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17 Reasons To Plan A Trip To Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Garth Brooks was onto something when he sent his love down to Baton Rouge, home to LSU and Southern University.

Founded more than three centuries ago by French explorers, the area that's now known as Baton Rouge was originally named for the "red stick" the explorers spotted upon landing. It's said that there was a wooden pole with blood on it that marked the territorial boundary between the hunting grounds of two tribes. Though still referenced by locals as "Red Stick," Baton Rouge today is a modern city, of around 225,000 residents and an eclectic flavor all its own. Like much of the South, history runs deep, here—Baton Rouge is said to have been influenced by seven different nations, giving way to a diverse culture that's alive and thriving. The city's place as Louisiana's state capital drives visitors, too, not least for having the tallest U.S. State Capitol House in the nation, standing 450 feet tall. Louisiana State University, more commonly referred to as LSU, is also a big draw. Here's what to do, what to eat and where to stay on a visit to Baton Rouge.

Local tour company Red Stick Adventures offers a wide variety of sightseeing tours (via foot, microbus or boat), where you can let knowledgeable guides do the planning for you. The most popular option is a microbus tour of the Capitol Park Museum , but the haunted adventure and swamp tours are equally as engaging. You can also get a fascinating history lesson aboard the Fletcher-class destroyer USS Kidd , the 661st destroyer built by the United States Navy and one of only four of its kind still preserved as museums. The 2020 movie "Greyhound" featuring Tom Hanks was filmed on the ship. If you visit, be sure to stop into the attached Veterans Museum, too.

Dive into the arts and culture scene in Baton Rouge by visiting galleries such as Ann Connelly Fine Art and Baton Rouge Gallery Center for Contemporary Art , or by wandering around the LSU Museum of Art , which showcases everything from 17th-century portraits to contemporary works. After you've let the visual arts inspire you, shop wall-to-wall treasures inside the nearly 7,000-square-foot Pink Elephant Antiques . To give your credit card a little more exercise, head to Circa 1857 for unique home décor and vintage furniture, or explore the latest women's fashions at Louisiana staple boutique HerringStone's .

Where to Eat

You can eat your fill of Cajun food with a twist in Baton Rouge. Try the Chipotle Shrimp or Oysters Lagniappe at Louisiana Lagniappe or the Red Miso Bouillabaisse at Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine ). But there are plenty of other foods to try here, too. For instance, take Soji: Modern Asian , where Executive Chef Thien Nguyen serves sushi and from-scratch ramen in the trendy Mid City neighborhood or head to Chow Yum for Asian fusion bites like wings, noodles, and bao. At Mestizo , a menu of tasty options (think crawfish chimichangas) complements a buzzy bar, making it a great date-night spot. At The Vintage , a New Orleans original that opened its second location in Baton Rouge in 2020, the hot beignets (offered in both sweet or savory form and served all day) paired with a glass of bubbles are a must. For those with a sweet tooth, you can't beat the s'mores or turtle pies at Elsie's Pie & Plate .

Where to Stay

One of the city's newer hotels, Watermark Baton Rouge (an Autograph Collection hotel) opened in 2016 in the former Louisiana National Bank building, which was the financial and governmental hub downtown from the 1920s-1970s. Art lovers will enjoy restored pieces and bas-relief murals by New Orleans sculptor Angela Gregory, to which the hotel's elegant restaurant The Gregory pays homage. A block away, Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown on the Mississippi River is steps from the Old State Capitol and the grand Old Governor's Mansion plus theaters and nightlife. And on the southern end of the city, Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel is a prime spot if you're looking to be near shopping and lots of local restaurants, or take advantage of its resort-style pool.

Related Articles

Why Visit Baton Rouge: 10 Reasons You Shouldn't Skip This Underrated Louisiana City

Baton Rouge is a scenic and historic city within Louisiana. Here are 10 reasons you won't want to skip over this city!

When a person thinks of Louisiana, they may be met with images of Mardi Gras or the famous French Quarter, but that doesn't make the rest of the state unworthy of a visit. Baton Rouge has plenty of exciting activities within it, which makes it a perfect choice for any traveler.

Baton Rouge is the capital city, and there is a unique blend of music, culture, and scenery that makes this city one of a kind. From historic sights to outstanding food , here are 10 reasons to visit this capital.

