Things to do in Louisiana, United States: The Best Visitor Centers

January 9, 2022 Hana Mouser

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. St. Landry Parish Visitor Center

978 Kennerson Rd, Opelousas, LA 70570-9005 +1 337-948-8004 https://cajuntravel.com/venue/st-landry-parish-visitor-center/
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

St. Landry Parish Visitor Center

The center, opened in May 2011, not only provides travelers with information on the area, including historic and cultural traditions, but it is one of the first visitor information centers in the state and the southern region that has a focus on sustainability and green construction. The building was designed to show how sustainable practices, both old and new, can work together for the betterment of the region. Sustainable features of the center include a water cistern, wind turbine and photovoltaic panels. Building materials were salvaged during construction to reuse for the creation of an art exhibit and functional pieces to be shown and utilized within the center. This project was completed by area artists, craftsmen and students. Travelers are also introduced to the various ecosystems found within the area. The landscape design plays an integral part in this project utilizing indigenous plantings and trees from St. Landry Parish, reflecting several of Louisiana's ecosystems. Our Our travel counselors are ready to provide group or individual tours of the facility. We look forward to seeing you in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana!

2. Houma Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

114 Tourist Dr, Gray, LA 70359-6311
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 94 reviews

Houma Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Less than an hour south of New Orleans, the Houma area offers authentic Cajun Culture, outdoor adventure, beautiful views of the bayou, world-class fishing, and mouth-watering cuisine. The Houma Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is your first stop for information on Louisiana's Bayou Country and making the most out of your stay.

3. Morgan City Visitor Center

900 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Morgan City, LA 70380-1400 +1 985-380-8224 https://www.cajuncoast.com/about-us/our-visitor-centers
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Morgan City Visitor Center

Visit the Interpretative and Welcome Center to learn about the Cajun Coast. Then, step into an unspoiled South Louisiana swamp by stepping outside our doors. As you stroll the covered walkway around the building, view tupleo and cypress trees, hear cicada, spy an American Bald Eagle or catch a glimpse of Cayenne — the 6-foot American Alligator who lives in the swamp behind the visitor center.

4. I-55 - Kentwood Welcome Center

77479 I-55 South, Kentwood, LA 70444 +1 985-229-8338 [email protected] https://www.crt.state.la.us/tourism/welcome-centers/kentwood/index
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

I-55 - Kentwood Welcome Center

5. Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission

1400 NW Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA 70501-2829 +1 800-346-1958 https://www.lafayettetravel.com/listing/lafayette-convention-and-visitors-commission/4031/
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

Lafayette Convention  & Visitors Commission

6. Iberville Parish Visitor's Center

17525 Highway 77, Grosse Tete, LA 70740-3006 +1 225-687-5198
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
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0%
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Iberville Parish Visitor's Center

7. Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau

2513 Highway 14, New Iberia, LA 70560-9614 +1 888-942-3742 [email protected] http://www.iberiatravel.com
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau

We invite you to savor the difference in Iberia Parish where our blend of Cajun spices provides a unique taste of Louisiana’s Cajun Country. The Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official parish marketing agency promoting New Iberia, Avery Island, Jefferson Island, Jeanerette, Loreauville and Delcambre as a destination.

8. Basin St. Station

501 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112-3552 +1 504-293-2600 [email protected] http://www.basinststation.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 135 reviews

Basin St. Station

Welcoming thousands of visitors into New Orleans every day, Basin St. Station provides an authentic and exciting introduction to our richly diverse and historic city. The first floor contains a staffed visitor information center featuring educational community exhibits, a performance venue, a walking tour kiosk, and an authentically New Orleans and Louisiana gift shop. Located in the lobby of Basin St. Station Welcome Center, the Basin St. Cafe is a French Market style grab-n-go New Orleans coffee bar run by Messina’s. The Rooftop on Basin, a special event space perched atop Basin St. Station, offers stunning views overlooking the French Quarter. The salon and terrace spaces offer guests a unique flavor of New Orleans by merging the traditional with an elegant chic style of New Orleans.

Reviewed By 143maureend - Bowmanville, Canada

My hotel was right around the corner from the Basin Street Station and I'd been left off at the station after a cemetery tour I'd participated in. What a nice place! They have a hop on hop off tour and loads of information available for visitors! Also some lovely train displays!

9. Lake Charles Visitor Center

1205 N Lake Shore Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601-2125 +1 337-436-9588 https://www.visitlakecharles.org/articles/post/lake-charlessouthwest-louisiana-convention-visitors-bureau-celebrates-national-tourism-week/
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 112 reviews

Lake Charles Visitor Center

Located off of I-10 towards downtown on beautiful Lake Charles, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau is here to serve visitors as a resource center for the region. Among the opportunities that you can learn about here are the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road and the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail. In addition, we have local dining, casino, festival, and outdoor activity guides.

Reviewed By Hatwoman - Pomfret, United States

Looking around for some things to do in Lake Charles area; stroll around, use the restrooms; pick up brochures; purchase post cards; take photos of some of the alligators and outside topiary figures. Spent almost 2 hrs. Highly recommend.

10. Begnaud House

110 Benoit Patin Rd, Scott, LA 70583-5153 +1 337-269-5155 [email protected] http://silvrrwulf.wix.com/begnaud-house#!
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Begnaud House

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