Looking for Southern hospitality, riverside fun, and casino thrills? Head to Bossier City, Louisiana! Located on the eastern bank of the Red River across from Shreveport, Bossier City offers gaming, shopping, military heritage, and local flavor. Whether you're visiting for a concert, a weekend getaway, or a taste of Cajun culture, Bossier City delivers excitement and charm.
Bossier City, LA Highlights:
- For Gamblers: Hit the slots at Margaritaville Resort Casino – Try your luck at table games, slots, or relax at the full-service spa and rooftop pool.
- For Shoppers: Explore Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets – Outdoor shopping center along the Red River with outlet stores, restaurants, and river views.
- For History Buffs: Visit the 8th Air Force Museum – Learn about World War II and aviation history at Barksdale Air Force Base (ID required).
- For Entertainment: Catch a show at Brookshire Grocery Arena – This venue hosts concerts, comedy tours, and sporting events.
- For Nature Lovers: Stroll the Red River National Wildlife Refuge – Enjoy birdwatching, hiking trails, and peaceful wetlands just minutes from the city.
When I like to visit Bossier City, LA
The best time to visit Bossier City is in the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when the weather is pleasant and festivals are in full swing. Summers are hot and humid, ideal for indoor attractions, while winters are mild with fewer crowds.
Tips for getting to Bossier City, LA
- By Car: Located off I-20, Bossier City is easily accessible from Dallas (3 hours) or Jackson, MS (3.5 hours).
- By Air: Fly into Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV), then drive about 15–20 minutes to Bossier City.
- By Bus: Greyhound and regional bus services connect Bossier City and Shreveport to major cities in the South.
Where I like to stay in Bossier City, LA
- Recommended for Entertainment: Margaritaville Resort Casino – Full-service resort with casino floor, dining, rooftop pool, and concert venue.
- For Families: Hilton Garden Inn Bossier City – Family-friendly amenities, pool, and proximity to the Boardwalk and arena.
- For Budget Travelers: Wingate by Wyndham Bossier City – Clean, convenient, and affordable with easy highway access.
Best Things to Do in Bossier City, LA
1. Roll the Dice on Fun at Margaritaville Resort Casino
Margaritaville Resort Casino is a popular entertainment and relaxation destination in Bossier City. The complex includes a very comfortable up-scale hotel which offers a variety of modern rooms with all the little luxuries you need. The complex has a lovely sunny outdoor pool with a hot tub where you can soak up some sun. If you are in need of a little pampering you can head to the on-site spa for a relaxing massage or other beauty treatments. The Casino offers slots and table games and a variety of entertainment venues. When hunger strikes you will find you have a wide choice of restaurants to choose from including a traditional steak house, buffet and a choice of Asian inspired cafes.
Margaritaville Resort Casino, 777 Margaritaville Way, Bossier City, LA 71111, Phone: 855-346-2489
2. Shop, Stroll, and Splurge at the Louisiana Boardwalk
For a satisfying day of retail therapy, shopaholics should not miss the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlet Mall in Bossier City. One of the largest shopping complexes of its kind in Louisiana, the Louisiana Boardwalk is home to more than 50 outlet stores, including well-known brands like Banana Republic, Bass Pro and Nike. When you need a break from all the shopping you will find a wide variety of restaurants where you can have coffee, lunch or dinner, including Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro, Sashiko and Saltgrass Steakhouse. After shopping you can round off your day by catching a show at Regal Cinemas or IMAX.
Louisiana Boardwalk, 540 Boardwalk Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111, Phone: 318-752-1455
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Feel the Rush at Louisiana Downs
A combination of premier race track and casino, Louisiana Downs racino is a popular destination for gamblers and fun-seekers. The complex includes a thoroughbred racetrack which hosts more than 130 days of live horse racing each year. In addition, the casino offers punters the chance to watch live horse racing while you play the slots or tables or even to watch your favorite sports teams in action on one of the many plasma TVs dotted around the playing area. There are three restaurants to choose from and if you would like to linger a little longer you can check into the on-site Marriott Hotel.
