Coastal Acadiana Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, and tips for visiting Coastal Acadiana, Louisiana, including hiking and biking routes, local cuisine, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Coastal Acadiana

Coastal Acadiana is a beautiful region in Louisiana, known for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant food and drink scene. The region stretches along the Gulf of Mexico, from Jefferson Davis Parish in the west to St. Mary Parish in the east, encompassing several parishes in between.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, or tantalizing local cuisine, Coastal Acadiana has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, things to do, and tips for experiencing this unique part of the United States.

List of Places to Visit in Coastal Acadiana

  • Lafayette
  • Avery Island
  • Abbeville
  • Vermilionville
  • Jefferson Island
  • Kaplan
  • New Iberia
  • St. Martinville

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Coastal Acadiana is steeped in history and culture, and there are plenty of museums and historical landmarks to explore. Here are a few must-see attractions:

  • Acadian Cultural Center: This museum in Lafayette celebrates the history and culture of the Acadian people who settled in Louisiana over 200 years ago.
  • Bayou Teche Museum: Located in New Iberia, this museum showcases the history and ecology of the bayou.
  • Shadows-on-the-Teche: This plantation house in New Iberia offers a glimpse into the lives of wealthy Acadian plantation owners in the 19th century.
  • Conrad Rice Museum: Located in Kaplan, this museum offers an interactive experience detailing the history of rice farming in the region.
  • Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site: This museum in St. Martinville is dedicated to the life and work of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the Acadian heroine Evangeline.

Natural Attractions of Coastal Acadiana: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Coastal Acadiana is blessed with stunning natural beauty, from its pristine beaches to its sprawling bayous. Here are a few outdoor attractions worth exploring:

  • Lake Fausse Pointe State Park: This sprawling state park in St. Martin Parish is home to a diverse array of wildlife, trails for hiking and biking, and several opportunities for fishing and boating.
  • Rip Van Winkle Gardens: Located on Jefferson Island, this botanical garden offers stunning views of Lake Peigneur and is home to a variety of exotic plants and animals.
  • Avery Island: Famous for its Tabasco hot sauce, Avery Island boasts beautiful gardens, interesting wildlife, and tours of the Tabasco factory.
  • Henderson Swamp: This pristine swamp is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, and offers guided tours by boat.
  • Lake Martin: This lake in Breaux Bridge is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching and is home to numerous species of birds.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Coastal Acadiana

Coastal Acadiana boasts numerous trails for hiking and biking, offering visitors the chance to explore the region’s natural beauty up close. Here are a few popular routes:

  • Cajun Corridor Trail: This 7-mile trail along Bayou Teche in New Iberia is ideal for biking and walking and offers stunning views of the waterway.
  • Acadiana Park Nature Station Trail: Located in Lafayette, this 6-mile trail follows a meandering creek and traverses lush forests and wetlands.
  • Longfellow Trail: This 3-mile trail in St. Martinville meanders through woods and fields and provides a glimpse into the Acadian way of life.
  • Lake Fausse Pointe Trail: This 11-mile trail around Lake Fausse Pointe is ideal for hiking and biking and offers sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in Coastal Acadiana: Activities and Tours

Coastal Acadiana has a wealth of activities and tours to suit all tastes and interests, including:

  • Swamp tours: Explore the region’s lush swamps and wetlands and spot alligators and other wildlife.
  • Cajun cooking classes: Learn how to cook classic Cajun dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
  • Zipline adventures: Soar through the trees and catch breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Brewery tours: Sample a variety of local brews and learn about the region’s brewing traditions.
  • Cajun music and dance classes: Learn how to dance the two-step and immerse yourself in the region’s lively music scene.

Week-Long Itinerary for Coastal Acadiana

Day 1: Arrive in Lafayette, explore the city’s vibrant downtown, and catch a show at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Day 2: Visit the Acadian Cultural Center and the nearby Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Day 3: Go on a swamp tour or hike the Acadiana Park Nature Station Trail. Day 4: Take a day trip to Avery Island, explore the botanical gardens, and tour the Tabasco factory. Day 5: Visit Vermilionville and learn about the region’s Acadian heritage. End the day with a Cajun cooking class. Day 6: Explore the Bayou Teche Museum in New Iberia and take a stroll on the Cajun Corridor Trail. Day 7: Hike the Longfellow Trail in St. Martinville and catch a performance of Cajun music and dance at a local venue.

Food and Drink Scene of Coastal Acadiana

The food and drink of Coastal Acadiana reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage and agricultural traditions. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crawfish étouffée: A classic Cajun dish made with crawfish and a roux-based sauce served over rice.
  • Boudin: A type of sausage made with pork and rice and seasoned with a blend of spices.
  • Gumbo: A hearty stew made with seafood, sausage, chicken, and a variety of other ingredients.
  • Po’ boy sandwich: A classic Louisiana sandwich made with fried shrimp or crawfish, lettuce, tomato, and spicy sauce.
  • Jambalaya: A one-pot rice dish made with meat, vegetables, and a variety of spices.

Local Beverages

  • Abita beer: A well-known Louisiana beer with a variety of flavors, including Amber, Purple Haze, and Turbo Dog.
  • Sazerac: A classic New Orleans cocktail made with rye whiskey, absinthe, and bitters.
  • Huey’s Bloody Mary: A spicy bloody mary made with Louisiana hot sauce and garnished with crawfish, pickled okra, and other toppings.
  • Chicory coffee: A coffee made with chicory root, a traditional ingredient in New Orleans-style coffee.

