Top Things to do in Louisiana
Countries
Things to do in Louisiana, United States: The Best Water & Amusement Parks
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. Carousel Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Closed due to damage suffered in Hurricane Katrina.
Reviewed By Julesfromlc - Lake Charles, United States
First of all, I'm not sure why the description states that this attraction is closed due to Hurricane Katrina. It is definitely open. Our family just recently spent the day there. It was wonderful. The kids enjoyed walking through the adorable Storyland area. Their favorite part was the amusement rides. For only eighteen dollars a child, we purchased wristbands that allowed them to ride all day. I really liked the train ride that allowed us to get a good view of City Park.
2. Gator Grounds RV Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Codeman191
This is a very nice RV park. We spent 7 days here and enjoyed them all. The grounds are very well taken care of. Staff were always eager to help or assist everyone. RV spots seemed to have plenty of room to move about. Outdoor waterpark had something for everyone. Whether it be pools waterslides, or lazy river. The indoor park was perfect for hot or rainy days. The little ones were never bored. Can't say enough good things about this place. We plan on going back at a later date.
3. Storyland
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 103 reviews
A fairy tale land populated by fantastic creatures who like nothing better than little kids!
Reviewed By 405jeanines
I visited Storyland on Saturday, November 9th, 2019 with my son, daughter-in-law and their three children. It was not only magically overwhelming to the children once we passed through the gates, but I as a 70 year old grandmother was in awe aas well. Although it was necessary to keep our eyes on the little ones at all times, because they were wandering everywhere as fast as they could go, I must admit I was amazed! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL RESTORATION of this historical place. I remember Storyland when I was a much younger person, as I grew up in the City of New Orleans. I will be back very soon with my other grandchildren so they too can enjoy it as well. Thank you to the Friends of City Park for restoring this area so beautifully.
4. Natchitoches Alligator Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By murphle374 - Kentucky, United States
First let me say I am a kid at heart, and I LOVE animals...so obviously we had to visit the alligator park as soon as possible after moving to Louisiana! Word of warning- its not a clean place by any means, so bring hand sanitizer! They have hand-sani stations throughout the park but some of them were out. I don't count the cleanliness issue against our experience though, there are animals everywhere so to me it was par for the course. The alligator ponds were awesome, there are walkways on either side of them so you will get a chance to get up close (safe distance of course) to the gators. The gator areas are secured with multiple layers of fencing, and there were multiple families with small children running around so very family-friendly. The feeding show was the highlight, you sit in bleachers and a loudspeaker comes on and narrates the whole thing in a Louisiana accent, very cute. Watching those giant gators jump up and grab the steaks was awesome! It lasted maybe 15 minutes. Other areas include a baby goat pen, adult goat pen, deer pen, emus, raccoons, ducks .. hopefully im not forgetting anything. There were a lot of animals! You can feed all of them, either by buying a baggie of animal food at the gift shop or you can buy animal food from the little machines located throughout the park for 25 cents. There were also aquariums with box turtles, a snapping turtle, baby alligators, and snakes. You can also pay $8 to hold an alligator and have your picture taken. We had a great time and spent an hour and a half there. We will most definitely be bringing family here when they visit!
5. Blue Bayou Water Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 303 reviews
There's nothing like a water park for a hot Louisiana day, and this one is especially refreshing, not only for the heat relief offered by its wave pool, raft ride and slides, but also for its noncommercial, friendly atmosphere.
6. Water Town USA
7. Splash Kingdom Waterpark
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 112 reviews
Splash Kingdom is a family friendly waterpark that offers plenty of summer fun for everyone. There are wave pools, slides, children's areas and a lazy river for those who want to just relax.
8. Prehistoric Park
9. White Sands Lake Day Beach
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Jenna1230 - Houma, United States
Excellent day at White Sands. The lake is large with a sandy bottom to about 5 feet, then goes deeper as you get farther out to the inflatables. Multiple inflatables & aqua lily pads to play on. Section for 11 & under and then any ages in the other section. Easy to swim between the two areas or walk along the beach between the two. Cabanas available for rent for the day include 1-2 picnic tables(depending on size), garbage barrel(s) & weber BBQ grill. Canoes, Life jackets & other things available to rent. No motorized watercraft though. The sand was very hot so be sure to wear some type of footwear to prevent your feet from burning. The sand & water was clean. Water felt refreshing on a hot day. Definitely worth the entrance fee for a fun-filled day at the lake. Kids under 11 are required to wear life jackets which is good since the inflatables are in deeper water. Life guards are on duty and are attentive. Definitely recommend for an outdoor activity for some fun, sun & water. Kind of in the middle of the country so not a great cell signal. May want to save directions to & from for offline use if you are not familiar with the area. Beautiful scenery & properties along the route through Covington & Isabel.
