverfront, LSU campus, and the lakes, you’ll have plenty to fill your photo gallery.
Not to miss:
- The LSU Museum of Art, nestled in the Shaw Center for the Arts, features a fascinating collection of American and Louisianan works.
- History lovers will appreciate the Capitol Park Museum, whose contemporary architecture houses a captivating exhibition on the region’s heritage.
For a memorable culinary experience in Baton Rouge, I highly recommend [restaurant Cecelia]. Set in an elegant environment, this establishment offers a creative cuisine that revisits classic Louisiana dishes with a contemporary twist.
6. The unique flavors of Louisiana
Traveling in Louisiana is also about exploring a vibrant culinary heritage, where Creole spices, Acadian influences, and bayou ingredients come together on the plate. To truly get a feel for the Pelican State, be sure to try these specialties—your taste buds will thank you!
- Louisiana gumbo: an iconic soup-meal (seafood, sausage, okra), fragrant with Creole spices—a must-try in New Orleans or Lafayette.
- Jambalaya: slow-cooked rice, chicken or andouille, “holy trinity” vegetables (onion, celery, bell pepper); the Cajun cousin of paella, a staple throughout the bayou.
- Beignets from Café du Monde: squares of fried dough buried under powdered sugar, served with chicory café au lait—the mythical treat of the French Quarter.
- Po’boy: crusty baguette sandwich filled with fried shrimp, oysters, or catfish; seek out the best spots on Magazine Street or at local gas stations.
- Crawfish boil: spicy crawfish boiled with corn and potatoes; peak season from February to June, especially around Lafayette, Houma, and Lake Charles.
7. Saint Francisville
Nestled atop the verdant bluffs of the Great River Road, just under an hour north of Baton Rouge, Saint-Francisville charms with its perfectly preserved “Old South” feel.
Stroll through the Historic District to admire antebellum mansions, wisteria-draped porches, and vintage shops arrayed along Royal Street and Commerce Street—a concentration of carefully preserved 19th-century architecture.
Don’t miss a visit to Myrtles Plantation, an 1796 antebellum home considered one of the most haunted houses in America, where you can discover the South’s fascinating history on daily guided tours.
8. Houma
Nicknamed the Venice of Louisiana, Houma will surprise you with its network of canals and bayous winding through the city. Picturesque bridges span these waterways, creating a unique scene where Cajun culture blends harmoniously with aquatic life. Bayou Terrebonne, the main artery of the city, offers remarkable views of traditional homes and the fishing boats that are the pride of the locals.
The Waterlife Museum tells the fascinating story of this water-ruled region, while the Chauvin Sculpture Garden, a true local artistic treasure, displays one-of-a-kind works inspired by the traditions of the Gulf of Mexico. Fans of authenticity will especially appreciate the downtown restaurants, where Cajun cuisine is enjoyed to the rhythm of traditional melodies ringing out from the porches of century-old homes.
9. Lake Charles
On the Texas border, Lake Charles surprises visitors with its stunning blend of modern entertainment and unspoiled nature. The sprawling complexes of the Golden Nugget and L’Auberge Casino Resort sparkle along the Calcasieu River: here you'll find a Las Vegas spirit with gaming rooms and fine dining tables that tempt you to keep the night going.
Just minutes away, completely change the atmosphere at Sam Houston Jones State Park: shaded trails wind through a cathedral of giant cypress trees, a paradise for hikers and birdwatchers alike. Then set out on the Creole Nature Trail, known as “Louisiana’s Outback”: 207 miles of marshes and beaches where alligators and migratory birds reign supreme.
Finally, to capture the local spirit, stroll through the historic downtown: lakefront walks, colorful facades, and artisan shops give you that authentic touch which completes this portrait of contrasts.
10. Natchitoches
Located in the heart of Louisiana, Natchitoches is a historical and romantic gem, proud of its French Creole heritage and its timeless charm.