Related: See Swamps, Pirates, & Cajun Culture At Jean Lafitte National Historical Park

10 Visit The LSU Rural Life Museum

History buffs won't want to skip this location! This is a self-guided tour that lets visitors walk through a rural home to get a glimpse into the life of the past. This museum is a preserved home that allows visitors an up-close chance to see 18th and 19th-century culture in rural Louisiana.

• Address: 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
• Hours Of Operation: Open daily from 8:00 am-4:30 pm
• Cost Of Admission: $12

9 Get Inspired At The Louisiana Art & Science Museum

This museum is perfect for art lovers or for anyone looking for a rainy-day activity. From a wide arrangement of paintings to a planetarium, there's plenty to do! Expect to spend around 2 hours here, and don't forget to check out the gift shop on the way out!

• Address: 100 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
• Hours Of Operation: Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

8 See The 450 Feet Tall Louisiana State Capitol

Did you know that Baton Rouge has the tallest capital in the entire United States? It's true, and it's even free to visit! Here, visitors can tour the capital and travel up to the observation deck on the 27th floor to view the sweeping scenery of the city.

• Address: 900 North Third Street Baton
• Hours Of Operation: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m
• Cost Of Admission: Free

7 Enjoy A Po-Boy At Milford's On Third

This deli in downtown Baton Rouge is an amazing place to stop for breakfast, but they also have a remarkable lunch menu! At around $10 each, these sandwiches are well-priced, well-portioned, and, most importantly: well-made! This deli also has a breakfast menu that is beloved by tourists and locals alike.

• Hours: Daily from 6 am-6 pm. Closed for 30 minutes from 10:30-11 am daily to swap menus.
• Address: 150 3rd St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
• Must-Try Dish: The Hot Sausage Po-Boy, $10

6 Explore Nature In The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Calling all nature lovers ! This free collection of trails will lead you to some amazing views! Hundreds of animals call this area home. For travelers interested in more information, stop by the exhibit building, where there are many live animals are kept in excellent condition, as well as plentiful amounts of information about the animals in the park.

• Address: 10503 N Oak Hills Pkwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
• Hours: Tues-Sat 9 am - 5 pm. Sun 12 pm-5 pm.
• Distance: Multiple trails; the most popular is a 1-mile loop
• Difficulty: Easy

Related: New Orleans Zipline Experience: Immerse Yourself In Louisiana's Wild Swamp Ecosystems

5 Visit The Historic Magnolia Mound Plantation

For any travelers looking for a peek into what it was like for early settlers then this is the spot to visit! This house dates back to 1791 and is a preserved piece of history. Magnolia Mound also serves as an important reminder of the role of enslaved people in Louisiana's history. It is suspected that 79 enslaved people worked on Magnolia Mound and although the original slave quarters have been destroyed, there is a double slave cabin that has been relocated to this property.

• Address: 2161 Nicholson Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
• Hours Of Operation: Open daily from 8 am- 4:30 pm
• Cost Of Admission: Self Guided tours are $3, Guided tours are $10

4 The Old Governor's Mansion

This mansion was the official residence of 9 Louisiana governors from 1930-1962. This mansion was designed to mimic the white house and is referred to as "Louisinia's White House." This visually and historically remarkable building is located in downtown Baton Rouge and is able to be viewed through guided tours.

• Address: 502 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
• Hours Of Operation: Guided tours are available Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm
• Cost Of Admission: $10

3 See The USS KIDD In Person

For those looking for a unique place to visit, look no further because this ship is a historic landmark of national significance. The USS KIDD played a unique role in WW2 and is one of the only ships from that era that is still able to be entered. Entrance into this museum includes getting to explore the decks of the USS KIDD and getting to see aircraft preserved from WW2.

• Address: 305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
• Hours Of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
• Cost Of Admission: $14 for Adults, $12 for Military, $10 for Children

2 Visit Mike The Tigers Habitat

Did you know that Louisiana State University has a live mascot? It's true, his name is Mike and he is kept in this 14,010-square-foot habitat that is located in the heart of Louisiana State University. With a waterfall, lush greenery, and plenty of natural substrates, there's no doubt that this is a beautiful habitat. Travelers can even come to visit Mike the Tiger for free!

• Address: 16 N Stadium Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Related: Best Day Trips That You'll Want To Leave New Orleans For

1 Enjoy Downtown Baton Rouge

Travelers who are going to Baton Rouge for any reason make sure to set some time aside to explore the beautiful downtown within this city. Whether they want to sample some outstanding beignets at The Vintage or spend their afternoon at Red Stick Farmers Market , there is no shortage of interesting ways to spend the day.

