From historic city inns near famous attractions to quiet country B&Bs, there are many beautiful romantic getaways to choose from when planning a Louisiana vacation. Stay in a former home of a famous French impressionist in New Orleans, check into a cozy loft in Lafayette or spend a few days in a house in Natchitoches which was featured in the award-winning film "Steel Magnolias." For a more quiet escape, check into one of the country inns where you will be surrounded by lawns, trees and lakes. Here are the romantic weekend getaways & Louisiana destinations.


Lafayette - Buchanan Lofts

Lafayette - Buchanan Lofts

© Buchanan Lofts

Buchanan Lofts in Lafayette consist of retro-chic accommodations in a refurbished downtown warehouse within walking distance of downtown attractions.

Instead of having identical rooms, each of the 9 lofts in the building has a unique personality, layout, and decor.

They all contain modern amenities such as TV, internet, phone, and Blu-Ray DVD players, as well as Egyptian cotton sheets. Some lofts also have full kitchens with a dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, and range, and there are options for 3, 4, or 5 guests.

The lofts also feature sitting areas with couches and armchairs, and small dining areas, depending on the one that you select.

Although there is no restaurant within Buchanan Lofts, its location in the heart of downtown Lafayette a range of restaurants featuring international and local cuisine within walking distance. More info

403 S Buchanan St, Lafayette, Louisiana. 70501, 337-534-4922

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Rayne - Maison D'Memoire

Rayne - Maison D'Memoire

© Maison D'Memoire

Maison D'Memoire is designed for romantic getaways and is just 15 minutes from Lafayette, in Cajun country.

You should plan a stay at Maison D’Memoire in advance as there are only four cottages, with three that can sleep two, and one that can fit between two and four guests. Every cottage has a full kitchen and there are also suites and private porches.

The Sweet Surrender Cottage, for example, has a heart-shaped, an electric fireplace, and lake views from the porch.

Each cottage is a hundred years old or more and has been fully restored to include modern amenities such as ceiling fans, DVD players, central heating and air conditioning.

If you are looking for romantic cabins in Louisiana, this is a great place to stay.

The bed and breakfast also features a private lake right on the property and multiple spots for secluded interactions.

Breakfast is included with all stays and it is delivered right to your door so that you can have a romantic and private meal. There are also multiple local restaurants in Rayne to dine at for lunch or dinner. More info

8450 Roberts Cove Rd, Rayne, Louisiana 70578, 866-580-2477

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New Orleans - Jazz Quarters, a Romantic Weekend Getaway

New Orleans - Jazz Quarters, a Romantic Weekend Getaway

© Jazz Quarters

Jazz Quarters is centrally located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, with charming brick courtyards, sculpted gardens, and Creole cottages that date back to the 1800’s.

The majority of guest rooms have faux antique or antique furniture and high ceilings and there are 10 rooms and suites to select from.

This includes 3 king suites, 1 king cottage, 2 queen suites, 3 queen suite cottages, and 1 queen guest room. Each room comes with high-speed internet, secured parking, a refrigerator in room, a flat screen TV, private bathroom, and coffee service in room.

There are also beautiful courtyards on site and the staff can work with you to schedule a private yoga class, in-room massage, flowers, champagne, or area tours.

Your stay includes a complimentary hot breakfast in the Garlands Dining Room, which features coffee with chicory, Amy’s breakfast couscous, and items like bananas foster, French toast, grillades and cheese grits, and sweet potato soufflé. More info

1129 St Philip St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116, 504-523-1372

There are many fun day trips to enjoy in the area.


Natchitoches, Louisiana - The Steel Magnolia House

Natchitoches, Louisiana - The Steel Magnolia House

© The Steel Magnolia House

The building of The Steel Magnolia House dates back to the 1830’s and is right along the Cane River in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

It features Civil War history and became famous as the backdrop for many scenes in 1989’s “Steel Magnolias.”

Guests can stay in the Shelby Room, Jackson Room, M’Lynn Room, Clairee Suite, or Truvy’s Carriage House.

