Things to do & places to visit in Louisiana, United States

Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.

Louisiana #16 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.54 based on 246.4k traveler reviews, of 1.275 attractions. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 0:26.

Top things to do (34)

Top destinations in Louisiana 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The National WWII Museum (30.6k reviews) from $20.00
- Amazing
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums

The National WWII Museum is the top-rated tourist destination in New Orleans and #2 in the U.S., and an unforgettable way to experience World War II—from industrial efforts on the home front to the combat experience of the American servicemember abroad. Offering a compelling blend of sweeping narrative and poignant personal detail, the Museum features immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories to take visitors inside the story of the war: why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Beyond the galleries, the Museum offers unique access to experiential history, including an opportunity to tour and ride on an authentically restored PT-boat, tours behind the scenes to handle artifacts alongside Museum curators, and an impressive collection of restored and working macro-artifacts to discover. Open early through 1/2/18, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. See more..
5.0 Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours (2.000 reviews)
- Cold Swamp
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

Quick notes before the review! 1) Cash is a cheaper option than using a card so come prepared. 2) Consider the time of year if you are looking for alligators. This should have occurred to me, duh. The tour at Champagne’s was great fun. The tour guide Jason was knowledgeable and was very gracious about my son’s many questions. The lake itself is quite scenic and the bird life is active even in the winter. I recommend the stop! See more..
5.0 Whitney Plantation (1.766 reviews)
- Amazing-Great Experience
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

This was definitely a powerful experience and I would absolutely recommend! The church was closed due to construction, so that was a bit disappointing, but we went in the morning near opening time and it was not crowded at all. The weather was perfect. Kids 5 and under are free. We opted to rent a car on Canal street and drove. The bus tour charges for every person even though children 5 abs under are free. $75 direct through Whitney Plantation for 5 people. $257 for bus tour for 5 people because they make you pay for a child under 5, which is free through the plantation. Of course we had the cost of the rental but we could come and go as we please do it didn’t take our entire day. We grabbed lunch on the way back! It was a great time with family. See more..
5.0 The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA (1.383 reviews)
- A well designed sculpture garden
Art Museums

Mixed modern and classical sculptures throughout the garden. It is part of the city park. For sculpture garden only it costs $5 per person. A beautiful garden. We enjoyed walked around about 1.5 miles. There is a Cafe Du Monde in the park. Great for a break after the walk. See more..
5.0 LSU Tiger Stadium (899 reviews)
- Chance of rain? Never
Arenas & Stadiums

Okay, just because you hate LSU football, does not mean Tiger Stadium is terrible. This is like me saying Bryant-Denny sucks, just because I hate Alabama football. It is nice and so is Tiger Stadium. The biggest thing about Tiger Stadium is you have to be in it, during a game, preferably an SEC game, to understand. It becomes it own living organism. The restrooms are not great, this is true and we have whined for ages. The concessions have gotten much better, especiaily in the last couple years when they added craft beer and some better foods. If you want to get in relatively cheap, there is an area called skyline club, yes it is a nose bleed, but food is included, which is great with kids. We had season tickets in the upper deck, front row, at about the 20 yard line. What is great about the first 12 or so rows in Tiger Stadium upper deck, is that they have actual chair seating, not a metal bench, but actual chairs. See more..
5.0 Cajun Country Swamp Tours (751 reviews)
- Cajun Country swamp tours
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Boat Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Photography Tours

Brent could not have been a nicer tour guide. A few of us had been on swamp tours before and agreed this was much more relaxing and non commercial than our previous tours. The lake was absolutely beautiful and Brent’s appreciation for the areas vegetation and wildlife was palpable. We loved discovering this beautiful part of the country. Highly Highly recommend. See more..
4.5 French Quarter (22.7k reviews)
- Great Entertainment and Drinks
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

A must-see for its high energy and rich history, the French Quarter is New Orleans’ heart and cultural center. Enjoy the lively atmosphere amid magnificent colonial architecture and skilled street performers—and don’t miss the finest galleries in the city and landmarks like the sumptuous St. Louis Cathedral. Linger around till after dark to jam to live jazz in one of the district’s renowned clubs. For a full experience, you can join a food, haunted or jazz tour from a knowledgeable local guide. Book your visit between February and early March to attend the raucous street parties of Mardi Gras. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Jackson Square (16.3k reviews)
- Beautiful Jackson Square
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

This historic landmark in the French Quarter is the cultural center of the city, home to a vibrant and bustling open-air artist colony. See more..
4.5 RTA - Streetcars (16.2k reviews)
- Unique and cost effective mode of transportation in New Orleans
Spent < 1 hour Public Transportation Systems

