Whenever you first take into consideration visiting Louisiana, the very first thing that in all probability involves my thoughts is New Orleans, which is likely one of the South’s unbelievable cities to go to in the US. Nonetheless, there are heaps extra of the very best locations in Louisiana that go far past town itself.
You see, Louisiana is a fairly large state, and you may simply go to a good few of those in case you’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 attractive.
So, that can assist you get essentially 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 manner, you’ll take advantage of your time exploring the state with out getting slowed down with the planning.
Have essentially the most wonderful journey to Louisiana.
1.) New Orleans
New Orleans is likely 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’ll want to discover New Orleans’ French Quarter. It’s lovely and one of many metropolis’s most outstanding and oldest neighbourhoods. It consists of magnificent homes which can be 300 years previous.
If you happen to’re planning on going to Bourbon Road, count on 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 Road is that it could 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 slightly daunting, however you shortly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, be sure that to guide a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unbelievable.
If you happen to’re fascinated by museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to in case you’re fascinated by Navy 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 concerning the Museum, it exhibits an virtually life like expertise of solely 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 may be part of a few of the swamp excursions to identify a few of the native wildlife (together with alligators). For the most effective excursions, head over to Cajun Nation Swamp Excursions.
A go to will take round 1 hour, and it’s simply the most effective locations in Louisiana to go to in case you’re searching for a small exercise as you drive by means of the state. We beloved it.
3.) Laura Plantation
If you happen to plan on travelling to Louisiana, it is best to go to the Laura Plantation. It’s situated 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 operating of the plantation. It’s a stark reminder of the horrors of slavery.
Visits will take round 90 minutes and are properly 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’ll be able to head to the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Web site and study extra concerning the historical past of the plantation, its individuals 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 right 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 energetic, Baton Rouge is the state capital of Louisiana and an ideal place to spend a couple of days.
As soon as right here, be sure 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 an incredible Gothic fashion.
It’s as comparable as you may get in Louisiana to a citadel. You may 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 Yow will discover the historic web site at 305 South River Street,
Baton Rouge. It was an energetic ship used throughout WWII. Nonetheless, it has been used to supply movies and TV exhibits and is properly price visiting in case you’re fascinated by army historical past.
Afterwards, you’ll want to pop by Elsie’s Plate and Pie. Their apple pie is known.
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 finest locations in Louisiana to go to for another metropolis break. It’s received every little thing 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.
If you happen to’re fascinated by artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You may 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 in case you drive throughout the state. It’s sufficiently small {that a} day’s go to is simply sufficient. Nonetheless, if you wish to take issues gradual, keep in a single day and absorb town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, be sure that to go to Vermilionville. It’s a historic museum at 300 Fisher Street, Lafayette, Louisiana. It options a few of the traditions of the Acadian individuals as they had been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The talents and craftwork of the Acadian individuals 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 individuals and different populations that made their houses 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 likely one of the largest cities within the state and the most effective locations in Louisiana to go to and spend a weekend away.
As soon as right here, be sure that to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Middle. It options every little thing 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 in case you’re visiting Shreveport with your loved ones.
Afterwards, head on over to the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. Right here, you’ll be able to discover Louisiana’s lengthy historical past and the people 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: Greatest issues to do in New Orleans
9.) Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park
Simply shy of New Orleans, you’ll be able to simply go to the wetlands of Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park for a morning journey from 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 lovely in case you fancy a extra enjoyable day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is totally lovely.
Nonetheless, be sure 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 properly price exploring, a couple of hours’ journey from 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 the most effective locations in Louisiana to go to if you wish to discover a few of the state’s cultural historical past – which, in my view, makes St. Martinville properly 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
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