If 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 unimaginable cities to go to in the US. Nevertheless, there are heaps extra of one of the best locations in Louisiana that go far past town itself.
You see, Louisiana is a reasonably large state, and you may simply go to a good few of those when you’re driving on a wider US highway journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely liked 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 fashion, you’ll profit 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 unimaginable, and you may simply spend three or 4 days there, absorbing the tradition, historical past, and, after all, town’s neighbourhoods.
After arriving, make sure to discover New Orleans’ French Quarter. It’s lovely and one of many metropolis’s most distinguished and oldest neighbourhoods. It consists of magnificent homes which are 300 years outdated.
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 slightly daunting, however you rapidly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, ensure to ebook a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unimaginable.
In case you’re interested by museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to when you’re interested by Navy historical past and offers an enormous perception into one of many world’s deadliest and most damaging wars. The “Street to Berlin” exhibit was among the finest issues concerning the Museum, it exhibits an virtually real looking expertise of totally 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 possibly can be a 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 when you’re in search of a small exercise as you drive by way of the state. We liked it.
3.) Laura Plantation
In case you plan on travelling to Louisiana, you need 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, had 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 nicely 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 excellent stopping level as a part of a wider Louisiana highway journey. You see, as soon as right here, you’ll be able to head to the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Web site and be taught extra concerning the historical past of the plantation, its individuals and see the gorgeous 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 informal lunch.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in New Orleans
5.) Baton Rouge
Though smaller than New Orleans and rather less full of life, Baton Rouge is the state capital of Louisiana and an ideal place to spend a number of days.
As soon as right here, ensure 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 a tremendous Gothic type.
It’s as comparable as you may get in Louisiana to a fort. You possibly can 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 will discover the historic web site at 305 South River Street,
Baton Rouge. It was an lively ship used throughout WWII. Nevertheless, it has been used to provide movies and TV exhibits and is nicely price visiting when you’re interested by army historical past.
Afterwards, make sure 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 likely one of the finest locations in Louisiana to go to for another metropolis break. It’s obtained every little 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 Web site. Right here, they host Civil Struggle reenactments and clarify the turbulent interval in US historical past.
In case you’re interested by artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You possibly can simply spend an hour wandering by way of the exhibitions right here. We liked 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 when you drive throughout the state. It’s sufficiently small {that a} day’s go to is simply sufficient. Nevertheless, if you wish to take issues gradual, keep in a single day and absorb town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, ensure 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 individuals as they had been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The talents and craftwork of the Acadian individuals have been preserved by way of many generations. We liked it, and it’s so fascinating to listen to concerning the lives of the First Nation individuals 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, ensure to pop into the Sci-Port Discovery Heart. It options every little 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 when you’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 those who make up the state. It’s a good 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.
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 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 when you fancy a extra enjoyable day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is totally lovely.
Nevertheless, ensure 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 nicely price exploring, a number of hours’ journey from 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 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 nicely price a go to.
As soon as right here, make sure 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 superb seafood. Their catfish strips are one of the best within the state.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in New Orleans
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