From the jazz in New Orleans
to the swamp tours of the Cajun country and the plantation
homes near Baton Rouge,
there is never a lack of exciting attractions in Louisiana.
Here are our top ten things to do in Louisiana:
One of the best things to do in Louisiana is a trip
to the famous French Quarter in New Orleans. One
of the most visited attractions in Louisiana, this historical
landmark is a must-see! Virtually untouched by the Hurricane
Katrina a few years ago, this city that never sleeps is
full of history, intrigue, jazz music and delicious Cajun
food. There are year round events like Mardi
Gras (one of the Louisiana attractions you will never
forget!). You can also find other top ten New Orleans
things to do here like a visit to the Cabildo
Museum, great shopping
and the Aquarium
of the Americas.
Some of my best memories of this great state are the delicious Cajun and Creole dishes found in every city and town. On the top of your New Orleans things to do list should be to sample some delicious etoufee at Brennan’s or crunch some crawfish in Lafayette. No matter which city you visit, one of the best Louisiana attractions, by far, is the food.
Atchafalaya River is North America’s largest river
swamp. Nearby Lafayette, you can find some of the
richest variety of flora and fauna that makes this nature
outing one of premiere things to do in Louisiana.
In season you can even feed the swamp alligators!
Another one of the favored Louisiana attractions, you
can also find swamp boat tours in Lake
Charles, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Spend the night in a plantation home north of
Baton Rouge
Thirty minutes north of Baton Rouge is the small historic
town of St Francisville where you can take your pick of
several plantation homes that offer overnight accommodations.
Sit on an old veranda, stroll the manicured grounds and
see how the Americans lived pre-civil war in the south.
These plantations are some of the best attractions in
Louisiana. Other plantation homes can be found on
the road between New Orleans and Lafayette.
The riverboat casinos are a big attraction in Shreveport.
Its neon lights and spicy personality make this town a
must see. It’s one of the attractions in Louisiana
that is often visited by the Texas
and Oklahoman neighbors, since it’s a 2 hour drive
from Dallas. There
is also a boardwalk on the river lined with shops for
a leisurely stroll in this unique city making it one of
the top ten things to do in Louisiana. If you can’t
make it to Shreveport, don’t despair! You can find
casinos all over
Louisiana, like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and
Marksville.
Eat beignets at the Café du Monde in the
French Market New Orleans:
The oldest open air market in America, this collections of merchants goes back to the early 1700’s when the explorers were using the mouth of the Mississippi as a launching port for trade across the new world. Stop off at the old world café and sip on some of the best coffee traveler’s in the 1800’s raved about! You can also nosh on the delicious deep fried donuts (beignets) which are covered in powdered sugar.
Topping the list of great New Orleans things
to do for years has been the annual New
Orleans Jazzfest. New Orleans has long been
famous for its jazz musicians. Here you can see
the top artists and much on the local Creole and Cajun
food. A perfect time for the entire family!
If you can’t make that there is always the Zydeco
Music Festival in Lafayette or the Contraband Days festival
in Lake Charles celebrating the early days of pirates
who traveled the Southwest Louisiana coast during the
1700s.
Participate in the Great Outdoors
The State of Louisiana is often referred to
as the "Sportsman's Paradise". With an
abundance of natural parks, preserves, swamp land, beachs,
lakes, rivers and forests, you won't have to look far
for some great outdoor fun. Whether it's camping,
fishing, golf
or cruises, you
will find wonder in nature in this interesting and diverse
state.
Several steamboats still make their way up and down the Mississippi River from the docks of New Orleans. One of the best New Orleans things to do is take a dinner cruise on this boat where you can dish on the Cajun cuisine, listen to jazz music and sip on a mint julep.
