24 Awesome Things To Do in Louisiana | Louisiana Attractions for Families

Louisiana is located in the south-central region of the United States. Louisiana is bordered by the states of Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, and Texas to the west. Louisiana also has a border with the country of Mexico. Louisiana is home to many different cultures and people. The state is known for its music, food, and festivals. Louisiana is also home to some of the most interesting and unique architecture in the United States. Louisiana has a humid subtropical climate. The state experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Louisiana is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms. The economy of Louisiana is largely based on oil and gas production, agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Louisiana is one of the leading producers of oil and gas in the United States. The state is also a major producer of seafood. Agriculture is also an important part of the Louisiana economy.

Louisiana is home to many different colleges and universities. Some of the most popular schools in Louisiana include Louisiana State University, Tulane University, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Louisiana is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. The state offers a variety of housing options, a strong economy, and a rich cultural heritage. Louisiana is also a great place to retire. The state has a low cost of living and high quality of life.

Whether you are moving to this beautiful state or simply coming here for a vacation, here is a list of awesome things to do in this great state of Louisiana.

1. Tour the French Quarter of New Orleans

The French Quarter is located right in the middle of New Orleans and offers a wealth of culture, history, and architecture. Many tours are available to take you around the Quarter, and reveal all the special sights and sounds it has. Chances are when you see Louisiana on tv, the images you are seeing were likely taken around the French Quarter.

2. Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras World should be visited by anyone who visits Louisiana during Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras World is located in New Orleans and offers a glimpse behind the scenes at Mardi Gras floats. The facility is open to the public for a guided tour. This will allow you to see the process of how each parade is put together. Don’t forget that Mardi Gras happens only once a year in Louisiana so be sure to mark your calendar to experience the costumes, parades, parties, and amazing food.

3. A Swamp Tour

A swamp tour is a great way to see Louisiana’s unique ecosystems, which include its swamps and bayous. This is a wonderful way to get up close and personal with this amazing landscape. Boat tours are offered by many tour operators that take you along the waterways lined with cypress trees and allow you to view some of the Louisiana wildlife. Cajun Encounters is top-ranked in Lousiana when it comes to tours so be sure to check them out for an amazing experience.

4. You Can Visit a Plantation in Louisiana

The state is rich with historic plantations, which offer a peek into Louisiana’s rich past. Most plantation tours include both a tour through the main house and the grounds. Some even provide horse-drawn carriage rides or hayrides. There are tons of plantations throughout Louisiana and here is a list of 14 worth exploring and learning more about the rich history Louisiana is known for.

5. Fishing

Louisiana has many options for enjoying the sport of fishing. Saltwater fishing can be done in the Gulf of Mexico, or you may go freshwater fishing on one of the numerous lakes and rivers throughout Louisiana. Charter companies offer trips to fishing spots for anyone who wants to enjoy Louisiana’s famous fishing. Click here for a breakdown of the different types of fishing you can enjoy while in Louisiana.

6. Riverboat Cruises

Riverboat cruises offer a unique way to explore Louisiana and learn a bit about Louisiana history. You can pick from day or night cruises on many of Louisiana’s riverboats. There are cruises happening every day so simply decide on one that suits your fancy and explore the Louisiana waterways.

7. Visit a Museum in Louisiana

There are many museums throughout the state that allow you to explore its history and culture. The National WWII Museum, The Historic New Orleans Collection, and The Louisiana State Museum are some of the most visited museums. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is also worth exploring.

8. Enjoy a Scenic Drive through Louisiana

You can choose one of many routes so that you can customize your trip to suit your interests. There are tons of beautiful drives throughout Louisiana including the Creole Nature Trail, The Bayou Tech Scenic Byway, and the Bonnet Carre Spillway.

9. Visit a Louisiana State Park

Louisiana has many state parks, which allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of Louisiana. Fontainebleau State Park is the most visited, Atchafalaya Basin State Park and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve are some others. Their operating hours vary so be sure to either give the park you’re interested in a call or check out their website. Most of the state parks also offer either free admission or discounted admission for military and veterans.

10. Go Birdwatching

Louisiana is home to many different species of birds, making it a great place for birdwatching. You can find many birding trails throughout Louisiana, which will allow you to choose one that suits your needs and experience. There are over 11 million acres of bird areas to explore and enjoy around Louisiana so be sure to take advantage.

11. Take a Louisiana Culinary Tour

Louisiana is well-known for its delicious food. There are several ways you can experience this. There are many options: you can either take a cooking course, do a tour or just eat your way around the state. The actual food tours are our personal favorite as it allows you to experience a little bit of all the different types of foods that Louisiana is known for.

12. Visit a Farmers Market

There are many farmer’s markets throughout the state where fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased. Farmers’ markets can be a wonderful way to support local businesses and taste the homegrown goods of the state. There are over a dozen farmers’ markets throughout the state so there are plenty of options to choose from. We personally really enjoy the Shreveport Farmers Market located in North Louisiana but you can’t lose going to any of them. Plus it’s a great way to support local small businesses.

13. Golfing in Louisiana

Golfing is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Louisiana. It’s a wonderful way to exercise while enjoying the great outdoors. One of the really cool things about golfing in Louisiana is that you are bound to have a historic backdrop as you’re teeing off so it really is pretty awesome. Be sure to put on bug spray though, the mosquitoes can be a little aggressive at times.

