If you’re looking for a destination that blends history, culture, incredible food, and unforgettable scenery, Southern Louisiana should be at the top of your list. From moss-draped oak trees and historic plantations to lively cities and scenic bayous, this region offers a travel experience unlike anywhere else in the United States.
During my recent trip to Louisiana, I explored the River Parishes, historic plantations, and the vibrant streets of New Orleans. What I discovered is that family travel to Louisiana can be both deeply educational and incredibly fun. There’s so much history to explore, unique culture to experience, and outdoor adventures to enjoy.
This Louisiana travel guide will give you an overview of the best experiences in Southern Louisiana and help you start planning your trip. Think of it as a starting point — a mini-pillar guide that will connect to deeper posts on:
- Visiting the Louisiana Plantations
- Where to Stay in Louisiana
- What to Eat in Louisiana
- Visiting New Orleans
Whether you’re traveling as a family, planning an educational trip, or simply want to experience the magic of the bayou, here’s what you need to know.
Table of Contents
Why Southern Louisiana Is Perfect for Family Travel
Southern Louisiana is a destination where history and culture come alive. Instead of learning about the past from a textbook, visitors can walk through centuries-old oak alleys, explore historic homes, and hear the stories of the people who shaped the region.
For families, this makes Louisiana a particularly powerful travel destination.
Kids can:
- Learn about the complex history of the American South
- Experience Creole and Cajun culture
- See the Mississippi River up close
- Explore wetlands and bayous
- Try foods they’ve never tasted before
Because many attractions are close together, it’s also easy to explore several destinations in just a few days.
The River Parishes region, located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans along the Mississippi River, is especially rich in history and makes an excellent base for exploring Southern Louisiana.
What to Do in Southern Louisiana
If you’re wondering what to do in Southern Louisiana, you’ll quickly realize there’s no shortage of incredible experiences. From historic landmarks to unique outdoor adventures, here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss.
Visit the Historic Louisiana Plantations
One of the most well-known attractions in the region is the collection of historic plantations located along the Mississippi River. These estates provide a glimpse into both the beauty and the difficult history of the antebellum South.
Three of the most notable plantations include:
Oak Alley Plantation
Oak Alley Plantation is one of the most iconic sights in Louisiana. The property is famous for its breathtaking quarter-mile alley of 300-year-old oak trees leading directly to the mansion.
Walking beneath the canopy of these trees is an unforgettable experience.
During a tour, visitors learn about:
- The plantation’s architecture
- The families who lived there
- The enslaved people who built and maintained the estate
The site now works with historians to ensure the full history of the property is told, including the lives and stories of those who were enslaved there.
Visitors can also stay overnight in cottages on the grounds, allowing you to experience the property after the daytime crowds leave.
Laura Plantation
Just down the road from Oak Alley is Laura Plantation, another fascinating stop that offers a different perspective on plantation life.
Laura Plantation focuses heavily on Creole culture and the personal stories of the families who lived there. The tour also shares extensive documentation about the enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the property.
The colorful Creole-style buildings and detailed storytelling make this plantation one of the most educational experiences in the region.
Whitney Plantation
Whitney Plantation offers one of the most powerful historical experiences in Louisiana. Unlike many other plantation tours, Whitney focuses primarily on the experiences of enslaved people.
The museum includes:
- Memorials dedicated to enslaved individuals
- First-person narratives
- Historical exhibits about slavery in Louisiana
For families traveling with teens or older children, Whitney Plantation offers an important and moving educational experience. I would label this as important as visiting a holocaust museum!
Explore the Bayous and Rivers
Another unforgettable part of Southern Louisiana is its waterways. The bayous and rivers are an essential part of the region’s culture and landscape.
Our Lady of the Blind River Chapel
This tiny chapel sits quietly along the Blind River and is only accessible by boat.
The peaceful ride through the winding waterways gives visitors a glimpse of the Louisiana bayou ecosystem. Along the way you might see:
- Cypress trees rising out of the water
- Spanish moss hanging from branches
- Local wildlife
It’s a serene and memorable experience that highlights a side of Louisiana many travelers never see.
