Traveling throughout Louisiana, author Lana Law always looks forward to a visit in New Orleans.
Even the word Louisiana creates a feeling of sultry summer nights with cicadas singing nearby, and the laughter of friends and family over a table heaving with good Southern fare. This a state where time slows down, and life is more about living than doing.
One of the greatest spots to visit Louisiana's tourist attractions and soak up a bit of Creole culture is in New Orleans. The French Quarter honors the state's heritage and is a terrific spot to get lost knowing that no matter where you turn, a great dinner and a good time is waiting. People have fun as they dress up and parade around the streets during the renowned Mardi Gras.
Just down the road is the state capital of Baton Rouge. Occasionally, state capitals can be stuffy locales, but not Baton Rouge. This community sets that stigma aside and boldly promotes everything that it has to offer, including a capitol building with a resident ghost named Sarah.
Outdoor enthusiasts will want to stop in Lake Charles to take in the natural beauty and perhaps make a pit stop at one of the nicest beaches in the state.
After you've given the cities their due, head out of town. Visit the bayous and swamplands, where the waterways are filled with creepy creatures that could want to devour you. Less adventurous guests may find a tour through a plantation more to their liking.
Plan your journey with our list of the greatest attractions in Louisiana.
1. The French Quarter of New Orleans
The French Quarter is New Orleans' oldest and most famous neighborhood. Many of its stunning buildings, some of which are more than 300 years old, have wrought iron balconies that overhang the tourist-heavy sidewalks below. The French Quarter is a popular destination for tourists interested in sightseeing, shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Mardi Gras celebrations draw even more people to the neighborhood.
The most popular area to visit in the French Quarter is Bourbon Street, which is lively year-round with swarms of tourists and live music. While Decatur Street is a favorite hangout for hipsters, North Rampart Street is less congested but boasts many historic structures and excellent eateries. Jazz clubs flank the pedestrian-friendly Royal Street, which is also noted for its antique shops and art galleries.
Another well-liked tourist destination is Louis Armstrong Park, which houses the famed Congo Square, where the city's African-American inhabitants formerly congregated before winning independence. The park comprises 31 acres and contains walkways, fountains, and a giant statue of jazz musician Louis Armstrong.
2. National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans provides a thorough examination of every facet of the fight, from the difficulties of combat at sea and in the air to the ground war in Europe. One of the most dramatic displays is "Road to Berlin," where visitors have the opportunity to be immersed in the past while experiencing fully recreated war zones replete with the sights and sounds.
Other exhibits examine the challenges faced by the Seabees and Merchant Marines in assisting the troops, the importance of home front support, and the specifics of the D-Day assault of Normandy.
A range of media and interactive technology are used in the museum's exhibits to bring history to life. A huge collection of relics, including the belongings of soldiers and even a shark-faced P-40 Warhawk, are shown in the exhibits, together with personal stories, pictures, and other memorabilia.
In November 2022, the museum launched a brand-new exhibit called Expressions of America. Taking place most evenings on the Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground, this immersive music and light performance is designed to take you back to the war years of the early 1940s.
Live performances take place in the BB's Stage Door Canteen before the concert begins. Eventually, the main performance takes place outside. Expressions of America is a separate attraction from the usual entry to the museum and an additional price is charged.
3. Mardi Gras
The Mardi Gras festival that takes place in New Orleans is the biggest occasion on Louisiana's annual calendar. This vibrant celebration, which includes a parade, balls, and street parties unlike any other, is a major undertaking. Although Mardi Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, festivities start the weekend before that day.
The festival draws massive audiences who come to partake in the celebrations and watch more than 1,000 floats go past on dozens of parade routes. Visit Mardis Gras World to see the floats up close and watch artists and craftspeople create them. This workshop produces over half of the parade's floats, costumes, and accessories.
Plan beforehand if you're coming for Mardi Gras. Examine the schedule of events and make sure to reserve a hotel well in advance.
