EXPLORE LOUISIANA

Top Places to Visit and Things to Do in Louisiana

Louisiana has a story waiting around every corner. Continue exploring authentic Cajun and Creole recipes, local restaurants, festivals, historic landmarks, outdoor adventures, fishing and hunting guides, and unforgettable destinations across the state. Whether you’re planning your next road trip, searching for hidden gems, or learning more about Louisiana’s unique culture and traditions, you’ll find even more guides below to help you experience the very best of the Bayou State.

Your Guide to Exploring Louisiana’s Best Destinations

Top places to visit across Louisiana including New Orleans and Cajun country
Must-see attractions, local spots, and hidden gems
Louisiana food, culture, and festival highlights
Travel tips and guides for planning your trip
Unique experiences that showcase the spirit of Louisiana

Our Recent Articles

Louisiana Sautéed Crab Claws (Cajun Butter Appetizer Recipe)

Louisiana Sautéed Crab Claws are one of the Gulf Coast’s most beloved seafood appetizers,…
Cajun Hot Wings

These Cajun Hot Wings are crispy, juicy, and coated in a buttery Louisiana hot…
Louisiana Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe

A Strawberry Daiquiri is the perfect blend of sweet strawberries, refreshing citrus, and smooth…

Discover Top Destinations, Local Spots, and Louisiana Experiences

Discover Louisiana’s most iconic destinations, from the historic streets of New Orleans and legendary Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop to the natural beauty of Avery Island. Explore unforgettable attractions, rich history, unique culture, and hidden gems that showcase the best of the Bayou State.

Historic street standing outside Lafittes Blacksmith Bar in New Orleans with cozy restaurants, warm lighting, and pedestrians at dusk.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop: The Oldest Bar in America

Discover Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, the legendary French Quarter bar known for pirate history, colonial architecture, and the famous Purple Drink. Experience one of New Orleans’ most iconic historic landmarks.

Red and green chili peppers in a basket in the outdoors on a sunny day in Avery Island Louisiana with trees, flowers and grass in the background.

Avery Island Louisiana: History, Things to Do, and Travel Guide to Tabasco Country

Explore Avery Island, the birthplace of Tabasco® sauce, featuring beautiful gardens, wildlife, and rich Cajun history. Discover one of Louisiana’s best-kept travel destinations near New Iberia.

Bright evening Bourbon Street scene with pedestrians walking along lively shops and restaurants in a historic setting.

Things to Do in New Orleans: Must-See Spots
Experience the Best of New Orleans

Explore New Orleans through the French Quarter, Garden District, iconic restaurants, live music, festivals, and historic landmarks. Discover the must-see attractions that define Louisiana’s most famous destination.

(Featured Article)

Myrtles Plantation: One of Americas most haunted homes

Visit Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, one of Louisiana’s most famous historic landmarks. Explore its haunted history, antebellum architecture, and fascinating stories that attract visitors from around the world.

Full Article

Interactive Louisiana Map: Food, Festivals, Fishing, Outdoors & Hidden Gems

Discover the best of Louisiana with our interactive map featuring top restaurants, local food favorites, festivals, fishing spots, hiking trails, historic landmarks, attractions, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems across every parish. Plan your next Louisiana adventure with one easy-to-use map.

From the Parish

Louisiana Explorer Map

Restaurants • boudin • king cake • festivals • hunting • fishing • hiking • history

Top Louisiana Events and Experiences You Must See

Discover iconic Louisiana traditions, from Christmas Eve levee bonfires and the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival to charming coastal towns. Experience the history, culture, food, and hospitality that define the Bayou State.

People enjoying the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival in Louisiana with baskets of strawberries and a.

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival: Louisiana’s Sweetest Celebration

Experience a refreshing Louisiana Strawberry Daiquiri made with fresh strawberries, white rum, lime juice, and Louisiana cane sugar. Perfect for crawfish boils, tailgates, summer parties, and backyard gatherings.

Holiday bonfire scene on the levee in Louisiana with fireworks, alligator shaped bonfire burning, and people celebrating outdoors.

The Bonfires on the Levee: Louisiana’s Most Magical Holiday Tradition

Experience the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival with fresh local strawberries, live music, Louisiana food, carnival rides, and family fun. Celebrate one of Louisiana’s most beloved spring festivals.

Coastal Louisiana Shrimp boat docked at sunset with warm golden light reflecting on the water.

Louisiana Coastal Cities: Where Fishing and Cajun Culture Thrive

Explore Louisiana’s coastal cities, where Cajun culture, commercial fishing, fresh seafood, and scenic marshes create unforgettable Gulf Coast destinations. Add these must-visit stops to your Louisiana itinerary.

(Featured Article)

Explore the Natural Beauty of Louisiana

Explore Louisiana’s cypress swamps, bayous, hiking trails, wildlife refuges, and coastal marshes. Discover unforgettable outdoor adventures, scenic landscapes, and the natural beauty of the Sportsman’s Paradise.

Full Article

Interactive Louisiana History Map

FROM THE PARISH INTERACTIVE HISTORY

Louisiana Before and After the Purchase

Compare French Louisiana immediately before the 1803 Purchase with the territory transferred to the United States, then explore battlefield locations across the larger region.

Loading the sourced Louisiana Purchase boundary…

1803 source-reported extent

Historically disputed limits

⚔ Battlefield

◆ Native site

Parish border and name

BEFORE THE PURCHASE

French Louisiana in 1803

France held the Louisiana claim immediately before the United States purchased it. The territory’s exact outer limits were not fully surveyed or universally agreed upon.

BATTLEFIELD EXPLORER

Battlefields Across the Territory

Select a battlefield to move the map and open a short description.

The boundary represents a published historical GIS interpretation of the Louisiana Purchase. In Modern View, official parish borders load automatically. Parish names remain hidden until you click a parish, which opens one parish-specific fact.

Key Takeaways

Explore Louisiana’s diverse destinations, from historic cities and coastal towns to scenic bayous, swamps, and rolling hills.
Visit iconic landmarks like the French Quarter, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, Avery Island, and Myrtles Plantation.
Experience authentic Louisiana traditions through festivals, local cuisine, live music, and historic attractions.
Discover family-friendly events, including the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and Christmas Eve levee bonfires.
Explore Louisiana’s coastal communities for fresh seafood, Cajun culture, commercial fishing, and beautiful Gulf Coast scenery.
Enjoy outdoor adventures with hiking, swamp tours, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and nature photography.
Plan your Louisiana itinerary with must-see attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable local experiences across every region.
Experience the history, culture, hospitality, and natural beauty that make Louisiana one of America’s most unique travel destinations.