22 Incredible Things to Do in Baton Rouge

New Orleans gets most of the attention when it comes to visiting Louisiana, but Baton Rouge, the state’s capital deserves its time to shine as well. You get a more laid-back city with hints of NOLA’s atmosphere minus the crowds. Baton Rouge is modern, but still has evidence of its diverse culture and roots. It has a distinct mix of Cajun and Creole culture while also being home to LSU, Louisiana’s largest university.

Baton Rouge was founded over 300 years ago. Today it’s full of historic sites, unique museums, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and amazing restaurants and bars. Southern cities have a reputation for being welcoming and serving up great food, and Baton Rouge definitely delivers. If you’re looking to experience the famous Southern hospitality, you’ll find it here.

I’ve spent a good bit of time in Baton Rouge because I have family living in the area, and I lived just a couple of hours away for several years. Quite a lot of my trips to the city revolve around getting to as many good restaurants, cafes, and bakeries as possible. Don’t worry though, I can still guide you to some of the best things to do in Baton Rouge between mealtimes.

If you’ve found yourself planning a trip to Baton Rouge and you’re trying to figure out the best options, then keep reading!

Eat Crawfish

You cannot visit South Louisiana during crawfish season and not try crawfish. While these crustaceans have the deceptively unappetizing nickname “mudbugs,” they are incredibly delicious. Crawfish season typically spans from February to May but can sometimes be longer depending on the weather. You’ll find boiled crawfish offered in restaurants when it’s in season, but even during the rest of the year, many restaurants have dishes like crawfish étouffée that include crawfish.

Willie’s Restaurant is the most popular place to get boiled crawfish. If you’ve never had crawfish before, Willie’s is definitely the place to go. I usually order 3 lbs when I get crawfish which is fairly standard unless you are a big eater or very dedicated to cracking open crawfish. Unless you’ve had practice opening crawfish before, it takes a little extra effort at first.

However, if you’re interested in trying a delicious twist on crawfish, go to Chow Yum Phat, an Asian fusion restaurant. There you’ll be able to get the Chow Style Crawfish, a dish that includes crawfish tossed in ginger butter along with quail eggs, mushrooms, and edamame. It’s only available during crawfish season.

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Go Antique Shopping at Circa 1857

If you enjoy looking through antiques and finding treasures, Circa 1857 is a fun shop to visit. It has a bit of a flea market feel except that every stall is beautifully arranged and filled with items that you might not see anywhere else. You’ll find everything from antique furniture to artwork and vintage glassware. 

Circa 1857 is located in a renovated building that used to house a pharmacy from the 1920s, and it includes more than 30 booths and stalls. While you aren’t going to score any amazing deals except during sales, the pricing on items is fair. Plus, you’re supporting a local business in the community. 

Circa 1857 is also the new location for the MidCity Makers Market. The market takes place once a quarter and gives local artists, painters, bakers, and other creators a place to showcase their goods and reach new customers. 

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Have a Pie at Elsie’s Plate and Pie

Elsie’s Plate and Pie is a cute restaurant serving both sweet and savory pies. Because this is Baton Rouge, there’s a crawfish hand pie and seafood pot pie on the menu. The appetizers like fried okra, boudin cakes, Cajun queso, and pimento cheese are also delicious. 

Of course, in my opinion, the sweet pies are the ultimate star at the restaurant. The apple pie, s’mores pie, and turtle pie are always a good idea. They also have special pies that rotate through the year. Some of them like the cosmic brownie pie sell out quickly, so if something sounds good, try it while it’s still available. 

If you’re interested in trying more than just the pies, Elsie’s also has great plate lunch options. Come hungry to try out the fried chicken, fried oysters, red beans & rice, and brussels sprouts. You won’t be disappointed with anything you try.

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Get a Sweet Treat

Baton Rouge has several great bakeries, but CounterSpace is arguably the best in the city. You can always get amazingly good cookies as well as pies, cupcakes, slices of cake, and other goodies. The selection is impressive, but if you’re having trouble deciding, you can never go wrong with one of CounterSpace’s chocolate chip cookies.

