See Louisiana through its Citys and Surroundings.
The scenery, the sites, and indeed the people are all part of why you need to see Louisiana.
But not just New Orleans. The state has so many hidden treasures.
Come, let’s take a visual stroll through this captivating state.
I love Louisiana.
Louisiana Destinations.
NORTH
CENTRAL.
SOUTH.
See Louisiana, and You Decide.
It has so much to offer. Absolutely, there is New Orleans, and everybody should see it once possibly twice as the first visit may be blurry.
But there is more to the state. All along the coast, you have the fishing industry, bayous, and swamps to explore. There’s the origin of Louisiana pepper sauces and old battlefields to discover.
In the north, you have a UNESCO world heritage site, a whole new take on Louisiana cuisine, and more.
Just upriver, you have grand plantation homes that represent an ugly time in United States history.
There are Creole towns and Cajun music.
You cannot see Louisiana in a few days.
WORSE CASE, focus on two-three cities and immerse yourself for seven days. A little better, add an extra weekend on and give yourself ten days.
People say, oh but I am going to go back again. If you already know this, why try to cram so much into the first visit?
I suggest and find most people are happy with, doing one of three sections per trip. More specifically, New Orleans and the Delta. New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Or the rest of the state.
Cruises can be confusing. Cruises??? Louisiana doesn’t have cruises.
Au contraire, cruise ships are departing for the Caribbean and paddle wheelers exploring the Mississippi River.
The Caribbean cruises will not show you much of Louisiana. They may take you to islands that were once suppliers of rum to Louisiana. So you might want to consider a day or two in Louisiana before or after your cruise.
The paddlewheel cruises often stop at some of the plantations in the lower Mississippi. They may also stop at St Francisville LA. This historic town is seven river bends, or 36 miles driving north of Baton Rouge. Several buildings, dating from 1809, are on the National Register. Some then return to New Orleans while others head to additional states upriver.
There are some very scenic roads in Louisiana. Following the Great River Road will take you past grand plantation homes. The Bayou Teche Scenic Byway offers over 100 historical properties as it curves south from Lafayette.
In northwest Louisiana, drive roads through the hill country that follow the old trails of pioneers and native Americans.
Day Trips
From New Orleans or Baton Rouge, the Great River Road is easily accessible. New Orleans also offers swamp tours.
With a base in Natchitoches, you are less than three hours’ drive from Shreveport or Poverty Point UNESCO site. Also, Natchez Mississippi is under three hours drive.
Do you start to get the picture? Louisiana has so much to offer, don’t skimp. What will be your favorite memory?