Throughout the rooms, you will notice antique furniture, Egyptian cotton sheets, private baths, fireplaces, full Teaster Beds, original oil paintings, and more. Those who are familiar with “Steel Magnolias” will recognize areas of the rooms and building from the film.

The Carriage House is separate from the main building, where the other rooms are found. The main house also features a living room with French marble mantles and an Italian mirrored coffee table that is hand painted.

The home also has a family room with items from around the world. Guests can enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast, lush grounds, and a pool. Find out more

320 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457, 318-238-2585

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St. Francisville Inn, a Romantic Weekend Getaway in Louisiana

St. Francisville Inn, a Romantic Weekend Getaway in Louisiana

© St. Francisville Inn

Offering old-fashioned charm and style, the St. Francisville Inn is a wonderful choice for a special romantic getaway in Louisiana.

The inn has recently undergone an extensive renovation and offers guests a luxurious home away from home experience.

The beautiful old Victorian building is surrounded by lovely gardens and there in an on-site restaurant where you can savor beautifully prepared Cajun/International cuisine, wines from around the world and craft cocktails.

You can spend your getaway visiting some of the many historic plantations in the area, taking a tour of the St. Francisville historic area or browsing the many attractive shops. Get Rates

St. Francisville Inn, 5720 Commerce Street, St. Francisville, Louisiana 70775, 225-635-6502, See the Map


1896 O'Malley House, Louisiana

1896 O'Malley House, Louisiana

© 1896 O'Malley House

1896 O'Malley House gives guests a chance to stay in a Colonial Revival bed and breakfast in the middle of New Orleans.

There are eight suites, each of which is unique, and all have private baths, cable TV, telephones with voicemail, guest robes, hair dryers, and free wireless, while many also have tubs as well as granite countertops and the Concierge app. Two of the rooms feature king sized beds.

Guests have access to free snacks, soft drinks, wine, and beer as well as daily breakfast with Community Coffee which is roasted locally. The breakfast is home-cooked and involves a different hot entree every day, served on specially-made china and gold chargers.

Some options include eggs sardou and creole-grilled potatoes, eggs benedict, blueberry waffles, and bananas foster. Breakfast also includes coffee, juice, biscuits, muffins, and fruit.

Guests can relax in the courtyard where there is a soothing fountain as well as tables and chairs. Find out more

120 S Pierce St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119, 504-488-5896, See the Map


Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast

Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast

© Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast

Centrally located in the New Orleans Garden District, the Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast is a short walk from the French Quarter and dates back to 1893. This bed and breakfast has been fully restored to include period furnishings mixed with modern amenities.

There are six rooms and two suites available to choose from, each of which has a private bath with a shower, personal controls for central heat and air, cable TV, a telephone with voicemail, wireless internet, an ironing board, and hair dryer.

The rooms are named after historic Louisiana plantations and have custom-made mattresses topped with a feather mattress.

Every morning guests receive a continental breakfast that you can eat in the sunny dining room or on the porte-cochere balcony and it includes sweet pastries, breads, toast, hard boiled eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, coffee, tea, and juice.

The bed and breakfast can make arrangements for allergies and special dietary requirements. Guests can relax in the Victorian parlor, library, dining room, or on the balcony. Find out more

2727 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130, 504-895-1104

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Baton Rouge - The Stockade Bed & Breakfast, a Romantic Trip for Couples

Baton Rouge - The Stockade Bed & Breakfast, a Romantic Trip for Couples

© The Stockade Bed & Breakfast

The Stockade Bed and Breakfast in Baton Rouge gets its name from the Union stockade on the ground throughout the Civil War. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the inn has six guest rooms in the Hacienda-style house which feature original artwork and a private bath.

Guest rooms have antique furniture, wireless internet, a flat screen TV, DVD player, coffee pot, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, and mini-fridge as well as free access to the fitness center across the street.

All rooms come with a hot breakfast featuring traditional Southern dishes, with a rotating menu of items such as muffins, fresh fruit, biscuits, croissants, French toast, pancakes, hickory-smoked bacon, French omelets, egg soufflé, and garlic cheese grits.

