Located on the Gulf Coast of the USA, Louisiana is a state that is steeped in rich history and culture. With influences ranging from Creole to French-Canadian to African, Louisiana has a culture and political history like no other state in the U.S. Known for its buzzing nightlife, party atmosphere and beautiful architecture, this state also offers many other attractions to visitors. Aside from Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana is also home to several plantation houses, botanical gardens, zoos, museums, art galleries, eclectic streets, Mardi Gras, live jazz venues, parks and historical landmarks. And we have shortlisted the top things to see and do for those who are curating an itinerary. Scroll down to know more about all the things to do in Louisiana, USA.
1. Admire the beautiful Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Have you ever wanted to take a tour of both the house and gardens? Well you will be able to! Stay tuned for updates of the new tour!!!
Posted by Rip Van Winkle Gardens on Thursday, 27 July 2017
Experience peace, tranquillity and beauty all in one place at the beautiful Rip Van Winkle Gardens in Louisiana. Featuring 15 acres (6 hectares) of landscaped grounds that you can stroll at your leisure or via a guided tour, Rip Van Winkle Gardens offers visitors a chance to explore semi-tropical gardens nestled among 350-year-old oak trees. A winding path takes you through thickets of bamboo, gardens of azaleas, jasmine and roses. Peacocks freely roam the grounds and add a unique charm to these acres of gardens.
Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Address: 5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560, USA
Website: Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 12 USD
2. Enjoy a fun ride at RTA - Streetcars
Enjoy a unique way of checking out some of the best landmarks and popular tourist attractions of New Orleans with a ride on one of the streetcars of RTA - Streetcars. These colourful and period streetcars are operated by NORTA (New Orleans Regional Transport Authority) along four lines - St. Charles line, Canal Street line, Riverfront line, and Rampart line. View the historic architecture and national historic landmarks, botanical gardens, museums, historic cemeteries, restaurants, shops and more on your fun ride on the streetcars.
RTA - Streetcars
Address: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Website: RTA - Streetcars
Opening hours: variable as per streetcar lines
Price: 1.25 USD
3. Explore the art galleries on Royal Street
At the famed French Quarter in New Orleans, take a step back in time as you admire the beautiful architecture of buildings with wrought-iron balconies on Royal Street. The street runs for a full 13 blocks and is choc-a-bloc with some of the best art galleries in the U.S. From eclectic art by local artists through abstract art to fine art, Royal Street offers a plethora of interesting galleries for the discerning art collector. Check out the stunning bold animal paintings at Gallery Burguieres or contemporary art at Tresor Gallery. Many other art galleries like M.S. Rau Antiques, Rodrigue Studio, Antieau Gallery, etc. will also captivate your interest on Royal Street. After a successful gallery hopping, you might want to cap off the day with a flavorful drink in the unique establishment of Carousel Bar & Lounge.
Royal Street
Address: Royal Street, French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Website: Royal Street
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4. Go on an Oak Alley Plantation tour (from USD 82.0)
Embark on an enchanting afternoon tour to the picturesque Oak Alley Plantation, one of the most photographed plantations ever. As you travel by air-conditioned coach from the French Quarter of New Orleans to this plantation, get engrossed in the tales of the antebellum South. At the plantation, tour the manicured estate and the opulent rooms of the Greek Revival-style mansion that was built in 1839. Learn about the fascinating yet sombre history of the plantation from expert costumed guides and stroll through the majestic oak-lined esplanades of the Oak Alley Plantation.
Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
5. Tour the stunning Houmas House Plantation and Gardens (from USD 38.0)
Nicknamed ‘The Sugar Palace’, Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is a stunning late 1800s property that sits on 38 acres (15 hectares) of manicured grounds. Take a deep dive into the history of New Orleans’ antebellum south on this guided tour of Houmas House Plantation and learn about the inhabitants of this beautiful mansion. Each of the 16 rooms in this opulent mansion is speckled with artwork and antiques. A leisurely stroll through the exquisite gardens of this former sugarcane plantation is recommended too.
