Looking for the best things to do in Louisiana? From jazz-filled streets and Creole cuisine to historic plantations and bayou adventures, this easy-to-use Louisiana itinerary helps you experience the very best of the Pelican State.
Whether you’re dancing to live zydeco in Acadiana, paddling through bayous draped in Spanish moss, or eating your way through New Orleans, this guide brings together the top Louisiana attractions for your dream Louisiana vacation.
- New Orleans: A soulful, jazz-filled city where Creole cuisine, French Quarter charm, and Mardi Gras magic light up every street.
- Baton Rouge: Louisiana’s capital blends political power, riverfront views, and LSU college town energy with Southern hospitality.
- Lafayette: The heart of Cajun Country—home to spicy food, zydeco music, and festivals that celebrate Louisiana’s French heritage.
- Lake Charles: A laid-back Gulf Coast city known for casinos, Creole cooking, and access to scenic drives along the Creole Nature Trail.
- Natchitoches: Louisiana’s oldest town charms with historic brick streets, holiday lights, and Southern small-town beauty straight out of a movie.
- Shreveport–Bossier City: Twin cities offering riverboat casinos, vibrant arts scenes, and a unique mix of Texas-meets-Louisiana culture.
- Avery Island: The birthplace of Tabasco sauce—tour the pepper factory and stroll through exotic Jungle Gardens teeming with wildlife.
- Houma: A hub for swamp tours and bayou culture—spot gators, hear live Cajun music, and explore Louisiana’s wetlands by boat.
- Breaux Bridge: Crawfish capital of the world—come for the étouffée, stay for the zydeco dancing and small-town Cajun spirit.
- Grand Isle: Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island—ideal for fishing, birdwatching, and beachcombing along the Gulf of Mexico.
📅 Louisiana Calendar
- Mardi Gras (February/March, New Orleans & Statewide): Parades, beads, costumes, and Carnival spirit
- Holiday in Dixie (April, Shreveport): Parades, carnival rides, treasure hunts, and Southern traditions in celebration of spring
- French Quarter Festival (April, New Orleans): Local music, food booths, and riverfront vibes
- Festival International de Louisiane (April, Lafayette): Global music and Cajun culture collide
- Bayou Country Superfest (May, Baton Rouge): Big-name country music in Tiger Stadium
- Bayou Boogaloo (May, New Orleans): Live music by boat along Bayou St. John
- Let the Good Times Roll Festival (June, Shreveport): A celebration of African American culture with Zydeco, soul food, and dancing
- Essence Festival (July, New Orleans): Massive celebration of Black music, culture, and empowerment
- Satchmo SummerFest (August, New Orleans): Jazz celebration of Louis Armstrong’s legacy
- Rougarou Fest (October, Houma): Spooky Cajun folklore, costumes, and food
- Red River Revel Arts Festival (October, Shreveport): Visual art, live music, food booths, and kids’ activities along the riverfront
- Reveillon Dinners (December, New Orleans): Classic Creole holiday feasts offered throughout the city
- Christmas in Roseland (Late November–December, Shreveport): Magical lights, carolers, and holiday cheer at the American Rose Center
- Natchitoches Christmas Festival (December, Natchitoches): Historic town lit up with thousands of lights