14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Louisiana (2024)

Louisiana is beautifully diverse and culturally rich. It is where one can live and enjoy life slowly rather than struggling here and there. On the one hand, Northern Louisiana offers prairies and farmland. In Contrast, Southern Louisiana is on the wilder and unique side. This part of the State is more about bayou life, swamps, lakes and animals. Further, while you roam around the central part of the State, Art, culture, history and events await you. Thus, in short, no matter which part of State you want to travel to, popular tourist attractions in Louisiana never fall short.

While New Orleans is the best Louisiana city to begin your trip, Baton Rouge remains no far from offering great tourism. Where most of the state capitals are all about the hustle and bustle, Baton Rouge is a plates experience that is steady and admirable. Despite tourism in Louisiana being less adventurous than several other U.S. states, its own vibes are admirable enough.

14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Louisiana

With that said, without wasting any more time, let’s straight get into Louisiana’s tourist attractions.

1. Melrose Plantation, Melrose, Louisiana

One of the largest plantations in the United States, Melrose Plantation is a must-visit when in Louisiana. It is one finest example of a Creole plantation in the Nation and also a National Historic Landmark. The plantation was built back in the 1790s by free blacks and today presents 2 centuries of beautiful history. One can explore 9 historic buildings, an art collection by world-famous mural artists, and preserved heritage and culture. What makes the plantation special is that everything inside the historic house is kept intact as they were back in time.

2. Rosedown Plantation and Gardens, St. Francisville, Louisiana

Rosedown Plantation and Gardens are one of the best-preserved of their kind in Louisiana. This 8000 acres property comprises a historic home and gorgeous European-style gardens from the 19th century. While taking a tour here, guests can learn how plantation owners’ and slaves’ lives were back in time. The historic home presents an original layout with furniture and decoration, providing a sneak peek of the period lifestyle. Visitors can take guided tours, see a live re-enactment on the grounds and a lot more.

3. Old State Capitol, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Louisiana, the Old State Capitol, is visit-worthy. This Gothic-Revival-style building resembles a fictional castle and is popular for its dramatic impression. Until 1932 the building served as State capitol; however, it is a known history museum in the city today. Guests can access two floors and learn about State’s events and history. One of the highlights here is the 4D “Ghost of the Castle” presentation. Before going back, consider spending some time outside observing the gorgeous Mississippi River backdrop.

4. Preservation Hall, New Orleans, Louisiana

Its first glimpse from outside may disappoint you, but once you step inside the Preservation hall, is worth it. It is basically a Jazz venue from the 1960s that honors Traditional New Orleans Jazz. The hall you see today was once an art gallery. Currently, guests can come here to enjoy music shows and concerts that happen almost every night. Though it is one small venue, musicians who perform here are extremely talented. For grabbing the very front seat, consider reaching a little early. The lively atmosphere here is admirable beyond the location visualizes.

5. Vermilionville Historic Village, Lafayette, Louisiana

Louisiana has witnessed cultures that are even older than the European settlement. And one of the best examples of that is the Vermilionville Historic Village. From Creole to Acadians and Native Americans, everyone has lived and built cultures here. With your very first step here, Vermilionville takes you on a ride straight into the historical era. This 23 acres site is home to original Acadian homes like La Chapelle des Attakapas, the L’École schoolhouse etc. Other notables here include an animal farm, Mardi Gras traditions, live music nights and a restaurant.

6. Laura Plantation, Vacherie, Louisiana

Laura Plantation is a heritage site and one of the best places to visit in Louisiana. The site was built in the early 1800s and has been open for tours since 1994. It offers insights and evidence to the dark history and culture of Louisiana. Guests can observe collections speaking about all-but-forgotten African-Americans who were captive here for sugarcane plantation. These collections are all about exhibiting slaves’ livelihood, how they were treated and other Inhumane histories. For anyone who is interested in Louisiana’s history, Laura’s plantation is a must-visit attraction.

