Experience rich history, culture and cuisine in Louisiana’s capital city.
At a Glance
- Known For: Louisiana State Capitol, Louisiana State University, “Red Stick” (named for a red-stained boundary pole marking hunting ground boundaries between two Native tribes)
- Top Places to Explore: Downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University campus, North Baton Rouge/Southern University
- Top Things to Do: Wander through Capitol Park Museum, see kangaroos and giraffes at the Baton Rouge Zoo, savor seafood at Roberto’s River Road Restaurant, watch LSU football
- Major Events: Mardi Gras, Baton Rouge Blues Festival in spring, LSU football in fall
Top Things to Do in Baton Rouge
Tour the Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest state capitol building in the country, and enjoy the gorgeous city views from the Observation Deck on the 27th floor. Step back in history at the Old State Capitol, whose grandiose stained-glass dome is the perfect backdrop for endless selfies. Other museums include Capitol Park Museum, Louisiana State University’s Rural Life Museum, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, USS Kidd Veterans Museum and Shaw Center for the Arts.
Families will love riding the scenic Cypress Bayou Railroad through the Baton Rouge Zoo, home to cheetahs, kangaroos and giraffes. And Knock Knock Children’s Museum is sure to please kiddos of all ages, with STEAM-focused exhibits, arts and crafts, and even a dance studio.
Football fan? There’s nowhere like LSU’s Tiger Stadium on gameday, and you can catch the legendary mascot Mike the Tiger in his state-of-the-art habitat on campus.
Places to Stay
Take your pick of great places to stay in Baton Rouge. Book the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, the Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown or the Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown for convenience and walkability. Need to stay closer to LSU? Choose the Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU, the Sonesta ES Suites Baton Rouge University at Southgate or the Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge Acadian Center.
Food & Drink
Baton Rouge restaurants offer fresh, modern takes on Louisiana staples. Head to Roberto’s River Road Restaurant for comfort food in a cozy atmosphere, or Mansurs on the Boulevard for upgraded classics. And don’t miss craft beer at Rally Cap Brewing Company.
Events & Festivals in Baton Rouge
The main attraction in Baton Rouge is, of course, LSU football. Tiger fans take their team — and their tailgating — seriously. Come early for food, drinks and camaraderie, and don’t miss the Golden Band from Tigerland marching into the stadium while playing “Hold That Tiger.”
Not a sports fan? No problem! Baton Rouge’s Mardi Gras can certainly compete with New Orleans for its flair and flavor, promising more than 10 parades and celebrations across Carnival. Plus, you’ll find king cake and king cake-inspired treats on shelves throughout the city. The Baton Rouge Blues Festival, held in downtown Baton Rouge, is one of the oldest blues festivals in the country — and it’s free and family-friendly.
Travel Tips & Resources
It's easy to navigate Baton Rouge. If you're flying into town, rent a car or book a rideshare from the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. Baton Rouge is also a short drive from Biloxi, Mississippi (2 hours), Pensacola, Florida (4 hours), and Houston, Texas (5 hours).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Baton Rouge?
Some of the best things to do in Baton Rouge include touring the Louisiana State Capitol, an impressive Art Deco-style building offering sweeping city views from a 27th-floor observation deck, and the historic Old State Capitol, a Gothic castle overlooking the Mississippi River. Stroll the Shaw Center for the Arts, a multi-use museum, theater and arts complex, or bring the kiddos to the Knock Knock Children’s Museum. Don't leave without trying Cajun and Creole-inspired fare like gumbo, jambalaya and po’boys at local restaurants.
What is Baton Rouge known for?
Baton Rouge is known for being Louisiana’s capital city. You can find — and tour — Louisiana’s Old State Capitol and new State Capitol, as well as other historic structures and museums like the Magnolia Mound Plantation and the LSU Rurual Life Museum. Baton Rouge is also home to Louisiana State University, a major research university and SEC powerhouse known for its historic football program and passionate fans.
What is the best time of year to visit Baton Rouge?
While there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit Baton Rouge, many travelers enjoy spring (February-May) for festivals, and fall (October-November) for pleasant weather and LSU football. Looking for fewer crowds and good deals? Winter promises beautiful holiday decorations and sparse crowds, with mild, sunny weather.
What is the weather like in Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge typically enjoys hot, humid summers and short, cold winters. Expect average highs of 91° F in July and August, with lows dipping to 43° F in December and January, respectively. Pack layers for winter, and sunscreen and a hat for summer.
Where can I get more travel information about Baton Rouge?
For official travel information about Baton Rouge, Louisiana, head to Visit Baton Rouge, the city’s official destination marketing organization. The site provides visitor guides, maps, transportation details, hotel and lodging information, event calendars and planning resources to help travelers make the most of their visit. Travelers can also find statewide trip ideas, itineraries and regional guides on Explore Louisiana, Louisiana’s official tourism website.