4.Melrose Plantation
When Marie Thérèse and Claude Thomas Pierre Metoyer, liberated slaves, owned the Natchitoches property, it was known as Yucca Plantation and later changed its name to Melrose Plantation. Yucca House, found on the grounds, was built in the 1790s. The Big home is a West Indies Creole plantation home with early Greek Revival elements.
John Hampton Henry, a lover of the arts, and his wife Camie made Melrose their home around the turn of the century. Mrs Henry enlarged the garden and preserved the houses. Many writers and artists were guests at Melrose over the years.
5. The Old State House
Visitors passing by are dramatically impressed by the Old State Capitol's Gothic-Revival design, and its interior is as magnificent. The main entrance is flanked by two enormous towers, and the roof is crenellated. The edifice, which has a castle-like appearance, is situated on a hill in the heart of Baton Rouge with a view of the Mississippi River.
A political history museum, which features relics, records, and interactive displays that explore the state's lengthy history, is now housed in this historically significant building.
Visitors can also learn about the building's history and significance via the "Ghost of the Castle" show, a 4-D experience that is presented by the apparition of Sarah Morgan.
Keep your wallet in your pocket, entry is free.
6. State Capitol Structure
It is undoubtedly worthwhile to visit the modern State Capitol Building if you have already seen the Old State Capitol Building. This magnificent specimen of Art Deco building, which stands little under a mile to the north, is the tallest state capitol in the US at 460 feet.
The Observation Deck is located on the 27th floor, 350 feet above the elevator. It's from this elevated perch that you'll be able to appreciate how flat and wet Louisiana truly is. Consider scheduling a guided tour to gain a more thorough grasp of the structure. Free entry is offered.
7. Swamp Tours
Louisiana is famous for its bayous and wetlands, and fortunately you don't need to venture far from New Orleans to get into the pulsing heart of bayou country. In this unusual setting, you'll see moss-covered trees; large swamplands; and a diversity of fauna, including alligators, wild boar, wading birds, and snakes.
One of the best tours is the New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation, which is simple to schedule. A skilled and personable guide will entertain you with tales of the Honey Island Swamp and point out the numerous animals, huge, tiny, and extra large, living here during your two-hour boat tour. The cruise also stops at a Cajun Village, accessible only by water, where you can learn about their distinct culture.
8.Laura Plantation
Since it opened to the public in 1994, the Laura Plantation in Vacherie has allowed tourists to view the 1805 structure and grounds that were a sugarcane plantation for 180 years. The house has artifacts showcasing Laura Locoul's memoirs as well as authentic period furniture.
The most noteworthy element of the plantation, however, is its vast museum dedicated to the lives and personal stories of those who were enslaved on the property. The exhibit examines the complicated interactions between the slaves' owners and themselves as well as a number of other facets of modern life, such as religion and health.
Rare images and records from the state's slave population as well as the African-Americans who lived and worked on this Creole farm are covered in the collections. Every 40 minutes throughout the day, starting at 10am, tours are offered.
9.Vermilionville
The customs and heritage of the Acadian settlers from the late 18th and early 19th centuries are on display in Vermilionville in Lafayette. Costumed artisans and historians present folk crafts and skills that have been passed down from earlier generations at this living history museum.
The 23-acre complex, which includes historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and renovated original Acadian dwellings, is home to artisans. The property also has exhibits that study the life of Louisiana's indigenous peoples and are presented on a rotating basis.
The struggle to protect the Acadian culture and language, and a look at black history from early enslavement through the civil rights movement are among issues that are explored. A intriguing look at the variations in Mardi Gras customs between urban and rural locations can be found in other displays.
Count on an hour and a half to fully explore this amazing place. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays, and the last admittance throughout the week is at 3pm.
10. Spend a Day at a Louisiana Beach
Given that Louisiana is known for being a steamy, hot area in the summer, you could find yourself heading straight for one of the state's many beaches.
