If 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 unimaginable cities to go to in america. Nonetheless, 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’ll simply go to a good few of those if you happen to’re driving on a wider US street journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely beloved how numerous and truthfully stunning Louisiana is. The state is attractive.
So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your journey, I’m sharing our high locations in Louisiana it’s 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 essentially the most superb 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 unimaginable, and you’ll 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 lovely and one of many metropolis’s most outstanding and oldest neighbourhoods. It consists of magnificent homes which are 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 might say about Bourbon Avenue is that it could possibly 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 somewhat daunting, however you rapidly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, ensure that to ebook a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unimaginable.
For those who’re serious about museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to if you happen to’re serious about Navy historical past and provides an enormous perception into one of many world’s deadliest and most damaging wars. The “Highway to Berlin” exhibit was probably the greatest issues in regards to the Museum, it exhibits an nearly lifelike expertise of fully recreated battles with sounds and sight.
Oh, and don’t overlook 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 part of a few of the swamp excursions to identify a few of the native wildlife (together with alligators). For probably the greatest excursions, head over to Cajun Nation Swamp Excursions.
A go to will take round 1 hour, and it’s simply probably the greatest locations in Louisiana to go to if you happen to’re searching for a small exercise as you drive by way of the state. We beloved it.
3.) Laura Plantation
For those who plan on travelling to Louisiana, it’s 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 nicely 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 street 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 in regards to the historical past of the plantation, its folks and see the gorgeous grounds.
Additionally, don’t overlook 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 a couple of 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 fashion.
It’s as comparable 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 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 Highway,
Baton Rouge. It was an lively ship used throughout WWII. Nonetheless, it has been used to supply movies and TV exhibits and is nicely value visiting if you happen to’re serious about army historical past.
Afterwards, be sure you 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 finest locations in Louisiana to go to for an alternate metropolis break. It’s received every 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 Battle reenactments and clarify the turbulent interval in US historical past.
For those who’re serious about artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You’ll be able to simply spend an hour wandering by way 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 if you happen to drive throughout the state. It’s sufficiently small {that a} day’s go to is simply sufficient. Nonetheless, if you wish to take issues sluggish, keep in a single day and take in the town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, ensure that 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 way of many generations. We beloved it, and it’s so fascinating to listen to in regards to the lives of the First Nation folks and different populations that made their houses in Louisiana.
Additionally, don’t overlook 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 probably the greatest locations in Louisiana to go to and spend a weekend away.
As soon as right here, ensure that to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Middle. It options every 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 if you happen to’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 folks that 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’ll be able to simply go to the wetlands of Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park for a morning journey from the town itself. It’s probably the greatest 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 if you happen to fancy a extra stress-free day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is completely lovely.
Nonetheless, 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 nicely value exploring, a couple of hours’ journey from the town itself. It’s fairly epic to go to, and you’ll discover a few of the city’s historic websites that date again centuries.
Not solely that, it’s probably the greatest 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 nicely 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 Web site which has been round for the reason that early 1800s.
Lastly, don’t overlook to pop into St. John Restaurant for his or her superb seafood. Their catfish strips are the very best within the state.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in New Orleans
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