Welcome to Louisiana. A state where every bite tells a story, every street hums with music, and every bayou whispers centuries of tradition. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a curious explorer, Louisiana will enchant you with its vibrant Creole and Cajun roots, deep musical heritage, and unmatched Southern hospitality.
From the jazz-soaked corners of New Orleans to the moss-draped bayous of Lafayette, here’s your guide to the best experiences the Pelican State has to offer.
Dive Into the Culture: New Orleans & Beyond
1. Wander the French Quarter (New Orleans)
No trip to Louisiana is complete without strolling through the iconic French Quarter. With its wrought-iron balconies, live jazz pouring from every corner, and a mix of Creole, French, and Spanish architecture, the Quarter is pure magic. Don’t miss Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, and a morning beignet and café au lait at Café du Monde.
2. Experience Mardi Gras
Even if you can’t visit during the peak Mardi Gras season, many cities (especially New Orleans) have Mardi Gras museums and year-round parades. But if you are there in late winter, expect dazzling costumes, colorful beads, lively music, and a festive spirit like no other celebration on Earth.
3. Tour Historic Plantations
Visit Oak Alley or Laura Plantation along the Great River Road for a deeper look at Louisiana’s antebellum history. These tours provide a moving and educational experience that touches on architecture, agriculture, and the legacy of slavery.
4. Explore Baton Rouge’s Cultural Scene
The capital city offers a different pace. Visit the Louisiana State Capitol (the tallest in the U.S.), explore the Old Governor’s Mansion, or step aboard the USS Kidd, a WWII naval ship-turned-museum. Foodies will love the boudin and po’boys in this charming riverside city.
Let the Music Move You
5. Catch Live Jazz & Blues in New Orleans
Frenchmen Street is the heartbeat of live music in the city. Catch impromptu brass band performances or dance to zydeco beats in cozy clubs. Tip: Check out Preservation Hall for an intimate, no-frills jazz experience rooted in New Orleans tradition.
6. Visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum
Set in the historic Old U.S. Mint, this museum is a deep dive into the music that shaped not just Louisiana—but the world. Exhibits highlight icons like Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton.
Embrace the Wild Side
7. Take a Swamp or Bayou Tour
Hop on an airboat or flat-bottom boat and glide through the cypress-draped swamps teeming with wildlife. You’ll likely spot alligators, egrets, and turtles while learning about Louisiana’s unique wetland ecosystems. Try Honey Island Swamp or Atchafalaya Basin for an authentic experience.
8. Explore Avery Island
Home to the world-famous Tabasco factory, Avery Island is more than just spicy sauce. Visit the Jungle Gardens for stunning botanical walks and bird-watching among live oaks and bamboo groves.
9. Relax in Kisatchie National Forest
Louisiana’s only national forest is a hidden gem for hikers, campers, and anyone craving peace among piney woods, sandstone bluffs, and scenic trails.
Taste Louisiana’s Culinary Soul
10. Feast on Cajun & Creole Cuisine
Savor gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and red beans & rice at local spots across the state. Each dish tells a story of blended cultures—African, French, Spanish, Native American.
11. Try a Crawfish Boil
In spring, locals gather for crawfish boils—piles of spicy crawfish, potatoes, and corn served over newspaper tables. Find a boil at a local festival or join a tour that includes a traditional boil experience.
12. Indulge in Sweet Treats
Don’t leave without trying fluffy beignets, creamy bread pudding, or pralines (sweet pecan candy). Bonus: Grab a King Cake if you’re visiting around Mardi Gras!
Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems
13. Visit St. Francisville
This charming town near Baton Rouge is a picture-perfect stop filled with historic homes, oak-shaded streets, and the hauntingly beautiful Myrtles Plantation—rumored to be one of the most haunted in the U.S.
14. Tour the Chauvin Sculpture Garden
This quirky outdoor art installation along Bayou Petit Caillou is a folk art marvel, filled with hundreds of hand-crafted sculptures by artist Kenny Hill.
15. Experience Natchitoches
Louisiana’s oldest town, Natchitoches, is known for its historic downtown, brick-paved streets, and Christmas Festival of Lights. Sample their signature meat pies and soak in the French colonial charm.
Family-Friendly Fun
16. Louisiana Children’s Museum (New Orleans)
Located in City Park, this beautifully designed museum offers hands-on learning exhibits, including a replica grocery store, a river play zone, and interactive art stations.
17. Global Wildlife Center (Folsom)
Take a safari wagon ride to see zebras, giraffes, and antelope up close in this 900-acre free-roaming preserve—perfect for kids and animal lovers alike.
18. Sci-Port Discovery Center (Shreveport)
This interactive science and math center includes a planetarium, IMAX Dome, and over 200 hands-on exhibits that make learning exciting for all ages.
Celebrate Art, History & Heritage
19. Museum-Hopping in Lafayette
Explore the Acadiana Center for the Arts, Vermilionville Historic Village, or the Alexandre Mouton House to understand Acadian (Cajun) heritage. The city’s lively festivals and cuisine make it a cultural hotspot.
20. Attend a Zydeco Dance Night
Find a local fais do-do (Cajun dance party), especially in Lafayette or Lake Charles, where families gather to eat, dance, and celebrate Louisiana’s French roots.
Final Thoughts
Louisiana isn’t just a place—it’s a mood, a melody, and a meal you’ll never forget. It’s where every street corner holds a saxophone solo, every bowl of gumbo tastes like home, and every sunset over the bayou feels like a painting. Whether you’re drawn by history, cuisine, or music, Louisiana’s colorful tapestry of cultures will welcome you with open armsand probably a second helping.
Ready to let the good times roll? Pack your bags and laissez les bon temps rouler!