There is also coffee, tea, and juice and multiple egg dishes. Various packages include extra items such as wine or spa services at the local luxury spa. More info

8860 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, 225-769-7358


The Fairfield Place

The Fairfield Place

© The Fairfield Place

The Fairfield Place has the distinction of being the first Bed and Breakfast in Shreveport, built around 1870. The courtyards and patios create a relaxing atmosphere while the rooms still offer modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, private baths, and cable TV. There are a total of seven rooms at The Fairfield Place, each with unique furnishings and a relaxing atmosphere. All rooms can sleep two guests and some have features such as a separate entrance, claw foot tub and shower, bidet, original hardwood floors, a fireplace, or a two-person spa tub.

The building has a New Orleans-style patio to relax and enjoy the weather. A full breakfast is included, featuring orange juice, tea or coffee, French toast or eggs, cold or hot cereal, fresh fruit, sausage or bacon, and fresh biscuits or croissants. Wine is complimentary. More info

2221 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, Louisiana 71104, 318-848-7776


Breaux Bridge - Cajun Country Cottages

Breaux Bridge - Cajun Country Cottages

© Cajun Country Cottages

Cajun Country Cottages offer guests the opportunity to relax and enjoy some solitude in the Cajun Country while staying in a historic cottage.

The bed and breakfast is on a secluded property with a private 5-acre lake that is fully stocked and is on the former site of the Magenta Plantation.

There are five cottages for guests to choose from: Evangeline, Little Cypress, Magenta, Playhouse, and Schoolhouse, each of which has its own decor.

All cottages have typical hotel amenities, such as heating and air conditioning, and many also have full kitchens, large front porches, and their own wooden swings.

You can also select a room with a fireplace, tub, private deck or pier, sitting room, two-person tub, and/or high ceilings.

Guests can rock on the porch swings, fish in the lake, go for a walk, or read a book surrounded by nature. There are also canoes and boats that you can borrow for free. A full breakfast is delivered every morning right to the door of your cottage. More info

1138 Lawless Tauzin Rd, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 337-332-3093


Chateau St. Denis, Natchitoches

Chateau St. Denis, Natchitoches

© Chateau St. Denis

You will find the charming French-Creole inspired Chateau St. Denis in the heart of historic downtown Natchitoches, one of the oldest permanent settlements in Indiana. Here you can take a trip down memory lane as you stroll along the brick-paved streets of the intriguing 33-block National Historic Landmark District. The boutique hotel boasts comfortable rooms and suites furnished in the traditional French-Creole style and fitted with custom-made furniture and artworks. After a long day of exploring the town you can relax in the spacious courtyard or visit Lounge 1714 for a refreshing cocktail before you set off to enjoy a Creole dinner at one of several near-by restaurants.

Chateau St. Denis, 751 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457, 318 951 4105


Degas House, New Orleans

Degas House, New Orleans

© Degas House, New Orleans

Degas House in New Orleans, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the historic home of Edgar Degas, the famous French impressionist.

Guests can stay in one of three suites, each of which sleeps up to four people, or one of two rooms, each of which can accommodate two guests. There are four additional rooms in the Garret with space for two or three people.

All guestrooms at Degas House have their own bathrooms, and some feature antique claw-foot tubs, tubs, or private balconies.

In the morning, guests receive a homemade breakfast that is cooked to order and has items such as Bananas Foster, Pain Perdu, omelets, and French Waffles, as well as a Mimosa or Bloody Mary.

A tour is also included in your stay as a guest, with all tours led by one of Degas’s descendants. There is also a walking tour of the neighborhood that is available to guests. More info

2306 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.


St. Francisville, LA - Butler Greenwood Plantation & Bed and Breakfast

St. Francisville, LA - Butler Greenwood Plantation & Bed and Breakfast

© Butler Greenwood Plantation

Butler Greenwood Plantation in St. Francisville dates back to the 1790s, giving guests a historic and picturesque building to relax in and enjoy their stay.