Get wherever you want to go in New Orleans with the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Our extensive network of buses and streetcars winds throughout every neighborhood of the Crescent City. From Uptown to Downtown, from Lakeview to the Lower Nine, from Mid-City across the Mississippi River and to the parish lines, the RTA goes there.As streetcars glide underneath grand live oaks and past stately mansions, they offer up relaxing views of the beauty, charm and history of New Orleans for little cost. When riders board these historic vehicles they are boarding a piece of movable New Orleans history. The RTA operates three streetcar lines: the famous, historic St. Charles line, the Canal Street line, and the Riverfront line. All lines either run along or intersect with Canal Street in the area between the French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD) connecting Uptown/Garden District, Carrollton, Mid-City, City Park and the Marigny. The RTA is currently adding more Streetcar lines. See more..
4.5 Frenchmen Street (12.0k reviews)
- Maison Frenchmen 508 Frenchmen St
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods

This popular stretch is the go-to spot for the best live music venues in the city—the Faubourg Marigny area is particularly popular. See more..
4.5 Garden District (8.923 reviews)
- Garden District with D.J
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Once favored by America's elite, this iconic neighborhood is home to grand historic mansions, quirky indie boutiques, and beautifully cultivated gardens. See more..
4.5 St. Louis Cathedral (8.390 reviews)
- Peace, Perfect Peace
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

Dating all the way back to 1727, this historic church is the oldest continuously active cathedral in the U.S. It overlooks Jackson Square in the French Quarter. See more..
4.5 Royal Street (7.778 reviews)
- Greeeeaaaat Shopping
Spent < 1 hour Historic Walking Areas

One of New Orlean's oldest streets in the French Quarter, this stretch has tons to explore thanks to its curio shops, concept stores, and art galleries. See more..
4.5 Preservation Hall (5.876 reviews)
- Can't Miss Experience
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Theaters

New Orleans' Preservation Hall was established in 1961 to honor one of America's truest art forms - Traditional New Orleans Jazz. Operating as a music venue, a touring band, and a non-profit organization, Preservation Hall continues its mission today as a cornerstone of New Orleans music and culture. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts over 350 nights a year featuring ensembles from a current collective of 100 local master practitioners. On any given night, audiences bear joyful witness to the evolution of this venerable and living tradition. See more..
4.5 Margaritaville Resort Casino (4.803 reviews)
- Las Vegas Style Casino
Casinos

This listing is for the casino. We also have listings for the accommodation and restaurant(s) on the property. See more..
4.5 Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World (4.355 reviews)
- MARDI GRAS UP CLOSE - The Backstage Experience!
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Come see how Mardi Gras is made and get up close to Mardi Gras' grandest floats and sculptures. See more..
4.5 New Orleans City Park (4.332 reviews)
- Art museum sculpture park
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks

One of the largest urban parks in the country, City Park has golf, tennis and horseback riding. See more..
4.5 St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (3.959 reviews)
- Charles is the BOMB
Cemeteries

Founded in 1789, this cemetery is the oldest in New Orleans and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. See more..
4.5 Oak Alley Plantation (3.550 reviews)
- Beautiful.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

From its beginnings over 200 years ago, Oak Alley was just a land claim on a map. Today, Oak Alley is a National Historic Landmark, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history its inhabitants left behind. With an emphasis on its time as a sugar plantation, visitors are invited to walk under its iconic alley, explore its exhibits: Slavery at Oak Alley, the ‘Big House’, Sugarcane Theater, People of Oak Alley and the Blacksmith Shop and leave with a better understanding of this plantation’s complex history. See more..
4.5 Laura: Louisiana's Creole Heritage Site (3.334 reviews) from $30.00
- Amazing plantation
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:15 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums

Go beyond the myths of the American South at Laura, where intimate, first-hand accounts explore the lives of four generations of one Louisiana Creole family, both free and enslaved. Laura’s new, permanent exhibit examines in biographical detail the lives of Africans on the plantation, from enslavement into the 20th century. Along the Great River Road only 50 minutes from New Orleans, the fully guided experience includes the Big House, gardens & original 1840s slave cabins. Laura is open daily from 9:30AM - 5PM except for major holidays. The first tour of the day begins at 10:00 AM until the last tour of the day at 3:20 PM. See more..
4.5 Audubon Zoo (2.918 reviews)
- The Secret of the Star Parking Spots
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Located in historic Uptown New Orleans Audubon Zoo offers an exotic mix of animals from around the globe, engaging educational programs, hands-on animal encounters and lush gardens. Unique natural habitat exhibits—such as the award-winning Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle—showcase the relationship between people and nature. Don't miss the daily animal presentations, chats and feeds; our highly endangered whooping cranes, Amur leopards and orangutans; our white tiger; and our mysterious white alligators. Audubon Zoo is often ranked among the country’s best for innovation and entertainment value! See more..
4.5 Lafayette Cemetery No.1 (2.850 reviews)
- A very cool historic cemetery.
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cemeteries

