From brass to bayous, po’boys to pralines, and Jazz to jambalaya—there’s a lot to celebrate in Louisiana, and you better believe we do. Come for the sights, sounds, and flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Come for what we call, “joie de vivre.” It’s the joy of life and it’s a feeling that will lift you up, spin you around, and put you down in a lighter, brighter place.
Louisiana offers swamp excursions, unique museums, stately historic homes and more can’t-miss spots you won’t find anywhere else. There’s no shortage of opportunities for enriching group tour experiences. It’s a perfect way to get to know Louisiana, whether you’re with friends or strangers. Because here in Louisiana, strangers become friends.
Take a tour of New Orleans and feel the history and charm of the French Quarter. Grab one of Café du Monde’s famous beignets, listen to ghost stories, hear riffs of jazz, and smell authentic Creole cuisine wafting through the air. Meandering through Louisiana’s Great River Road, you’ll learn the about Louisiana’s historic homes and Creole heritage.
Café du Monde is famous for its beignets and cafe au lait
If you’re looking for Cajun cooking and Zydeco music, look no further. In Lafayette, get a taste of Cajun cuisine at Prejean’s, and once you’ve worked up an appetite, take to the dance floor and let loose to live music. Nearby in Scott, visit Martin Accordions for shop tours and experience the sounds of Cajun culture with demonstrations.
On Avery Island, Visit the Tabasco® Museum and Country Store to see where, and how, this iconic hot sauce came to be. Then, explore the Jungle Gardens – a 170-acre botanical park and bird sanctuary that features a 900-year-old Buddha statue nestled within a massive bamboo forest.
For outdoors enthusiasts, the Atchafalaya basin is an ideal spot for a swamp tour adventure – with a plethora of captains waiting to share this fascinating region with eager visitors. There’s no better way to explore America’s largest freshwater swamp and get up close and personal with the local wildlife.
Get your fill of small-town charm in Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Tour Melrose Plantation and see murals by the iconic Clementine Hunter. The Natchitoches meat pie is a must-try, and you can find them just about anywhere in town.
Children exploring Melrose Plantation
Up north at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, take a backstage tour of this famed performing arts venue and walk in the footsteps of music legends – including Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter and James Burton. Tour the picturesque Landry Vineyards in Monroe, and visit the Poverty Point World Heritage Site – featuring native mounds that date back thousands of years.
the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
So “Come one, come y’all!” Come for smiles, not souvenirs. Come heed the call of happiness. Make a departure from the ordinary and dine on something deliciously decadent, and let Louisiana’s remarkably rich culture feed your soul. Learn more at LouisianaTravel.com.