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, 8000 E. Texas St, Bossier City, LA 71111, Phone: 318-742-5555
4. Catch Big Shows at Brookshire Grocery Arena
Conveniently located along the banks of the Red River, about 5 miles from downtown Bossier City and Shreveport, the Brookshire Grocery Arena is one of most important entertainment complexes in the South. The center opened its door in 2000 and can accommodate up to 14,000 guests for a diverse selection of entertainment including family concerts, motor shows, conventions, rodeos and many other crowd-pleasing events. The designers thought of everything – there is plenty of on-site parking (for 4000 vehicles), a 187-seat Club and Lounge which offers premier seating and facilities and 16 private Luxury Suites. When hunger strikes you will find two large food courts selling all your favorite snacks and light meals.
Century Link Center, 2000 Century Link Center Drive, Bossier City, LA 71112, Phone: 318-747-2501
5. Escape to the Wild at Red River National Wildlife Refuge
The Red River National Wildlife Refuge was established to safeguard and showcase a wide variety of bird species, including many waders, migrating waterfowl and songbirds. The refuge is spread over four units in the Red River Valley and its Nature Center and headquarters are close to Bossier City. Visitors come from near and far to enjoy excellent birding and hiking along 5 miles of trails. At certain times of the year (outside of the breeding and migratory seasons) you can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking and fishing in the refuge. Children can have a lot of educational fun by joining the Youth Waterfowl Lottery Hunt and exploring the Wildlife Challenge Trail.
Red River National Wildlife Refuge, 150 Eagle Bend Point, Bossier City, LA 71112, Phone: 318-742-1219
Where to Eat:
6. Fuel Up with Flavor at Don Juanz Baja Beach Tacos
After many years spent surfing and exploring the delicious flavors of the coastal villages of Baja California, Don O’Bryne decided to share his love of tacos with the public, and Don Jaunz Baja Beach Tacos was born. Expect to find some seriously good flavor combinations in a selection of Baja Bowls (Mexican rice, black beans and your choice of grilled tuna, chicken or beef). Taco lovers can choose from vegetarian, beef, pork, chicken and seafood tacos, all made with the very best fresh local produce, cooked to perfection. Other Baja classics include burritos, quesadillas, salads and nachos. There are gluten free options and a variety of delicious fresh-fruit margaritas.
Don Juanz Baja Beach Tacos Bossier, Airline Shopping Center, 2333 Airline Dr, Bossier City, LA 71111, Phone: 318-752-3244
More Places to Eat in Bossier City, LA
- Recommended for Families: Shane’s Seafood & BBQ – Casual spot with crawfish, fried catfish, and all the Southern fixings.
- For Upscale Dining: Ralph & Kacoo’s – Louisiana seafood and Cajun classics in a warm, upscale atmosphere.
- For Local Flavor: Silver Star Smokehouse – Famous for smoked brisket, ribs, and hearty comfort food with Texas flair.
My favorite local events:
- For Spring Fun: Red River Revel (April) – Celebrate regional music, art, and food in neighboring Shreveport.
- For Foodies: Mudbug Madness (May) – Cajun food, crawfish races, and zydeco music in a lively spring festival downtown.
- For Patriotic Celebrations: 4th of July Fireworks on the Red – Enjoy live music and fireworks along the riverfront.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Bossier City:
- For Outdoor Adventure: Lake Bistineau State Park (45 min) – Hike, fish, or kayak in a scenic cypress swamp environment.
- For Historic Sites: Jefferson, TX (90 min) – Explore a charming 19th-century town with museums, antiques, and steamboat history.
- For Nature and Fishing: Cross Lake (25 min) – Boating, fishing, and sunset views just west of Shreveport.
- For Wine Lovers: On Cloud Wine Winery & Vineyard (30 min) – Tastings and live music in a relaxing countryside setting.
- For Art & Culture: Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College (20 min) – Explore rotating exhibits in a charming academic setting in Shreveport.
Plan Your Trip