Kayak the Manchac Shell Bank Bayou
One of the most relaxing afternoons of the trip was paddling through the bayou. It’s a peaceful way to experience Louisiana’s natural beauty while spotting wildlife and learning about the ecosystem that makes this region so unique.
Take an Airboat Swamp Tour with Ragin Cajun Airboats
For a little adventure, hop on an airboat and explore the wetlands. We saw so much wildlife, and it’s a fun way for families to learn about the importance of Louisiana’s swamps and marshlands.
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Visit New Orleans
No Louisiana travel guide would be complete without spending time in New Orleans.
New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the United States, known for its music, architecture, and incredible food.
Even if you only have a short visit, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do, including:
- Walking through the historic French Quarter
- Riding the historic St. Charles Streetcar Line
- Visiting museums and historic sites
- Exploring beautiful libraries and historic homes
- Strolling through the cemetaries…they’re unlike anything in the US
- Taking the ferryboat across the Mississippi River
The energy of New Orleans is contagious, and every corner seems to have a story to tell.
The Food: A Huge Part of the Experience
If there’s one thing Louisiana is famous for, it’s the food.
Southern Louisiana cuisine blends French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences to create some of the most distinctive dishes in the country.
Some foods you’ll want to try include:
- Beignets – Pillowy fried pastries covered in powdered sugar
- Gumbo – A rich stew with seafood or sausage
- Jambalaya – Rice cooked with spices, meat, and vegetables
- Po’ boy sandwiches – A Louisiana classic
Food in Louisiana isn’t just about eating — it’s about culture, tradition, and storytelling.
I’ll be sharing a full guide to the best places to eat in a separate post because the food scene deserves its own spotlight.
Where to Stay in Southern Louisiana
When planning family travel to Louisiana, choosing where to stay can shape your entire experience.
You’ll find a wide range of accommodations including:
- Historic plantation cottages
- Boutique hotels
- Riverfront stays
- Hotels in downtown New Orleans
One of the most memorable options is staying overnight at Oak Alley Plantation. The cottages allow visitors to experience the property in a peaceful way after tours end for the day.
For city exploration, staying in downtown New Orleans makes it easy to explore the French Quarter and other historic neighborhoods.
I’ll share a full breakdown of the best hotels and unique stays in a separate guide.
When to Visit Louisiana
Southern Louisiana can be visited year-round, but some seasons are more comfortable than others.
Best times to visit:
Spring (March–May)
- Mild weather
- Blooming gardens
- Festival season
Fall (October–November)
- Cooler temperatures
- Fewer crowds
Summers can be very hot and humid, but they also bring fewer tourists and lower hotel prices.
Tips for Family Travel to Louisiana
If you’re planning a family trip to Southern Louisiana, a little preparation can go a long way.
1. Plan plantation visits ahead of time
Many plantations have scheduled tours, so checking times in advance helps maximize your visit.
2. Allow time to process the history
Plantation tours can be emotional and thought-provoking. Giving kids and teens time to ask questions can turn the experience into meaningful learning.
3. Try new foods
Encourage kids to sample Louisiana specialties — it’s part of the cultural experience.
4. Slow down
Louisiana travel is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Take time to enjoy the scenery, the food, and the stories.
Why Louisiana Is a Powerful Travel Experience
Southern Louisiana is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.
The beauty of the oak trees and river landscapes is undeniable, but so is the weight of the history that shaped the region. Visiting these places allows travelers to appreciate both the beauty and the difficult truths of the past.
It’s a destination that invites reflection, conversation, and learning — which makes it especially meaningful for families.
Start Planning Your Louisiana Trip
This Louisiana Travel Guide is just the beginning.
In upcoming posts, I’ll dive deeper into:
- Visiting the Louisiana Plantations
- Where to Stay in Louisiana
- What to Eat in Louisiana
- Visiting New Orleans
Together, these guides will help you plan an unforgettable trip through one of the most fascinating regions of the United States.
If you’re looking for a destination filled with history, culture, incredible food, and unforgettable scenery, family travel to Southern Louisiana might just be the adventure you’re looking for.