There are eight cottages that guests can stay in, each of varying sizes and styles. The Cook’s Cottage is from the 19th century, while the Old Kitchen is from 1796. All cottages have double tubs, full kitchens, full private baths, decks or porches, wireless internet, cable TV, and four-poster beds.

Five of the cottages have fireplaces and layouts include one or two bedrooms. There is also a swimming pool available to all guests, and you can bring your children and guests with you.

Around the house are 50 acres of grounds, including beautifully-landscaped areas, Spanish moss, formal gardens, cast-iron benches, and unspoiled woodlands. While walking around the grounds, you will see wildlife and birds, such as chipmunks, bobcats, foxes, white-tailed deer, and herons.

8345 US-61, St. Francisville 70775, 225-635-6312


Natchitoches, LA - Samuel Guy House Bed and Breakfast

Natchitoches, LA - Samuel Guy House Bed and Breakfast

© Samuel Guy House Bed and Breakfast

Samuel Guy House dates back to 1850, and when it was built by Samuel Eldridge Guy it was the center of a functional plantation.

The Greek Revival building was dismantled, moved, and reassembled until it arrived at its current location in Natchitoches.

You will find seven guest rooms in the house as well as eight bathrooms. Each room or suite has a different theme and color scheme, but they are all designed to feel homey and relaxing.

Each room has high speed internet, a large private bath with a spa tub, central heating and air, ceiling fans, cable TV with DVD players, microwaves, and hair dryers.

A full Southern breakfast is served every morning, with juice and coffee, fruit and pastries, as well as a choice of delicious dishes such as praline French toast casserole, vegetarian quiche, stuffed French toast, scrambled eggs and French pancakes.

Guests have access to the grand pavilion, elaborate gardens, brick pathways, the gazebo, and rocking chairs and benches.

The garden features more than 100 plants and there are multiple collections displayed throughout the bed and breakfast, such as the Original Snow Village. Rooms are quite affordable.

309 Pine St, Natchitoches, LA 71457, 318-354-1080


LA Getaways: Houma - Grand Bayou Noir Bed & Breakfast

LA Getaways: Houma - Grand Bayou Noir Bed & Breakfast

© Grand Bayou Noir Bed & Breakfast

Grand Bayou Noir in Houma originally belonged to frontiersman Jim Bowie and covers four acres with live oaks, trees, and a 7,000-square-foot home in the Georgian-style.

Here you will find two guest rooms as well as the private suite, each of which has a private bathroom with a shower and bathtub, original oak floors, high-speed Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a personal mini-fridge.

A full, hot breakfast is served daily and includes fresh-squeezed orange juice and options such as fresh fruit platters, beignets, and banana pancakes, typically made with the property’s own fruit, vegetables, and eggs.

Throughout the property, there are rocking chairs, hammocks, swings, ducks, chickens, and fruit trees. The main building also has a screen porch terrace, formal dining room, a living room, a vintage piano, and an outdoor patio with a hot tub.

1143 Bayou Black Dr, Houma, LA 70360, 985-804-0303


Abbeville - The Caldwell

Abbeville - The Caldwell

© The Caldwell

The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast is right in the middle of downtown Abbeville, making it the perfect location to explore. This building is on the National Register of Historic Places and dates back to 1907 with original hardwood floors, pressed tile ceilings, transoms, wainscoting, beaded board ceilings, and pocket doors. The Caldwell House is made up of five guest rooms and six full bathrooms that you can rent individually or altogether. The rooms each have private baths, TVs, and wireless internet, while some also have a spa tub or gas fireplaces.

There is a gourmet breakfast every morning, served on gold-rimmed china in the dining room. There is a rotating menu with items such as sweet potato stuffed French bread, breakfast casserole, and pecan praline French toast. There is always access to tea, coffee, water, and soft-drinks as well as complimentary snacks placed in the room daily. Guests have access to the west garden pavilion, shaded porches, a parlor, bar, formal dining room, and modern kitchen.

