Louisiana
- Major Airports:
- Louis Armstrong/New Orleans (MSY)
- Baton Rouge (BTR)
- Shreveport (SHV)
- Nicknames:
- The Pelican State, The Bayou State, Sportsman's Paradise
See Louisiana your way, from bayous to Big Easy thrills

Only In Louisiana
Ready for a road trip? From brass to bayous, po’ boys to pralines, and jazz to jambalaya, there’s a lot to experience in Louisiana. Get your fill of bustling cities, quaint small towns and everything in between along the state’s culinary trails and scenic byways. This is a place where strangers become friends on every step of your journey, and you'll find no better place to experience this Southern hospitality than in the state's colorful small towns. Explore the historic neighborhoods of Natchitoches, Louisiana's oldest city, then tour the charming hamlet of St. Francisville, whose moss-draped streets have made appearances in several films. You'll find plenty of can’t-miss spots in cozy towns statewide.
For a taste of the big city, stop by New Orleans. Famously known as the Big Easy, this cultural hub is full of history and flair: beignets, ghost stories, Creole cuisine and live jazz music await you. Head to the Lafayette area, also known as Cajun Country, and take to the dance floor at local dance halls. Let loose to Zydeco music and get a taste of Cajun cooking once you’ve worked up an appetite.
For outdoors enthusiasts, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is an ideal spot for a swamp tour adventure. Local guides are waiting to share their insights into this fascinating region. There’s no better way to explore the mysterious and beautiful Atchafalaya Basin than to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. For a different kind of excitement, enjoy chic nightlife and first-rate casinos in Lake Charles down south and Shreveport up north.
Endless Reasons to Celebrate
This is a state that knows how to throw a good party. The most anticipated event of the year, the world-famous Mardi Gras is only one of the many excuses to celebrate. Only in Louisiana are there more than 400 fairs and festivals throughout the year dedicated to the state’s history, culture and favorite things like music and local delicacies. Every festival in Louisiana is as original as the community that organizes it, and each festival is sure to be full of good food, good music and good times.

Fun Fact

New Orleans is the birthplace of multiple cocktails. Try America's first cocktail – the Sazerac – at The Roosevelt, a Vieux Carré at the spinning Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone, a French 75 at Arnaud's or a Grasshopper at Tujague's.

Mardi Gras is more than one day in one city – it is a season celebrated statewide, and every corner of Louisiana celebrates in its own way – from boat parades and pet parades to chicken chasing to pink flamingos. You won’t find any two Mardi Gras celebrations that are alike.

The ascension of Elvis Presley’s musical career began at the Louisiana Hayride, a recurring radio-broadcast concert series at Shreveport, Louisiana’s downtown municipal auditorium in 1954.
Must see places

New Orleans French Quarter

Creole Nature Trail All-American Road

Avery Island

Atchafalaya National Heritage Area

Vermilionville Living History & Folk Life Park

Oak Alley Plantation

St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square

Preservation Hall

Poverty Point

Louisiana State Museum
Explore Louisiana destinations

Explore Louisiana destinations
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