If you plan ahead, you can get some of their take-and-bake cinnamon rolls to have for breakfast in the morning. They also do custom layer cakes and cookie cakes, so if you’re celebrating a birthday or other special occasion while in Baton Rouge, you can order one in advance. 

CounterSpace’s baked goods are also available at several coffee shops across the city. The shop is closed on Sunday and Monday, but you can still try out their offerings at French Truck Coffee, Social Coffee, MJ’s Cafe, or Light House Coffee.

Catch a Game at Tiger Stadium

There’s nothing quite like the spectacle that is LSU during home football games. While there are only a handful of these during college football season, it’s worth participating in the excitement and madness if you can.

Walk through the Parade Grounds to see the serious tailgating that takes place before the game. About an hour and a half before the game starts, watch the football team and the marching band walk down Victory Hill. Watch the pregame show in the stadium and get ready for an intense display of drama and passion (and that’s just from the fans).

The game itself may be more or less exciting depending on how the Tigers are doing that season and which team they’re playing, but the experience itself will be fun. Despite being a graduate of a different SEC school, I’d still highly recommend going to Tiger Stadium if you’re in Baton Rouge on game day. Just don’t tell my alumni association.

Order Shrimp and Grits for Brunch

Shrimp and grits is a classic southern dish. This dish typically includes creamy cheese grits along with shrimp, bacon, onions, and a variety of spices. While it’s popular for breakfast, you can also have it for lunch or dinner if you’d like.

I’ve tried shrimp and grits at a lot of places across the southeastern United States, and so far the best has been at Simple Joe Cafe on Government Street. The cafe is inspired by neighborhood diners from the 1970s and 1980s. Fresh ingredients are prioritized and very few dishes have any additives or preservatives. You can tell just how good the food will be because the small cafe is almost always busy. Somehow a table always opens up just in time for you to be seated though.

Simple Joe’s owner is from the West Coast and didn’t grow up eating grits, which is hard to believe given just how good their shrimp and grits are. Apparently, they tried combining elements from Paula Deen’s recipe and Alton Brown’s recipe to create their own shrimp and grits recipe. It definitely seems to have been successful. Whether you’re already a fan of shrimp and grits or you’ve never had it before, Simple Joe’s is the place to go.

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Get Margaritas at Superior Grill

Louisiana has a reputation for being enthusiastic about drinking, so it’s no surprise that you can find amazing margaritas at the Mexican restaurants in Baton Rouge. Of all those restaurants, Superior Grill has the best margaritas in town.

Superior Grill opened its first location in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1983. The Baton Rouge location opened in 1991 and is still incredibly popular today. Probably because the food is made from scratch there every day. The Superior margaritas are particularly good because they’re made with freshly squeezed lime instead of from a mix. You can get the margaritas to go if you’d like. Just make sure to keep the lid on until you’re no longer driving or in the car.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go at happy hour, Superior Grill is the best place to go. On Sundays, stop by to enjoy the live music during the Jazz Brunch. There’s also live music on the patio on different evenings throughout the week. I’ve heard that the bottomless mimosas at brunch are good, but I have not tried them myself yet.

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Spend an Evening at Electric Depot

For a fun night out, head to Electric Depot. This unique space has a variety of fun entertainment, shopping, and dining for visitors to enjoy.

There’s Red Stick Social, a bowling alley where you can also find live music and good food. You can get dinner at Boru where you can try out authentic ramen created by a chef who trained in Tokyo and New York. If you haven’t tried enough crawfish yet, try out the crawfish mazeman there. You can also visit Sweet Society, an Asian dessert shop. Here you can get a fish-shaped waffle cone of ice cream along with other tasty sweets. You can’t go wrong with any of the flavors, but the watermelon dole whip is particularly good.

Electric Depot is also home to Sweet Baton Rouge, an adorable boutique selling locally-themed apparel. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up buying more here than you can fit in your suitcase for the way home.

See the Collection at the LSU Museum of Art

The LSU Museum of Art is the only art museum in Louisiana’s capital city, and it has 14 open to the public. The museum’s permanent collection contains over 6000 items including everything from a collection of Chinese jade to a collection of Louisiana art. 

The museum also hosts a selection of touring exhibitions that change on a frequent basis. Touring exhibitions sometimes include paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, or photography. You can check the website to see what will be there during your visit. The museum, which is affiliated with the university, hosts lectures and workshops that you might enjoy depending on your interests. 

