• What makes Louisiana a special place to visit?
  • What is the landscape like in southern Louisiana?
    • The southern half of the state along the Gulf of Mexico is a wild and unique land of lakes, swamps, bayou life, and alligators.
  • What is the landscape like in northern Louisiana?
    • The northern part of the state is comprised of prairies and farmland.
  • What is the largest city in Louisiana known for?
  • What makes New Orleans unique?
    • New Orleans is also known for its colonial-era French Quarter, world-class jazz music, and uniquely regional Cajun and Creole food.

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1. New Orleans


Explore vibrant neighborhoods and savor jazz on an exciting weekend trip.

New Orleans


  • Where is New Orleans located?
  • What is New Orleans known for?
    • Nicknamed the Big Easy, the city is well known as a nightlife destination. Partiers from around the nation flock to this party haven.
  • What is the cultural significance of New Orleans?
    • The city has a vibrant history in the performing arts and a robust live music scene. Culturally and historically, New Orleans has been a melting pot of several cultures, including African, European, American, and French.
  • What is Mardi Gras?
    • The world-famous Mardi Gras festival happens annually in late winter and is known for wild, costumed parades and round-the-clock parties.
  • What are some popular tourist attractions in New Orleans?

2. Baton Rouge


Visit historic sites and walk along the Mississippi River on an easy getaway.

Baton Rouge


  • What is the capital of Louisiana?
    • Baton Rouge is the capital city of Louisiana and the state’s second-largest city.
  • What family activities are available in Baton Rouge?
  • Can visitors tour government buildings in Baton Rouge?
  • What historical sites can be visited in Baton Rouge?
    • Visitors can tour the USS Kidd, a retired Navy destroyer.
  • What museums and cultural sites are in Baton Rouge?
  • What natural attractions are near Baton Rouge?
    • The Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp in the United States, is located nearby and offers many recreational opportunities.

3. Lafayette


Enjoy Cajun cuisine and dance to zydeco on an affordable cultural trip.

Lafayette


  • Where is Lafayette located?
  • What is Acadiana?
    • Lafayette is located in the center of Acadiana, an area with a high concentration of Cajun and Creole culture.
  • What is Acadian Village?
    • Acadian Village provides perhaps the best opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. It is a reconstructed Cajun community that showcases authentic furnishings and historical homes from nearby bayou communities.
  • What are some cultural attractions in Lafayette?
  • What sports and entertainment venues are in Lafayette?

4. Monroe


Tour local museums and stroll scenic gardens during a quick, relaxing weekend.

Monroe


  • Where are Monroe and West Monroe located?
    • The twin cities of Monroe and West Monroe are educational, economic, and medical hubs in the northeastern part of Louisiana.
  • What is Monroe known for in aviation history?
    • Monroe is well known among aviation enthusiasts as the birthplace of the legacy carrier Delta Airlines.
  • What can visitors learn at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum?
  • What dining and shopping options are available in Monroe and West Monroe?
    • There are many local restaurants, unique shops, and neighborhood taverns for visitors to explore.
  • What are some popular family attractions in Monroe?

5. Lake Charles


Try your luck at casinos and enjoy lakefront views on a fun trip.

Lake Charles


  • Where is Lake Charles located?
  • What gambling opportunities are available in Lake Charles?
    • Lake Charles is popular for its gambling opportunities and is home to four casino properties as well as a racetrack.
  • What cultural attractions can visitors experience in Lake Charles?
  • What activities are available along the Creole Nature Trail?
    • The Trail features over 26 miles of natural, undeveloped beaches, fishing, crabbing, and opportunities to explore the marshlands. Wildlife encounters, including alligators, are common.
  • What water activities can visitors enjoy in Lake Charles?

6. Houma


Discover bayou beauty and savor seafood on an unusual Louisiana adventure.

Houma


  • What makes Houma a popular destination?
    • Houma is a popular destination known for its cultural and outdoor recreation.
  • What unique activity does Houma offer for visitors?
    • Houma is one of only 50 places worldwide that offers GeoTours. The area features over 50 geocache locations for visitors to explore.
  • What types of tours are available in Houma?
    • Tour experiences in Houma highlight the area’s swamps and wetlands, as well as its Cajun culture, local plantations, and historic sites.
  • What kinds of activities can visitors enjoy in Houma?
    • Tour companies offer experiences by land, water, and air. Visitors can also charter a fishing trip, visit a local swimming hole, or play a round of golf.
  • How can visitors experience Cajun culture in Houma?
    • The food and culture of the area offer an opportunity to experience Cajun life. The town also hosts several popular events and festivals throughout the year, including Mardi Gras.

7. Bossier City


Catch live shows and explore riverfront attractions on a cheap weekend escape.

Bossier City


  • Where is Bossier City located?
  • What casino attractions are in Bossier City?
    • Many visitors cross the river to visit the Horseshoe Bossier City casino resort, which features a wide range of casino gambling options as well as world-class dining and a swimming pool.
  • What can visitors see at the Barksdale Global Power Museum?
  • What outdoor activities are available near Bossier City?
    • The nearby Red River National Wildlife Refuge offers ample opportunities to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The refuge features an area of conserved nature as well as an interpretive visitor center.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at Red River National Wildlife Refuge?
    • Popular activities at the refuge include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and birding.

8. Alexandria


Visit art museums and admire historic architecture during an easy day trip.

Alexandria


  • Where is Alexandria located?
  • What cultural attractions are in Alexandria?
  • What can visitors see at the Arna Bontemps African American Museum?
    • The museum is the birthplace of Arna Bontemps and serves as a home museum, displaying his works, historical photographs, and other artifacts.
  • What historical attractions are in Alexandria?
  • What family-friendly attractions are in Alexandria?
    • Families with children and animal lovers should visit the Alexandria Zoological Park, which is home to many species of wildlife in free-roaming, naturalistic habitats.

9. Shreveport


Walk along the Red River and enjoy downtown sights on a spring getaway.

Shreveport


  • Where is Shreveport located?
    • Shreveport is the third-largest city in Louisiana, located near the Red River.
  • What cultural attractions are in Shreveport?
    • The city offers several interesting cultural and recreational activities. The R.W. Norton Art Gallery is a museum that features American and European Art from several decades.
  • Where can visitors enjoy live music and entertainment in Shreveport?
  • What historic sites can visitors explore in Shreveport?
  • What shopping options are available in Shreveport?

10. Jackson Square


See street performers and explore iconic landmarks on a lively family outing.

Jackson Square


  • What is Jackson Square?
  • What historical significance does Jackson Square have?
    • The park is famously known as the site where Louisiana was made a territory of the United States in the Louisiana Purchase.
  • Who is Jackson Square named after?
  • What historic buildings surround Jackson Square?
  • What can visitors find at the Pontalba Apartments?
    • The ground floor of the apartments is home to retail shops, restaurants, and galleries.
  • What is the artistic significance of Jackson Square?
    • Jackson Square has been home to an open-air artist colony for more than 50 years. Local artists display their works on the iron fence that surrounds the square.

Plan Your Trip


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