• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-319330211704
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/the-south/louisiana",
  "destination": "Louisiana",
  "title": "louisiana",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Southern-USA",
  "country": "The-USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Louisiana

USA

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Osprey landing on nest in Atchafalaya Basin near Henderson.

Kris Davidson

Overview

Louisiana runs deep: a French colony turned Spanish protectorate turned reluctant American purchase; a southern fringe of swampland, bayou and alligators dissolving into the Gulf of Mexico; a northern patchwork prairie of heartland farm country; and everywhere, a population tied together by a deep, unshakable appreciation for the good things in life: food and music.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Louisiana? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden

highlights

  1. 1Unwinding Scandinavian-style with saunas and cold plunges at a beloved Nordic spa
  2. 2Visiting a local oyster farm to taste fresh shellfish straight from the source
  3. 3Sailing Penobscot Bay as the sun sets on Camden Harbor
from $3,795

per person

book this tripsee trip details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-369223917602
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/the-south/louisiana",
  "destination": "Louisiana",
  "title": "louisiana",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Southern-USA",
  "country": "The-USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-892598619560
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/the-south/louisiana",
  "destination": "Louisiana",
  "title": "louisiana",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Southern-USA",
  "country": "The-USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Louisiana

Louisiana and beyond

View all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-176320146374
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/the-south/louisiana",
  "destination": "Louisiana",
  "title": "louisiana",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Southern-USA",
  "country": "The-USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}