Top 10 Weekend Getaways in Louisiana

By far, one of the most famous cities in the world, never mind Louisiana. And with good reason! You haven’t experienced ‘unforgettable’ until you’ve traveled to New Orleans. Everybody leaves with a story, and most with one that speaks of wanting to come back. It is nicknamed “The Big Easy” and is relatively known as the kind of place you want to go if you’re a big fan of the nightlife scene. It is vibrant, and lively, and absolutely blood-pumping, never mind free flowing.

If you know New Orleans, then you probably have heard of Mardi Gras. It’s a festive celebration that comes annually and attracts crowds from all over the world to party. If your idea of a true ‘weekend getaway’ means a party you’ll never forget, then there is simply no better option than New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Put on your dancing shoes and get your best outfit ready: because New Orleans is waiting for you.

Hot sauce lovers just might know this name already! That’s right, Avery Island is the proud home to the world famous Tabasco sauce. And while that may not be its only draw, it sure is a fun one. The city itself is relatively small, and perfect for the kind of getaway that maximizes comfort. Stay at a small hotel or home far from the honking and talking of the big cities and simply enjoy life the Louisiana way.

Avery Island is just a few miles inland from Vermilion Bay. This bay continues on straight into the Gulf of Mexico and creates the perfect atmosphere for the weekend. This is the kind of place you dream of closing your eyes and just letting the soothing sounds of nothing rock you to sleep at night. And in the day, you can do all you want! Even if that includes nothing, Avery Island is a place to see for everyone.

Answer the call of the capital! Baton Rouge is famous for a lot more than just being the head of Louisiana government. Baton Rouge is famous for a good time. So, if you like good times, then this is exactly your kind of getaway. This charming, bustling city center is nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River and features some prominent historical landmarks. For example, the State Capitol (turned museum), old plantations, and some of the best preserved 18^th and 19^th century homes in the nation.

Baton Rouge is great for a wide number of reasons, but it’s always nice to hear a few. For one, this city knows how to put on a show for cheap. There are several activities for all ages that don’t cost a dime. Check out the Louisiana Art and Science Museum, The Botanic Garden at Independence Park, or even just stroll down Downtown Baton Rouge. Fun can be found around every corner in this dazzling city.

What’s better than the beach? Grand Isle is an iconic and stunning beach town situated right on the Gulf of Mexico. It has all the essentials of a good vacation: salt, sand, and some good times. It is especially a nice place to go for those who genuinely can’t get enough of the beach. Meaning you’d be interested in camping at some of the best sites in the state. There are even trails and fishing piers for those who like a little adventure with their relaxation, and just about every luxury a vacation can afford.

In Grand Isle there is even a hot market for water sports. Meaning you can get your thrill on in the same place you get some much-needed z’s. And if the blood-pumping stuff doesn’t entice you: try something a little bit more calming. Like walking through a stunning butterfly dome, or perusing the local shops and eateries. What’s nice about Grand Isle is that it isn’t just one thing. It’s everything and more!

Residing on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain sits one of the most iconic Louisiana weekend getaways of all time. Fontainebleau is the perfect place to relax and unwind and just simply enjoy the world around you. It is a stunning 2,800-acre plot of land that features some of the best paths in the entire state. And with a shore that stretches for miles, this beach/nature preserve combo is nothing short of a win-win.

Nestled in the soul of Louisiana, Alexandria is the true beating heart of the state. It is a lively and upbeat town that has even LA natives driving for miles to getaway in this city beautiful. Alexandria resides right on the southern part of Red River, which just makes this city even more stunning. As, almost literally, the center of Louisiana, there is more than enough entertainment here to make it worth your while. Check out a show, try some shopping, or find some hidden trails and paths on the outskirts. Alexandria is a city brimming with possibility.

Getaway and get down! Bossier City is a town in Louisiana known for its bustling tourism industry. This is the kind of city you’ll want to go for some around the clock fun. Check out some of the many casinos featured here, and take a bar crawl or two around the city at night. Or, spend your days doing some of the best shopping on this side of the bayou. Bossier City also has a rich history that has flowed through the ages. Starting as a major cotton exporter, then railroad town, followed by a significant oil town, Bossier City has enough to keep anyone interested.

Lake Charles is the perfect weekend getaway for those who want to explore Louisiana history and culture. It is predominantly known for its downtown Mardi Gras museum as well as several galleries and exhibits scattered throughout the city. Lake Charles is the perfect place to go for that serenity by the water type of feeling. You can take a break from all the rush and business of life and just watch as birds swim, and the sun sets on the horizon.

If you’re more of the up at ‘em kind of traveler: Lake Charles can do that too! The downtown city has several large casinos that are wildly popular. Downtown is known to be a colorful, lively place to spend the weekend with a constant stream of activities. And its interests are wildly varied. You can go from fascinating and intellectually stimulating museums to some of the best bars in town and never leave the block. Lake Charles can do it all!

Spend your getaway in the great Louisiana wilderness! Here you will be immersed in over 9000 acres worth of lush greens, and golden hues. There are swamps, forests, and so much more to explore all within this Louisiana gem. For all the insider knowledge, check out the visitor center upon entrance, or follow some of the footpaths found throughout the park. Depending on the time of year, different attractions are in their prime, and if you want to see the best at its best, find a guide or ask for some help from the friendly workers.

If you do choose Cypress Island Preserve as your weekend getaway in Louisiana, keep in mind there will likely be animals in the area. One of the most popular things to see here is native alligators. Because of this (as well as other reasons), there are no pets or camping allowed on the grounds. This location is also popular for bird-watchers. Here you can see everything from Tri-color Heron’s to Roseate Spoonbills, and so much more. Consider a guide if you’d like to know what you’re looking at or take a book and name them yourself.

As a city in southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette is a beautifully diverse town with a rich culture to explore. Predominantly, the influences and history here come from its Cajun and Creole populations. It is lively and vibrant and truly an experience to immerse yourself in during your weekend getaway in Louisiana. Many activities and architecture found in this city come directly from its fascinating past, and beautifully reconstructed and preserved to appeal to the modern era. There are even museum and historical houses to visit in the area for anyone looking to really dig deep into the rich history that is Lafayette.