The museum is located at the Shaw Center for the Arts. Admission to the museum is free for LSU students, faculty, and staff. Afterward, pop into the PJ’s Coffee located in the Shaw Center. The New Orleans-based franchise makes my favorite frozen hot chocolate which is the perfect drink for a place where it’s warm 10 months of the year.

Visit Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

For history buffs, a visit to Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is essential, but even if you aren’t a history fanatic, you’ll still enjoy seeing this unique National Historic Landmark. The building, which was constructed between 1847 and 1852, looks like a medieval fortress on the outside. On the inside, it’s richly decorated with marble, wood paneling, and a stunning set of stained glass in both the main gallery and an overhead skylight. The skylight is made up of 2,054 panes of glass. It is truly magnificent.

The building was damaged by fire during the Civil War, restored in the 1880s, and then abanded when the new capitol building was finished in the 1930s. Today, the building has been restored once again and is now a free museum showcasing Louisiana’s history.

Plan to spend at least an hour and a half admiring the beautiful architecture and browsing the different exhibits. While entrance is free, you should plan to spend a few dollars to see “The Ghost of the Castle” an award-winning theatrical presentation where the ghost of Sarah Morgan, a real woman who lived during the Civil War era shares the history of this remarkable historic building.

Visit Louisiana’s “New” State Capitol

Baton Rouge somehow manages to have two unique state capitol buildings that are worth visiting. The “new” state capitol, completed in 1932, is the tallest capitol in the United States reaching 450 feet tall with 34 floors.

The building is a beautiful example of the art deco design that was popular in the 1930s and is arguably one of the most interesting current state capitols in use in the United States. You can see parts of the building on your own or contact the staff to find out information about guided tours. 

It’s also a great spot for taking photos. You can enjoy the view over Baton Rouge from the observation deck on the 17th floor. While visiting, you can see the parks around the building as well. The gardens are lovely, especially if you happen to visit while the azaleas are in bloom.

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Stroll through the Red Stick Farmers Market

Red Stick Farmers Market is open year-round on Saturdays in downtown and on Thursdays at Pennington. At the open-air market, you’ll find produce that is grown by local farmers. The market has over 50 members who sell fruits and vegetables along with meat, seafood, bread, homemade pies, honey, milk and cheese, herbs, and other local specialty items. 

It’s a lot of fun to see what’s in season, especially since the growing season is so long in Baton Rouge. You’ll find local fruits and vegetables that may not be available where you live. The market is also a great place to pick up some Louisiana wine or jelly to take home with you.

See a Live After 5 Outdoor Concert

During the spring and the fall, the Downtown Business Association puts together a free concert series on Friday nights. Locals bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to sit on while enjoying the live music. The genres of music change each week, so check out the lineup to see who’s playing during your visit.

There’s a play area for kids, and there are vendors selling food and drinks set up in the plaza. When you’re ready for a break from listening to music, you can walk around the area visiting the nearby shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a relaxing way to spend the evening. After all, there are few things better than free live music and good food.

Visit the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Step out of the city for a little while to take a scenic walk at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center. The 103-acre property hosts natural artifact exhibits and art exhibits. One of the most interesting exhibits is a large collection of vintage carved waterfowl decoys. There are a variety of natural habits you can walk through including a cypress-tupelo swamp and hardwood forests. 

If you enjoy birdwatching, you can have a chance to see a variety of birds that live in the area year-round along with many species that migrate through. While walking along the trails you may also see some of the native wildlife like turtles, raccoons, rabbits, possums, armadillos, and deer. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of an otter. Just make sure to bring bug spray with you. Mosquitos are, unfortunately, an abundant part of the local wildlife thanks to the swampy areas.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is dedicated to connecting people to nature and promoting conservation and ecological research. Visiting is a great way to learn more about the unique natural features in the area. 

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Try a Poboy

For an authentic Louisiana experience, you have to get a poboy, and JED’s Local Po’boys is one of the best places in Baton Rouge to try this New Orleans-style sandwich. The French bread comes in fresh daily from Leidenheimer, a New Orleans bakery that’s over a century old, and the seafood comes in fresh locally from the Gulf Coast. 

With such attention to quality ingredients, the food at JED’s is outstanding. When it comes to poboys, I normally stick to the fried shrimp, but the shrimp banh mi poboy is one of the most popular items on the menu. If you aren’t in the mood for a poboy, the catfish basket and gulf shrimp basket are also good choices. You could also just stop by for Happy Hour to enjoy the appetizers and frozen daiquiris at half price.

