Need a Southern getaway full of history, flavor, and bayou charm? Head to Baton Rouge! Louisiana’s capital city blends antebellum beauty, Cajun culture, and college town energy along the Mississippi River. Whether you're exploring historic plantations, sampling spicy gumbo, or cheering at an LSU game, Baton Rouge serves up Southern hospitality with big personality.

Baton Rouge, LA Highlights:

  • For Adventurous Travelers: Kayak or paddle the Bayou Fountain – Paddle through cypress swamps and lush wildlife habitats right outside the city.
  • For History Buffs: Tour the Old Louisiana State Capitol – A Gothic castle-style building with dramatic architecture and multimedia exhibits.
  • For Shoppers: Explore Perkins Rowe – Stylish lifestyle center with boutiques, restaurants, and live entertainment.
  • For Couples: Stroll the Baton Rouge Riverwalk at sunset – Enjoy romantic riverfront views, fountains, and skyline photo ops.
  • For Families: Visit the Baton Rouge Zoo – Home to over 1,000 animals and perfect for a day of kid-friendly fun and exploration.

Best Time to Visit Baton Rouge, LA

The best time to visit Baton Rouge is from March through May and October through November, when temperatures are comfortable and festivals are in full swing. Summers can be hot and humid but bring lively events and long days. Winter is mild with lighter crowds.

How to Get to Baton Rouge, LA

  • If you are traveling by car: Baton Rouge lies at the intersection of I-10 and I-12, about 80 minutes northwest of New Orleans.
  • By Air: Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) offers regional flights and is just 15 minutes from downtown. New Orleans International (MSY) is a larger alternative 1.5 hours away.
  • By Bus/Train: Greyhound and Megabus connect Baton Rouge to nearby cities; Amtrak stations are located in New Orleans.

Where to Stay in Baton Rouge, LA

  • Recommended for Families: Drury Inn & Suites Baton Rouge – Comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and an indoor/outdoor pool.
  • For Couples: Watermark Baton Rouge, Autograph Collection – Historic luxury hotel downtown with elegant décor and fine dining.
  • For a Budget Stay: Red Roof PLUS+ Baton Rouge – Affordable and clean, close to LSU and major highways.

Best Things to Do in Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge For Art Lovers


Explore vibrant galleries and discover local artistic talent.

Baton Rouge For Art Lovers

© LSU Museum of Art

If you love art, you will definitely want to spend a day or two at the Shaw Center for the Arts. Start your day at the LSU Museum of Art, located on the fifth floor and spread across 13,000 square feet of space in fourteen galleries. After enjoying the art, stop for lunch at the Capital City Grill. In the afternoon, visit the LSU School of Art Glassell Gallery and relax in the park. In the evening, you can also see a show at the 325-seat Manship Theatre. This magnificent modern space has soaring fifteen foot high ceilings and can accommodate artworks in all sizes and media.

The museum has one of the largest collections of art in the South. It features a number of collections such as Chinese jade carvings, several works of Clementine Hunter, Newcomb College Pottery pieces, and so much more. Local and regional artists offer some of their art pieces for sale in the museum’s store.

It is a great place to buy a unique gift and support local artists. The museum also has a number of adult, family, and kids programs and activities.

100 Lafayette Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Phone: 225-389-7200

Baton Rouge For History Buffs


Visit historic landmarks and uncover Louisiana’s rich past.

Baton Rouge For History Buffs

© Courtesy of Siegfried Schnepf - Fotolia.com

There is no shortage of history in Baton Rouge. Head to the LSU Rural Life Museum operated by the Louisiana State University. The museum is located on 40 acres and consists of 30 historic buildings. Plan to spend a whole day here if you can. Alternatively, Louisiana State Museums are made up of nine museums, including the Capitol Park Museum located on North Fourth Street on the mall of Louisiana’s State Capitol. Finally, if you have time to spare, tour Louisiana’s Old State Capitol which dates back to mid-19th century. Another historic building to explore is The Old Governor's Mansion. Located on North Boulevard, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is a historic building that was the home of the Louisiana State Legislature from the mid 19th century until the 1930s when the current capitol building was constructed.

The Old State Capitol building stands on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and was built in the Gothic style. It is known by several nicknames, including the Castle of Baton Rouge and the Castle on the River and is one of the best things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and as a U.S. National Historic Landmark, the building is now called the Museum of Political History, and it is an educational resource containing art objects, artifacts, documents, and much more.

100 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Phone: 225-342-0500

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

More to Explore: Louisiana Art & Science Museum


Discover interactive exhibits and admire captivating art collections.

More to Explore: Louisiana Art & Science Museum

© Louisiana Art & Science Museum

Located on South River Road, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum consists of art galleries, science galleries, and a planetarium. Housed in a historic 1925 railway station, the museum seeks to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. In addition to its permanent collection of fine art, the museum also mounts temporary revolving art exhibits.

With its ancient artifacts and exceptionally interesting mummy, the Ancient Egypt Gallery is quite a popular exhibit. If you are wondering what to see in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with kids, this is a great place to visit. The Irene W. Pennington Planetarium serves several purposes: in addition to presenting its sky shows, it is also the venue for films and music shows. The museum’s educational programs include classes, lectures and workshops.

100 South River Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Phone: 225-344-5272

Mike the Tiger Habitat


Visit LSU’s live mascot and observe a majestic Bengal tiger.

