Welcome to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where the spirit of the South meets charm, hospitality, and culture with a modern twist. Baton Rouge offers an abundance of attractions and activities for everyone from young professionals to families and retirees. The Pelican State is sure to impress with its attractions.
Unique to Baton Rouge
Louisiana is also known as Sportsman’s Paradise and the Bayou State. It lives up to all of these names with recreation, wildlife, and entertainment. One of the most unique activities in Baton Rouge is exploring the swamps and bayous that surround the city. Take a guided swamp tour with the chance to see alligators, herons, and other wildlife up close. Baton Rouge boasts an impressive array of parks including Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center and the family-friendly BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo.
Entertainment Options Await
Giving insight into the city’s history and culture are several museums. Explore the Louisiana Art & Science Museum to view a variety of art and science exhibits. Avid history buffs will appreciate the naval history of the USS Kidd Veterans Museum aboard a retired WWII destroyer. The architectural details at the Old Louisiana State Capitol hold many secrets of the state’s politics.
Must-Do Attractions
LSU fans dot the stadium in purple and gold in support of the Tigers. An LSU sporting event is hard to beat for revelry. Sports not your thing? Enjoy live music at one of the many venues. Catch live music on Third Street, sip craft cocktails in rooftop bars, or two-step at a honky-tonk. There is something for everyone from award-winning golf courses to bowling. Movie nights at BREC’s Perkins Rowe and outdoor concerts at the Shaw Center for the Arts are great ways to enjoy the Louisiana weather.
Dining and Shopping
Sizzling flavors of food make up the delicious cuisine found in Baton Rouge. Restaurants tempt your taste buds with fresh seafood, Cajun, and Creole favorites. Several restaurants along Government Street or Perkins Rowe will satisfy any hunger pangs with chefs preparing local favorites like traditional gumbo, jambalaya, and mouthwatering po'boy sandwiches.
From antique stores to boutiques and chain stores, retailers can provide fun shopping experiences. Fashionistas and bargain hunters are thrilled with the offerings at spots like Perkins Rowe and the Mall of Louisiana. Find gorgeous vintage wear at the Time Warp Boutique or fun finds and collectibles at Finders Keepers Antique Market & Art Gallery. Local crafts are sure to be a great pick at the Red Stick Farmers Market.
Explore the Great Outdoors
When you tire of city entertainment, you can head out in nature. Baton Rouge puts you close to great state parks including Fontainebleau State Park and Tickfaw State Park, where hiking, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities abound. Take a splash in the LSU Lakes or fish the Mississippi River. Leisurely stroll through the Botanic Gardens.
Baton Rouge knows how to celebrate everything from art to music and culture. New Orleans sees quite a competitive spirit with the Baton Rouge Mardi Gras festivities. Many residents and visitors alike make their way to the Louisiana Renaissance Festival and the Baton Rouge Blues Festival. Another great perk is the annual Louisiana State Fair. The Festival International de Louisiane, the Spanish Town Festival, and the White Linen Night are just a few of the many celebrations that bring the city alive.
Come down to Baton Rouge area and experience the Southern charm of Baton Rouge where the big city buzz, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and unique flavor make this a Louisiana city sure to enhance your quality of life. Baton Rouge is one of the best places to live in the Pelican State!
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.