From historic buildings to beautiful bayous, Louisiana is full of exciting adventures just waiting for you to explore. Some of the most famous landmarks in Louisiana attract visitors from all over the world, but they often get overlooked by locals. This road trip will lead you to seven of the most iconic landmarks in Louisiana, so gas up the car and prepare to see some of Louisiana’s most iconic spots.
Point to point, the road trip will take you about two and a half hours to complete, but you’ll want to clear an entire day so you can get out and explore these spots.
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- French Quarter
f11Photo/Getty Images We start our road trip with one of the most famous landmarks not only in Louisiana, but the entire country. Famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, the French Quarter is one of New Orleans’ most historic places. From the intricate architecture to amazing eateries, New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood is a fantastic place to spend a few hours walking around.
- Jackson Square
Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images While you’re in the Quarter, be sure to pop over to Jackson Square, the crown jewel of the French Quarter. Initially called the “Place d’Armes,” this 2.5-acre park dates back to 1721 and was the site where the Louisiana Purchase took place in 1803. There are plenty of restaurants nearby if you’d like to stop for a moment and grab a bite of authentic New Orleans cuisine.
- St. Charles Streetcar Line
Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images Our next landmark moves around, but you won’t have to chase after it. The St. Charles Streetcar Line is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, having been in operation since 1835. A ride on this historic line will take you through several New Orleans neighborhoods, including the CBD and the Garden District.
- USS KIDD
Jimmy Tata Sherman/Google Our next stop takes us further up the Mighty Mississippi to Baton Rouge, where the USS Kidd lives. The only surviving US destroyer still in WWII configuration, this museum ship offers daily tours where you can climb aboard and learn all about the history of this majestic destroyer.
- Tiger Stadium
D R Pellegrin/Google Whether you’re an LSU fan or not, seeing Tiger Stadium in person is a must. The campus is absolutely beautiful, and while you’re there, be sure to check out Mike the Tiger in his habitat.
- Old Louisiana State Capitol
May/Google Our next stop takes us to the Old State Capitol, a castle-like structure in downtown Baton Rouge. Completed in 1852, today this National Historic Landmark serves as a museum where you can learn about some of Louisiana’s most famous politicians, as well as the history of the building – including its early days when it was used as a prison during the Civil War.
- Atchafalaya River Basin
Felixmixioznikov/Getty Images Our last stop takes over to Cajun Country where you can view the nation’s largest river swamp, the Atchafalaya River Basin. Clocking in at almost a million acres, the swamp is home to countless wildlife, including alligators, egrets, wild hogs, and more. There are plenty of swamp tours you can take to get a closer look at the swamps, but even if you just drive over them, you’ll be mesmerized.
How many of these landmarks have you visited? Let us know in the comments!
Google Maps
f11Photo/Getty Images
We start our road trip with one of the most famous landmarks not only in Louisiana, but the entire country. Famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, the French Quarter is one of New Orleans’ most historic places. From the intricate architecture to amazing eateries, New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood is a fantastic place to spend a few hours walking around.
Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images
While you’re in the Quarter, be sure to pop over to Jackson Square, the crown jewel of the French Quarter. Initially called the “Place d’Armes,” this 2.5-acre park dates back to 1721 and was the site where the Louisiana Purchase took place in 1803. There are plenty of restaurants nearby if you’d like to stop for a moment and grab a bite of authentic New Orleans cuisine.
Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images
Our next landmark moves around, but you won’t have to chase after it. The St. Charles Streetcar Line is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, having been in operation since 1835. A ride on this historic line will take you through several New Orleans neighborhoods, including the CBD and the Garden District.
Jimmy Tata Sherman/Google
Our next stop takes us further up the Mighty Mississippi to Baton Rouge, where the USS Kidd lives. The only surviving US destroyer still in WWII configuration, this museum ship offers daily tours where you can climb aboard and learn all about the history of this majestic destroyer.
D R Pellegrin/Google
Whether you’re an LSU fan or not, seeing Tiger Stadium in person is a must. The campus is absolutely beautiful, and while you’re there, be sure to check out Mike the Tiger in his habitat.
May/Google
Our next stop takes us to the Old State Capitol, a castle-like structure in downtown Baton Rouge. Completed in 1852, today this National Historic Landmark serves as a museum where you can learn about some of Louisiana’s most famous politicians, as well as the history of the building – including its early days when it was used as a prison during the Civil War.
Felixmixioznikov/Getty Images
Our last stop takes over to Cajun Country where you can view the nation’s largest river swamp, the Atchafalaya River Basin. Clocking in at almost a million acres, the swamp is home to countless wildlife, including alligators, egrets, wild hogs, and more. There are plenty of swamp tours you can take to get a closer look at the swamps, but even if you just drive over them, you’ll be mesmerized.
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Address: French Quarter, New Orleans, LA, USAAddress: Jackson Square, 701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USAAddress: St Charles Street Car Tours, New Orleans, LA 70115, USAAddress: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USAAddress: Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, 100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, USAAddress: USS KIDD Veterans Museum, 305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USAAddress: Atchafalaya River, Louisiana, USA