7. Mardi Gras World, New Orleans, Louisiana

Anyone who knows Louisiana definitely is familiar with Mardi Gras. It is one of the world-renowned festivals organized every year, welcoming crowds towards New Orleans. Though if you happen to miss the event, you can still visit the Mardi Gras World and build an experience. The location is all about the behind-the-scenes of this world-class event. Guest can take a self-guided tour of this 300,000 square foot working warehouse and observe floats and sculptures. Bring your camera along, as visuals here will captivate your eyes and mind forever. Going back, shop for artifacts from their little gift shop.

8. French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana

By far the best place to visit in Louisiana, French Quarter is all about praises and appreciation. It was established back in 1700 and since then has served as a prominent source of culture and history. From oldest streets to 300 years old building, there’s a lot prominent that makes French quarter what it is today. Bourbon Street, North Rampart Street, Royal Street, and Decatur Street are popular streets to explore. Apart from them, Louis Armstrong Park is something you must not miss. Before going back, make sure you do check Café du Monde and the St. Louis Cathedral.

9. Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, Louisiana

Frenchman Street or Local’s Bourbon Street is a lively part of the French Quarter as lovingly called by residents. No matter what time of the day or year you visit, you will find it jam-packed with locals and tourists. The street is known for its Jazz music, street art, authentic local food and shopping places. Within a short walk from the French quarter or via city tours by horse-drawn carriages, one can reach here. From architecture to breweries, clubs, bars and locals, everything at Frenchmen is interestingly amazing.

10. Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, Louisiana

Audubon Zoo is another New Orleans attraction you must add to your Louisiana itinerary. The zoo is home to over 2000 animals brought here from across the world. Animals here are kept in their natural habitat (recreated). Guests can observe an exotic mix of animals from leopards, jaguars, alligators to colubrids, leucistic, and nutria. Here, some of the highlights include Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle, Asian wildlife, and the Reptile Encounter exhibit. Komodo dragons, one of the largest lizards, are housed here, do not dare miss seeing them. Once done with the Zoo exploration, visit the shops and restaurants before going back.

11. National WWII Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana

Explore the military history museum, the National WWII Museum, when in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a multi-building museum that details WWII from the battle of the sea to air and the ground war challenges of Europe. History enthusiasts will enjoy ‘Road to Berlin,’ an impactful exhibit and the ‘Submarine exhibit,’ wonderful indeed. For seeing full-scale planes, enter the Boeing exhibit, or head towards the 4-D theatre and learn briefly about WWII. The museum operates from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm for admissions starting from $31.

12. USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial is located in the capital city of Louisiana, Baton Rouge. The museum is dedicated to the freedom fighter who lost their life for the Independence of America. This museum is basically a decommissioned battleship parked in the Mississippi River. It is an authentic battleship that served World War II. Guests can explore exhibitions dedicated to World War I, weapon replicas, aircraft and ship models and the history of how life was a sea. It is one of the great places to bring family and kids along.

13. St. Martin de Catholic Church, St. Martinville, Louisiana

While you are in the State, you cannot miss visiting the oldest church of Louisiana. The St. Martin de is a Catholic church that is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It has been operating since 1840 and is still in working condition organizing prayers and mass regularly. Its beautiful Romanesque style all-white architecture is admirable, along with statues and monuments standing strong. At inside, vintage decorative architecture will leave you praising all while. For building your own time of peace, consider spending a few hours here.

14. Mike the Tiger’s Habitat, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Last in the list but a famous and top-rated tourist attraction in Louisiana, Mike the Tiger’s habitat deserves a place in your itinerary. It is basically a living mascot of the Louisiana State University that attracts lakhs of visitors every year. It is also one of the largest tiger facilities in the Nation, and Baton Rouge is proud of it. LSU provides a huge facility for Mike (tiger) to roam around freely. This habitat includes rocks, plants, a waterfall and more. As a guest, you can stand at the visitor’s area and observe Mike playing and enjoying his time. Despite several Zoos you have visited your life, do consider being at this extravagant tiger habitat.