14. Visit an Art Gallery in Louisiana

There are many art galleries throughout the state that allow you to view local art. These galleries can be a wonderful way to help local businesses as well as get a glimpse of Louisiana’s culture. There are about half a dozen or so art galleries throughout the state and they each offer an opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful work from local and international artists.

15. Hike in Louisiana

There are many hiking trails throughout the state that allow you to enjoy its natural beauty. It’s a wonderful way to exercise while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you want to go on a shorter hike that takes an hour or so or you’re looking for something a little more intense for a couple of hours, there are many hiking options throughout Louisiana. As most of the hikes are by bodies of water, having a little bug spray can go a long way.

16. Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride

Louisiana offers many scenic trains that allow visitors to take in the beauty of the state and learn a bit about Louisiana’s history. You can pick the time that suits you best from the many train rides in the state. There are few things more beautiful and peaceful than going on a train ride in the springtime in Louisiana. Kids will love the DeQuincy Railroad Museum which has a train specifically for the little ones. If you are looking for a train experience downtown then be sure to check out the New Orleans street car that takes you down the famous and absolutely beautiful St. Charles Avenue.

17. Visit a Winery in Louisiana

There are many wineries throughout the state that allow visitors to sample their locally-produced wines. A winery tour is a wonderful way to get an insight into the winemaking process as well as a glimpse of the state’s wine industry. Whether you are looking for a wine made from apples or peaches or a more traditional muscadine wine, there is no shortage of exquisite wines to suit every palette. Most of the wineries have tastings as well as tours that allow you a behind-the-scenes look at their wine-making process.

18. Tabasco Hotsauce Factory Tour

Spice things up on your tour of Louisiana with a tour of the world-famous Tabasco Hotsauce factory and museum. Tabasco hot sauce dates back to the 1870s and touring this factory and museum allows the opportunity to learn more about the history of one of the most famous hot sauce brands in the world. They are open 9 am – 4 pm every day and have special rates for kids, senior citizens, and the military. They do not accept cash so be sure to have your debit or credit card handy.

19. Explore Royal Street

Royal Street in New Orleans is the ultimate shopping destination. Royal Street is a mix of eclecticism and southern charm. It offers shopping at its best, as well as a wealth of culture. Royal Street is just one block away from Bourbon Street. This street offers antique shopping and family-owned business opportunities. Royal Street is a great place to shop in Louisiana. Royal Street is a mile long and runs through the French Quarter, a little bit of Marigny and Bywater. You’ll find some of Louisiana’s finest antiques as you walk through the shops. Royal Street is a great place to shop for boutique-style gifts. Once you have sated your appetite, there are many famous restaurants that offer the finest Creole. Royal Street, one of the most popular places in Louisiana is an amazing place to visit.

20. Visit Houmas Garden and House Plantation

The Greek revival-style mansion was built in 1840 and is an iconic historical landmark. It is located on over 35 acres near the Mississippi River. The mansion is located in the middle of the property. It’s surrounded by gardens, trees, lodges, and elegant restaurants. Visitors are welcome to visit the Houmas House Plantation & Gardens for sightseeing, overnight accommodations, or wonderful dining experiences. Houmas House Plantation & Gardens tours offer a look into plantation life and a view of historic artifacts. Notably, the tour guides dress in period clothing that gives guests an authentic feeling of Louisiana’s 19th-century plantation life. Houmas House Plantation & Gardens offers lovely cottages for rent for overnight stays. There are many dining options available at the various dining venues for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Houmas House Plantation & Gardens is one of the top Louisiana attractions.

21. Explore Preservation Hall

Preservation Hall is located in New Orleans. It’s a small, simple music venue that has hosted jazz shows over the years. Preservation Hall has concrete walls and wooden floors. There is no need for air conditioning. The best part is that the venue offers a private setting for acoustic music almost all year. The famed French Quarter Music Hall is just one of many things you can do in LA on a weekend or every day. The family-owned establishment hosts jazz legends every year since 1950. The tradition of jazz concert nights continues today. Check out Preservation Hall’s events calendar before you visit. Make sure to buy tickets ahead of time. After your Preservation Hall experience, you will want to visit the gift shop and pick up amazing souvenirs to remember your time there. Preservation Hall is one of the most popular places in Louisiana.

22. LSU Rural Life Museum

The LSU Rural Life Museum, which is located on 40 acres of agricultural research station land, preserves and shares materials from rural Louisiana in the 18th and 19th centuries. This museum has the most extensive collection of artifacts of this type in the world. Most of them can be viewed in outdoor-safe displays. There are three sections to the main museum: one that recreates a plantation and another that features Southern architecture. The other section is home to several buildings. A section with Acadian houses is also included. If booked ahead, guided tours can be arranged for groups of up to 10 people.

23. Laura Plantation

The Laura Plantation, a sugarcane plantation located on the Mississippi River has 12 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to the property’s recently restored Creole-style 19th-century main house, as well as numerous outbuildings including six slave cabins built-in 1840. Three gardens are also found on the 200-year-old sugar plantation homestead. Admission includes a guided tour of the grounds and house. Tours are available approximately every 40 minutes from 10 AM to 4 PM. For groups exceeding 20 people, reservations are necessary.

24. Frenchmen Street

Frenchmen Street, located in New Orleans’ French Quarter is the place where locals gather to hear live music. Frenchmen Street is home to the Frenchmen Art Market which offers authentic, local art. These music clubs are among the most popular in the area and play nearly every type of music. Although admission to clubs can be quite affordable or free of charge, it is a great idea to tip the musicians. Many of the restaurants are open until late.

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