While you first take into consideration visiting Louisiana, the very first thing that most likely involves my thoughts is New Orleans, which is likely one of the South’s unbelievable cities to go to in america. Nonetheless, there are heaps extra of the most effective locations in Louisiana that go far past 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 actually stunning Louisiana is. The state is attractive.
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 profit from your time exploring the state with out getting slowed down with the planning.
Have probably 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’ll simply spend three or 4 days there, absorbing the tradition, historical past, and, in fact, 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 contains magnificent homes which can be 300 years previous.
In case you’re planning on going to Bourbon Road, anticipate a lot of Mardi Gras crowds. It’s a fun-fuelled road that buzzes because the solar goes down. One factor I might 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 just a little daunting, however you rapidly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, be certain to e-book a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unbelievable.
In case you’re involved in museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to if you happen to’re involved in Navy historical past and provides an enormous perception into one of many world’s deadliest and most damaging wars. The “Street to Berlin” exhibit was among the finest issues in regards to the Museum, it exhibits an nearly lifelike 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.
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 possibly can be part of a few of the swamp excursions to identify a few of the native wildlife (together with alligators). For among the finest excursions, head over to Cajun Nation Swamp Excursions.
A go to will take round 1 hour, and it’s simply among the finest locations in Louisiana to go to if you happen to’re in search of a small exercise as you drive by the state. We beloved it.
3.) Laura Plantation
In case you 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, 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 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 street journey. You see, as soon as right here, you may head to the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Web site 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 chunk to eat at The Francis. They serve a tasty shrimp leon and it’s the proper 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 vigorous, Baton Rouge is the state capital of Louisiana and an ideal place to spend a number of days.
As soon as right here, be certain 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 surface have an incredible Gothic model.
It’s as comparable as you will get in Louisiana to a fortress. You possibly can even spot the Mississippi River from the towers’ nice heights.
One other key website to go to in Baton Rouge is USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial Yow will discover the historic website at 305 South River Street,
Baton Rouge. It was an lively ship used throughout WWII. Nonetheless, it has been used to provide movies and TV exhibits and is properly price visiting if you happen to’re involved in 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 an alternate metropolis break. It’s received every part you need from a big American metropolis, but it surely 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.
In case you’re involved in artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You possibly can simply spend an hour wandering by 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 gradual, keep in a single day and absorb town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, be certain 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 abilities and craftwork of the Acadian folks have been preserved by 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 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 likely one of the largest cities within the state and among the finest locations in Louisiana to go to and spend a weekend away.
As soon as right here, be certain to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Middle. It options every part 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 folks that make up the state. It’s an effective 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 town itself. It’s among the finest 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 enjoyable day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is totally lovely.
Nonetheless, be certain 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 number of hours’ journey from 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 among the finest 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 most effective within the state.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in New Orleans
Test Out The Very Greatest Of Nice Britain!
