Louisiana is a beautiful southern state that’s often portrayed poorly through the media. TV shows and news stories lead viewers to believe we all live in the backwoods, hunt alligators, and build duck calls. You rarely see footage of the majestic green landscapes and locations scattered throughout the bayou state. For this reason, we’re taking time to discuss the best places to visit in Louisiana!
While many cities exude southern charm and showcase Louisiana’s culture, some cities do so in profound ways. These places do an excellent job of capturing the essence of Louisiana lifestyle, culture, and history, making them recognition-worthy. So if you’re wondering where to plan your next vacation in Louisiana, here are a few ideas!
Louisiana Top Places
5. Natchitoches
If you enjoy beautiful scenery and unbridled simplicity, you’ll love Natchitoches, Louisiana! It’s full of class and tradition, especially around the holidays. The Cane River crosses through the city, and a beautiful riverwalk sits alongside as a peaceful downtown hangout spot. You can expect peace and quiet there most of the year, but when Christmas arrives, Natichtoches transforms into the spectacular “City of Lights!”
The city’s biggest highlight, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, features an elaborate display of Christmas lights and festivities on the riverwalk. You’ll find everything you’d expect to see around this time of year, from decorated trees, carriage rides, to Santa Claus. You can snack on funnel cake and bask in the ironic warmth of Christmas during winter time. If you love the holiday season, Natchitoches should be at the top of your list of the best places to visit in Louisiana!
4. Lafayette
Located in the middle of cajun country, Lafayette gives you the perfect slice of southern Louisiana lifestyle! Its presence in the deep south brings an authenticity to the atmosphere with cajun accents that really begin to stand out. You’ll find excellent cuisine, music, and all the other intricacies you’d expect from southern culture here.
Lafayette is a thriving, spirited city thanks to the energy brought by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and its Ragin’ Cajuns. Essential locations you should check out include Vermillionville and the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. For fun and adventure, visit the Lafayette Science Museum or Zoosiana. The city is modest, easy to navigate, and represents LA culture to a tee, making it one of the best places to visit in Louisiana!
3. Baton Rouge
Louisiana’s capital city is the perfect place to escape for a weekend getaway! It’s tame and preserved with beautiful locations and buildings such as the Old State Capitol and the Art Deco Louisiana State Capitol. You can experience a variety of tours through key locations and learn all about the history of the pelican state. The vibe is serene with an heir of traditionalism that embodies the heart of LA culture.
There’s much to see and do with places such as the Louisiana Art & Science Museum and Magnolia Mound Plantation open for visits. However, if you need a break from classic tourist activities, you can check out the Mall of Louisiana and get your shop on. Make sure to dine and enjoy some traditional Louisiana cuisine before you go. We recommend a basic helping of Gumbo or Crawfish etouffee!
2. New Orleans
Even foreigners who have never heard of Louisiana still recognize New Orleans! NOLA is the largest city in the state, and it’s earned its reputation as a party city over the years. Staple locations for visitors include the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, where the nightlife is full of drinking, bar-hopping, and loud music. Without a doubt, this is the wildest of the best places to visit in Louisiana, and admittedly, it’s not for everyone.
If you’d rather adventure, there are plenty of attractions and events around. You can join hysterics at a comedy club or test the spirits on a French Quarter ghost tour. If you’re a fan of Mardi Gras, you can attend the parades (usually in February and March) or expand your understanding of the festival at Mardi Gras World. There’s plenty to do, but be prepared for a wild ride if you want the full experience in New Orleans!
1. Ruston
Are you even surprised?! Ruston is home of Louisiana Tech University and the Louisiana Peach Festival, giving it a special charm and the permanent #1 spot in our hearts! So what if we’re a little biased? There are still great reasons to put Ruston on our list. For starters, Ruston recently built the Ruston Sports Complex, which serves as the central sports gaming frontier of North Louisiana. If that plus the presence of the LA Tech Bulldogs isn’t enough to quality the city as one of the best places to visit in Louisiana, there’s still more.
The city is growing and doesn’t look like it will be slowing down anytime soon. You’ll find plenty to do during a weekend in Ruston, especially if you like downtown living and outdoor adventure. Check out the interested outlets in downtown Ruston or cruise down the nationally-recognized mountain biking trails of Lincoln Parish Park. If you plan your visit correctly, it’ll be at the same time as the Louisiana Peach Festival, and you’ll fully understand what it means to be a part of PeachTown!
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