The oldest French settlement in Louisiana, founded in 1714, this small town immediately enchants visitors with its downtown on the Cane River, lined with pastel colonial houses, welcoming cafes, and antique shops. Explore on foot along Front Street, one of the South's most picturesque streets, where vintage lanterns illuminate beautiful, wrought-iron adorned facades. History lovers won't want to miss a visit to Fort St. Jean-Baptiste, a faithful reconstruction of an 18th-century French trading post. A few miles away, the historic plantations of Melrose and Oakland tell the complex story of the region’s Creoles and African Americans.
And if you visit Natchitoches in December, don’t miss its famous Christmas Festival, when the entire city sparkles with thousands of magical lights, drawing visitors from around the world.
Practical tips & recommended itineraries for a trip to Louisiana
To experience the authenticity of Louisiana, plan your trip for at least 10 days. A circular road trip from New Orleans will allow you to explore the state's treasures at your own pace. Start with three days in New Orleans, then head up to Saint Francisville following the plantation route.
Next, head to Lafayette for a three-day immersion in Cajun culture. Take the opportunity to explore Lake Martin and its wild bayous at sunrise—the perfect time to observe migratory birds. The scenic road toward Houma will then lead you through mesmerizing marshland landscapes.
Book your accommodations in advance, especially during Mardi Gras and music festivals. For your Louisiana trip, a rental car is essential to roam the little roads that lead to the region’s hidden gems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Louisiana?
Spring and fall offer ideal conditions to explore Louisiana. Mild temperatures between March and May (59-77°F / 15-25°C) let you fully enjoy the bayous and Fontainebleau State Park. Music festivals light up both seasons, while summer can be very hot and humid with the risk of tropical storms.
How much time do you need to visit Louisiana?
Ten days is the ideal length of time to discover Louisiana’s main sights. This gives you the chance to explore New Orleans for three days, travel the plantation route, immerse yourself in Cajun culture in Lafayette, and enjoy the bayous around Houma.
What are the best things for families to do in Louisiana?
Louisiana is full of captivating experiences to spark young imaginations. The Louisiana Children's Museum in New Orleans offers interactive exhibits on the unique bayou ecosystem. Families will especially enjoy a boat trip in the Barataria Preserve, where kids can spot alligators and herons in their natural habitat.
With its beach on Lake Pontchartrain, easy-access trails, and bike rentals for exploring the Tammany Trace, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxing family day. On the banks of the Mississippi, Baton Rouge’s Rural Life Museum brings history to life through traditional craft demonstrations—perfect for a rewarding half-day family visit.
What are the best free activities in Louisiana?
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic walking trails at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, where magnificent cypress trees create natural archways. The park welcomes visitors year-round without any entrance fee.
Music lovers can catch complimentary performances in New Orleans' Louis Armstrong Park, where local jazz bands create an authentic atmosphere under century-old oak trees. The Historic New Orleans Collection museum showcases compelling exhibitions about regional heritage at no cost.
What is the most beautiful city in Louisiana?
While New Orleans captivates with its vibrant culture and Creole charm, every Louisiana city reveals a unique aspect of this fascinating state. Lafayette charms authenticity lovers with its Cajun festivals and traditional cuisine, while Natchitoches unveils its rich history along the Cane River.
Which part of Louisiana should I visit?
The southeastern region is the perfect starting point for exploring Louisiana, with the golden triangle of New Orleans, Lafayette, and Houma. Nature lovers will appreciate the north of the state around Shreveport for its pine forests and peaceful lakes, while the central region provides a genuine glimpse of Creole culture around Natchitoches, the oldest town in the state.
Louisiana is a unique destination that captivates with the richness of its culture, the beauty of its landscapes, and the warmth of its people. From the lively streets of New Orleans to the mysterious bayous and majestic plantations, each region offers its share of discoveries and authentic experiences.
So don’t hesitate: pack your bags and set off to discover this land where French is still heard, where alligators bask in the marshes, and where “bon temps” is more than just an expression. Louisiana is waiting for you to write your own story in the heart of the American South.
If you have questions or other suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments section below.
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