Louisiana Travel Guide
Louisiana, known as the Bayou State, is a place where culture runs deep and the atmosphere is lively. Winding swamps and bayous shape the landscape, while Cajun and Creole flavors delight your taste buds. New Orleans, a beacon of energy in the South, lights up with the energy of Mardi Gras and the sounds of jazz. From soulful music, unforgettable food, and vibrant festivals, Louisiana offers a one-of-a-kind experience that is hard to beat anywhere else in the United States.
New Orleans
Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street, Creole cuisine, jazz, beignets, art galleries, and live music…what brings you to New Orleans? This article details the top experiences within New Orleans and provides useful information to help plan your trip.
The Big List of Things to Do in New Orleans
Top Experiences in Louisiana
New Orleans. New Orleans is famous for its nightlife, music, festivals, cuisine, and French influence. Walk the world-famous Bourbon Street, enjoy the sounds of jazz music, enter the supernatural world of New Orleans voodoo culture, and party at the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.
Steamboat Ride. Take a ride up the Mississippi River on an authentic steamboat. Pick from daytime tours or an evening jazz cruise. It’s a perfect and unique way to experience the culture and history around New Orleans.
Plantation Tour. Visit a historic estate along the Mississippi River that once served as a sugar plantation. These estates now serve as public monuments that share the stories of the land and of the enslaved people who lived and worked there. Tour the mansions, hear the stories, and stroll the oak-lined paths that wind through the grounds. A few of the popular ones to visit near New Orleans include Oak Alley Plantation, Whitney Plantation, and Laura Plantation.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. Explore this historical wetland park just south of New Orleans. Walk the trails of Barataria Preserve and search for alligators resting on the bayou’s bank.
Baton Rouge. Louisiana’s capital blends Southern charm with a lively arts scene, scenic parks, and rich culture. Immerse your taste buds in Cajun and Creole cuisine and tour the USS Kidd, a retired WWII destroyer docked on the Mississippi River. At the Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest capitol building in the United States, you can enjoy panoramic views of Baton Rouge from its observation deck on the 27th floor.
Lafayette. Considered the heart of Cajun country, Lafayette is your gateway into the many swamps and bayous that reside in southern Louisiana. Lafayette holds deep connections to both Cajun and Creole culture, which is evident in the music, food, and festivals hosted in this Louisiana city.
Swamp Tours. Experience the magic of Louisiana’s wetlands covering over a third of the state’s area. Boat past Cypress trees draped with Spanish moss and keep an eye out for alligators, birds, and other Louisiana wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Louisiana
The best time to visit Louisiana is in the spring (February-April) and fall (October-November) seasons. Visitors will have warm, dry weather and pleasant conditions for outdoor sightseeing. Spring is also the tourist high season, so expect more crowds at this time.
Summer (May-September) is the low season for tourism in Louisiana. It is usually the most affordable time to visit, and you will likely find fewer crowds. However, expect brutal heat, humidity, and wetter days. There are fewer festivals at this time, but you will likely save money if you can handle the weather.
Mardi Gras is the largest and most popular festival in New Orleans, with the peak of the festivities occurring in the final two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. The timing changes every year but expect Fat Tuesday to fall between February 3rd and March 9th. During this time, there are daily parades and Bourbon Street is filled with partygoers adorned with colorful beads.
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