12 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in Louisiana (2024)
What’s better than a relaxing holiday after the long exhausting week of work? Absolutely nothing. And when the holiday turns into a diverse and beautiful weekend getaway in Louisiana, life mingles. Louisiana is in the Southern part of the United States. It offers an electric mix of history, heritage, accent, cuisine, a culture that all together explodes into fun, entertainment and memories. You may belong to any part of the west or even the world; this stunning state will add flavours to your life. And because the footprints of the state are large, there is so much to choose from for a weekend getaway in Louisiana.
Everything here relishes the time, from New Orleans being the hot spot to Cajun County offering food and culture. You can either look for a wealth of well-known attractions in Louisiana or choose to walk in the off-beaten paths; choices are endless. And with all that claimed, let’s look at how Louisiana fulfils everything it claims (tourism) about.
12 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in Louisiana
Have a look:
1. New Orleans
The Highlight of the state, New Orleans, make for a perfect weekend getaway in Louisiana. This top vacation city offers a plate full of French, Southern U.S. along with pinch and dash of Creole and Cajun. It is home to 300 years of history, the world-known Mardi Gras festival and the popular French Quarter neighbourhood. Be it a day trip, a weekend getaway or a long stay, travel here is incomplete without enjoying musical evenings at Bourbon Street. And for an unparalleled dining experience, add Café du Monde and Antoine’s Restaurant to your list.
2. Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s capital city, and being the capital, it surely has so much to offer. Considered an urban getaway in Louisiana, you can visit United States’ tallest capital building, the Louisiana State Capitol. If not the new one, step towards the Old State Capitol and tour the heritage while overlooking the Mississippi River. To add more to your historic craving, the Capitol Park Museum awaits you. Save a day for exploring the Mississippi River trail and grab some serene views of nature. And do not go back before eating at Elsie’s Plate & Pie and Cecelia Creole Bistro.
3. Lafayette
Located in the heart of Cajun Country, Lafayette is one of the popular weekend getaways in Louisiana. There is no shortage of nightlife for party animals at downtown Lafayette; it is all about dance, dine, and drink. Begin your Saturday by touring TABASCO Pepper Sauce Factory, and do visit the Jungle Gardens there. And since the city is close to Atchafalaya Basin, your Sunday is pre-booked for exploring this wonder. Just half an hour drive from Lafayette followed by an outstanding swamp tour is all that the basin is about.
4. Natchitoches
Natchitoches is the oldest settlement in Louisiana, ideal for a historic getaway. While you are roaming on the streets here, there’s plenty of French and Spanish colonial architecture to look around. Here you can explore an 1863 general store, Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile. Or tour a true 18th century Fort Saint-Jean Baptiste site. Float at the Cane River and then dine at Maglieaux’s right on the waterfront for some light-hearted adventure. Natchitoches is also home to two famous plantations, Oakland and Magnolia, worth visiting. This charming little town has great yet affordable B & Bs to make your entire trip.
5. Kisatchie National Forest
The ultimate weekend getaway in Louisiana, Kisatchie National Forest, is not worth missing. It is the only National Forest in the state and is spread over 604,000 acres of land. If you are a backpacker, drive two hours from Baton Rouge and reach your ultimate time recreation. The forest features several hiking and mountain biking trails for both beginners and professionals. Further, with lakes, bayous, and reservoirs, you can thoroughly enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing. Of course, because it is a weekend getaway, be ready to spend the night at the campgrounds. The forest has 10 campgrounds to choose from. And while you are amidst the woodlands, an abundance of wildlife spotting and photography opportunities comes as a by-product.
6. Lake Charles
Lake Charles is a city known for its excellent cuisine, gambling and music. It is located in Southwestern Louisiana and has so much to do. Start from the Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours and learn how spectacular nature can be. To have more, Sam Houston Jones State Park can become your next stop. Further, although you have missed the Mardi gras event, you can still visit its largest museum here in Lake Charles. This colourful world of costumes will leave you delighted and spellbound. And following the name, you cannot simply miss stepping down into the gorgeous Lake Charles. Book your kayak tours or rent a paddleboat and straight hit into the waters. Along with that, there are quite a lot of museums to explore in the city.
7. Shreveport
From the southwest, the next stop directly takes you towards the northwestern city in Louisiana, Shreveport. The city sits along the red river and offers an array of outdoor activities. Be it the Jubilee Zoo or the Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, every other stop will entertain you. Shreveport is also filled with countless museums. Some of the visit-worthy include the Water Works Museum, Railroad Museum, Meadows Museum of Art, and Marlene Yu Museum. And before you pack your bags and go back, do visit the Red River Brewing Company, fill your cups with the drink and enjoy the downtown view.
8. Cajun Country Cottages
Cajun Country Cottages are undoubtedly an experience on their own. These cottages are sitting amidst a secluded property and are quite old. You can choose from Evangeline, Little Cypress, Magenta, Playhouse, and Schoolhouse, the five cottages depending upon their décor. Despite how old and ruff they look from outside, it is about luxury and comfort once you step in. Staying here is nothing but a feeling of living in a world far apart from the busy city life. The property also has 5 acres of private lake fully stocked with fish. You can either go for a round of fishing, canoe or boat or simply have a walk observing the surrounding.
9. Maison D’Memoire, Rayne
If a weekend getaway in Louisiana for you is all about relaxation, then there isn’t a better option than Maison D’Memoire. It is only 15 minutes from Lafayette and is ideal for romantic getaways. It is basically a B & B featuring just 4 cottages in one of the most serene environments. Every cottage here is nearly a century old but filled with all contemporary amenities. The property also has its own private lake and spa tub suites, which all settled up beautifully amidst 20 acres. They serve delicious breakfast right within your room. And for more dining options, there are quite a lot of places within few minutes. Maison D’Memoire is all about peace, tranquillity, beauty, and relaxation.
10. The Fairfield Place, Shreveport
The Fairfield place is a B & B in Shreveport that makes for another relaxing getaway in Louisiana. It is housed inside a 19th-century building and is known for its period-inspired setting. Rooms here have a courtyard and patios, creating a warm relaxing feeling. Of the total 7 rooms, every single room has unique furnishing along with all modern amenities. They serve you a warm breakfast in your room, featuring both hot and cold options. Or there are multiple dining places nearby, of which Yeero-Yeero and Athena Greek & Lebanese Grill are a must-try. And if you want to add some excitement to the trip, Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, Spring Street Museum, and a few stops are close by.
11. Breaux Bridge
Also known as the crawfish capital of the world, Breaux Bridge is a must-visit when in Louisiana. This small town sits along the Bayou Teche. It is known for its Cajun music and food scene, Zydeco’s rich history, and charming downtown. May in the town is packed with people visiting for the annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival. The festival features everything from crawfish delicacies to crawfish races and whatnot. Though during the rest of the months, you can opt for swamp tours of Acadiana. These tours are operated from sunrise to sunset, with special night tours thereafter. For a weekend getaway, all of this is even more than enough.
12. Venice
Located near the south-eastern tip of Louisiana, Venice is a small community/ town. It is where Mississippi flows into the Gulf of Mexico, and there is a lot of strips of land and water. Venice is a sportsman’s paradise, and one can fish, boat, camp and kayak in the surroundings. The region is home to wildlife, and guests can take several tours to observe them all. Further, if you are into paranormal adventure, a short drive from Venice will take you to the historic site of Ft. Jackson. CrawGator Bar and Grill, Changes Restaurant, and Maw’s are some great places to eat in the town.
