Louisiana is a state in the Deep South of America, renowned for its captivating Cajun and Creole culture. It’s infused with Acadian influences from France as well as Spanish ones! This intoxicating mix can be tasted best explored through cities such as Lafayette or Baton Rouge – two states capitals located there that showcase this colorful heritage at every turn. You won’t want to miss New Orleans either where you’ll find fabulous French Quarter neighborhoods filled with music studios vying for attention alongside some other must see attractions like Mardi Gras celebrations which happen annually during Lent season (think about when we had our Brit Week here).
Louisiana is a state full of history, culture, and heritage. Its beautiful landscapes make it one helluva destination for any traveler looking to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life in America! Explore its lovely delta with bayous stretching as far back into time as you can imagine; visit old plantations hidden among luscious vegetation – all while enjoying some joie de vivre that’ll keep your senses reeling until next week at least!!
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Top 12: Oak Alley Plantation
One of the most impressive historic sites in Louisiana, Oak Alley Plantation can be found on a stunningly scenic spot along the banks of the Mississippi River. The charming canopy welcoming you to this property is not only its signature feature but also what makes it so well-known throughout the state for all these years!
The plantation is named after this 240 meter-long pretty path where the double row of oak trees was planted sometime in the 18th century. At the end is a magnificent mansion showcasing some delightful Greek Revival architecture with a colossal colonnade and wraparound porch looking out over gardens.
A walk through this ancient architecture and lush landscaping will mask a painful past, where people were enslaved to work on the plantation for decades. Visitors can learn all about their experiences by taking a tour around Oak Alley’s National Historic Landmark status as well as an excellent restaurant with cozy inns available inside it!
Top 11: Grand Isle State Park
Lying at the eastern tip of Grand Isle, a beautiful barrier island sits across from Barataria Bay and the Mississippi River. The state park is sure to delight nature lovers with its picturesque views as you enjoy all that this area has in store for outdoor enthusiasts!
The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birdwatchers, but it’s also famous as one of America’s best fishing spots. If you’re looking to get out on the water and enjoy some quality time with friends or family in this beautiful area then make sure to pack up your rods and lines because there are plenty of fish here!
As the only state park in Louisiana, Grand Isle State Park offers visitors a slice of nature’s beauty and charm that cannot be found anywhere else. Visitors can enjoy boat tours as well as fishing or birdwatching with some intriguing sunbathing opportunities to boot!
Top 10: Steamboat Natchez
New Orleans is a city with so much history and culture. One way to experience it all would be on the Steamboat Natchez, as they cruise along with gorgeous views of New Orleans’ past; from historic mansions to Native American settlements in a fertile land that was once prone to mosquitos!
The Natchez, often referred to as the first steamboat on American Rivers and one of many original boats still in use today. The current model boasts sparkling white steel sides with radiant red paddle blades that are based on earlier designs from back when this vessel was built all way back in 1823!
Besides enjoying the views from its dashing decks, guests also learn fascinating facts about New Orleans and its history as they pass through. There are cruises where you can enjoy a Creole dinner or listen to jazz while going on these tours of attractions in this scenic city!
Top 9: Laura Plantation
The Laura Plantation is one of the most important historical sites in Louisiana. It’s included as part of a 22-mile walking trail, and can be found on the west bank near Oak Alley Plantation with its large property that was once home to many slaves!
Founded in 1804, it prospered during the 19th century when slaves from both Creole and American origins harvested sugar cane on this plantation. Originally known as Duparc Plantation it now has a restored Creole-style big house for visitors to explore among other buildings which include slave cabins or outbuildings.
One of the most interesting things about visiting this plantation is that you get to experience what life was like for people back in their day. You can also hear all sorts of fascinating stories
Top 8: Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol is more than just a building, it’s an iconic landmark in the heart of Baton Rouges’ history that has been standing for over two centuries. The architectural design features make this attraction unidentifiable from any other state capitol with its delightful and distinctive decorations which date back to when Louisiana was still Spanish territory!
The National Historic Landmark, built between 1847 and 1852 in the Gothic Revival style with towers and crenelations spied alongside a fantastic facade. The building houses an impressive staircase as well as many other hallways that lead to elegant rooms containing stained-glass domes at its center!
The Louisiana Castle has witnessed many events in its long history. Nowadays, it is home to the Museum of Political History which contains educational and interactive exhibits on the state’s heritage for visitors from all around America!
Top 7: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is the perfect destination for history buffs, with six sites scattered across south Louisiana. Dotted around the Mississippi River Delta this beautiful preserve has something to see at every turn!
The Louisiana Park is named after one of the most famous French pirates in history, Jean Lafitte. This park protects and promotes considerable cultural riches from all over Louisiana with its lush forests to mossy swamps; it’s no wonder this area became so well-known for its illegal trade back then!
Louisiana has a number of excellent sites for tourists to visit. Besides the famous landmarks, there are also Arcadian Cultural Centers in which one can learn more about Louisiana’s rich cultural history through interactive and interpretive exhibits and displays that are sure not only educate but enchant as well!
Top 6: Lafayette Cemetery No 1
Lafayette Cemetery No 1 is the perfect place to enjoy a scenic drive or take picturesque photos. It’s unrivaled for its striking statues and crumbling crypts that are sure to make any visitor want to stay longer than they had planned!
