Attractions Nearby Baton Rouge, Day Trips and Excursions

(Baton Rouge, Louisiana - LA, USA)

Louisiana is a state famed for its blues museums, Cajun / Creole cuisine and partying, and attractions of that nature are plentiful, with many being especially near to Baton Rouge. New Orleans is famous for countless different attractions, with its seasonal Mardi Gras celebrations being nothing short of legendary and drawing enormous crowds between January and March.

On the northerly outskirts of Lafayette and close to Baton Rouge are the Cajun Prairie attractions, where huge rice plantations have shaped the scenery for literally decades. There is always plenty of tasty seafood dishes to enjoy around the Cajun Prairie area, with clam chowder and crawfish boils often appearing on local menus.

Cajun Prairie

The historical center of Opelousas is a good place to learn more about the Acadian, Creole and Indian cultures, while in Eunice, the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve is home to the ever-popular Prairie Acadian Cultural Center. If you are in this area during August, then be sure to join in the fun at the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival at Plaisance, to the northwest of Opelousas.

Cajun Wetlands

To experience some of the very best Louisiana flora and fauna, a trip to the neighboring Cajun Wetlands is a must and visitors will be treated to an eclectic array of villages and related attractions. Head to Abbeville for some excellent seafood restaurants, to the Atchafalaya Basin for swamps and lakes, and to both New Iberia and St. Martinville for a taste of Acadian history. Another leading attraction here is the Wetlands Cajun Cultural Center at Thibodaux.

Lafayette

Situated just over 60 miles / 97 km to the southwest of Baton Rouge, Lafayette is a small city and is home to one of the Cajun Country's most noteworthy National Parks Service museums - the Acadian Cultural Center. Further attractions here include the distinguished University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL), which has almost 20,000 students and adds a definite college vibe to the city. The Acadian Cultural Center, the Vermilionville Park and the Mall of Acadiana are some additional highlights in Lafayette.

New Orleans

Also known for its relaxed attitude, thriving gay scene, Cajun restaurants and party atmosphere, New Orleans is located approximately 80 miles / 129 km to the southeast of Baton Rouge and is widely associated with jazz music. When it comes to actual tourist attractions, there is plenty to choose from in New Orleans, with firm favourites including the Aquarium of the Americas, the Audubon Zoo, the Louisiana State Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Modern Art, the Old Ursuline Convent, St. Louis Cathedral and the colorful French Quarter, which is based around Jackson Square.