Louisiana offers unique architecture, abundant wildlife, one-of-a-kind attractions and vibrant culture.
Passing through Louisiana’s River Parishes, you’ll find plantations loaded with history, like Laura Plantation: Louisiana’s Creole Heritage Site and Whitney Plantation. Each tells its own unique history. Laura is centered around Creole heritage and its tour is based entirely on historical documentation of the site. Whitney’s focus is exclusively on the experiences of the enslaved. Grab a beignet at Café du Monde and visit the world-renowned National World War II Museum in New Orleans. End your trip on a charter boat out from Venice and see what fresh catch you can reel in.
The Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway is rich in Acadian culture. Looping along the path of a former channel of the Mississippi River, Bayou Teche Byway winds through south Louisiana’s lush swamps and moss-draped bayous. The byway crosses beautiful marshes and fields of sugar cane, connecting lovely towns that have well-preserved historic districts. The cuisine, customs and architecture here reflect influences of Native American, European, African, Caribbean and other peoples who settled the area. Grab a bite and a brew at Bayou Teche Brewing in Arnaudville, paddle along the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail, and learn some Cajun and Creole history at Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site. Stop by Avery Island, where the Tabasco Factory and Museum resides, to learn the history of this world-famous hot sauce bottled only in Louisiana.
Along the Boom or Bust Byway, visitors can take in the beauty of northwest Louisiana near Shreveport. Graveyards of longstanding oil field equipment that died when the oil industry went bust stand as reminders of the state’s longtime ties to the energy industry, and stops along this byway are rich in history. The Vivian Railroad Station Museum depicts the history and culture of north Caddo Parish. The Red River Crossroads Museum offers insights into the area’s Native American heritage, through the French Territorial days, the Louisiana Purchase, and the discovery of oil.
And the Germantown Colony Museum, founded in the early 1800s, still has some original buildings and artifacts. After a day of exploration and good eats, relax at Lake Claiborne State Park with some recreational activities on the water.
Best time to visit
There truly is no bad time to visit Louisiana, as a state that loves to celebrate year round we have festivals and good times to be had all year. Most visitors would consider Springtime to be the most ideal weather conditions to truly enjoy all that Louisiana has to offer. You will find the Bayous, Lakes, Forests and Festivals of Louisiana are vibrant and alive all year and no 2 seasons are the same so you’ll just have to come back and see for yourself.
Top tip: Come hungry and Feed Your Soul, there are few things Louisianans take more seriously than the quality and breadth of options available in our restaurant’s, food truck or even the gas stations – Gumbo has to be the #1 must try dish but we will also bring you Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, Etouffee, Boudin or Oysters and then follow that up with Beignets, Bananas Foster or more bread pudding than you can quite imagine its all delicious and its all flavoured with a little Louisiana ‘Je Ne Sais Quio’.
How to book
Why not embark on your own journey of discovery, and create stories that are uniquely yours? To learn more about all the exciting road trips Louisiana has to offer, please contact your UK based Tour Operator or Agent.
This article was submitted by Explore Louisiana and published on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Explore Louisiana at the Cheltenham Travel Festival taking place on Saturday 21st February 2026, from 10am-4pm. Plan your visit, view our travel talks, exhibitors and book your tickets to attend.
