The Best 11 Places in Louisiana You Definitely Need to Visit

293
The Best 11 Places in Louisiana You Definitely Need to Visit

Last Updated on April 11, 2024

With millions of people visiting Louisiana, this is a state that you can’t miss. There are many interesting places to visit in Louisiana but how do you choose what to see?

When you visit Louisiana, we will help you with your list of things you must see. Continue reading this article to learn the best places to see in Louisiana.

1. Breaux Bridge

You can’t miss a visit to Breaux Bridge which is known as the crawfish capital of the world.

The restaurants here were the first to openly offer crawfish on their menus and you’ll be able to taste the goodness when you stop into one of the hotspots.

Besides eating, there is plenty to do. There are plenty of places to explore the outdoors either on your own or by taking a tour through the swamps for some backcountry fun.

2. Lafayette

Lafayette is only 2 hours west of New Orleans but it seems like a whole different world when you arrive. The French culture is strong in Lafayette and has mixed and morphed into the Cajuns that you’re going to find when you go to visit.

Jungle Gardens is a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy nature. This botanical garden and bird sanctuary are a combined 170-acres. You can pick up a map at the front and easily follow it on a self-guided tour.

3. Grand Isle

Grand Isle isn’t very big but you can still explore and have a lot of fun there. If you want to go fishing, crabbing or shrimping then you’re going to love this spot.

If you want to go camping, Grand Isle state park is the perfect place to pull your RV in and enjoy a good time in nature.

Don’t forget to visit the marina. If you want to fish right from the parking lot — have at it or you can easily charter a trip out into deeper waters.

4. Oak Alley Plantation

Do you love the thought of the Old South and wish you could step back in time? This is exactly what is going to happen when you visit the Oak Alley Plantation.

This plantation was built in 1839 and you won’t be able to feel the true amazement until you step between the 28 jawdropping Oak trees on the property.

5. Shreveport

Shreveport is a family-friendly place to visit where you can find great spots to get your hands-on science experience.

The town is rich in history and you’re sure to learn something about those that came before you when you visit one of its many museums.

Want to have some casino fun? Hop on one of the riverboat casinos for a unique and fun experience.

Don’t forget to take the kids to the Shreveport aquarium while you’re there as well.

6. New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the most famous cities in the US and for good reason. There is so much to do and when you plan your trip, don’t forget to put some unique experiences on your list of things to do while you’re there.

If you’re a jazz lover or if you want to take some delicious beignets then New Orleans is the place to visit.

7. Natchitoches

Being the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana, Natchitoches is a must-see for visitors coming from anywhere in the world. It was established in 1714 and its history is obviously rich as soon as you enter the city.

There are bed and breakfasts and a shopping paradise and dining center in the city that covers a 33-block area.

8. St. Louis Cathedral

The St. Louis Cathedral is one of the tallest structures in the French Quarter. You’ll likely notice it from movies and television shows. Built in 1727 originally, it burned and had to be rebuilt in 1794.

It is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the US and is a popular place for many Roman Catholics to visit because of its history.

9. Baton Rouge

A visit to Louisiana isn’t a visit until you go to Baton Rouge, the capital of the state.

Baton Rouge is located along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River and is an amazing place to get out of this world river views.

There’s plenty to see and do in Baton Rouge from the LSU Museum of Art to the Magnolia Mountain Plantation.

10. Venice

If you want to land a trophy fish, Venice is a great place to do this when you visit Louisiana. Hop a fishing charter and get ready to have some fun fishing.

Fishing isn’t all that Venice has to offer. You can also search for ghosts at Fort Jackson or take a wildlife tour to see the local wildlife.

11. Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

Even though the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge covers 24,000, most people don’t know about it and there are very few visitors.

Bayou Sauvage was established in 1990 and will allow you to see fresh and brackish marshes as well as coastal hardwood forests.

If you visit when it’s warm, you’ll see the plants and wildlife are thriving! If you want to get up close to some amazing nature sites — this is the place to go.

Plan Out Your Places to Visit in Louisiana

Now that you know about these places to visit in Louisiana, you can start planning out your trip. There’s a lot to see and do and if you’re on a limited time clock, you’ll have to do some serious planning to fit it all in.

Do you want more tips and tricks for traveling and more? Our site is full of articles that have information that will help any traveler wanting to have a better time.

Browse our site and find travel articles to bookmark and come back later to read.