Houmas House Plantation Guided History Tour Near New Orleans
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
6. Enjoy jazz music at Preservation Hall
Established in 1961 to celebrate one of America’s best art forms, traditional New Orleans Jazz, Preservation Hall is still the best place in this eclectic city to catch a live jazz music performance. Preservation Hall hosts over 350 acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts every year and with its easily accessible location in the French Quarter, catching a performance is very easy. Featuring performances by ensembles, solo artists, and many collaborative acts, an evening at Preservation Hall will surely be the highlight of your visit to Louisiana.
Preservation Hall
Address: 726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Website: Preservation Hall
Opening hours: as per show timings
Price: 20 USD onward
7. Visit The National WWII Museum (from USD 36.0)
Take a journey back to the time of World War II as you visit one of the top museums in the U.S. - The National WWII Museum. Be fascinated by the displays of wartime aircraft, tanks, and other war machines. Learn about the tragic experiences of the brave soldiers of World War II through a train car experience. Or take a sobering walk through the galleries that honour American servicemen. Visitors to this museum also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in many interactive exhibits, 360-degree displays and thrilling interactive tours.
New Orleans National WWII Museum Admission Ticket
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
8. Explore the gorgeous Laura Plantation (from USD 30.0)
Take a peek into Louisiana’s Creole past as you tour the magnificent Laura Plantation. On your guided tour, see the 24,000-square-foot (7,315-square-meter) manor house, the slave quarters, sugar fields and intricate gardens of this well-preserved estate, and learn about the family and slaves that lived here in the 1800s. Laura Plantation is part of the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail and it is included on the National Register of Historic Places. On this tour, Louisiana’s Creole past of 200 years comes alive thanks to detailed records kept by the family that lived here for four generations.
Laura Plantation Tour
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
9. Visit the LSU Rural Life Museum
Posted by LSU Rural Life Museum on Friday, 2 August 2013
To truly experience a typical rural Louisianian’s life in the 18th and 19th centuries, a visit to the LSU Rural Life Museum is a must. This museum has more than 30 unique historic buildings and an open-air museum with the largest collection of artefacts and architecture from the period. Visitors can experience the lifestyle of the rural population of that period at the Exhibit Barn and Plantation Quarters which include an overseer’s house, slave cabins, a grist mill, a blacksmith’s shop, a sugar house, and more. Louisiana Folk Architecture can be viewed at the museum’s pioneer’s cabin, country church, Carolina cabin, Acadian house, etc.
LSU Rural Life Museum
Address: 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
Website: LSU Rural Life Museum
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
10. Admire the sculptures at The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
Situated adjacent to the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden occupies approximately 11 acres (4.4 hectares). This unique sculpture garden has over 90 sculptures donated by the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Foundation seamlessly blending in with the existing natural garden landscape of oaks, pines and magnolias. On your visit to the garden, admire many outstanding modern sculptures including a glass bridge by Elyn Zimmerman and a 60-foot-long (18 meters) mosaic wall by artist Teresita Fernández.
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
Address: 1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Website: The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
11. Visit the beautiful Whitney Plantation (from USD 82.0)
On this guided tour of the Whitney Plantation on the River Road, learn about the realities of plantation life in 18th-century Louisiana. At this National Historic Landmark estate, see various permanent exhibits, restored slave cabins, other outhouse buildings and a Spanish Creole main house. With the aid of recorded slave narratives, visitors can get a realistic picture of the people who lived and worked at the indigo and sugar plantations. The Whitney Plantation is now solely dedicated to promoting an understanding of slavery in Louisiana.
Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans
Duration: 5 hours 25 minutes
12. Marvel at local art on Frenchmen Street
Another famous street in the French Quarter of Louisiana, Frenchmen Street is a melting pot of good food, lively music clubs, interesting culture and an unbeatable street scene. Art is also everywhere on this street, especially art created by local artists and craftsmen, and this street is also the perfect place to buy local souvenirs. Check out the open-air market of Palace Market that offers the works of local illustrators, painters, sculptors, jewellers, etc. The family-owned nightly art market and creative space of The Art Garden is a great place to buy handmade goods from local artists.