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Take a Cooking Class – Red Stick Spice Co.

South Louisiana’s signature dishes like gumbo and jambalaya rely heavily on spices, so it makes sense to take a cooking class at one of Baton Rouge’s best spice stores. Red Stick Spice Co is a family-run business where the owners are passionate about unique flavors of home cooking in the region. 

Multiple cooking classes are offered in the demo kitchen each week. Local chefs host the classes so you’ll pick up advice and techniques you might not learn anywhere else. The cooking classes are fun to try as a couple, with friends, or even solo. Some of the most popular classes fill up quickly, so sign up for your reservation as soon as you can.

If you don’t have time for a class, you can still stop by the shop. Besides having 500 different spices, spice blends, salts, and teas available, Red Stick Spice Co also has an olive oil tasting bar and a tea bar where baristas whip up delicious, healthy drinks. For anyone who’s even a little bit into cooking or baking, it’s a fun place to browse and pick up a few specialty items. The staff is very helpful and can guide you to picking out something you’ll love using.

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Browse Local Leaf Gallery

Another interesting local shop in Baton Rouge is Local Leaf Gallery. This Louisiana-based company is the perfect place to pick up handmade items from local makers and artists.

The shop is located in a charming house with a cozy front porch on Caddo Street. Inside you’ll find an eclectic assortment of vintage goods along with handmade goods, art, gifts, and household furnishings. The handmade bath bombs, soaps, and candles are some of the most popular items. I personally love browsing through the Louisiana-themed children’s books because they make perfect gifts for birthdays and holidays.

The owner, Brittany Rouse, is a former English teacher who graduated from LSU and wanted to open a place to support the creative community in the area. She selects all of the products that are available in Local Leaf Gallery. Dozens of local artists are showcased in the shop, and you’ll be able to pick up unique gifts to give to friends and family or, maybe, to keep for yourself.

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Try Louisiana Rum 

For a one-of-a-kind experience, book a tour of the distillery at Oxbow Rum Distillery (formerly Three Roll Estate). This local distillery makes some of the best rum in Louisiana. You’ll learn how the rum is made from its beginnings in the sugarcane field until it reaches your glass.

During the tour, you’ll also have a tasting where you can try out some of the most popular alcohols the company offers. The distillery is located right near downtown, so it’s easy to get to, and there’s a beautiful outdoor seating area where you can enjoy cocktails after your tour is over. 

If you’d rather skip the tour, you can do a flight instead and still get to sample different types of rum. Some days there’s also live music and local food trucks on-site for you to enjoy while you sip your cocktails.

Take a  Day Trip to Avery Island

If you’re going to be in Baton Rouge for several days, consider taking a day trip to Avery Island, where Tabasco Sauce, owned by the Mclhenny family, is made. Even if you’re not a hot sauce enthusiast, which I am not, it’s interesting to see how the process from seed to pepper to bottle happens. You can also eat at the Tabasco Restaurant where the menu has a helpful rating of how spicy each dish is.

Besides touring the Tabasco factory, there are other good reasons for visiting Avery Island. The island, which sits on top of a salt rock deposit, rises above the surrounding flat coastal marshes and has unique, enchanting scenery. Imagine oaks that are centuries old and covered with Spanish moss lining gravel roads. 

You can drive or walk through the Jungle Gardens, a botanical garden and bird sanctuary, located on the island. Edward Mclhenny created the gardens so visitors could enjoy the natural flora and fauna of Louisiana along with his own collections. Among the plants, there are more than 600 varieties of camellias and thousands of azalea plants. You’ll also see the local wildlife, including alligators, peeking out at you as you explore the Jungle Gardens.

Avery Island is about a 1.5-hour drive from Baton Rouge, but it’s worth the drive for the experience.

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Have Cotton Candy or Smores for Dessert at SoLou

SoLou’s name stands for South Louisiana, and this restaurant serves southern comfort food with a fun, modern twist. The newly renovated restaurant is light, airy, and full of Instagram-able corners. 

Unlike some restaurants where the vibe is better than the food, the offerings here manage to outshine the very trendy decor. It’s almost impossible to give recommendations for the best dishes because it’s all good. The one thing you absolutely can’t miss is the zydeco cauliflower. The cocktails are also fantastic, especially the mint julep.