The burial site for many of the people who lived in the mansions of the surrounding Garden District. See more..
4.5 Airboat Adventures (2.843 reviews)
- Great Afternoon on the Swamps of NOLA
Boat Tours

We had a great time on the airboat tour. Ronnie was our guide and he did a great job navigating us through the swamp to see way more gators then I ever thought we would see. Ronnie was funny and quick witted. He also gave a brief demonstration on how to catch a gator. The inter coastal water ways were really pretty to see. The airboat was really cool - I have never been on one before. The bus driver picked us up right at our hotel, and returned us just a few blocks away. Highly recommend the tour! See more..
4.5 Houmas House and Gardens (2.226 reviews)
- Amazing Estate - Fabulous Tour
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

Houmas House and Gardens is an Historic Estate open for daily tours. The guided tour walks through the 250 year history of this estate and how a succession of owners and the Mississippi River grew this modest manor house into the estate it is today. A collection of art, furniture, and antique artifacts help tell the story of plantation life. 38 acres of gardens surround the mansion, restaurants and gift shop and are self-paced. Plan on spending 3 hours to fully visit this site. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available in The Carriage House Restaurant. The Inn at Houmas House has 21 rooms for overnight stays. Experience all that Houmas House has to offer. See more..
4.5 Cajun Pride Swamp Tours (1.839 reviews)
- Excellent and Informative Boat Tour Through a NOLA Area Swamp
Sightseeing Tours

This is an excellent tour and I would almost rate it as a “must see” for anyone visiting New Orleans. We booked the tour through Gray Line, an all day bus tour that takes you to the Oak Alley Plantation and then to the Cajun Pride Swamp Tour. Bishop was our boat captain and was both highly humorous and extremely informative. You get to see many animals on the tour. See more..
4.5 Louisiana Tour Company (1.836 reviews)
- Ernie is the best!
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM Boat Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Speed Boats Tours • Day Trips

We had an amazing time!! We almost were late, but we contacted the company on the way down from the French Quarter and they were very understanding and they did a head count before we left. We ended up not being late, but the tour still waited about 10 minutes because 2 people were missing. They didn't make it, but you can't really hold up a group of 20+ people forever. Ernie was FANTASTIC. He knows so much about the area and the waters. He was funny, kind, and you can tell he really loves what he does. For those of you who don't carry cash, pick some up before you leave New Orleans, because they cannot take electronic tips unfortunately and they have an atm, but we also only carry credit cards so we couldn't take money out there. 10/10 would recommend. Bring a jacket if you're going in off-season, it was a beautiful day, but it gets a bit chilly once you start moving. See more..
4.5 Audubon Park (1.694 reviews)
- Lovely Park
Saturday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Parks

This park is filled with graceful Spanish Oaks and has open spaces perfect for all sorts of recreational activities and dog-walking. See more..
4.5 TABASCO Brand Factory Tour & Museum (1.526 reviews)
- Saucy!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Factory Tours

Tourists here will learn the whole history of the sauce as well as the McIlhenny family who made it famous. The entire process of making the sauce from growing peppers to preparing the barrels is on display and a pleasant walk. Then have lunch on-site at the Cafe, before enjoying the gardens one of the former company presidents was so passionate about. Plus you can pick up plenty of Tabasco sauces in the gift shop that may not be available back home! See more..
4.5 Dr. Wagner's Honey Island Swamp Tours (1.463 reviews)
- Absolutely loved it as the wealth of wildlife exceeded our expectations and the knowledge of our guide was awesome
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Boat Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

This was one of the last activities on our 12 day US road trip and was something I (the dad/husband of the family) had asked to do. My wife and kids (daughter of 16 and son of 21) were quite open in saying they didn't really fancy it but I am really pleased to say they loved the swamp tour as much as I did. I would have been happy seeing one gator but at one point we had about seven around the boat and the raccoons were amazing to see too. See more..
4.5 Cajun Encounters Tour Company (1.366 reviews)
- Exploring Wildlife and Louisiana Swamp
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Boat Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

The tour was a lot of fun and we got to see lots of gators, turtles, snakes and other wildlife. Our guide Emmett was super knowledgeable, funny and made our experience in New Orleans unforgettable. We recommend this tour for anyone seeking to explore what New Orleans has to offer outside of the city. See more..