While you first take into consideration visiting Louisiana, the very first thing that in all probability involves my thoughts is New Orleans, which is among the South’s unimaginable cities to go to in the US. Nonetheless, there are heaps extra of one of the 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 if you happen to’re driving on a wider US highway journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely cherished how various and actually stunning Louisiana is. The state is beautiful.
So, that will help you get probably 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 fashion, you’ll benefit from 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 among the most unusual cities within the US to go to. It’s simply unimaginable, and you may simply spend three or 4 days there, absorbing the tradition, historical past, and, after all, the town’s neighbourhoods.
After arriving, you’ll want to discover New Orleans’ French Quarter. It’s stunning and one of many metropolis’s most outstanding and oldest neighbourhoods. It contains magnificent homes which might 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 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 slightly daunting, however you rapidly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, make sure that to guide a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unimaginable.
If you happen to’re interested by museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to if you happen to’re interested by Navy historical past and offers an enormous perception into one of many world’s deadliest and most harmful wars. The “Street to Berlin” exhibit was probably the greatest issues in regards to the Museum, it exhibits an nearly real looking expertise of solely 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: 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 a 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 on the lookout for a small exercise as you drive by the state. We cherished it.
3.) Laura Plantation
If you happen to 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 effectively 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 good stopping level as a part of a wider Louisiana highway journey. You see, as soon as right here, you may head to the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Website and be taught extra in regards to 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 off-the-cuff 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 just a few days.
As soon as right here, make 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 skin have a tremendous Gothic type.
It’s as related 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 You could find 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 provide movies and TV exhibits and is effectively value visiting if you happen to’re interested by navy 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 among 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 sensible).
When you’re right here, go to Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Website. Right here, they host Civil Battle reenactments and clarify the turbulent interval in US historical past.
If you happen to’re interested by artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You may simply spend an hour wandering by the exhibitions right here. We cherished 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 gradual, keep in a single day and take in the town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, make 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 folks as they have been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The talents and craftwork of the Acadian folks have been preserved by many generations. We cherished 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 reveals that change all year long.
8.) Shreveport
Shreveport is among 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, make sure 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 may discover Louisiana’s lengthy historical past and the those who make up the state. It’s a good way to be taught 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 may 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 stunning if you happen to fancy a extra enjoyable day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is totally stunning.
Nonetheless, make 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 effectively value 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 probably the greatest 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 effectively value 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 Website 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 one of the best within the state.
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