New Orleans
Perched on the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a city like no other, renowned for its vibrant music scene, rich Creole and Cajun culture, and electrifying festivals.
The historic French Quarter invites visitors to wander cobblestone streets lined with colorful architecture, lively bars, and charming cafés, while iconic landmarks such as Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral showcase the city’s heritage.
Food lovers can savor a culinary journey with beignets, po’boys, gumbo, and jambalaya, while music enthusiasts can experience jazz, blues, and brass bands filling the streets and clubs of Frenchmen Street.
Beyond the festivities, steamboat cruises along the Mississippi and visits to world-class museums like the National WWII Museum offer cultural depth, making New Orleans a destination that delights all the senses.
Lafayette
At the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun country, Lafayette offers visitors an authentic taste of southern culture, music, and cuisine.
Known for its lively Cajun and Zydeco music scene, the city hosts festivals like the Festival International de Louisiane, where locals and visitors dance to traditional tunes.
Food is central to the Lafayette experience, with boudin, crawfish étouffée, and gumbo available in both casual eateries and fine dining establishments.
Nature lovers can explore the bayous and swamps with guided airboat or kayak tours, while history enthusiasts will find museums, heritage trails, and historic homes that reflect the region’s rich Acadian and Creole past.
Natchitoches
Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is Louisiana’s oldest settlement and a captivating blend of French Creole heritage, scenic riverfront charm, and cultural tradition.
Visitors can stroll through the historic downtown district with its brick-lined streets, browse local boutiques, and enjoy views along the Cane River National Heritage Area.
The city is renowned for its Festival of Lights, which illuminates the riverfront with spectacular displays during the holiday season.
Nearby historic plantations, including Magnolia and Oaklawn, provide additional insight into the region’s past, while local restaurants serve up classic Creole and Southern cuisine.
Oak Alley Plantation
Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River near Vacherie, Oak Alley Plantation is one of Louisiana’s most iconic historic sites.
Visitors are greeted by the striking alley of 28 live oak trees leading to the antebellum mansion, a perfect subject for photographs and history lovers alike.
Guided tours of the mansion and grounds reveal the lives of the plantation’s owners and the enslaved people who worked there. Beautifully maintained gardens and on-site museums provide important insight into 19th-century plantation life.
Baton Rouge
As the capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is a dynamic city that blends history, politics, and southern charm.
Visitors can tour the Louisiana State Capitol and the Old State Capitol to learn about the state’s political heritage, or enjoy scenic walks along the Mississippi River waterfront.
Home to Louisiana State University, the city pulses with collegiate energy, from sporting events to cultural exhibitions.
Museums, botanical gardens, and historic plantations nearby offer additional layers of exploration, while the lively downtown district features restaurants, nightlife, and music venues.
Shreveport
Situated in northern Louisiana along the Red River, Shreveport is a lively city known for its mix of culture, music, and entertainment.
Visitors can explore the riverfront, where casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues line the water’s edge, or take a stroll along the Louisiana Boardwalk for shopping and live performances.
Music lovers will find blues, jazz, and Zydeco thriving throughout the city, while families can enjoy attractions such as the Sci-Port Discovery Center and nearby parks and nature trails.
