Day Trip Itinerary: Fun Things to Do in Lafayette
Venture into the heart of Cajun territory and experience happiness.
Venture into the heart of Cajun territory and experience happiness.
Known as the “Happiest City in America,” Lafayette is at the heart of Cajun culture in south Louisiana. The local music, cuisine, cultural history and friendly residents create an experience that can be found nowhere else in the world. Enjoy a day learning about the settling of the Acadians, dine on delicious jambalaya or étouffée, and dance to the sounds of zydeco as you make your way through the city
Lafayette Breakfast Restaurants
T-Coon’s Restaurant
T-Coon’s is among the top spots for authentic Creole and Cajun dining in Lafayette. Its founder, David Billeaud, is a sixth-generation native of Broussard (near Lafayette), and his team knows the fundamentals of great south Louisiana cooking.
Scratch Farm Kitchen
The Scratch Farm Kitchen is a charming downtown Lafayette breakfast and lunch spot supporting local farmers and growers, and bringing the freshest fruits, vegetables and meats to the plate. True to its name, everything here is made from scratch.
Dwyer’s Café
Dwyer’s Café in Lafayette has been in business for decades and has become well-known among locals for its tasty breakfast items and plate lunches.
Morning Activities & Attractions in Lafayette
LARC's Acadian Village
Tour Acadian Village, created to preserve a piece of early Acadian heritage. Several buildings are authentic homes of the 19th century, donated by the families whose ancestors once occupied them. All show the passing of time and are remarkable examples of the ingenuity of the early Acadian home builders, complete with wooden pegs, mud walls, hand-hewn cypress timbers and high-peaked roofs. The homes and nearly all furnishings were made with local materials, like cane, cow hide and deer hide.
Zoosiana: Zoo of Acadiana
Since 1992, Zoosiana: Zoo of Acadiana has been introducing children and adults alike to the world of fascinating creatures from around the world. Meet some of the more than 1,000 animals and learn about the importance of their conservation at this lush park in Broussard.
Kart Ranch
Buckle up and get ready for an awesome time at Kart Ranch in Lafayette. Besides the fast-paced (yet safe) go-kart action on the track, you’ll find miniature golf and a huge arcade at this family-friendly attraction.
Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folk Life Park
Since its opening in 1990, Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folk Life Park has become one of Lafayette’s premier tourist attractions. Sitting on a lush 23-acre site on the banks of Bayou Vermilionville in the heart of Lafayette, this historic village provides a place to learn about local history, cultural exchanges, historic architecture, and traditional music and food.
If you don't make it to T-Coon's for breakfast, then grab a plate lunch!
Visit historic Vermilionville.
Experience Cajun culture at Acadian Village.
Don't miss the smoked delicacies from Johnson's Boucanière.
Lafayette Lunch Restaurants
Dean-O's
Dean-O's is an Italian restaurant with a Cajun flair. Family-owned and -operated since 1971, the award-winning Dean-O's has been serving up delicious pasta salads, innovative specialty pizzas, satisfying spaghetti and meatballs, and more!
Johnson's Boucanière
Johnson’s Boucanière is a smokehouse, specialty meats store and restaurant located in downtown Lafayette. The meats are made using recipes from the world-famous Johnson’s Grocery, located in the town of Eunice. Check Johnson’s Boucanière's website and social media for menu updates.
Olde Tyme Grocery
Since 1982, Olde Tyme Grocery in Lafayette has been serving up its famous po'boy sandwiches and Cajun charm to locals and visitors alike.
Afternoon Activities & Attractions in Lafayette
Parish Brewing Company
Parish Brewing Company in Broussard serves up creative craft beers in their taproom. The taproom is kid-friendly and dog-friendly, so all are welcome! For a closer look, pop in on a Saturday for a free tour.
Cajun Food Tours
If you're a real foodie, check out Cajun Food Tours. Hop on the cozy customized tour bus to soak up the local history and culture. Best of all, you get to taste the fabulous cuisine that makes Cajun Country unique.
Children’s Museum of Acadiana
The Children’s Museum of Acadiana’s motto is “Learning by Doing,” and with plenty of hands-on exhibits, there’s plenty of fun learning to be found. Play doctor in the Acadian Ambulance, a full-sized ambulance with flashing lights, or learn about science, technology, engineering and math on STEM Street.
Dig into Cajun and Creole favorites at Bon Temps Grill.
Sip local beers at Parish Brewing Company.
Engage in hands-on fun at the Children’s Museum of Acadiana.
Lafayette Dinner Restaurants
Pamplona Tapas Bar
Pamplona Tapas Bar is located in downtown Lafayette, a thriving culinary mecca centered in the heart of Cajun Country. Pamplona features succulent small plates — or tapas — with farm-fresh seasonal produce, meats and seafood, plus a full selection of world-class lunch and dinner entrees.
Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant
Located in a former CONOCO gas station in downtown Lafayette, Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant focuses on telling a story through every area and element of the restaurant. Specialties include fresh Gulf seafood dishes like barbecued shrimp, seared tuna and Louisiana blue crab quesadillas.
Bon Temps Grill
Bon Temps Grill is a popular neighborhood grill where friends and family can go for a good time. Enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine with an elevated touch. This kid-friendly spot has something for everyone!
Discover more about the surrounding areas and additional things to do near Lafayette.