105 E. Vermilion Street, Abbeville, LA 70510, 337-281-0807


Ashton's Bed and Breakfast, a New Orleans, Louisiana Getaway

Ashton's Bed and Breakfast, a New Orleans, Louisiana Getaway

© Ashton's Bed and Breakfast

Located just far enough from the French Quarter to be away from the noise but still close enough that you can walk to all the French Quarter action, Ashton’s B&B is in an ideal destination for a memorable weekend in New Orleans.

This historic luxury bed and breakfast is snuggled in the romantic Esplanade Ridge Historic District, and it offers four elegant guestrooms in the Main Mansion, with a formal parlor and a bright, sunny breakfast room for the guests’ pleasure.

Four more equally beautiful rooms are located in the Patio Wing, a former kitchen, the servants' quarters, and the wine hollow.

Being in New Orleans, you can expect a memorable breakfast with such delights as sweet potato French toast loaded with mouth-watering pecan honey-butter, Bananas Foster waffles, or Mardi Gras eggs benedict drenched with Cajun tasso sauce hollandaise.

2023 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, 504-942-7048


Louisiana Getaways: Covington - Southern Hotel

Louisiana Getaways: Covington - Southern Hotel

© Southern Hotel

Located in the heart of the quaint town of Covington in Louisiana, the Southern Hotel exudes grace and charm, making it the perfect escape for couples wanting a touch of romance.

Dating back to the early 1900s, the hotel has a rich history highlighted in its beautiful décor and ambiance.

Combining comfort, creativity, and culture, the Southern Hotel offers a stay like no other.

The beautifully restored property features 40 luxurious guest rooms and two lavish suites, each of which is individually decorated and boasts individual and unique charms. Stylish décor, modern amenities, and lovely views greet guests in each of the suites, and complimentary wireless Internet is available throughout the hotel.

Guests can dine in style at the upscale southern bistro, Oxlot 9, which serves a seasonal menu of regional cuisine, or enjoy a drink at the sultry Cypress Bar.

Southern Hotel, 428 East Boston Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433, 844-866-1907

More Louisiana vacation ideas: 25 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways from New Orleans.


The Blue Dolphin Inn and Cottages, a Beachfront Getaway for Couples

The Blue Dolphin Inn and Cottages, a Beachfront Getaway for Couples

© The Blue Dolphin Inn and Cottages

There are few more romantic getaway destinations than Louisiana’s beautiful barrier island, Grand Isle, which you will find tucked away in the deep, deep South.

A getaway weekend at the Blue Dolphin Inn gives couples the opportunity to just relax and recharge on the beach or to be as active as they wish.

The accommodation is rustic but comfortable, and many of the guestrooms and apartments have beach/gulf views. Visitors can enjoy many kinds of water sports including swimming, fishing and kayaking.

Since the entire island is a bird sanctuary, bird-watching is also excellent. You can look forward to feasting on a wide selection of freshly caught Gulf fish and seafood at the island restaurants. More day trips from New Orleans

The Blue Dolphin Inn and Cottages, 2504 Highway 1, Grand Isle, LA 70358, 985 787 3697


Marksville - Paragon Casino Resort

Marksville - Paragon Casino Resort

© Paragon Casino Resort

Boasting everything you need for an action-packed romantic getaway, the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville is ready to welcome you with true southern hospitality.

The rooms at the resort offer comfort and style, with luxury linens and modern amenities.

The resort has a brilliant golf course, an indoor tropical pool as well as 2 outdoor pools and an on-site spa and cinema. If you enjoy gambling you will find more than 1000 slot machines as well as tables where you can flirt with Lady Luck.

For added entertainment you can dance the night away at ClubMeTazz. There are 10 restaurants and bars where you can relax over a delicious meal or enjoy a cocktail.

Paragon Casino Resort, 711 Paragon Place, Marksville, LA 71351, 800 946 1946


Gonzales - Clarion Hill Conference Center

Gonzales - Clarion Hill Conference Center

© Clarion Hill Conference Center

The Clarion Hill Hotel and Conference center welcomes all visitors to Gonzales.

