Louisiana Golf & Culinary Trail
Golfers can be gourmands, too. What better way to experience Louisiana than to center your favorite game around delicious cuisine?
Day One: New Orleans
Arrive in New Orleans in time to play at the Golf Club at Audubon Park, where lush fairways wind beneath centuries-old oaks. After your round, explore the city's legendary food scene. Savor distinctive Creole and Cajun dishes like po’boys, crawfish étouffée or gumbo. For a fine dining experience, consider Commander’s Palace, a landmark known for its Haute Creole cuisine. If you prefer casual local flavor, a muffuletta from Central Grocery makes for an iconic New Orleans bite.
Between meals, stroll through the French Quarter. Experience the energy of a jazz club, or visit the Garden District and admire grand historic mansions. For something uniquely New Orleans, stop at the Audubon Zoo. Spend the night at a French Quarter hotel like Hotel Monteleone, with its storied Carousel Bar, or opt for a sleek stay on Canal Street at the The Roosevelt New Orleans.
Day Two: Baton Rouge
Head east to Baton Rouge and tee off at Santa Maria Golf Course, a challenging 18-hole layout surrounded by cypress and magnolia trees. After the game, discover the flavors of Louisiana’s capital city. Indulge in fresh-caught seafood at Louisiana Lagniappe, or try inventive Southern cuisine at Elsie’s Plate & Pie.
Beyond the table, Baton Rouge offers plenty to explore. Tour the Old State Capitol, a striking Gothic Revival building overlooking the Mississippi, or stop by the LSU Rural Life Museum for a glimpse of Louisiana’s history and heritage. Rest easy at hotels like the Watermark Baton Rouge, which pairs luxury with local flair.
Audubon Park Golf Course
Santa Maria Golf Course
The Wetlands Golf Course
Mallard Golf Club
Day Three: Lafayette
Just 60 miles west, tee off at The Wetlands Golf Course, known for its scenic layout and true Cajun countryside setting. Off the course, immerse yourself in the flavors of the “Happiest City in America.” Treat yourself to an authentic Cajun meal, like shrimp and grits or Oysters Bienville, at Prejean’s, a long-loved Cajun staple.
Later, spend time at Vermilionville Historic Village, a living history museum that preserves the Acadian, Creole and Indigenous traditions. End the night at one of the oldest honky-tonks in the nation, Blue Moon Saloon, where you can also rent a guest cottage.
Day Four: Lake Charles
Another 60 miles west, end your tour in Lake Charles with a round at Mallard Golf Club, a championship course known for its rolling fairways and pristine conditions. Explore the city’s famous Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail, a culinary journey featuring the area’s best stops for the beloved Cajun sausage.
Catch the sunset along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, which offers an unforgettable drive through wetlands and wildlife habitats unique to southwest Louisiana. Rest easy at a world-class casino resort like Golden Nugget Lake Charles.
