Welcome to the Year of Outdoors: Louisiana's 2026 Official Travel Guide

Plan your next visit to Louisiana with our latest travel guide, packed with inspirational trip ideas and planning information.

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The official Explore Louisiana blogging team.
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Discover fresh ideas for your next trip to the Bayou State in our Official Travel Guide.

Louisiana’s Official Travel Guide is here, and for 2026 — the Year of Outdoors — we’re showcasing stunning nature photography from around the state and offering inspiring features on scenic waterways, floating fish camps, swamp encounters and more. Explore regional trip ideas, learn about Cajun culture and snag travel deals, and don't miss fresh new travel tips for things to do, places to stay and restaurants to try throughout the state.

One of the best ways to truly understand a place is to experience its landscapes, and we’d be glad to have you celebrate the Year of Outdoors with us — grab a guide to start planning your trip today.

Inside the 2026 Travel Guide

Our 2026 Official Travel Guide serves as your passport to our bayous, lakes, trails and state parks. Learn why biking in Kisatchie National Forest is second-to-none, where to rent accessible hiking equipment and how high Driskill Mountain really is. And because it’s the Year of Outdoors, we’re highlighting Louisiana’s own mountain bikers, nature photographers and kayak tournament anglers. From camping to birding, Louisiana’s outdoor adventures are infinite.

Beyond the state's natural beauty, find sections that highlight iconic music festivals, only-in-Louisiana traditions and top-notch food (beignets, anyone?). Learn which restaurants have earned MICHELIN stars, where to find the best jazz clubs and why our gas stations attract epicureans from around the globe. 

How to Order Your Free Copy

Find the 2026 Official Travel Guide at Louisiana welcome centers statewide, or request a free copy here. You can also view a digital copy, perfect for reading on the go.