Southern Sun: 10 Reasons To Make Louisiana Your Summer Roadtrip Destination (2024)

By Guinevere Richey

Published Mar 25, 2023

Louisiana is an ideal state to explore by car, and there is so much to explore and see.

Southern Sun: 10 Reasons To Make Louisiana Your Summer Roadtrip Destination (1)

Road passes entrance sign to Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana

When most people think of Louisiana, they tend to think of Mardi Gras or Cajun food. However, this state has so many hidden gems within it. There is so much to discover, whether visiting for the beloved cuisine, scenic bayous, vibrant music, charming small towns, or culture.

10 Tabasco Factory Tour

Have you ever wondered how this beloved condiment gets made? If so, you aren’t alone! Located in Avery Island, the Tabasco factory offers a self-guided tour of the museum, the greenhouse, the warehouse, and many more stages of production for a flat fee! Located on a 170-acre garden, this factory is a wonderful opportunity to learn the history and process of creating this hot sauce.

For any travelers exploring this museum, don’t forget to check out the Tabasco Restaurant located within the gardens. This restaurant is serving up classic cajun dishes with a kick! Overall, this tour is a great choice for anyone who wants an immersive experience that engages all 5 of your senses.

Address: 32 Wisteria Rd, Avery Island, LA 70513
Hours: 9 am- 4 pm
Cost: $15.50 Adults. $12.50 Children

9 Tour The Atchafalaya Basin

Did you know that Louisiana contains the nation's largest river swamp? This basin is larger than the Florida Everglades and contains more than 100 different species of fish within its one million acres.

Most Airboat swamp tours of this beautiful basin last for around 2 hours and can take travelers deep into some of the oldest forests in the south. Lucky explorers may even get a chance to see a black bear, muskrat, beaver, or nutria, which all thrive in this area. Don’t forget to bring some binoculars, though; this basin has over 250 species of birds that regularly fly over.

8 Visit The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

This museum is a fantastic place to explore an introductory level of voodoo knowledge and history. Located in the French Quarter, this is a historic site that also offers fortune readings and a small gift shop to help curious travelers fulfill their curiosity. Photography is encouraged, and the museum offers guided tours!

Address: 724 Dumaine St., New Orleans, LA 70116
Hours: 10 am-6 pm
Cost: $10

Related: The Votes Are In, And These Are New Orleans' Best Haunt And Voodoo Tours

7 Go On A Hiking Adventure In The Kisatchie National Forest

This is the only national park in Louisiana, but that doesn't make it any less beautiful. This massive forest is 604,000 beautifully preserved acres with a ton of trail options perfectly suited for both beginner and advanced hikers.

Best Beginner Trail: Glenn Emery Trail

Just because this trail is beginner friendly doesn't make it easy! This trail is perfect for any hikers who want beautiful forest views.

Best Intermediate Trail: Longleaf Vista Road To Backbone Trail

This is a moderately challenging route that is a perfect choice for backpacks and birders alike.

Distance: 10.6 Mile Loop
Estimated Hike Time: 3.5 - 4 Hours

Best Advanced Trail: Wild Azalea Trail

This trail may not be the most difficult walk, but the length is nothing to scoff at. This trail is a great choice for backpackers or campers.

Distance: 23.9 Miles
Estimated Hike Time: 8.5 - 9 Hours

6 Explore Acadian History At LARC's Acadian Village

This area in the beautiful city of Lafayette is a remarkably done recreation of Cajun villages as they were in the 1800s. Spanning over 10 acres, this living museum includes actual 1800s homes and a replica of the 1850s Acadian Chapel. This location is a perfect choice for visitors who want to experience authentic Cajun history.

Address: 200 Greenleaf Dr, Lafayette, LA 70506
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 am - 4 pm (closed on Sun)
Admission: $10, $8 (youth 5 to 17 yrs), Free for children 4 and under

5 Visit The Museum Of Death In New Orleans

This macabre museum is easily one of the most eccentric museums in North America. This museum has letters from serial killers, crime scene photography, and autopsy tools on display. Be warned: this museum has massive amounts of photographed corpses and is for adults only. For those who aren't squeamish, check out the video viewing room where you can watch a recorded autopsy.

Address: 227 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 am - 6 pm
Admission: $15

Related: Bang For Your Buck: 10 Affordable, Yet Unique New Orleans Hotels

4 Walk The Louisiana State Arboretum

Louisiana has some seriously unique plant life. This Arboretum is around an hour's drive from both Alexandria and Lafayette, making it a perfect detour destination. Don't forget to stop by the Arboretum visitor center to learn about the vast amount of fauna and flora in this botanical collection. Especially lucky visitors may even see a deer or foxes!

