15 Best Things to Do in Louisiana

It goes without saying that Louisiana is a beautiful place that offers lots of activities that suits any interest! We’ve crafted a list of the best things to do in Louisiana so you don’t have to. Check it out:

1. Support New Orlean’s Local Art Hub by Visiting Royal Street

The Royal Street is located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. This place dates back to the early 18th century and is said to be one of the original streets of the city. Visit Royal Street and you’ll find that this is the most impressive street in the French Quarter. Here, you’ll discover great restaurants and architecture, antique shops, art galleries, and hotels.

2. Ride the RTA-Streetcars and See the Charm of the City

Board the historic vehicles to learn about New Orleans history and glide past grand live oaks and charming views!

The Regional Transit Authority operates four streetcar lines, which are as follows:

• St. Charles Line – Travels from the edge of the French Quarter down to St. Charles Avenue, then onto the tree-lined South Carrollton Avenue.
• Canal Street Line – Travels through the mid-city, Bayou St. John, and ends at historical cemeteries or City Park.
• Riverfront Streetcar Line – Travels from Julia Street at the upper end of the New Orleans Convention Center. Then, to the downriver end of the French Quarter, which is at the foot of Esplanade Avenue.
• Rampart Line – Travels from the Union Passenger Terminal (Loyola Ave.), then to Elysian Fields Ave.

3. Attend the Mardi Gras Event

Attending a party like no other is indeed one of the best things to do in Louisiana.

If you must know, Mardi Gras is the French term for “Fat Tuesday,” which refers to the practice of eating rich foods before the religious obligations required during the Lenten season. Louisiana and New Orleans celebrate the holiday of Mardi Gras for about two concentrated weeks before and through the Shrove Tuesday.

Count down the days to Mardi Gras and expect parades, “throws,” local bands, dance troupes, and private masquerade balls!

4. Check out Science, Math, and Space Exhibits at Sci-Port Discovery Center

Discover exhibits, children’s museum, a beautiful planetarium, an IMAX Dome Theatre, and different programs and events at Sci-Port Discovery Center.

Admission Pricing:

• $12/visitor (ages 1 year and up). Note: Senior Citizens 65 and older, and those with a military ID will get a $2 discount.
• Group Rates: $10/person for Center Admission and $8/person for IMAX. For both Admission & IMAX: $16/person. Note: The group rate can only be availed when the group contains 10 or more people (ages 1 year and up) and booked 2 weeks in advance.

5. Say Your Prayers at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church

St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church is one of the oldest Catholic churches in America. It’s been a part of the rich history of Louisiana for more than 250 years.

The Church and its two buildings sit upon an open park which is frequented by the community for events and commemorations.

6. Visit the Jamie Hayes Gallery

This is not just the best things to do in Louisiana. This is also a way of honoring a creative force who has been part of the New Orleans culture for a long time. Jamie Hayes was a severely colorblind artist who used bright, vivid colors to create whimsical designs and masterpieces.

Anyone who visits the Jamie Hayes Gallery can surely bring home an amazing remembrance of the city.

7. Admire the Sculptures at the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden can be found inside the New Orleans Museum of Art or NOMA. This oasis of tranquility features more than 90 sculptures, as well as a beautiful landscape of pines, live oaks, and magnolias.

8. Explore Avery Island

The Avery Island may be known as the birthplace of the TABASCO® brand pepper sauce, but it’s so much more than that! The island itself is an interesting discovery because it sits atop a big deposit of solid rock salt believed to be the remnant of a buried seabed.

When in Avery Island, make sure to also visit the Jungle Gardens.

9. Party All Night at Bourbon Street

Head straight to the party town and dance the day’s problems away! At Bourbon Street, you’ll find that the wandering crowds and the excitement are endless and will never falter.

Check out these spots when visiting Bourbon Street:

• The Royal Sonesta Hotel
• Galatoire’s Restaurant
• Old Absinthe House building
• Fritzel’s European Jazz Club

10. Try the Louisiana Swamp Tour

What’s up with a swamp tour? Let’s just say, it’s more interesting and fun as it sounds! Louisiana’s Mississippi Delta is the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the United States. You can find numerous species of fishes, reptiles, mammals, and birds in and around its fertile waters.

11. Take Your Friends to See the 1850 House

Experience the lifestyle, prosperity, and taste of our ancestors of more than 150 years ago by visiting the 1850 House.

Here, you can see Old Paris porcelain, New Orleans silver as well as treasured paintings and furnishings in the old days.

12. Experience Downtown Alive!

Catch the party at Downtown Lafayette by attending the original street party known as “Downtown Alive!” From a small party in 1983, it is now attended by thousands of concert-goers and music lovers. Experience a night of live music, delicious food, and awesome art.

13. Observe Wildlife at Bayou Segnette State Park

Camp out and simply watch the birds and other wildlife that live and surround Bayou Segnette State Park. If you want to do another activity, you can try the place’s popular wave pool to complete your day.

14. Reenact a True Blood Scene at the Stockade Bed & Breakfast

Did you know that this place is the scenic location of True Blood’s romantic dinner between Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) and Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin)? Uh-huh.

Reenact the same romantic with your beau, but minus the kidnapping!

15. Watch the Acadiana Dragon Boat Races

Cheer your heart out for different teams as groups of families, friends, coworkers (none of which are professional rowers), compete for the Acadiana Dragon Boat Title! Feeling competitive? Create a team of your own and sign up! Who knows? You might just win!

This is an awesome experience you don’t want to miss.

What do you think about Louisiana now?