Always the one to be different, Louisiana is home to diverse cultures and a unique history that separates it from the rest of the United States. Here the accents change wherever you go with a vibrant mix of Creole, Cajun, and Southern culture.
From New Orleans in the southeast to Shreveport in the northwest, you’ll find reminders of natural tragedy, French colonial architecture, ancient plantations, and welcoming cities in Louisiana. All of these combine to make Louisiana a rich human tapestry. The Bayou State may be famous for the Big Easy, but you’ll find interesting places all around Louisiana.
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9. Lake Charles
Lake Charles has a trio of major casinos, bringing a taste of Vegas to your doorstep. You can also make the most of the five public golf courses and family friendly mini-golf courses for when the grandkids come to town. The town has several quality museums and galleries, along with an exciting events calendar, which includes the town’s own Mardi Gras and the Contraband Days Festival. Both attract well over 150,000 people.
8. Slidell
The diverse community of many cultures has had an indelible impact on local life in Slidell, especially the food scene. While Louisiana is home to delectable eats wherever you go, the melting pot of Slidell brings together the best flavors from across the state.
Slidell has the lake, beaches, and the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge nearby.
7. Covington
Visitors enjoy Covington for the town’s proximity to New Orleans and the array of things to do. While only 50 minutes from all the action in New Orleans, Covington provides plenty of reasons to stick around thanks to a fun nightlife. You’ll find a great selection of restaurants and breweries that bring the small town to life.
Aside from the town’s nightlife, Covington has preserved its historic downtown streets now lined with boutique stores, art galleries and cozy cafes.
6. Monroe
In Northern Louisiana, Monroe is a smaller city with a population of around 47,000 people. Home to the first Coca-Cola Bottling Plant, Monroe has has seen some economic growth over the recent years. It also has a cost of living 22 percent below the national average.
You can enjoy the scenic Ouachita River along with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. While the summers can be stifling, the surrounding bayous, rolling hills, and pristine lakes provide an outdoor escape.
One example is the expansive Kiroli Park, with gardens, hiking trails, fishing ponds, and picnic spaces. The town also has a strong art and music scene, including the Downtown Gallery Crawl, live music, and stage productions.
5. Natchitoches
A small town with a population of under 18,000, the charming town of Natchitoches, is a great place to spend some time.
As the first permanent European settlement in Louisiana, Natchitoches has a storied past which can be seen along the major streets with several historic buildings. You can enjoy the community culture and typical delicious Louisiana cuisine, along with several museums, outdoor activities in the nearby national park, and its famous annual Christmas lights.
4. Shreveport
Close to both Arkansas and Texas, Shreveport is a veritable mix of cultures and backgrounds.
In Shreveport you’ll be able to experience 20 local museums, dozens of public parks, while the city boasts 11 live music venues.You can also experience a vibrant nightlife or a delectable food scene with scrumptious crawfish.
3. Lafayette
In Louisiana’s south, Lafayette is a vibrant mix of cultures. Lafayette is also minutes away from Breux Bridge, the crawfish capital of the world. Lafayette is the epicenter of the state’s Creole and Cajun communities, adding a mouthwatering layer to the town’s dining scene and packed events calendar.
2. Baton Rouge
The capital of Louisiana and the second largest city in the state, Baton Rouge, is experiencing a burst of growth with booming employment opportunities. Despite the economic opportunities, there remains a small city vibe about Baton Rouge.
1. New Orleans
As one of the top tourist destinations in the United States, much has been written about New Orleans’ famed nightlife and voodoo culture. But what elevates the Big Easy is the local community, the artistic flair and great public parks.
New Orleans has a population of almost 400,000 people, making it the largest and most populous city in Louisiana. Importantly, newcomers won’t have a hard time fitting in. A part of this is because of the transient nature of New Orleans. But also because of its welcoming community, where everyone can be who they want to be.
