When 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 within the United States. However, there are heaps extra of one of the best locations in Louisiana that go far past the town itself.
You see, Louisiana is a fairly 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. This is strictly what we did, and we completely cherished how various and actually shocking 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 you need to cease at as you traverse the state. This means, 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 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, in fact, the town’s neighbourhoods.
After arriving, be sure you 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 It consists of magnificent homes which are 300 years outdated.
If you’re planning on going to Bourbon Street, anticipate numerous Mardi Gras crowds. It’s a fun-fuelled avenue that buzzes because the solar goes down. One factor I’d say about Bourbon Street 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 just a little daunting, however you rapidly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. Once right here, be certain to guide a live performance at Preservation Hall, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unbelievable.
If you’re excited about museums, head over to the National WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to if you happen to’re excited about Military historical past and offers an enormous perception into one of many world’s deadliest and most harmful wars. The “Road to Berlin” exhibit was top-of-the-line issues concerning the Museum, it exhibits an nearly sensible expertise of completely 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.
Read extra: Best issues to do in New Orleans
2.) Lake Martin
Lake Martin is a swamp space round a 2-hour drive from New Orleans. Although small, it’s fairly epic to go to. You can be part of among the swamp excursions to identify among the native wildlife (together with alligators). For top-of-the-line excursions, head over to Cajun Country Swamp Tours.
A go to will take round 1 hour, and it’s simply top-of-the-line 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 cherished it.
3.) Laura Plantation
If you propose on travelling to Louisiana, you need to go to the Laura Plantation. It is 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, have been integral to the working of the plantation. It’s a stark reminder of the horrors of slavery.
Visits will take round 90 minutes and are properly value visiting as you drive west from New Orleans.
4.) St. Francisville
Just north of Baton Rouge, St. Francisville is a comparatively small city however the excellent 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 Site and be taught extra concerning the historical past of the plantation, its folks and see the gorgeous grounds.
Also, 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 proper stopping level for an informal lunch.
Read extra: Best issues to do in New Orleans
5.) Baton Rouge
Although smaller than New Orleans and rather less vigorous, Baton Rouge is the state capital of Louisiana and an ideal place to spend just a few days.
Once right here, be certain to go to the Old State Capitol constructing. This landmark construction is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 100 North Blvd. Both the within design and the skin have a tremendous Gothic fashion.
It is as comparable as you may get in Louisiana to a fortress. You may even spot the Mississippi River from the towers’ nice heights.
Another key website to go to in Baton Rouge is USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial You can discover the historic website at 305 South River Road,
Baton Rouge. It was an energetic ship used throughout WWII. However, it has been used to supply movies and TV exhibits and is properly value visiting if you happen to’re excited about navy historical past.
Afterwards, be sure you pop by Elsie’s Plate and Pie. Their apple pie is famous.
Read extra: Best issues to do in New Orleans
6.) Alexandria
Right within the coronary heart of the state, Alexandria is likely one of the greatest locations in Louisiana to go to for an alternate metropolis break. It’s acquired every thing you need from a big American metropolis, however it additionally has that small-town vibe (if that is smart).
Once you’re right here, go to Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site. Here, they host Civil War reenactments and clarify the turbulent interval in US historical past.
If you’re excited about artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Art. You can simply spend an hour wandering by way of the exhibitions right here. We cherished it.
Also, 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. However, if you wish to take issues sluggish, keep in a single day and absorb the town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, be certain to go to Vermilionville. It’s a historic museum at 300 Fisher Road, Lafayette, Louisiana. It options among the traditions of the Acadian folks as they have been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The expertise and craftwork of the Acadian folks have been preserved by way of many generations. We cherished it, and it’s so fascinating to listen to concerning the lives of the First Nation folks and different populations that made their houses in Louisiana.
Also, don’t neglect to go to the Hilliard Art 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 top-of-the-line locations in Louisiana to go to and spend a weekend away.
Once right here, be certain to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Center. 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. Here, you may discover Louisiana’s lengthy historical past and the folks that make up the state. It’s an effective way to be taught 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.
Read extra: Best issues to do in New Orleans
9.) Jean Lafitte National Historical Park
Just shy of New Orleans, you may simply go to the wetlands of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park for a morning journey from the 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 if you happen to fancy a extra stress-free day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Preserve is completely stunning.
However, be certain 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 properly value exploring, just a few hours’ journey from the town itself. It’s fairly epic to go to, and you may discover among 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 among the state’s cultural historical past – which, for my part, makes St. Martinville properly value a go to.
Once right here, be sure you go to the Martin de Tours Catholic Church and see Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Site which has been round because the early 1800s.
Finally, 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.
Read extra: Best issues to do in New Orleans
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