Many locations and well-known attractions can attract you to the fantastic State of Louisiana. The food, diverse cultures, and beautiful jazz will make visiting Louisiana worthwhile.
Whether you’re a resident or tourist, there are a variety of well-known locations to explore. Below are some of the best places to visit in Louisiana.
Natchitoches
Breathtaking history is what Natchitoches is all about. It is the oldest historical settlement in Louisiana. If you are a history buff, visit this location and enjoy walking through the town. There, you have the pleasure of viewing all the unique colonial houses.
Natchitoches was founded in the 18th century as a French settlement. So, there is a lot of Spanish and French architecture on display.
Grand Isle
Sand, sun, water, and fun are the best ways to describe a day spent at the Grand Isle. You can enjoy some of the best water sports. Surfing, boating, fishing, and wakeboarding are a few sports to have a fun time doing.
The scenic views of this public beach are enough to wash away all your stress. You’ll feel like you are on a vacation at Grand Isle.
The Butterfly Dome at the Grand Isle is perfect if you enjoy butterfly-watching and collecting. It features native butterflies and plants, offering a glimpse into the habitat of these winged insects.
French Quarter
A day seems insufficient to explore all the attractions the French Quarter has in store for you. Whether you love jazz, history, or food, the French Quarter has you covered. A fun way to get the authentic feel of the French Quarter in New Orleans is to attend the lively Mardi Gras festivals.
Some other beloved sites include the St. Louis Cathedral, Audubon Aquarium, and Jackson Square. Food explorers do not get left behind. There are plenty of dining areas to prepare the iconic Creole and Cajun dishes!
You can have authentic gumbo and jambalaya to your fill. Each restaurant adds a twist to this dish, making it a tasty and memorable experience.
Avery Island
We can’t mention Avery Island without highlighting Tabasco sauce in the same breath. This island houses one of the best spicy condiment manufacturers, the Tabasco Hot Sauce Factory. Tourists can tour this fun factory and enjoy free Tabasco sauce samples. If you sample the sauces, have lots of water on hand. Of course, it’s very spicy!
On the island, you should also visit Bird City. It’s a haven for fabulous birds like the Egrets and herons.
The Buddha statue at the Jungle Gardens also draws a large crowd. If you have extra time, it’s worth checking out.
Jean Lafitte Park
When looking for an afternoon of calm nature walks and fantastic wildlife, visit Jean Lafitte Park. You will see at least one surprisingly large spider, especially in the warm months.
The National Park Service runs this park. And you can learn about South Louisiana’s ecosystem after your hike.
Laura Plantation
Historical events are best unveiled as they occurred without any deceit or alterations. That is what makes Laura Plantation a must-visit place in Louisiana. You learn how this Creole plantation grew sugarcane in the 19th century.
Additionally, you will be exposed to the unsettling history of slavery. The Plantation was restored to its original state. So, your visit will feel like you are stepping back into a rather dark past. Previous visitors recommend booking a guided tour to get the best experience possible.
Lafayette
Louisiana is known for its Cajun culture. And it just so happens that Lafayette provides a front-row seat into this breathtaking ancient world. You can start by touring the Acadian Village. Historians redid it, and you can now see wooden houses similar to the ones from the 1800s. Visiting the Arcadian Village will surely be an exciting journey back in time.
Lafayette encompasses all things Cajun culture, as exhibited in the Vermillionville Museum. This live museum shows everything about the Cajun people. While visiting, you can learn more about its food, traditions, and music.
Acadiana
After the Cajun (Acadian) people were forced to leave Canada in the 18th Century, they relocated to Acadiana, the region in southwestern Louisiana.
Acadiana consists of Cajun culture, history, and even a dialect (Cajun French) the residents speak.
If you enjoy crawfish, check out the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival. The region consists of many small towns, including Breaux Bridge, known as the crawfish capital.
Do you have a love for the written word? Another place you can visit is the Evangeline Oak Tree in St. Martinville. The tree was named after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s well-known poem about two Acadian lovers. A house near the tree also highlights Longfellow’s lifelong journey.
Houma
If you seek a real hidden gem on da bayou, you must visit Houma. This small city in southeastern Louisiana displays the spirit of the Bayou. There, you’ll love experiencing the Cajun culture. Since the swampland isolates the city, the Cajun culture is alive and well.
Fishing from the Gulf of Mexico allows the residents to make a living there. If you visit Houma, there are many activities to enjoy. There’s an annual music festival, a historic district, and an incredible community to experience.
Bogue Chitto State Park
If you love to hike, then the Bogue Chitto State Park is perfect for exploring outdoors. It is less well-known than the Jean Lafitte National Park because it takes longer to get there.
(It takes around an hour and a half to get there from New Orleans.) Yet, you can’t help but fall in love with its landscape and beautiful rolling hills.
Remember that it can get humid there, but there are shaded, subtropical woods to keep you cool. Furthermore, besides hiking, there are other activities to enjoy. For example, you can rent a cabin at the park, go horseback riding, or relax at the beach along the Bogue Chitto River.
Conclusion
There are definitely plenty of mind-blowing locations and activities to do in Louisiana. Beyond the places highlighted in this article, consider visiting well-known dispensaries there. On Veriheal, you can learn how to get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana.
For an even better experience, research the places you want to visit beforehand. Then, you’ll know exactly where you want to go.
