Once 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 unbelievable cities to go to in america. Nevertheless, there are heaps extra of the perfect 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 street journey. That is precisely what we did, and we completely liked how numerous and actually shocking Louisiana is. The state is beautiful.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your journey, I’m sharing our high locations in Louisiana you must cease at as you traverse the state. This manner, you’ll benefit from your time exploring the state with out getting slowed down with the planning.
Have essentially the most wonderful journey to Louisiana.
1.) New Orleans
New Orleans is among 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, town’s neighbourhoods.
After arriving, make sure you discover New Orleans’ French Quarter. It’s stunning and one of many metropolis’s most outstanding and oldest neighbourhoods. It consists of magnificent homes which can be 300 years outdated.
If you happen to’re planning on going to Bourbon Avenue, anticipate plenty of Mardi Gras crowds. It’s a fun-fuelled avenue that buzzes because the solar goes down. One factor I might say about Bourbon Avenue is that it could possibly 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 a bit daunting, however you shortly acclimate to the enjoyment and ruckus. As soon as right here, be certain that to e-book a live performance at Preservation Corridor, a historic and intimate little venue that’s simply unbelievable.
If you happen to’re desirous about museums, head over to the Nationwide WWII Museum. It’s an ideal place to go to when you’re desirous about 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 among the best issues in regards to the Museum, it reveals an nearly practical expertise of solely 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: Finest 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 among the swamp excursions to identify among the native wildlife (together with alligators). For among the best excursions, head over to Cajun Nation Swamp Excursions.
A go to will take round 1 hour, and it’s simply among the best locations in Louisiana to go to when you’re in search of a small exercise as you drive by means of the state. We liked it.
3.) Laura Plantation
If you happen to plan on travelling to Louisiana, you must 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, had 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 excellent 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 right stopping level for an informal lunch.
Learn extra: Finest 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 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 surface have an incredible 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 supply movies and TV reveals and is effectively value visiting when you’re desirous about army historical past.
Afterwards, make sure you pop by Elsie’s Plate and Pie. Their apple pie is known.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans
6.) Alexandria
Proper within the coronary heart of the state, Alexandria is among the greatest locations in Louisiana to go to for an alternate metropolis break. It’s bought every little thing you need from a big American metropolis, but it surely 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 Battle reenactments and clarify the turbulent interval in US historical past.
If you happen to’re desirous about artwork, go to the Alexandria Museum of Artwork. You possibly can simply spend an hour wandering by means 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 sluggish, keep in a single day and absorb town’s vibe.
After arriving in Lafayette, be certain that to go to Vermilionville. It’s a historic museum at 300 Fisher Street, Lafayette, Louisiana. It options among the traditions of the Acadian folks as they had been between the 18th and nineteenth centuries. The talents and craftwork of the Acadian folks have been preserved by means of many generations. We liked 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 houses 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 among the best locations in Louisiana to go to and spend a weekend away.
As soon as right here, be certain that 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 may discover Louisiana’s lengthy historical past and the folks that 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: Finest 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 best 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 when you fancy a extra stress-free day from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans. The Barataria Protect is totally stunning.
Nevertheless, be certain 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, a number of hours’ journey from 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 among the best locations in Louisiana to go to if you wish to discover among the state’s cultural historical past – which, in my view, makes St. Martinville effectively value a go to.
As soon as right here, make sure you go to the Martin de Excursions Catholic Church and see Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Web site which has been round for the reason that early 1800s.
Lastly, don’t neglect to pop into St. John Restaurant for his or her wonderful seafood. Their catfish strips are the perfect within the state.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans
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