Frenchmen Street
Address: Frenchmen Street, French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
Website: Frenchmen Street
13. Visit Mike the Tiger Habitat
Located next to Louisiana State University (LSU) and LSU Tiger stadium is the habitat of a real Bengal Tiger, Mike, whose graphic image is the mascot of all LSU athletic teams. Visitors to the university campus can see Mike the Tiger’s 15,000-square-foot (1393-square-meter) habitat which includes an oak tree, lush plants, a waterfall, and a stream. As the official LSU mascot, a succession of LSU tigers, all named Mike, have lived in a secure facility on the campus.
Mike the Tiger Habitat
Address: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
Website: Mike the Tiger Habitat
14. Visit the marvellous Louisiana State Capitol
A Louisiana icon and landmark, the marvellous Louisiana State Capitol is a 34-story tower that is also the seat of the state government of Louisiana. The state capitol building is 450 feet (137 meters) tall and is a classic example of the Art Deco style of architecture that was popular in the 1920s. Visitors can go up to the observation deck on the 27th floor for spectacular views of the city of Baton Rouge. The English garden adjoining the skyscraper is also worth visiting.
Louisiana State Capitol
Address: 900 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Website: Louisiana State Capitol
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
15. Marvel at the amazing artwork in R.W. Norton Art Gallery
On your trip to Louisiana, spend the day admiring the amazing artwork in the beautiful R.W. Norton Art Gallery. Since its opening in 1966, the museum at this gallery has housed an exceptional collection of art spanning more than four millennia. It is popular across the country for its impressive collections of artwork by the masters of western art, Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The gallery also has a vast collection of rare books and folios, and about 15,000 volumes on U.S. history, Louisiana history, fine arts, etc. Visitors can also stroll through the gorgeous botanical gardens of the R.W. Norton Art Gallery.
R.W. Norton Art Gallery
Address: 4747 Creswell Ave, Shreveport, LA 71106, USA
Website: R.W. Norton Art Gallery
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free
16. Drop by the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
In New Orleans, Louisiana, explore North America’s largest museum devoted to insects and their relatives, the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Learn about the life cycle and the importance of all kinds of bugs and insects in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystem by way of interactive exhibits. At the Asian garden, be captivated by hundreds of free-flying butterflies that soar from one flower to another. A visit to the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is truly a fantastic way to spend time in nature, for the entire family.
Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
Address: 423 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Website: Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 22.95 USD
17. Tour DeQuincy Railroad Museum
Kansas City Southern 's Support Our Troops Unit taken by Les McMahen in Beaumont, TX. What a Beauty!
Posted by DeQuincy Railroad Museum on Friday, 17 May 2019
If you are a railroad buff, spare some time to visit DeQuincy Railroad Museum aptly located on Lake Charles Avenue, Dequincy. This historical museum is full of railroad-related artefacts from the Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern and Missouri Pacific Railroads. Established in 1974 and housed in a building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this museum has displays of model trains, an extensive collection of Gauge 1 model steam and diesel engines as well as several railroad memorabilia. Some of the highlights of the museum are a restored 1913 steam locomotive, a 1947 passenger coach, and two vintage cabooses.
DeQuincy Railroad Museum
Address: 400 Lake Charles Ave, Dequincy, LA 70633, USA
Website: DeQuincy Railroad Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free
18. Enjoy a day at the Global Wildlife Center
What better way to celebrate summer than interacting with animals from all around the world on a one-of-a-kind Safari...
Posted by Global Wildlife Center on Wednesday, 18 July 2018
Enjoy a wild encounter right in the middle of Louisiana at the Global Wildlife Center! On a guided wagon tour of over 900 acres (364 hectares) of pristine Louisiana countryside, meet free-roaming wild animals like giraffes, elands, zebras, camels, and more. Here, you can enjoy outdoor activities and experience an African safari. You’ll get to feed and interact with some of the animals as well as catch sight of over 1000 exotic, endangered and threatened animals in the wild at the Global Wildlife Center.