The cemetery is an eerie place, filled with mausoleums that date back to the 1800s. Some sections contain entire families who were caught in deadly yellow fever outbreaks and died here before they could be cremated or buried properly; now their graves look delicately worn among lush undergrowth and greenery as if they’re waiting for visitors like you!
There are a number of places in the world that have featured prominently throughout history, but few can compare to this one. The beautiful architecture and interesting social features make it an all-time favorite for people looking forward or back on their memories with joyous nostalgia. Author Anne Rice emerged from her grave at Lafayette Cemetery No 1 when promoting Memnoch: The Devil during 1995’s New York Book fairs only minutes before she gave an interview about how much he influenced some parts within his work!
Top 5: Natchitoches
Nestled away in the beautiful city of Natchitoches is a small historic district. Full of old buildings with arresting architecture and plantation homes on show, this area was once home to many settlers who made their way here from France as well other parts around Louisiana at first beginning life together before branching off into different families or neighborhoods depending upon where people settled down for themselves over time – making it one big family reunion if you ask me!
Natchitoches, the oldest French settlement in Louisiana and one of many reasons why it’s so charming. Founded as early as 1714 by Pierre Le Moyne de Jarente for use by his association to collect duties on goods being imported from France into Spanish territory during New World explorations following La Salle’s return from Texas; saw lots more colonists arrive over time due to its location along Cane River which made transportation easier than other waterways at times like these – especially when you’re trying t0 survive off hunting game such as alligators!
Strolling through the scenic city is a treat, with its standout sights being an array of historic plantations. There’s also plenty to see and do in this vibrant destination! You can find quaint B&Bs for those who want more quiet time or enjoy shopping at all sorts of boutique stores before grabbing some excellent locally-brewed coffee on your walk around town – it will be hard not to fall head over heels (or taste buds)permanently besotted by Nantes’ natural beauty.
Top 4: Whitney Plantation
The Whitney Plantation is the only museum in Louisiana that focuses exclusively on African-American slavery, and it’s a site worth stopping at for anyone who wants to understand America’s dark past. Unlike other plantation tours which tend to focus more on how rich people lived than what life was really like for their slaves (and those held as property), this one offers an unprecedented look into these forgotten stories of freedom lost.
The plantation is a fascinating place to explore, with barns and outbuildings housing valuable items from all over history. The main house has been beautifully restored as well so that you can see what life may have been like for slaves on this property in 1803!
To give it an authentic look and feel, parts of Django Unchained were shot on the property at Whitney Plantation. As part of the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail, make sure not to miss this valuable insight into regional history!
Top 3: Jackson Square (New Orleans)
Lying in the historic heart of New Orleans, Jackson Square is one of those places you can’t miss if you’re looking for something picturesque. Full with interesting and impressive sites to see like The Parish where Louisiana was territorialized until 1812 or St Louis Cathedral that’s been around for over five hundred years- but don’t worry there’s also plenty here geared towards making your vacation more fun!
This beautiful park is the perfect place to commemorate such an important moment in US history. The landscaped lawns are lined with fetching facades, and you can’t miss out on all of our architectural marvels: from St Louis Cathedral’s stunning spires down below; or Pontalba Buildings standing tall over us as they have done for centuries- long before we were even a country!
The square is an oasis in the heart of bustling New Orleans. The bustling activity never seems to dim its vibrancy, as artists and musicians alike continue with their work here while enjoying a cup or two from one cafe’s espresso barista line up-to enjoy some local flavor!
Top 2: Avery Island
The isolated and idyllic Avery Island is actually a vast salt dome, surrounded by bayous. Located just 50 kilometers or so to the south of Lafayette in Louisiana, this attractive spot has been renowned around the world for being home-base to Tabasco sauce since 1874 when Frenchman Edmund McIlhenny first started making his signature dish using locally sourced chiles peppers grown on-site!
Enjoy the peace and serenity of this beautiful oasis with its subtropical plants, winding paths that lead through lush jungles. The sanctuary is a great place for bird watching as well!
One of the most popular things to do on Avery Island tours is the Tabasco factory, which produces all of that tasty fiery hot sauce. One way you’ll get a taste for it before leaving town would be if after taking your tour and visiting their museum there’s still time left over from walking around downtown shop-strapped like tourists or checking out some other attractions near by such as fishing spots where locals go during lunch break since they know fresh seafood will be in season then too!
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Top 1: Mardi Gras
The carnival frenzy of Mardi Gras is a sight to see in all its colorful and chaotic glory. The most famous place for this enchanting mayhem is parades, balls, and celebrations that take place over the course of two weeks beginning on Ash Wednesday or Fat Tuesday (the day before Valentine’s Day).
Fat Tuesday is the final and most exciting day of Mardi Gras. It’s chaotic, but also full of color as people paraded through the streets in their colorful costumes while riding on floats with elaborate designs made out of whole beasts or even just flourishes that look like something you would find inside a cake!
The Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a time of wild celebrations, but there are lots of other places throughout the Cajun country that celebrate this event. It’s definitely worth checking out if you get the chance!
