Best 10 Places To Visit In Louisiana

Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 5 min read

Found in the Gulf of Mexico, in the southeastern edge of the United States of America, Louisiana is a beautiful vibrant state that boasts of diverse cultures and fascinating heritage. Its history is overwhelming with different stories to tell from the French Canadian ancestry to French African and American. Here, you’ll find the enchanting New Orleans, a gorgeous city that attracts tourists from around the world for its colourful and high-energy Mardi Gras Festival and soothing jazz music. For history buffs, Baton Rouge is a fantastic destination to learn about the WWII era. Also, tourists will have loads of fun gambling and trying out their luck at the casinos in the bustling Shreveport. If you are taking a quick escapade to this majestic US state, here is a list of the best places to visit in Louisiana, USA. Feel free to browse below.

1. Baton Rouge

Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge
Source: GoodFreePhotos

Nesting on the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is a fascinating city that boasts of stunning architecture and marvelous landmarks. Being the capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge has lots to offer for wandering tourists, from antebellum structures, iconic and historic sites, interesting museums, and an engaging history of WWII. While in the city, a visit to the Old State Capitol sounds like a good idea. If traveling with family, especially the kids, be sure to take them to the delightful BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo and watch them have the time of their life. Other places to visit in the city include the USS KIDD Veteran’s Museum, LSU Rural Life Museum, the Blue Bayou Waterpark, and a lot more.

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2. Shreveport

Downtown Shreveport, LA
Source: Photo by Flickr user Shreveport-Bossie... used under CC BY 2.0

If you are on a tour of your life in the enchanting state of Lousiana, there’s is no way you should miss swinging by the charming Shreveport in the northwest of the state. This vibrant metropolis will charm you with its glistening city lights and modern attractions. If you have a deep fascination with science, the Sci-Port Discovery Center is definitely a must-visit for you. For tourists who like learning about history and foreign cultures, you will definitely have a glimpse of the Shreveport lifestyle at Spring Street Historical Museum. If it’s entertainment and luxury you’re after, Shreveport has lots of casinos which can provide you with the adrenaline rush you’re looking for and probably a lucky windfall.

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3. Bossier City

Downtown Shreveport, LA
Source: Photo by user Shreveport-Bossie... used under CC BY 2.0

One of the two most populous cities in Louisiana, Bossier City is a modern cultural hub, center for entertainment, and a thriving commercial district in one. It is popular for its cotton industry, upscale buildings, and a booming tourism aspect. Just like Shreveport, this city has lots of gambling centers and casinos which charm tourists from around the country. Some of them are the Horseshoe Casino, Harrah’s Casino, Boomtown Casino, and more. If you’re not into some games of dice and cards, Bossier City is a fabulous place to let yourself on a shopping spree, bar hopping, and food crawls.

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4. New Orleans (from USD 46.0)

When people hear the state Lousiana, what usually comes to mind is the glistening, lively, and colorful New Orleans. This city is overwhelming with a fascinating marriage of various cultures, sumptuous eats, and grandiose festivities. Also called the Big Easy, this city is a paradise for party-goers and social butterflies, with its 24/7 enchanting party scene. Want to see more of the city from the perspective of a curious tourist? Join this fantastic sightseeing tour. With a convenient double-decker bus, see roughly 18 various New Orleans treasures in one exciting adventure, and understand its interesting heritage and fascinating history.

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New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Double-Decker Bus Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

3729 reviews

5. Venice

Green and Blue
Source: Photo by Flickr user Chuck Coker used under CC BY-ND 2.0

A small yet charming little town in Louisiana, Venice is a fabulous vacation destination for tourists who want a quick escape from the routinary city life and its noise and pollution. Here, you can visit wildlife and explore natural wonders - reconnect with mother nature. With a plethora of eateries and casual restaurants, you will surely fill your tummy with delicious local Louisiana cuisines. Also, for beachgoers and tourists who like going on fishing adventures, you will have a great time in Venice, a simple town offering the simple joys of the simple life.

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6. Alexandria

Kent Plantation-0473
Source: Photo by Flickr user Michael McCarthy used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Located in the heart of Lousiana, Alexandria is a modern metropolis that offers fantastic tourist attractions, fascinating historic sites, marvelous landmarks, exquisite restaurants that vary from fine dining to casual ones, and a picturesque dramatic cityscape with a majestic view of the Red River. Billing itself as the Heart of Louisiana, Alexandria is a beautiful city to explore. While in the city, be sure to participate in some of its vibrant festivals, including the Little Walter Music Festival, Holi Fest, Louisiana Dragon Boat Festival, and Alexandria Red River Festival.

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7. Lake Charles

20190224 79 Lake Charles, Louisiana
Source: Photo by Flickr user David Wilson used under CC BY 2.0

Another fascinating city you have to visit during your Louisiana escapade is Lake Charles. It is set on the southwest side of Louisiana, offering a picturesque cityscape and stunning lake views. This city is a hub for tourists who like cultures, interesting traditions, and a fascinating art scene. Home to the Mardi Gras Museum, 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, and Imperial Calcasieu Museum, tourists with a deep appreciation for arts will surely find this place to be a paradise of beauty, creativity, food for thought, and inspiration.

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8. Lafayette

Lafayette, Louisiana
Source: Photo by Flickr user Infrogmation of N... used under CC BY 2.0

A charming paradise of fascinating history, iconic landmarks, and marvelous century-old architectures, Lafayette should be on your itinerary when you take on an exciting Louisiana adventure. You will surely be amazed and left in awe by the period furnishings in the Lafayette Museum, also known as Alexandre Mouton House. If you’re a follower of the world-renowned artist, Henry Botkin, be sure to swing by Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum while in the city. Known as the cultural center of Louisiana, this city hosts various live events and festivals that you should witness and be a part of.

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9. Monroe

DOWNTOWN MONROE HISTORIC DISTRICT, OUACHITA PARISH, LA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user JERRYE & ROY ... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

When it comes to history and heritage, Monroe is definitely not behind its neighboring cities. This city holds the interesting history of the humble beginnings of Coca-Cola. But not only that, aside from historical significance, it offers attractions that are not catered solely on historians and culture lovers. It has fantastic natural attractions as well, such as Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Biedenharn Museum & Garden, and more. This city is ideal for families, friends on an adventure, and couples on a romantic getaway.

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10. Houma

Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, Houma, Louisiana, USA
Source: Photo by Flickr user Domenico Convertini used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The last but definitely not the least on this list of the best places to visit in Louisiana is Houma. This vast and gorgeous city, just like most of the cities in Louisiana, boasts a fair share of historical landmarks and fascinating heritage. It has various museums, including the Regional Military Museum, Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum, the gorgeous Victorian-style Southdown Plantation and Museum, and a lot more. Not only that, but its abundance of natural parks makes it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and tourists who like reconnecting with nature.

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Explore the beautiful state of Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the most beautiful and enchanting US states. This region has lots to offer to any type of tourist. If you’re a social butterfly and a party-goer, you will surely have the time of your life in New Orleans, drinking cold beers and dancing to your heart’s content in the Mardi Gras festival. If you’re a history buff, Baton Rouge and Lake Charles will catch your interest. If you’re into entertainment and gambling, Shreveport and Bossier City are the destinations for you.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

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