Travel Spotlights: Southeast Region
Pristine beaches, forested state parks and lively cities fill the Southeast, home to comforting cuisine and legendary hospitality.
Louisiana
The sounds of all kinds of music, but especially jazz, fill the air in New Orleans. Catch a show at a historic venue, or dance to the melodies of street performers on Royal Street.
Louisiana
Majestic 300-year-old live oak trees lead the way to a Greek-revival style mansion where period-dressed guides greet visitors and transport you through history at Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie.
Louisiana
From the dizzying spin of a Cajun two-step to funky Zydeco dance hall beats, music is the beating heart of Lafayette’s rich culture and history.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s swamps and bayous beg to be explored. At Lake Martin, revel in the area’s natural beauty as you paddle through spectacular scenery.
Louisiana
Lousiana knows Southern cuisine. From the latest trends and food halls to fresh twists on classics, mouthwatering cuisine is just a bite a way all throughout the state.
Louisiana
Louisiana is known for its exhilarating Mardi Gras celebrations featuring parades, performances and a lot of colorful beads.
Louisiana
Whether you’re dining on oysters, deep fried and stuffed in a delicious po’ boy, or savory crawfish, fresh-caught seafood is a culinary staple throughout Louisiana.
Louisiana
Guided tours through Louisiana’s wilderness provide an excellent opportunity to explore the swamps, bayous and lakes with a local by airboat, canoe or kayak.
Louisiana
Downtown Shreveport is home to historic sites, heritage tours and year-round festivals, as well as live entertainment, craft vendors and food trucks on the weekend.
Louisiana
From colorful blooms to 19th century bungalows, the Garden District in Baton Rouge offers a glimpse into Louisiana’s past against a picturesque floral backdrop.
Music, Adventure and Southern Cuisine in Louisiana
From the mist-shrouded swamps to the rhythm of Cajun and Zydeco beats, Louisiana attracts visitors with its outdoor adventures, one-of-a-kind cuisine and rich cultural history. Considered the birthplace of Jazz, Lousiana’s music scene is thriving. Listen to street performers as you stroll through New Orleans’ French Quarter, or groove to bands at the iconic Teddy’s Juke Joint near Baton Rouge. Seeking tasty Southern food? Louisiana’s culinary offerings and fresh-caught seafood go hand in hand. Sample a crawfish boil, bite into a po’ boy stuffed with fresh oysters or savor a bowl of gumbo. For a sweet treat, you can’t go wrong with warm beignets or a classic bananas Foster. Beyond the urban sights and tasty delights, Louisiana’s great outdoors beckons to nature lovers. Kayak through bayous, take a guided boat tour through a swamp or hike through prairies teeming with wildlife.
Of course, no trip to Louisiana is complete without attending the lively escapades of a Mardi Gras celebration. Attend a parade, marvel at colorful costumes and collect strings of beads at this world-famous Carnival celebration that takes place throughout the state between January and March, depending on the timing of Easter.
Louisiana Road Trip
Lake Charles, Louisiana
More about Louisiana
Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana
In Shreveport-Bossier, history, culture and art connect two diverse cities. View public murals, explore Downtown Shreveport or go shopping along the Louisiana Boardwalk. Each winter, family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations attract visitors with extravagant parades, balls and parties. Learn more
Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana
The American Rose Center in Shreveport is the nation’s largest park dedicated to roses. Featuring more than 20,000 rosebushes in a rainbow of colors, the park is also home to artistic sculptures and stunning fountains. Learn more
More about Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
The oldest settlement in northwest Louisiana, Natchitoches offers a blend of culture, history and recreation. Travel along the Cane River Heritage Trail Scenic Byway where you can explore cultural sites and museums or shop unique boutiques in the historic downtown district. Learn more
Natchitoches, Louisiana
The Red River once flowed through the center of Natchitoches before it formed the present-day Cane River Lake, which offers plenty of ways to get on the water. Spend an afternoon kayaking, take a boat tour or end the day with a relaxing riverboat cruise. Learn more
Photo: Brian Jarreau
More about Louisiana
Lafayette, Louisiana
Considered the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole Country, Lafayette is an outdoors enthusiast’s dream. Explore swamplands, watch for rare birds, spend an afternoon fishing or take a canoe trip as you paddle beneath the cypress trees. Learn more
Photo: Jamie Orillion
Lafayette, Louisiana
While in Lafayette, grooving to Cajun and Zydeco beats is a must. Lafayette offers visitors a wide sampling of live music on any night of the week at a variety of venues and throughout the year at annual festivals. Learn more
Photo: Megan Bergeron