20 Fun Things To Do In Louisiana

1. Indulge In Creole Cuisine

Louisiana is renowned for its vibrant Creole cuisine, a unique blend of French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Caribbean influences. From gumbo to jambalaya, étouffée, and po'boys, it offers a diverse array of dishes that reflect the state's multicultural heritage.

Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of New Orleans or venturing into the charming towns and cities of the state's interior, you're sure to encounter a wealth of Creole culinary delights that celebrate Louisiana's rich cultural heritage.

2. Take A Swamp Tour

Sightseeing Louisiana is incomplete without a swamp tour. Experience the unique ecosystem of the Louisiana swamps and bayous, home to alligators, turtles, and various bird species.

There are many different swamp tours available in Louisiana, ranging from small, intimate boat tours to large airboat rides. Some tours focus on wildlife viewing, while others offer a more historical or cultural perspective. Tours are generally offered throughout the day, but the best time to see wildlife is usually in the morning or evening.

3. Explore The French Quarter In New Orleans

The French Quarter of New Orleans is a captivating blend of history, architecture, music, and culture. It is a melting pot of influences ranging from French, Spanish, African, and Creole.

Things to do in Louisiana New Orleans include visiting iconic landmarks like Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, and St. Louis Cathedral. Whether you're strolling along its picturesque streets or immersing yourself in its vibrant nightlife, the French Quarter never fails to leave a lasting impression.

4. Visit The Louisiana Art And Science Museum

LASM serves as a hub for exploration, education, and appreciation of both art and science. Stuff to do in Louisiana Baton Rouge includes exploring art galleries, interactive science exhibits, and the state's largest planetarium at LASM.

It features a diverse range of art galleries showcasing both classical and contemporary works. The museum's permanent collection includes pieces from various cultures and periods, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and decorative arts.

5. Visit The Louisiana Children's Museum

Bring the family to this interactive museum in New Orleans, featuring hands-on exhibits focused on art, science, and culture. Dive into imaginative play at the Tot Spot for the littlest learners, or explore a mini grocery store, cafe, and fire station in Playtown.

Step into a Kidtropolis, a miniaturized city where kids can become firefighters, doctors, artists, and more, engaging in role-playing activities. Unleash your inner child, and discover the joy of learning through play at this family-friendly spot.

6. Discover The Atchafalaya Basin

Explore the largest swamp in the United States, known for its diverse wildlife, including alligators, birds, and rare plants. Birdwatching enthusiasts can explore the basin's numerous trails, boardwalks, and observation platforms. For those seeking a more immersive experience, camping and hiking opportunities abound.

Boating is perhaps the most immersive way to experience the Atchafalaya Basin. As you glide through the cypress-tupelo swamps and winding bayous, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse array of wildlife that calls the basin home.

7. Explore The Bayou Teche Scenic Byway

Drive or bike along this picturesque route, passing through charming towns, scenic landscapes, and historic sites. The byway begins in Morgan City, Louisiana, and travels north to Arnaudville.

Take your time and enjoy the scenery. There are plenty of pull-offs where you can stop and take photos. Several plantations and other historic homes are open to the public along the byway. Catch a Cajun performance at one of the many bars and restaurants along the way.

8. Visit The Audubon Zoo

Spend a day exploring the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, home to over 2,000 animals from around the world. One of the best places to visit, it is a beloved destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife advocates alike. 

Visitors can explore various themed exhibits, each designed to replicate natural habitats and provide an immersive experience. Some notable exhibits include Louisiana Swamp, African Savanna, Asian Domain, Reptile Encounter, and Jaguar Jungle.

9. Attend A Crawfish Boil

If you ever have the chance to experience a Louisiana crawfish boil, don't hesitate! From the steamy pot of seasoned water to the laughter echoing around picnic tables, a crawfish boil is a sensory feast waiting to be enjoyed.

The star of the show, of course, is the crawfish, mudbugs to the locals. But alongside them, a symphony of other flavors joins the party: corn on the cob, potatoes (red or white), sausage (Andouille is a popular choice), onions, lemons, and sometimes even cornbread and boiled eggs.

10. Take A Riverboat Cruise

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River, complete with live music, dining, and historical narration. The atmosphere is infused with the vibrant spirit of Louisiana, with live jazz or zydeco music setting the mood as passengers embark on their journey. 