Whether you are in town for work or play, Clarion Hill is an ideal base from which to explore this little corner of Louisiana, which boasts several historic plantations, excellent shopping at the massive Tanger Outlet Mall and some of the finest seafood in the South.

The Clarion Hill offers spacious rooms and suites, comfortable beds, high-speed internet and everything else you need for an enjoyable getaway.

There is a seasonal outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center. If you visit during spring you can join in the fun of the annual Jambalaya Festival.

Clarion Hill Hotel and Conference Center, 1500 Louisiana 30 W, Gonzales, LA 70737, 225 647 8000


Grand Isle

Grand Isle

© Jennifer/stock.adobe.com

Grand Isle is located on a barrier island off the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and offers nature-lovers an idyllic place to enjoy fishing and birding together with wonderful seafood and exceptional views out over the Gulf of Mexico. On Grand Isle the emphasis is on the countless miles of pristine beaches and fun beach activities.

At Grand Isle State Park you can rent a serviced RV site or set up a tent right on the beach to really take in the atmosphere of the island. You can rent canoes, surf-bikes, and paddle boats or go hiking along two miles of trails. You can also spend some time catching Louisiana blue crabs for dinner. The Bridge Side Marina is where all the fishing action happens; you can rent a cabin or campsite and fish directly off the shore or charter a fishing boat to take you farther out to catch a big one.

Grand Isle offers excellent bird watching, and enthusiasts can go on a self-guided hike along the Grand Isle Birding Trail, which passes though five separate birding sites, giving you the opportunity to spot many endemic and migratory birds.

For a change from fishing and birding you can take a short boat trip to explore Fort Livingston, an early 19th century defensive structure, or visit the Grand Isle Butterfly Dome to see upwards of 139 species of butterflies.


New Orleans

New Orleans is famous for jazz, history, and great food, and the wonderful selection of activities available in the city will ensure you never have a dull moment. To soak up the atmosphere you can start your visit in the fabulous French Quarter, which dates back to 1718 and is packed with historic buildings, churches, and jazz clubs. If time is of the essence, you can choose a tour that will highlight your personal interests such as the 11-stop tour of the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, a specialized Architecture and Courtyard Tour offered by the Historic New Orleans Collection or a cycle tour from Free Wheelin' Bike Tours.

If you are planning on taking a self-guided tour, be sure to include the wonderful mansions and gardens of the New Orleans Garden District, the New Orleans Museum of Art (including the Sydney and Walda Besth off Sculpture Garden), and the New Orleans Glassworks and Printmaking Studio. Nature lovers can enjoy golf, tennis, walking, or cycling at City Park or glide along the waterways (bayous) on a guided kayak tour from Kayak-iti-Yat. Other must-do activities in New Orleans include listening to soulful music at a jazz club like the Spotted Cat Music Club or Maison Bourbon and learning to cook southern-style at the New Orleans School of Cooking.

Lafayette

Lafayette, which lies in the heart of Cajun country in southwestern Louisiana, offers a great mix of outdoor and historic attractions plus delicious Cajun cuisine. Many people do not realize that the Cajun communities of Louisiana originally came from Canada - you can find out how they ended up in the south and learn about their culture at the Acadian Village, the Acadian Cultural Center, and the Vermilionville Historic Village where you can see replica Cajun homesteads and artisans at work.

Other interesting attractions you will not want to miss include the Lafayette Science Museum and the famous McIlhenny Tabasco Company on Avery Island where you can take a factory tour and explore Jungle Gardens and Bird City. Art lovers can visit the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum, and families can take their children to engage in interactive fun at the Children's Museum of Arcadiana. To explore the famous Cajun bayous, you can take to the waters with Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours, which will take you through the Lake Martin Cypress Island Preserve where you can spot a variety of wildlife - special bird-watching tours are also available. Of course, no visit to Cajun country would be complete without trying the food - a Cajun Food Tour will take you to several local eateries to get a taste of authentic Cajun cuisine.

