From lively jazz clubs and Creole cuisine to scenic road trips and deep Southern history, Louisiana is one of America’s most exciting destinations. Whether you’re planning a city break in New Orleans or a fly-drive adventure through Baton Rouge and the bayous, this state delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
If you’re looking for a holiday that combines culture, music, food, and incredible scenery, Louisiana should be at the top of your list.
New Orleans: Music, Food & Culture Around Every Corner
New Orleans is the soul of Louisiana — famous for its live music, colourful streets, and unique mix of French, Spanish, and Southern influences.
Best Things to Do in New Orleans
- Explore the French Quarter, filled with historic buildings, lively bars, and hidden courtyards
- Experience live jazz on Frenchmen Street
- Take a stroll through Jackson Square and along the Mississippi River
- Enjoy classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets
- Hop aboard a traditional riverboat cruise for skyline and river views
The city comes alive after dark, but there’s just as much charm during the daytime when you can wander through local markets, cafés, and art galleries.
Top tip: Stay central if possible — many of New Orleans’ best attractions are walkable, and the atmosphere is part of the experience.
Baton Rouge: Louisiana’s Capital with Southern Charm
Often overlooked by visitors, Baton Rouge offers a more relaxed side of Louisiana with fantastic food, riverfront views, and rich history.
Highlights in Baton Rouge
- Visit the impressive Louisiana State Capitol
- Walk along the Mississippi River waterfront
- Explore local museums and historic plantations nearby
- Experience game-day energy around LSU if you’re visiting during football season
- Discover authentic Cajun and Creole dining spots
Baton Rouge also works perfectly as part of a Louisiana fly-drive holiday, giving travellers the chance to combine city experiences with scenic road trips through smaller Southern towns and bayou landscapes.
Top tip: Rent a car and use Baton Rouge as a base to explore plantations, swamp tours, and hidden local gems outside the city.
A Louisiana Fly-Drive: The Best Way to Explore
One of the best ways to experience Louisiana is through a fly-drive holiday. The distances between destinations are manageable, and the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
Ideal Louisiana Fly-Drive Stops
- New Orleans – Music, nightlife, and culture
- Baton Rouge – History and Southern hospitality
- Plantation Country – Historic homes and river scenery
- Lafayette – The heart of Cajun country
- The Bayous – Swamp tours, wildlife, and unforgettable landscapes
Driving through Louisiana gives you the freedom to discover roadside diners, local music venues, and scenic river routes that many tourists miss.
Top tip: Don’t rush the drive — some of the best experiences happen in the smaller towns between the major cities.
Louisiana Travel Tips:
To make the most of your holiday, keep these tips in mind:
- Visit in spring or autumn for pleasant temperatures and festival season
- Pack light clothing — Louisiana can be warm and humid year-round
- Book ahead for festivals and events, especially Mardi Gras
- Allow extra time in New Orleans — there’s always more to discover
- Take a swamp or bayou tour for a completely different side of the state
Why Louisiana Should Be Your Next USA Holiday
Louisiana offers something completely different from anywhere else in the United States. It’s a place where music spills into the streets, food becomes part of the adventure, and every town has its own story to tell.
Whether you’re enjoying the nightlife of New Orleans, discovering Baton Rouge on a fly-drive itinerary, or cruising through the bayous, Louisiana promises a holiday full of atmosphere, flavour, and unforgettable moments.
Make the Most of Your Louisiana Holiday with Tour America
From live jazz and world-famous cuisine to scenic fly-drive adventures and unforgettable Southern culture, Louisiana offers so much more than just New Orleans.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family or group of friends, Tour America can help you plan the perfect Louisiana holiday — from vibrant city stays in New Orleans to incredible road trips through Baton Rouge, Cajun Country and the beautiful bayous.
