50 Things to Do in Louisiana This Summer

At a Glance

• Find the best things to do in Louisiana during summer, from outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities to food experiences and cultural events.
• Visit Louisiana state parks, beaches, bayous and scenic trails for summer recreation and wildlife viewing.
• Experience Louisiana food and drink through snoballs, seafood, farmers markets, breweries and culinary trails.
• Explore Louisiana history and culture at museums, historic landmarks, music venues and heritage sites.
• Discover seasonal experiences like farmers markets, blueberry picking, Fourth of July celebrations and summer festivals.

Looking for things to do in the summer in Louisiana? We've compiled 50 activities throughout the state that will complete your summer vacation and have you coming back year after year!

How many can you check off the list?

1. Eat a snoball at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz in New Orleans.

2. Go crabbing in Cameron Parish.

3. Learn to waterski at Bennett's Waterski and Wakeboard School. 

4. Explore the Hollywood South on Louisiana's Film Trail.

5. Enjoy a refreshing 5-cent Coke the old-fashioned way at The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens in Monroe. 

6. Play a round of golf on our Audubon Golf Trail. 

7. Slip, slide and squeal at Blue Bayou Water Park in Baton Rouge.

8. Sip a mint julep at Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie.

9. Pick blueberries at one of Louisiana's pick-your-own farms. 

10. Cool down with an ice-cold beer from one of Louisiana's breweries.

11. Go fishing on the Toledo Bend Reservoir.

12. Take the kids to Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport.

13. Try the peach ice cream at Mitcham Farms in Ruston.

14. Visit a farmers market and grab some fresh seasonal produce.

15. Camp out or rent cabins at one of Louisiana's State Parks. 

16. Peruse the art and botanical gardens at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport.

17. Stay at a historic bed-and-breakfast.

18. Picnic on the water at Prien Lake Park in Lake Charles.

19. Road trip along the African American Heritage Trail to further explore the detailed stories and history of African Americans in Louisiana. 

20. Bike along a Louisiana trail.

21. Make it a beach day at Louisiana's sun-soaked beaches. 

22. Bring the heat at the Tabasco Museum and Restaurant 1868 in New Iberia. 

23. Take a tour of the magnificent Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge. 

24. Indulge in a cool treat in a ‘50s atmosphere at Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Lafayette. 

25. Hang out with the animals at the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom.

26. Paddle down a bayou. 

27. Meander around the historic mounds at Poverty Point World Heritage Site. 

28. Hear the music of New Orleans' Frenchmen Street.

29. Satisfy all your cravings along the different Louisiana Culinary Trails.  

30. Spot alligators, birds and other local wildlife along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road.

31. Explore the exhibits of The Historic New Orleans Collection in New Orleans.

32. Have Sunday brunch at Houmas House in Darrow. 

33. Watch Fourth of July fireworks. 

34. Check into L'Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles and head for the lazy river. 

35. Cool off with a slice of fluffy lemon meringue pie from Lea's Lunchroom in Lecompte. 

36. Make plans to experience Landry Vineyards' outdoor concert series. 

37. Visit the animals at the Alexandria Zoological Park.

38. Dine on the Mandeville lakefront at Rip's On The Lake.

39. Explore Acadian, Creole and Native American cultures at Vermilionville Living History Museum in Lafayette.

40. Soar above the wetlands on a seaplane tour. 

41. Hire a Louisiana charter boat captain for an inshore or offshore fishing adventure.

42. Shop along Front Street on the Cane River in Natchitoches.

43. Honor the past and eat at the Soda Shop at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. 

44. Bird watch in Houma's rich habitat. 

45. Sit in on a Cajun jam session at Savoy Music Center in Eunice. 

46. See a show at the historic Strand Theatre in Shreveport. 

47. Walk, cycle or gallop along Tammany Trace in St. Tammany Parish.

48. Hike in Kisatchie National Forest. 

49. Step back in time at the Museum of West Louisiana in Leesville.

50. Chill out at the Audubon Aquarium & Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans. 

Bonus:

Check out Louisiana’s summer festivals, complete with live entertainment, delicious dishes, culture and heritage. Need more kid-friendly ideas? Check out these water parks and splash pads.