Baton Rouge

Louisiana's capital city has a host of interesting and fun activities for all ages and is the ideal place to spend a weekend or family vacation. Get your bearings from the observation deck on the 27th floor of the fascinating and impressive State Capitol Building, which offers sweeping views of the city. If you enjoy history you can also visit the gothic-style Old State Capitol, (now the Museum of Political History), the Old Governor's Mansion, and the Louisiana State Museum. To see some interesting military and naval exhibits you can tour the USS Kidd Veteran's Memorial.

Patrons of the arts can feast their eyes on the wonderful collections housed in the LSU Museum of Art and the Louisiana Art and Science Museum or enjoy a show at one of several theatres in the Shaw Center for the Arts. Downtown Baton Rouge is the place to go for shopping, dining and a lively atmosphere, or you can attend a game at the LSU Tiger Stadium (football) or the Alex Box Stadium (baseball). Families can visit the Baton Rouge Zoo, which houses thousands of animals and includes a walk-in aviary, and the LSU Rural Life Museum. Visitors canalso spend hours having outdoor fun at the Blue Bayou Waterpark and the Dixie Landin' Amusement Park.

Shreveport-Bossier

Shreveport and Bossier City are situated in northwestern Louisiana surrounded by scenic lakes and bayous, national parks, and plenty of outdoor recreational areas. In addition to opportunities for outdoor fun, the area has several interesting and educational museums you can visit, starting with Sci-Port Museum in Shreveport, which has many hands-on exhibits and boasts a planetarium. You can learn about Louisiana life in the 1940's at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, and those interested in transport and aviation can visit the Barksdale Global Power Museum at the Barksdale Air Force Base and the Vivian Railroad State Museum.

The arts are represented at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport, the Southern University Museum of Art in Baton Rouge, and the Eastbank Gallery in Bossier City. The historic Strand Theatre in Shreveport is the official State Theater of Louisiana and is the place to go for live entertainment and movies. Outdoor activities you can enjoy include fishing, boating, and water sports on the Red River, which links Shreveport and Bossier City, walking and picnicking in Betty Virginia Park, and hiking, biking, and swimming at Lake Bistineau State Park. Families can visit the Gators and Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo, where you can try a thrilling zip-line ride over the alligators or learn to fly board with Ark-La-Rex Flyboard at the Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles is situated in the heart of southwestern Louisiana, a scenically rich area that offers great outdoor activities coupled with good museums, fabulous Southern food, and some great entertainment, including head-line shows at the local casinos. If you have come to embrace the great outdoors you can spend a wonderful day exploring the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, which winds through four wildlife refuges (with boardwalks for short hikes) and 26miles of unspoiled Gulf Coast beaches. At the Sam Houston Jones State Park and South Toledo Bend State Park, you can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and boating, and if you like hunting and shooting you can visit the American Sportsman Resort.

The French Settlers arrived in Lake Charles around 1760 and have left a rich architectural legacy that you can explore in the Charpentier Historic District (tours available). The 1911 Historic City Hall Arts and Culture Center features regular events, and the Central School Arts and Humanities Center (which is home to the Children's Theatre Company, the Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra, and the fascinating Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu) produces concerts and plays. No visit to the area would be complete without tasting some delicious Creole and Cajun Foods - you can visit the Charlestown Farmer's Market or go on the famous South West Louisiana Boudin Trail to try a really unique local specialty.

Natchitoches

Historic Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish) is the oldest settlement in Louisiana, dating back to 1714, and it is proud to offer visitors a host of historic, cultural, and entertaining attractions. You can learn about the turbulent history of the area, which has seen everything from conquest and colonialism to slavery and freedom, on a free guided walk of the National Historic Landmark District (33 blocks of historic homes, churches, and other buildings that now house shops and restaurants) and in the Cane River National Historic Area. Learn more about the plantation era on a visit to some historic plantations such as the Melrose Plantation and Oakland Plantation.

Outdoor pursuits are many and varied - you can explore the Cane River by boat on a Cane River Lakeboat Tour, hike through the extraordinary gardens of the Briarwood Nature Preserve, or visit the Bayou Pierre Alligator Park. Other interesting attractions include the American Cemetery (the oldest in Louisiana), the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and North West Louisiana History Museum, and the National Heritage Art Gallery. The popular 1989 movie Steel Magnolias was filmed in Natchitoches, and fans can take a tour of the sites used for filming. Brave visitors can put their valor to the test at the Dark Wood Haunted House.