Global Wildlife Center
Address: Dummy address
Website: Global Wildlife Center
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 19 USD
19. Visit St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church
Founded in 1765, St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church is one of the oldest Catholic churches in America. Three historic buildings sit on the church square and three impressive statues, one of an early pastor, Father Jan, the patron saint of the parish, St. Martin of Tours, and the last one of a Native American from the Attakapas Nation are worth visiting too. The interior of the church is beautiful too, with historic paintings, relics of saints, and significant architectural features. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, a visit to St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church is a must in Louisiana.
St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church
Address: 133 S Main St, St Martinville, LA 70582, USA
Website: St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church
Opening hours: 7am - 4pm (daily) (timings may vary as per mass schedule)
20. Enjoy live music at Musical Legends Park
Located along Bourbon Street in the French Quarter is the popular Musical Legends Park where visitors can enjoy free live music from local musicians. Visitors can also pay homage to New Orleans jazz musical legends at the series of commemorative statues, displays, plaques and artwork located in the heart of the park. Enjoy good food and live music, and have a good time at Musical Legends Park in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Musical Legends Park
Address: 311 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Website: Musical Legends Park
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 8am - 12am
Price: Free
21. Explore the remarkable exhibits at Vermilionville
Situated on the banks of the Bayou Vermilion on a beautiful tree-covered 23-acre (9.3-hectare) area is the historic village and living history museum of Vermilionville. Welcoming more than 60,000 visitors every year, Vermilionville has 19 attractions including seven restored original historic homes and artisans in period costumes, who give demonstrations on crafts undertaken by the people of the early days. The historic village aims to educate visitors about life, culture, food, historic architecture, and cultural exchange of the various groups of people that lived in Louisiana over the ages.
Vermilionville
Address: 300 Fisher Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508, USA
Website: Vermilionville
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 10 USD
22. Relax at Rosedown Plantation and Gardens
Posted by Rosedown Plantation SHS on Saturday, 4 February 2017
Part of the National Listing of Historic Landmarks, Rosedown Plantation and Gardens is a historic home and garden that was constructed in 1835. The plantation occupied an area of 3,455 acres (1398 hectares) at its height in the 1800s and had approximately 450 slaves working on cotton production. The main house of the plantation has a classic Greek revival style architecture, 18 acres (7.2 hectares) of ornamental pleasure gardens and 13 historic buildings that visitors can tour on their visit to Rosedown Plantation and Gardens.
Rosedown Plantation and Gardens
Address: 12501 Highway 10, St. Francisville, LA 70775, USA
Website: Rosedown Plantation and Gardens
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 12 USD
23. View the artifacts at Louisiana State Museum Baton Rouge
Explore the rich cultural, geographical and historical past of Louisiana at the Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge. Also called the Capitol Park Museum, this museum houses several interesting exhibits like an oil-well head, a scale model of a drilling rig, a rare Civil War submarine, etc. Poignant exhibits like those on slave markets, resistance, revolt and the hardships suffered by people of colour of that time are also present in the museum. Exhibits on the state’s music and musicians are also worth checking out at the Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge.
Louisiana State Museum Baton Rouge
Address: 660 N 4th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA
Website: Louisiana State Museum Baton Rouge
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 4:30pm; Sun: 1pm - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 7 USD
24. Have fun at Sci-Port Discovery Center
Engage your mind in creative activities that promote learning as you have fun at the Sci-Port Discovery Center in Louisiana. At this amazing facility, participate in mathematics, science and technology-related recreational activities in an educational and fun environment. Spread out over various levels, visitors to the Sci-Port Discovery Center can check out exhibits like Exploration Gallery, Selber Space Walk, Franks Foundation Solarium, Earth and Space Cluster, Space Center, Bodyworks Cluster, Math Cluster, or even watch fun documentaries at the IMAX screen. The discovery centre is just a few-minute drive from Bossier City proper.
