As a general rule, visitors to Louisiana often come here for two reasons, to party or to take in all of the history that this state has to offer. These are both awesome reasons to visit and you will not be disappointed one bit by the sites available to you. That being said, there is so much more than that! You will be surprised by how diverse your vacation to Louisiana can be.
The Ultimate List of Awesome Places to Visit in Louisiana
We are by no means going to touch on every place that you should visit while on your trip (there are just too many). We are, however, talking about the ultimate list of awesome places to visit in Louisiana for those that have never been before and want to know the best must-visit spots.
French Quarter / Mardi Gras
Mardis Gras is arguably the most famous annual event in New Orleans and if you have made the trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, then you will be heading to the French Quarter. Mardis Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, but the celebrations last weeks and weeks. Parades, costumed people, crowds like you have never seen and lots of celebrating is what you will experience at Mardi Gras.
The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, with buildings that have been standing for over 300 years. Even if you aren’t there during Mardi Gras, you will find this neighborhood, especially Bourbon Street, busy year round, as it is where tourists love to come and explore, shop and experience all that the French Quarter has to offer. While in the French Quarter, do not miss the chance to visit Louis Armstrong Park, where you can see a giant statue of the jazz legend himself. This park is home to Congo Square, which is where the African-American community often socialized in the time before they gained their freedom. Visiting this park and understanding its history is quite powerful.
The Melrose Plantation
The Melrose Plantation in Natchitoches is a beautiful, massive plantation which was built for and by freed slaves. The plantation’s architecture is a mixture of Greek Revival and West Indies Creole and is simply stunning. It truly is the epitome of what you expect to see when you visit this southern state. Additionally, the plantation has hosted many famous artists and writers over the years, so if you love the arts, that alone is a great reason to go. ’
The Old State Capitol
History, politics and architecture come together beautifully with the Old State Capitol building. The building was indeed the former capitol building in Louisiana, but is now home to a historic museum. The Old State Capitol is built in stunning and dramatic Gothic Revival style architecture with with two huge towers that draws looks from tourists and locals alike.
The Swamps
Okay, this is Louisiana. This state that is home to 3 million acres of wetlands, so you would probably expect that I would be more specific when I say to check out the swamps. There is no need to though. With this many swamps there is an almost endless amount of swamp tours available for you to take. Regardless of what you have imagined a swamp to look like, you might just be surprised. They are unique, beautiful and well worth a visit. I highly recommend taking a swamp tour during your trip to Louisiana.
Avery Island
Not only is Avery Island the birthplace of TABASCO® sauce, but this island is actually land mass that is located on a massive salt dome that, while we can’t be entirely sure, is assumed to be deeper than Mt. Everest is tall. It is believed that this giant rock salt is the remains of an ancient buried seabed. If that isn’t interesting enough, this island has for over 180 years been owned by 3 families, and is home to a beautiful combination of both native and exotic plants that have been brought to the island by humans. .
St. Louis Cathedral
You don’t have to be Catholic to want to experience seeing the St. Louis Cathedral. The oldest Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States is built in the Gothic Revival Style architectural style, and was built in dedication to King Louis IX of France (also known as Saint Louis). The church has been rebuilt quite a few times over the years, with little of the original structure remaining. The current structure, while it has been renovated throughout the years is largely the same as it was when it was built in 1850. It is eye-catching and beautiful architecture with a massive amount of history behind it.
Have you vacationed in Louisiana before? What places would you add to this list?
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