Top Things to do in Louisiana
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The 10 Best State Parks in Louisiana, United States
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. Kincaid Recreation Area
2. Evangeline State Park
3. Fontainebleau State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 340 reviews
Reviewed By 971ginaa - Dallas, United States
Camped in a 35” motorhome. We are self-contained so cannot comment on restrooms/shower facilities. Overall – We loved it. Pros – - Level sites - Lots of space between sites - Very quiet - Lots of beautiful trees - Good Verizon and T-Mobile cell and internet service - Water and electric sites – dump station is at a convenient location - Lots of trails for biking and walking, wonderful boardwalk to see birds, Tammany Trace bike trail runs through park. - Deer going through campground a daily occurrence. - Birding areas and hiking trails in nearby Refuges Cons – - Didn’t stay long enough :)
4. South Toledo Bend State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By LeBonNomad - New Orleans, United States
Thankfully the tent camping spots and RV spots are separate. I enjoyed my view from a primitive spot along the reservoir. Nice and quiet and such a nice view when I woke up. The park is clean, safe, well planned. The restroom and laundry facilities are well maintained. There is a small beach and a few nice hiking trails. There is also a playground for young children near the RV spots.
5. Louisiana State Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By 3fpm - Louisiana, United States
Had a great time hiking the many trails and viewing the displays. The facility is very nice and a friendly knowledgeable staff.
6. Tickfaw State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By neworleanszombie - Livingston, United States
This is a very beautiful park. Has many trails to hike. Picnic areas, camping, playgrounds, RV sites, cabin rentals, etc.
7. Lake Claiborne State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By jimlI9874TP - Shreveport, United States
Very quiet and peaceful. The pads and restrooms were very well cleaned and serviced by campground host, Jack, who was very friendly. We visited in the dead of winter thinking that it would be mostly empty and was surprised to find that most of the sites were full. People were very friendly and family oriented. We were a group of 3 and were able to be located in very close pads. For us, this park compared very favorably to parks we stayed in in Arkansas. In addition, we were able to take advantage of a special half price discount. Such a deal!
8. Palmetto Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By ladybugtx76 - Beaumont, United States
A day trip to visit friends staying in the park made us wish we were able to stay and enjoy the fun! Such a nice place —well maintained and family friendly. As you enter, you actually drive through the swamp— lots of places along the way to see the cypress trees, vegetation, animals, and the mystery mist rising!
9. Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By mollyi868 - New Orleans, United States
I had no idea this existed, but when we drove by we immediately turned around to check it out. For only $4 a person we watched a short film about the Olivier family, the Acadians and the Creoles, walked around the museum, and had a guided tour through the Olivier Plantation. Our guide, Timmy, was very knowledgeable about the grounds and the history. The plantation is so beautiful and well preserved, I was amazed at how much of it was original. I will recommend this everyone I know coming to the area.
10. Fairview-Riverside State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Reagan10 - Conroe, United States
We stayed here for one night while passing through. The campground is just a few minutes off I-12, but far enough that there is no noise. The campground is divided into two areas. Stay in the far loop and you are right on the water. There is a small boat launch and dock, along with boardwalks through the swamp and along the bayou. Our stay at site 70 was quiet, shady and peaceful. We would definitely stay again if in the area.