The entire atmosphere is welcoming and fun. At the end of your meal, you’ll have cotton candy to finish off your dinner. If you decide you need a more substantial dessert, try out the tabletop smores. You’ll get to roast your own marshmallows over a flame right at your table.

This is one of the restaurants in Baton Rouge you could easily visit over and over. For the best experience, make reservations in advance to get a seat on the patio.

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Pamper Yourself at Avant Tous

Whether you’re just looking for a quick manicure or are looking to let go of stress with a relaxing massage, Avant Tous is the perfect place to visit. Avant Tous has three locations across Baton Rouge, so you can find one near you no matter which neighborhood you’re staying in.

Besides nails and massages, Avant Tous offers a beauty bar that does make-up applications, a wax bar, a tan bar, a lash bar, and skincare treatments. You can also set up an appointment for a group if you’re with friends or family. If you truly want to relax while on vacation, Avant Tous is a great idea.

Explore the Riverwalk

Riverfront Plaza is located in downtown right on the banks of the Mississippi River. The walking and biking trail takes you along the river. You can enjoy the breeze as you sit in the chairs and watch the boats pass by. 

The Riverfront Plaza also houses a greenspace, water gardens, meadows, and terraces you can explore. Stop by the riverfront dock and overlook for the best views. Sometimes, there are events and performances taking place at the Levee Stage with the Mississippi River levee as the backdrop. 

You can easily spend several hours wandering around the area. Time your visit either first thing in the morning or as the sun goes down in the evening. Besides allowing you to avoid the heat during midday, going in the late afternoon allows you to enjoy one of the best sunsets in Baton Rouge. If you’re hungry afterward, head to Tsunami, a sushi restaurant with a rooftop where you can look out over the river while dining.

Calling Baton Rouge

Just like in Garth Brooks’ song, you might find yourself thinking about Baton Rouge long after you leave. There’s just something about all of the elements of the college town vibe, the South Louisiana culture, the foodie scene, and the area’s history that make it a compelling city. 

While there are plenty of great places to explore in Louisiana, don’t miss out on everything Baton Rouge has to offer. After your first visit, you’ll find yourself ready for a second visit to try out everything you couldn’t get to during the previous one.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Baton Rouge   Travel Guide

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Why Go To Baton Rouge

When travelers think of Louisiana vacation destinations, New Orleans is likely the first place that comes to mind. But about 80 miles northwest sits the state's capital that's equally rich in attractions, history and culture. French explorers named the city Baton Rouge in the early 1700s after coming across reddened cypress poles that local Native American tribes used to designate hunting grounds ("red stick" literally translates to baton rouge in French). Today, locals still refer to the city as "The Red Stick," and there's a commemorative Red Stick sculpture on Southern University and A&M College 's campus.

Along with Southern University, Baton Rouge is also home to Louisiana State University . Known for its memorable football game days, LSU also boasts a live mascot – Mike the Tiger – which travelers can visit before or after attending a game at Tiger Stadium . Those more interested in history will have their pick of not one but two capitol buildings and can even step back in time for a glimpse at what life was like centuries ago with a visit to the LSU Rural Life Museum . Baton Rouge may not have the flash of its southern sibling, but it will still deliver on Cajun cuisine, unique history and raucous Mardi Gras celebrations. Plus, it's within easy driving distance of some of the best Louisiana swamp tours .

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Best of Baton Rouge

Best hotels in baton rouge.

• # 1 in WATERMARK Baton Rouge, Autograph Collection
• # 2 in Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel
• # 3 in Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Best Things to Do in Baton Rouge

• # 1 in Louisiana's Old State Capitol
• # 2 in USS Kidd
• # 3 in Capitol Park Museum

Popular Tours

Cajun Food Bus Tour in Lafayette

(128 reviews)

from $ 79.00

Baton Rouge Historic Downtown Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

(7 reviews)

from $ 6.75

Tour Historic Vermilionville

(78 reviews)

from $ 10.26

Baton Rouge Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Baton Rouge is March through May and September through November. The spring and fall months offer highs in the 70s and 80s and plenty of events. Winters here are mild, with high temperatures hovering in the mid-60s and lows that rarely dip below the 40-degree range. Plus, the city hosts a variety of holiday-themed events around Christmas, as well as its annual Mardi Gras celebration in February. Nightly average hotel prices remain consistently below $200 throughout the year, but do see a slight increase in the fall, in part thanks to football game days at the city's two major universities, Louisiana State University and Southern University and A&M College .

