Things To Do In Louisiana

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:

Explore the French Quarter in New Orleans

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.

Dine at the best restaurants in New Orleans

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.

Take a swamp river cruise in Cajun Country

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.

Play blackjack in a Casino in Shreveport

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.

Enjoy events in Louisiana

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.

Take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi

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.