Mike the Tiger Habitat

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Located on North Stadium Road, the Mike the Tiger Habitat is the residence of Louisiana State University’s official mascot. and one of the top things to see in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The original tiger, Mike I, lived in a small 2,000 square foot enclosure beginning in the 1930s until Mike I passed away in 1956. A new habitat was constructed in 2005. It is 15,000 square feet in size.

Whereas the original habitat was simple and only had logs for Mike I to climb over, the new habitat includes a waterfall and a stream that flows into a pond, many plants, and rocks for the new Mike to enjoy. The habitat’s backdrop is an Italianate tower that is in keeping with the architecture of LSU.

North Stadium Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Phone: 225-578-4823

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

USS Kidd


Explore a WWII battleship and learn about naval history.

USS Kidd

© Courtesy of Siegfried Schnepf - Fotolia.com

The USS Kidd is a Fletcher-class destroyer that was launched in 1943. Nicknamed the “Pirate of the Pacific,” it was named after Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd who died on board the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The USS Kidd saw many battles on the Pacific during World War II and was decommissioned in 1946 only to be re-commissioned in 1951 for use during the Korean War. Decommissioned again, this time in 1964, the USS Kidd was selected as a memorial for World War II veterans from Louisiana.

305 South River Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Phone: 225-342-1942

Knock Knock Children’s Museum


Engage kids with interactive exhibits and inspire creative learning.

Knock Knock Children’s Museum

© Knock Knock Children’s Museum

For families with young children, one of the best places to visit in Baton Rouge is the 26,000 square foot Knock Knock Children’s Museum. Located at the top of a hill, the museum features a lovely view of the City-Brookes Community Park and has worked hard to create an inclusive space for families from all walks of life to gather, learn, play, and interact with one another. Run by a private, non-profit organization, the museum features several exhibits called “Learning Zones”, which feature hands-on learning opportunities to ensure that children have fun while developing new skills like reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In addition to exhibits for basic skills, Knock Knock Museum also has Learning Zones designed specifically to help children develop an interest in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) subjects.

1900 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, Phone: 225-388-3090

Red Stick Farmers Market


Savor fresh produce and explore locally crafted goods.

Red Stick Farmers Market

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The days to get fresh produce in Baton Rouge are Thursdays and Saturdays, which is when the Red Stick Farmers Markets are open in various parts of the town. Red Stick markets are open-air markets for farmers or food producers only; all products sold in the market are grown in the area by local farmers. During peak seasons, there are up to seven markets in seven different locations around Baton Rouge, making fresh local produce available to most of the city.

There are about 50 farmers who are members of the Red Sick Farmers Market, and they offer a number of different locally grown foods including fresh vegetables and fruits, seafood, meats, artisan breads, honey, homemade pies, cheese, milk, herbs, native plants, and various specialty foods such as pickles and jams.

501 Main St., Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Phone: 225-267-5060

Where to Eat in Baton Rouge, LA

  • Recommended for Families: Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant – A local staple serving fried catfish, gumbo, and po’boys in a casual setting.
  • For Fine Dining: Mansurs on the Boulevard – Upscale Creole cuisine with an extensive wine list and live piano music.
  • For a Casual Meal: Louie’s Café – Iconic 24-hour diner near LSU known for big breakfasts and late-night bites.

If you are interested in local events:

  • For Culture: Baton Rouge Blues Festival (April) – Free music event with regional and national blues acts downtown.
  • For Food Lovers: Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival (May–June) – Enjoy spicy food, danceable tunes, and local crafts.
  • For Families: Baton Rouge Holiday Lights Festival (December) – Light displays, live entertainment, and holiday markets by the river.

Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–60 Minutes of Baton Rouge, LA:

  • For History: Houmas House Plantation (45 min) – Tour the “Crown Jewel of the River Road” and its beautiful gardens.
  • For Nature: Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center (15–20 min) – Spot turtles, birds, and reptiles on boardwalks through wetlands.
  • For Culture: St. Francisville (45–50 min) – Visit antebellum homes, charming cafés, and peaceful bayou surroundings.
  • For Wine Tasting: Landry Vineyards (west of town) (60 min) – Louisiana wines, picnic areas, and weekend music events.
  • For Architecture: Nottoway Plantation (45 min) – Explore one of the South’s largest historic mansions with a restaurant and museum.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What are some must-visit attractions in Baton Rouge?
    • Baton Rouge is home to great museums, unique attractions, and outstanding restaurants.
  • What is a popular sports venue in Baton Rouge?
    • Watch a game at the LSU Tiger Stadium.
  • What museums should you visit in Baton Rouge?
    • Visit the LSU Museum of Art and see a planetarium show at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum.
  • What are some historic things to do in Baton Rouge?
    • Explore the LSU Rural Life Museum, USS Kidd, and the Old Arsenal Museum.

At a Glance:

Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures, blooming gardens, and lively events. Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center – Elegant stay with convenient access to attractions. Explore LSU Rural Life Museum – Discover gardens, historic buildings, and local history.
Summer (June-August) – Hot weather ideal for indoor attractions and water activities. Watermark Baton Rouge – Modern hotel located in a historic building downtown. Visit Blue Bayou Water Park – Enjoy thrilling water rides and family-friendly entertainment.
Fall (September-November) – Comfortable weather, football season, and vibrant cultural festivals. Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel – Stylish accommodations close to dining and shopping. Experience LSU Football Games – Join local traditions at Tiger Stadium and tailgate festivities.
Winter (December-February) – Mild weather, ideal for indoor exploration and local sightseeing. Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown – Boutique accommodations with charming decor. Explore Louisiana's Old State Capitol – Discover historic exhibits and local culture indoors.

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