Louisiana is a Southern state with a unique culture that mixes French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. From historic cities like New Orleans to the bayous and wetlands, Louisiana offers many recreational opportunities for adventure and fun.
If you’re looking for the best recreational activities in Louisiana, this post shares the top 5 based on popularity, reviews, and ability to experience authentic local culture. Continue reading for an overview of each activity along with tips to help you plan an unforgettable Louisiana experience.
1. Take a Swamp Tour
Swamp tours are one of the most iconic Louisiana experiences. They allow you to venture out into the bayous and wetlands by boat to get up close with wildlife, especially alligators.
Some of the top swamp tours near New Orleans include:
- Honey Island Swamp Tour – A small eco-friendly tour that travels by flat-bottom boat deep into the swamps.
- Jean Lafitte Swamp and Airboat Tours – Get the full Louisiana swamp experience on a large airboat.
- Cajun Encounters Tour – Includes boat transportation and a guided walk through the swamp.
Many swamp tours depart from New Orleans, which makes them easy to access. The best times to spot alligators are in the warmer months from April through September. Wear bug spray and dress for the weather. Swamp tours last from 1.5-2 hours on average.
2. Explore Cajun Country
Get a taste of authentic Cajun and Creole culture by exploring Acadiana, the heart of Cajun Country. Located in the southwestern area of Louisiana, key spots include Lafayette, Lake Charles, and other small towns.
Some top activities for experiencing Cajun Country include:
- Take a cooking class – Learn to cook staple Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée.
- Dance at a Cajun music festival – Two major festivals are Festival International de Louisiane and Festivals Acadiens et Créoles. Enjoy live music and dancing.
- Go on a swamp tour – The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river swamp in the US. Take a boat ride or walk the boardwalks.
- Try boudin and cracklin – Sample Cajun pork sausage and pork rinds from local restaurants or roadside stands.
Embrace the lively culture by listening to Cajun French, tapping your foot to zydeco music, and indulging in the delicious local cuisine. Lafayette makes a great home base. The best time to visit is during a festival.
3. Party on Bourbon Street
New Orleans is famous for its nightlife, especially on Bourbon Street in the lively French Quarter. While it’s disorderly late at night, during the day you can stroll down Bourbon Street to see the iconic live music clubs, bars, restaurants, and more.
A few things to do for partying on Bourbon Street include:
- Watch a street performance – You’ll often find jazz bands, dancers, magicians, and more showing off their talents.
- Go bar hopping – Pop into classic Bourbon Street bars like The Old Absinthe House, Cat’s Meow, and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.
- Listen to live music – Bourbon Street rocks all day and night long. Follow your ears to find blues, jazz, and rock bands.
- People watch – There’s never a dull moment with so many colorful characters and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
- Take a ghost tour – Learn the haunted history of Bourbon Street at night.
Anytime is a good time for exploring Bourbon Street. But the crowds and energy are biggest during Mardi Gras and other events. Travel with friends or join a group tour for safety at night.
4. Attend a Festival
Louisiana’s rich culture comes alive at one of the state’s many festivals. From music festivals to food festivals, here are some top picks:
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – This iconic music festival celebrates local jazz, blues, gospel, and more. It’s held in April/May.
- Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday and the associated parades and parties draw big crowds to New Orleans in February/March.
- French Quarter Festival – Also in April, this free festival has multiple music stages plus great food and drinks.
- Essence Festival – This major July event celebrates African American culture and music.
- Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival – Get your fill of crawfish and Cajun/zydeco music in May.
Many Louisiana festivals are family-friendly during the day with adult fun at night. Hotels fill up fast, so reserve accommodations early. Locals say the best festivals highlight Louisiana’s distinct food, music, and heritage.
5. Take a Mississippi River Cruise
The mighty Mississippi River flows right through the heart of Louisiana. River cruises let you relax onboard while admiring historic river towns like Oak Alley, St. Francisville, and Baton Rouge.
Popular Mississippi River cruise options include:
- Steamboat Natchez – This classic paddlewheeler offers sightseeing cruises from New Orleans.
- Creole Queen – Choose from jazz brunch, dinner, or sightseeing cruises.
- American Queen – For an extended cruise between New Orleans and Memphis with stops at Oak Alley Plantation and other river towns.
Cruise durations range from two hours for sightseeing to multiple days. Cruises run year-round but are busiest in the spring and fall. Relax in a rocking chair on deck as you watch Louisiana’s landscapes drift by.
Plan an Unforgettable Louisiana Recreational Trip
Louisiana’s unique food, music, culture, and landscapes make it a top choice for recreational activities and experiences. The activities covered in this post, from swamp tours to festivals, highlight some of the best ways to discover Louisiana’s distinctive charm.
Plan your trip during a time when you can participate in one of Louisiana’s famous festivals for maximum enjoyment. Stay in historic lodging in places like the French Quarter or Cajun Country to fully immerse yourself in Louisiana’s ambiance. And be sure to spend time in both fast-paced cities like New Orleans as well as the slower bayou country.
With flavorful Cajun cuisine, lively music, stunning nature, and a festive spirit, Louisiana offers the chance to create unforgettable memories. Allow plenty of time to fully take in all the uniqueness this special state has to offer. So start planning your recreational trip to make the most of Louisiana’s vibrant culture and landscapes today!