Avery Island

Avery Island is home to everyone's favorite pepper sauce, the world-famous McIlhenny Tabasco Company, but there is more to the island that you might think, making it a great place to explore on a day trip. The best place to start is at the Visitor's Center, from where you can go on a self-guided tour of the factory. The tour covers ten stops and includes the Tabasco Museum, where you can learn all about the illustrious history of the condiment, and the Greenhouse, where you will see peppers at various stages of growth. From here you will continue through all the stages in the production process until you reach Restaurant 1869, where you can taste authentic Cajun and South Louisiana foods. Along the way you will learn about the history of Avery Island and Tabasco Sauce, walk though a reproduction of an Avery Island underground salt mine, and visit the store to buy some souvenirs.

After touring the factory you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The Jungle Gardens, for example, cover 170 acres of tropical vegetation along Bayou Petit Anse and contain a wonderful variety of local and exotic plants, many bird species, deer, and alligators. Within the Jungle Gardens you can visit Bird City, a huge protected rookery that provides a nesting area for thousands of migrating white egrets, which were once critically endangered in the area.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is unique in that it is spread across six completely separate sites, each of which is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Acadian people in Louisiana. At the Barataria Preserve outside Marrero you can see the wild Louisiana wetlands that greeted the first Acadian settlers who came from Canada. There are ranger-guided wetland tours and self-guided wildlife trails. Children can sign up for the Junior Ranger Program (also available in all the other sites) to earn a badge.

At Chalmette Battlefield, where the last battle of the War of 1812 took place, you can climb the 122 steps to the top of Chalmette Memorial and listen to twice-daily ranger talks. You can stroll through the adjoining Chalmette National Cemetery, where soldiers from several wars were laid to rest. At The French Quarter Visitors Center in New Orleans you can learn about the contributions French settlers made to Louisiana. The remaining three sites are the Acadian Culture Center in Lafayette, (where you can go on ranger guided boat tours along the Bayou Vermilion), the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice (which offers kids craft workshops, cooking classes, and music and dance lessons), and the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux, where you can go on walking tours of historic Thibodaux and boat tours on Bayou Lafourche.

Houma

Houma is situated in the heart of the Louisiana bayou wetlands and is a great destination for an action packed weekend getaway or family vacation. Before you set off to explore the wetlands, you can learn about the history of the Houma region by touring a few historic sites such as the Southdown Plantation and Terrebonne Museum, the Regional Military Museum, and Historic Downtown Houma.

A Swamp Tour will take you deep into the bayous, where unique flora and fauna will surround you, including large alligators. You can see it all from a canoe, airboat, or pontoon. To further explore the unique wetlands and waterways, you can visit the Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, the Marguerite Moffett Audubon Sanctuary, or the Pointe-aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area, all of which offer excellent vantage points for bird watching.

Houma is widely known for its outstanding fishing, and you can charter a boat from one of dozens of outfitters and try your hand at freshwater fishing, deep-sea fishing, and fly-fishing. If you love art you can wander around more than 100 sculptures in the Chauvin Sculpture Garden & Nicholls State University Art Studios, or visit the Downtown Art Gallery. Houma also offers excellent shopping at the Martin Luther King Boulevard Shopping District, the St. Charles Shopping District, and at Southland Mall.

Driving Distances from New Orleans

New Orleans To     Driving Time
Lafayette2 hours and 5 minutes
Rayn2 hours and 15 min
Natchitoches4 hours
St Francisville1 hour 45 min
Baton Rouge1 hour 21 min
Shreveport4 hours and 45 minutes
Breaux Bridge2 hours 10 min
Breaux Bridge2 hours
Folsom1 hour and 10 minutes
St Francisville1 hour 45 minutes
Houma1 hour
Abbeville2 hours 26 minutes
Covington51 min

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