North Louisiana Road-Trip Ideas

In North Louisiana, Louisiana soul blends with scenic lakes, historic landmarks, thriving downtowns and unforgettable outdoor adventure.

In Monroe, go shopping at Antique Alley or sip wine at Landry Vineyards, or take a tour of the business that made the Robertson family a household name at Duck Commander: The Museum in West Monroe.

Ruston is known for growing the sweetest peaches in Louisiana, and you can get a taste at Mitcham Farms. Traveling during the summer? You’re in luck — in June, the Louisiana Peach Festival celebrates the fuzzy fruit with live music, local food, arts and crafts, a parade and more.

In Shreveport and Bossier City, fun takes center stage at family-friendly attractions, including Sci-Port Discovery, home to a children’s museum and an IMAX theater. And luxurious casino resorts like Margaritaville Resort Casino and Bally’s Shreveport keep the good times rolling long after the sun sets.

Head over to the quaint towns of Minden and Springhill in Webster Parish to take in the area's rich history and natural beauty. Launch your fishing boat from Port O’Bistineau to catch black crappie, yellow bass and catfish, or get a little dirt on your boots at Muddy Bottoms ATV & Recreation Park.

Central Louisiana Road-Trip Ideas

Experience small-town charm, unique architecture and deep-rooted history in Central Louisiana, the state’s heartland.

Hit the highlights in Beauregard Parish, including the renowned Gothic Jail. This “Hanging Jail” in DeRidder is the only Gothic-style jail in the country and is believed to be haunted by the spirit of the old jailer, who is sometimes seen standing by the window.

Natchitoches is Louisiana’s oldest city, home to a 33-block National Historic Landmark District, where you can explore souvenir shops and specialty stores like the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile, the state’s oldest general store. And don’t miss a meat pie from Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant.

In Alexandria, hike, fish or camp in Kisatchie National Forest, featuring 60,000 acres of rolling hills and mysterious swamps, bogs and bayous. Or visit the Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum, housed in a replica World War II barracks on an active military base.

South Louisiana Road-Trip Ideas

From the epic Mardi Gras celebrations of New Orleans to the calm waters of the Gulf, South Louisiana offers plenty of exciting things to do for every taste and interest.

Often called the Crescent City or the Big Easy, New Orleans is known for its vibrant culture, legendary music, and Cajun and Creole culinary traditions. Grab beignets at Cafe Du Monde, listen to live jazz at Preservation Hall and learn about history at museums like the National World War II Museum.

Explore the charming cities on Louisiana’s Northshore, the region north of Lake Pontchartrain less than an hour from New Orleans. In Abita Springs, discover the eccentric displays of the Abita Mystery House and UCM Museum, and in Covington, rent a bike and ride along the 31-mile Tammany Trace. Experience Cajun culture in Houma, like swamp tours at Greenwood Gator Farm and Tours, or sample slow-pot, down-home cooking at Boudreau & Thibodeau’s Cajun Cookin’.

In Jefferson Parish, walk two miles of beaches at Grand Isle State Park. Cast a line from the 900-foot-long public fishing pier, and bring your camping gear to enjoy a night on the beach.