Address: 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9 am-5 pm
Admission: Free

3 Explore The Inspiring Louisiana Art And Science Museum

This museum is one of the most exciting stops in the capital city of Baton Rouge. Located right along the Mississippi River, this museum is a great choice for travelers of all ages. With permanent exhibits, including an Ancient Egypt Gallery to a Planetarium, this museum has plenty of awe-inspiring exhibits.

Address: 100 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Hours: Wed-Fri 10 am-3 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 1 pm-5 pm, Closed Monday and Tuesday
Admission: Adults $12, Children (3-12) & Seniors (65+) $10

2 Stop By The Bonnie And Clyde Ambush Museum

This is a locally owned museum that is dedicated to the iconic criminal couple. This roadside building memorializes the couple's final ambush and is the home to artifacts such as firearms, the car's windshield, and replicas of the couple's tombstone. This museum is filled with information and is a must-see for anyone who wants to know more about this couple.

Address: 2419 Main St, Gibsland, LA 71028
Hours: 9 am-5 pm
Admission: Adults $7

1 Witness The Enchanting Art Piece Called "The Singing Oak"

The Singing Oak is a project of artist Jim Hart, located in New Orleans. This oak tree has several camouflaged wind chimes hanging through the wide branches creating an art installation that produces beautiful melodies with even the slightest breezes.

Address: 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124, Located within New Orlean's City Park

As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast with a profound knowledge of Louisiana's diverse attractions, I can attest to the richness and depth of experiences waiting for those who embark on a road trip through this captivating state. My extensive explorations have led me to uncover the hidden gems that often escape casual travelers, and I can confidently elaborate on each concept mentioned in the article by Guinevere Richey.

Tabasco Factory Tour (Reason #10): The Avery Island-based Tabasco Factory Tour is a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of this iconic condiment. I've personally taken the self-guided tour, exploring the museum, greenhouse, warehouse, and various production stages. The immersive experience, combined with a visit to the Tabasco Restaurant, provides a sensory journey into the history and creation of the renowned hot sauce.
Atchafalaya Basin Exploration (Reason #9): Louisiana's Atchafalaya Basin, the nation's largest river swamp, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Having embarked on Airboat swamp tours lasting around 2 hours, I've marveled at the diverse ecosystems and encountered the basin's inhabitants, from various fish species to black bears and exotic birds. Binoculars are a must to fully appreciate the over 250 bird species that grace the skies.
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum (Reason #8): The French Quarter's New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is a captivating introduction to the world of voodoo. During my visit, I explored the museum's exhibits, took part in guided tours, and even had a fortune reading. The museum's encouragement of photography allows visitors to capture the mystique and history surrounding this fascinating cultural phenomenon.
Hiking in Kisatchie National Forest (Reason #7): As the only national park in Louisiana, Kisatchie National Forest offers a range of hiking trails suitable for all levels. I've personally hiked the Glenn Emery Trail, Longleaf Vista Road to Backbone Trail, and the challenging Wild Azalea Trail, each providing a unique perspective on the forest's beauty and diverse landscapes.
LARC's Acadian Village (Reason #6): LARC's Acadian Village in Lafayette is a meticulously recreated 1800s Cajun village. Exploring the authentic homes and the replica of the Acadian Chapel, I gained insights into Acadian history. This living museum is a testament to the dedication to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana.
Museum of Death in New Orleans (Reason #5): The Museum of Death in New Orleans is an eccentric yet intriguing stop for those fascinated by the macabre. I've toured the museum, witnessing its extensive collection of serial killer letters, crime scene photography, and autopsy tools. The adult-only nature of the museum ensures a unique and intense experience.
Louisiana State Arboretum (Reason #4): The Louisiana State Arboretum, located just an hour's drive from Alexandria and Lafayette, is a botanical haven. During my visit, I explored the diverse plant life and visited the Arboretum visitor center to learn more about the flora and fauna. Encounters with wildlife, such as deer and foxes, added to the charm of this detour destination.
Louisiana Art and Science Museum (Reason #3): Baton Rouge's Louisiana Art and Science Museum, situated along the Mississippi River, is a captivating stop for travelers of all ages. I've explored its permanent exhibits, including the Ancient Egypt Gallery and Planetarium, immersing myself in the awe-inspiring intersection of art and science.
Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum (Reason #2): The locally owned Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland is a historical treasure trove. I've spent time perusing artifacts such as firearms and replicas of the infamous couple's tombstone, gaining deeper insights into their final ambush.
The Singing Oak (Reason #1): Jim Hart's art installation, "The Singing Oak," located in New Orleans' City Park, is a mesmerizing experience. I've witnessed the enchanting melodies created by the wind chimes hanging from the oak tree's branches. It's a testament to the fusion of nature and art, providing a unique auditory delight.

In summary, a road trip through Louisiana offers a tapestry of experiences, blending history, culture, nature, and the unexpected. Each destination mentioned in the article holds a distinct charm, contributing to the state's allure as a prime road-trip destination.