Louisiana Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Louisiana with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Louisiana

Located in the Southern region of the United States, Louisiana is a state with a diverse cultural and historical heritage, rich music scene, and unique cuisine. From exploring the state’s natural beauty to discovering its vibrant cities, Louisiana offers visitors a one-of-a-kind travel experience. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Louisiana

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Louisiana is steeped in history and culture, and its many museums showcase the state’s unique heritage. From the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art to the National World War II Museum, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about Louisiana’s past. Some of the must-visit museums and historical attractions include:

  • The National WWII Museum
  • The Cabildo
  • The New Orleans Museum of Art
  • Mardi Gras World
  • The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum
  • The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

Natural Attractions of Louisiana: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nature lovers and adventure seekers will find plenty of things to do in Louisiana. The state has a wide range of natural attractions, from swamps and bayous to forests and beaches. Some of the best natural attractions and outdoor adventures to explore in Louisiana include:

  • Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
  • The Honey Island Swamp
  • Avery Island and Jungle Gardens
  • Kisatchie National Forest
  • The Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway
  • Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

Hiking/Biking Routes of Louisiana

Louisiana has a range of options for visitors who want to explore the state’s natural beauty by foot or by bike. Some of the best hiking and biking routes include:

  • The Tammany Trace Trail
  • The Atchafalaya Basin Wilderness Trail
  • The Barataria Preserve
  • The Nature Conservancy’s Cypress Island Preserve

Best Things to Do in Louisiana: Activities and Tours

Louisiana offers plenty of activities and tours for visitors of all ages. From swamp tours to food crawls, there is something to suit all tastes. Some of the most popular activities and tours in Louisiana include:

  • Swamp tours
  • Food crawls
  • Plantation tours
  • Music festivals
  • Bayou boating tours
  • Casino gambling

Week-Long Itinerary for Louisiana

If you have a week to explore the state, Louisiana has plenty to offer. Here’s a sample itinerary that covers some of the state’s best attractions:

  • Day 1: Visit New Orleans and take a tour of the French Quarter.
  • Day 2: Tour the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and visit the St. Louis Cathedral.
  • Day 3: Head to Baton Rouge and explore the Louisiana State Capitol Building.
  • Day 4: Go on a plantation tour in St. Francisville and visit the Angola Prison Museum.
  • Day 5: Explore the wildlife on a swamp tour.
  • Day 6: Visit Lake Pontchartrain and go on a fishing trip.
  • Day 7: Relax on the beaches of Grand Isle.

Food and Drink Scene of Louisiana

Must-Try Dishes

Louisiana’s food scene is famous for its unique flavors and mouth-watering dishes. From gumbo to jambalaya, there is plenty to try. Some of the must-try dishes in Louisiana include:

  • Gumbo
  • Crawfish Etouffee
  • Jambalaya
  • Fried catfish
  • Po’Boy sandwich
  • Red beans and rice

Local Beverages

Louisiana is also known for its beverages. From coffee to cocktails, visitors can enjoy a wide range of drinks. Some of the local beverages to try in Louisiana include:

  • Chicory coffee
  • Sazerac cocktail
  • Abita beer
  • Hurricane cocktail

Where to Stay in Louisiana: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Louisiana offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. From luxury hotels to budget hostels, there is plenty of choice. Some of the best accommodation options in Louisiana include:

  • The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
  • The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
  • Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans
  • The Frenchmen Hotel, New Orleans
  • Courtyard Houma, Houma
  • The Henry Howard Hotel, New Orleans

What to Buy in Louisiana: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Louisiana can take home a range of souvenirs and local products as mementos of their trip. Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Louisiana include:

  • Mardi Gras beads
  • Hot sauce
  • Cajun spices
  • Beignet mix
  • Louisiana hot sauce gift sets
  • Handmade pottery

Local Culture and Customs of Louisiana

Louisiana has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history and diverse population. Visitors can experience the unique culture of Louisiana through its music, festivals, and cuisine. Some of the local customs of Louisiana include:

  • Mardi Gras
  • Jazz music
  • Second lining
  • Crawfish boils
  • Gumbo parties

Best Time to Visit Louisiana

The best time to visit Louisiana depends on your preferences and travel plans. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons to visit, while summer is the busiest due to school holidays. Winter is relatively quiet, but visitors can still enjoy holiday festivals and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Louisiana

Do:

  • Take a swamp tour
  • Try the local cuisine
  • Experience Mardi Gras
  • Learn about Louisiana’s unique history and culture
  • Take a jazz music tour

Don’t:

  • Wander off into secluded areas at night
  • Show disrespect towards the local culture and customs
  • Forget the sunscreen when out on natural adventures

Safety and Health

Safety in Louisiana

Visitors to Louisiana should take the same precautions as they would in any other city or state. Avoid high-crime areas and be cautious when travelling at night. In addition, be prepared for natural elements when exploring the outdoors.

Health in Louisiana

Louisiana has basic healthcare facilities that offer medical treatment. However, it is essential to have insurance and explore healthcare options before travelling to the state.

Getting to Louisiana: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can get to Louisiana by air, train, or bus. In addition, rental cars are available for those who prefer to drive. Some of the transportation options to get to Louisiana include:

Airports Near Louisiana

  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
  • Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport
  • Lake Charles Regional Airport

Bus Stations Near Louisiana

  • Greyhound
  • Megabus
  • Jefferson Lines

Other Options

Renting a car is a popular option for visitors who want to explore the state at their own pace. Alternatively, visitors can take a train to New Orleans and then take a taxi or bus to their destination.

How to Get Around in Louisiana

Public transportation is available in certain parts of Louisiana, but a car is the best option for visitors who want to explore the state. Renting a car is easy, and there are several car rental options available.

Where to Go Next from Louisiana: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Louisiana is located in the Southern region of the United States, which makes it a great starting point for exploring nearby states and cities. Some of the nearby destinations and excursions to consider include:

  • Memphis, Tennessee
  • Dallas, Texas
  • Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Mobile, Alabama
  • Jackson, Mississippi

Conclusion

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to experience Southern hospitality, Louisiana has something for everyone. Discover the state’s natural beauty, unique culture, and rich heritage by following this comprehensive travel guide. Plan your perfect trip, and experience all the wonders that Louisiana has to offer.

French Quarter of New Orleans French Quarter of New Orleans Complete with French fleur-de-lis Complete with French fleur-de-lis Map of Louisiana Map of Louisiana Shrimp Po' Boy and Gumbo Shrimp Po' Boy and Gumbo Damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 Damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005


    Acadiana
    Central
    Florida Parishes
    Greater New Orleans
    Northern Louisiana