Here’s a look at the top tourist attractions in the USA: Number 10. French Quarter. New Orleans, Louisiana, is made up of several unique districts, but none is so famous as the French Quarter.
— AksHiT pAuL (@AksHiTpAuL) December 26, 2020
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Holly Beach, sometimes known as the "Cajun Riviera," is among the nicest beaches to visit in Louisiana. The state's southwest section is home to a beach with long, flat, and wide stretches of golden sand. The Gulf of Mexico waters are deliciously warm in the summer, and the shallow water is great for youngsters.
Grand Isle, a prominent beach resort, is only a few hours south of New Orleans. The beach here covers virtually the whole length of this barrier island, which juts out into the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, Hurricane Ida caused substantial damage to the Grand Isle State Park, which has not been reopened. However, the Grand Isle town's beaches have been totally restored and are no longer damaged.
Port Fourchon is located on Grand Isle's outermost point. This beach is a little different, with bigger waves that are well-liked by surfers.
Lake Ponchartrain and Fontainbleau State Park are even more accessible from New Orleans. This beach features beautiful sandy shorelines and flat, shallow water. A children's water playground, picnic tables, showers, and restrooms are all located away from the beach. Hurricane Ida caused substantial damage to the park, but it has subsequently reopened totally, the only exception being the camping cottages, which remain closed until further notice.
11.The Sci-Port Discovery Center
The Sawyer SPACE DOME Planetarium, an IMAX Dome Theater, and other science and entertainment attractions may be found at the Sci-Port Discovery Center. The center, which is in Shreveport, is primarily geared towards children and is a well-liked family attraction with a strong educational component. It has hundreds of interactive displays.
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The Power of Play Children's Museum, which promotes learning through play, is the center's newest addition.
12. The Veterans Memorial and the USS Kidd
At the USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial in Baton Rouge, visitors can board a decommissioned warship. The ship was active during WWII and has subsequently been used in films and TV projects.
Information on the ship, as well as nautical artefacts and memorabilia, are on show in the museum. The USS Kidd is named for Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd, Sr., who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The memorial includes a ship as well as an observation tower and a museum. Historical artifacts and a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall can be found inside the museum. Children and adults alike will be intrigued by the model ship collection.
For a truly unique experience, grab 20 of your closest friends and camp out overnight on the ship. You'll have the whole run of the house and can make your own timetable.
13.Rosedown Plantation & Gardens
One of the best maintained domestic Southern plantations is the Rosedown Plantation, a State Historic Site. It offers a glance at the lifestyles, both of plantation owners and slaves, during the mid 19th century in the South.
There are camellias, azaleas, and unusual trees and bushes on the property. Owners Daniel and Martha Turnbull designed the Rosedown Gardens in 1835. These magnificent gardens, which cover 28 acres, are among the best in the entire state.
The mansion was home to the Turnbull family for more than 120 years.
14. The Catholic Church of St. Martin of Tours
In St. Martinville, the St. Martin Catholic Church was founded in 1765. The current building was constructed in 1836 and features a Lourdes Grotto copy from 1883. The burial of Emmeline Labiche, who is supposed to be the subject of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem Evangeline, is located in the left wing of the chapel. In the churchyard, Evangeline is memorialized by a statue.
A lovely Saint Martin de Tours statue from 1931 is noteworthy. The third-oldest church in Louisiana is the Catholic Church of St. Martin.
15.DeQuincy Railroad Museum
The 1923-built former Kansas City Southern Depot now houses the DeQuincy Railroad. A variety of railroad equipment and related items are currently housed in this magnificent old structure, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A striking collection of Gauge 1 model steam and diesel engines made by expert model makers is also on display. Visitors can view the museum's 1913 steam locomotive, a 1947 Pullman passenger coach, two cabooses, and other items outside.
This is also a terrific site for train aficionados to simply relax and watch the trains go by from the train-watching platform or any of the various observation spaces.