Some riverboat cruises focus on the rich history of the region, offering narrated tours. Whereas, sunset cruises offer a romantic way to experience the beauty of Louisiana's waterways as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape.

11. Visit Louisiana's State Parks

Louisiana boasts a diverse array of 38 state parks and historic sites, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Spanning serene beaches, towering forests, and sprawling wetlands, these parks provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, historical exploration, and cultural immersion.

The parks offer a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and swimming. They are also a great way to learn about Louisiana's history and culture.

12. Explore Avery Island

Discover the natural beauty of Avery Island, home to lush gardens, wildlife, and the famous Jungle Gardens. Alligators can often be spotted in the surrounding marshes, and the island's forests are inhabited by deer, raccoons, and other mammals.
   
One of the island's most famous attractions is the Jungle Gardens, a sprawling botanical garden covering over 170 acres. Visitors can explore the lush landscape and encounter attractions such as the centuries-old Buddha statue and the tranquil Avery Island Bird City.

13. Experience Cajun Music And Dance

Attend a Cajun or Zydeco music festival and learn to dance to the lively rhythms of Louisiana's traditional music. Some of the best places to experience Cajun music and dance include Lafayette, Eunice, Mamou, and Breaux Bridge.

Cajun music and dance events happen year-round in Louisiana, but some of the best times to visit are festivals such as the Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette, the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, and the Eunice Mardi Gras.

14. Tour the Tabasco Factory

Visit the Avery Island Tabasco Factory to see how this iconic hot sauce is made and sample various flavors. You can experience the rich history and intricate production process firsthand through guided tours.

These tours include visits to the pepper fields, the barrel warehouse, the blending and bottling facilities, and the on-site museum. The museum showcases artifacts, vintage advertisements, and historical documents that tell the story of Tabasco Sauce's evolution over the years.

15. Explore The Louisiana State Capitol

Towering over Baton Rouge at 450 feet, the Louisiana State Capitol is more than just a seat of government – it's a landmark bursting with history, symbolism, and breathtaking architecture.

Free guided tours are available, offering insights into the building's history, architecture, and art. Take in stunning panoramic views of Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River from the 27th floor. Visit the Capitol Park Museum, located nearby, that delves deeper into Louisiana's rich history and culture.

16. Discover Mardi Gras

While Mardi Gras is celebrated in various forms around the world, the festivities in Louisiana, particularly in the city of New Orleans, are legendary for their exuberance, pageantry, and cultural richness.

Mardi Gras parades are the highlight of the season, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, and costumed revelers tossing beads, coins, and other trinkets to onlookers. Experience the vibrant energy of New Orleans, with parades, masquerade balls, and colorful floats.

17. Visit Plantation Homes

Tour historic plantations along the Mississippi River, such as Oak Alley or Laura Plantation, to learn about the region's antebellum history. Many plantation homes have beautiful gardens that were designed to impress visitors.

These homes were the center of large agricultural estates, and they served as both residences for the plantation owners and their families and as symbols of their wealth and status.

18. Attend A Jazz Brunch

Things to in Louisiana during the weekend have to include a Jazz brunch. Enjoy live jazz music while savoring delicious brunch dishes at one of New Orleans' many jazz brunch spots.

The Jazz Brunch is a beloved cultural tradition in Louisiana, that combines two quintessential aspects of Louisiana life: food and music. The food served is typically a blend of traditional Southern cuisine with influences from Creole and Cajun cooking.

19. Visit The National WWII Museum

Learn about the role of the United States in World War II through interactive exhibits and artifacts in New Orleans. It is made up of six pavilions, each of which tells a different part of the story of World War II.

The museum also has several special exhibits, as well as a theater, a restaurant, and a bookstore. This Louisiana attraction is a moving and inspiring experience that is sure to stay with you long after you leave the museum.

20. Spend A Day At The Beach And Swim In The Gulf of Mexico

Beaches are some of the top attractions in Louisiana. Spending a day at the beach and swimming in the Gulf of Mexico is an experience filled with relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty.

The Gulf Coast boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the United States, offering pristine white sands, clear blue waters, and an array of recreational activities. You can indulge in beach volleyball, build sandcastles, fly kites, collect seashells, or simply relax and soak up the sun.