Sci-Port Discovery Center
Address: 820 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101, USA
Website: Sci-Port Discovery Center
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 12 USD
25. Walk through Jungle Gardens on Avery Island
Spend an afternoon exploring 170 acres (68 hectares) of the semitropical garden called Jungle Gardens on Avery Island, Louisiana. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful plants, trees and shrubs, rolling hills, and local wildlife. Attracting naturalists, bird watchers and visitors of all types, Jungle Gardens have attractions like a centuries-old Buddha statue, Bird City, one of the oldest timber bamboo groves in America, and coastal marshlands full of alligators, deer, raccoons, wild cats, rabbits, and more.
Jungle Gardens
Address: Louisiana 329 & Main Road, Avery Island, LA 70513, USA
Website: Jungle Gardens
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD
26. Tour the 1850 House
Uncover the life and times of the upper-middle-class living in mid-19th century New Orleans at the 1850 House. Admire the magnificent Parisian row-house style architecture of the exterior of the house and take a tour of the rooms that recreate the life of residents in antebellum New Orleans. Inside the 1850 house, take a look at the period art and décor, including fine paintings and furnishings, New Orleans silver, Old Paris porcelain, a set of John Slidell’s china, and more.
1850 House
Address: 3318, 523 St Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Website: 1850 House
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5 USD
27. Walk around New Orleans' French Quarter
Popular for its beautiful architecture, buzzing nightlife and vibrant shops and restaurants, New Orleans’ French Quarter is a must-visit place in Louisiana. Each street in this area is filled with attractions that will delight you. Visit Royal Street for art galleries and antique shops, Bourbon Street for loud bars, jazz clubs and authentic Cajun food, and various other streets that are lined with markets, live music venues, and artisanal boutiques. You can also set foot on the historic landmark of Jackson Square during your strolls. A walk around the French Quarter of New Orleans is sure to give you a good time!
New Orleans' French Quarter
Address: French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70116 - 70130, USA
Website: New Orleans’ French Quarter
28. Visit the USS KIDD Veterans Museum
Stationed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on the Mississippi River is the World War II museum ship, USS KIDD Veterans Museum. It is named after Isaac C. Kidd Sr. who died aboard his flagship USS Arizona during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. Besides touring the various arts of this Fletcher-class destroyer, visitors can also check out the many military and wartime artefacts like a replica of a P-40E Warhawk fighter plane, a restored A-7E Corsair II jet attack aircraft, alongside an extensive collection of ship models and a veterans memorial.
USS KIDD Veterans Museum
Address: 305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA
Website: USS KIDD Veterans Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 3:30pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm
Price: 12 USD
29. Explore The Historic New Orleans Collection
Spread across 10 historic buildings in two French Quarter campuses, The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum and research centre dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. At their museum headquarters on Royal Street, history buffs can explore the museum’s permanent collection, rotating exhibitions, the Louisiana History Galleries, and the Williams Residence. Photographs, prints, documents, drawings, paintings, sculptures, and other artefacts can be seen at the museum. Local artists also showcase fine and contemporary art in the rotating exhibitions.
The Historic New Orleans Collection
Address: 533 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Website: The Historic New Orleans Collection
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9:30am - 4:30pm; Sun: 10:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
30. Visit Audubon Zoo (from USD 24.0)
Take a walk on the wild side of New Orleans and visit Audubon Zoo, one of the best zoos in the U.S. Featuring many interesting exhibits dedicated to local and exotic wildlife, a visit to this zoo is both educational and entertaining. Check out the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit, feed animals at the African Savanna exhibit or see sun bears, white tigers, elephants and other such exotic animals at the Asian Domain exhibit of the zoo. Lots of fun awaits the entire family in Audubon Zoo nestled along Magazine St.
Audubon Nature Institute Museums Admission
Lively Louisiana
There is no dearth of attractions in Louisiana. From museum tours to plantations and beautiful buildings with historical significance, this state has it all! And if you have our list of the recommended things to do in Louisiana, USA, you are sure to have an epic trip!
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