Where to Stay in Coastal Acadiana: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Coastal Acadiana offers a variety of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are a few options:

  • Carriage House Hotel: A luxurious hotel in Lafayette with comfortable rooms, a pool, and a restaurant.
  • Blue Moon Saloon & Guest House: An affordable guesthouse in Lafayette with comfortable rooms and a lively bar.
  • Maison D’Memoire Bed & Breakfast Cottages: A charming bed and breakfast in Rayne with cozy cottages and a swimming pool.
  • The Cottages on the Bayou: A scenic guesthouse in Breaux Bridge with cozy cabins and gorgeous views of the bayou.

What to Buy in Coastal Acadiana: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Coastal Acadiana is home to a variety of unique souvenirs and local products, including:

  • Tabasco hot sauce: A staple of Louisiana cuisine, Tabasco hot sauce is available for purchase at the Avery Island Tabasco factory.
  • Handmade crafts: From handwoven baskets to pottery to jewelry, Coastal Acadiana is home to numerous artists and artisans selling their wares.
  • Cajun spices: Bring home the flavors of Coastal Acadiana with a variety of Cajun seasoning blends and spices.
  • Rum: Louisiana is home to several rum distilleries, and Coastal Acadiana offers a variety of local options to try and bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Coastal Acadiana

Coastal Acadiana has a strong cultural identity, rooted in the region’s Acadian heritage. Visitors to the area should keep the following customs in mind:

  • Speak French: Many locals in Coastal Acadiana still speak French, and visitors who make an effort to use some basic conversational French are often appreciated.
  • Two-step dance: The two-step is a popular dance in Coastal Acadiana, and visitors can often catch live music and dancing at local venues.
  • Mardi Gras: Coastal Acadiana is home to numerous Mardi Gras celebrations, including the Courir de Mardi Gras, a tradition that involves costumed revelers traveling from house to house asking for ingredients to make a communal gumbo.

Best Time to Visit Coastal Acadiana

Coastal Acadiana can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is typically in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild, and outdoor activities are abundant. The area can be hot and humid in the summer months, and crowds can be heavy during Mardi Gras season in February.

Do’s and Don’ts of Coastal Acadiana

Do:

  • Explore the outdoors: Coastal Acadiana is home to stunning natural beauty. Make sure to explore the swamps, bayous, and forests.
  • Try the local cuisine: Louisiana is famous for its delicious food, and Coastal Acadiana is no exception. Be sure to try the local crawfish, gumbo, and boudin.
  • Embrace the culture: Coastal Acadiana has a unique cultural identity. Explore the Acadian heritage, listen to Cajun music, and dance the two-step.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local customs: Coastal Acadiana has a strong cultural identity, and visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Leave trash behind: Help keep the region’s natural beauty intact by disposing of trash properly.
  • Forget to pack sunscreen: The Louisiana sun can be intense, especially in the summer months. Make sure to pack sunscreen and protective clothing.

Safety and Health

Safety in Coastal Acadiana

Coastal Acadiana is generally a safe region, but visitors should take standard safety precautions, such as locking car doors, keeping valuables out of sight, and staying aware of their surroundings.

Health in Coastal Acadiana

It’s important to stay hydrated in Louisiana’s hot and humid climate, especially during outdoor activities. Visitors should also be aware of the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus and Zika virus and take appropriate precautions, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants.

Getting to Coastal Acadiana: Transportation Options and Logistics

Coastal Acadiana is easily accessible by car, air, or bus. Here are a few options:

Airports Near Coastal Acadiana

  • Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT)
  • Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)
  • New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY)

Bus Stations Near Coastal Acadiana

  • Greyhound Station in Lafayette
  • Greyhound Station in New Iberia

Other Options

  • Rent a car: Coastal Acadiana is a scenic region, and renting a car allows visitors to explore its nooks and crannies at their own pace.
  • Ride-sharing services: Services such as Uber and Lyft are available throughout the region.
  • Bike rentals: Several cities in Coastal Acadiana offer bike rentals, allowing visitors to explore the area on two wheels.

How to Get Around in Coastal Acadiana

Coastal Acadiana is best explored by car, but several other options are available, including:

  • Public transportation: Some cities in Coastal Acadiana offer bus services.
  • Rental cars: Rental car options are available in most cities.
  • Bike rentals: Several cities in Coastal Acadiana offer bike rentals.

Where to Go Next from Coastal Acadiana: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Coastal Acadiana is close to several other interesting destinations. Here are a few options:

  • New Orleans: Louisiana’s largest city is known for its vibrant music scene, unique cuisine, and colorful architecture. It’s a two-hour drive from Coastal Acadiana.
  • Baton Rouge: Louisiana’s capital is home to historic landmarks, museums, and several universities. It’s a one-hour drive from Coastal Acadiana.
  • Lake Charles: Located on the border of Louisiana and Texas, Lake Charles boasts a thriving casino scene and numerous outdoor activities. It’s a two-hour drive from Coastal Acadiana.

Conclusion

Coastal Acadiana is one of Louisiana’s most unique and stunning regions, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and tantalizing cuisine. Whether you’re exploring the swamps and bayous, hiking along scenic trails, or immersing yourself in the local music and culture, Coastal Acadiana is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.



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