Weather in Baton Rouge

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Mardi Gras is big here, too Though the celebration in New Orleans gets most of the attention, Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge is equally momentous. In addition to a variety of parades, restaurants, food trucks and bakeries around the city join in on the celebration by selling king cakes. If you're looking to avoid the hubbub, don't plan a February visit.

Time your visit for crawfish season While in Louisiana, sampling some local crawfish is a must. Crawfish season typically spans from November to July, but you'll enjoy the best crawfish from late February through May.

Pack your purple and gold If you're planning to attend a football game at Tiger Stadium , make sure you're wearing the home team's colors. If you're looking for a prime tailgate spot, head to the LSU Parade Ground.

Consider a daytrip If you're interested in learning more about Louisiana's swamps, consider signing up for one of the best Louisiana swamp tours . Many are within a quick drive of Baton Rouge and offer a glimpse at local flora and fauna unique to the state.

How to Save Money in Baton Rouge

Ride the trolley The Capitol Park Trolley Service is a free shuttle that offers transportation weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Trolleys run every eight minutes and provide service to many of the city's top attractions, including the USS Kidd , the Old Governor's Mansion and the Louisiana State Capitol .

Take advantage of First Free Sundays Several of the city's museums, including the USS Kidd and the Louisiana Art and Science Museum, offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month.

Consider flying into New Orleans If flights into Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport are too expensive, consider looking at flights in and out of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which is located about 70 miles southeast of Baton Rouge.

The exterior of Louisiana's Old State Capitol resembles a medieval fortress and is accented with towers, stained-glass windows and a cast-iron spiral staircase.

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Things To Do

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11 awesome things to do in Baton Rouge

Dealing with some tough times, Baton Rouge is back and better than ever—as proven by this list of great things to do

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Butterbean

As the state’s capital and home to Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge draws in new residents and a whole lot of tourists year after year. Thankfully, no one ever gets bored: its green spaces, top-notch restaurants , musical talent and super-fun things to do can easily compete with nearby New Orleans . Unfortunately, the town has had to deal with some tough times in recent years, with natural disasters and racial tensions casting a pall. But Baton Rouge’s quest for a good time bridges the divide more often than not—as exemplified by our list below.

Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere.

Find out more about   how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best things to do in Baton Rouge

1.  mid city.

What is it: The street parties along Government Street and Jefferson Highway—Hot Art Cool Nights, White Light Night and Mid City Night’s Dream—showcase the city’s fast-growing commercial district.

Why go: For the antithesis of Baton Rouge’s notoriously bad traffic, grab a group and explore all the arts and culture Mid City has to offer. The all-ages (that is, all ages above 21) crush at Radio Bar is a great place to start and end the night.

2.  Burden Museum and Gardens

What is it: Landscape architect Steele Burden and his sister left their family land to Louisiana State University—on the condition that it never be developed. Today, the 440-acre oasis, sandwiched between a hospital and a freeway, holds the Rural Life Museum, LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens and Windrush Gardens.

Why go: Five miles of walking trails, dozens of historic structures and intriguing research gardens will do a body good.

3.  Tiger Stadium

What is it: Otherwise known as “Death Valley,” the home to LSU Football shudders with near-seismic love for the Tigers on Saturday nights each fall.

Why go: You may not consider yourself a football fanatic and it’s possible you haven’t even seen Friday Night Lights (wait, stop reading this list and go watch it... right now) , but the post-touchdown jubilation of 96,000 people at once will sweep you away.

4.  River Road Levee

What is it: South Louisiana isn’t generally known for its elevation or the population’s physical fitness, but atop the levee that runs parallel to the Mississippi River, cyclists can ride 4.31 miles between downtown Baton Rouge and LSU.

Why go: It’s the rare opportunity for cyclists to tower over motor vehicles. You can also pretend to race the barges along the Mississippi River.

5.  Phil Brady’s

What is it: Blues practitioners like Slim Harpo, Raful Neal and Henry Gray put Baton Rouge on the musical map. See their spiritual descendants on stage every Thursday night at Phil Brady’s Bar.

Why go: There’s an unstructured, anything-can-happen vibe to the blues jam that keeps the crowd present. Quality can vary but the sheer fun of it all is constant.

6.  Louisiana Book Festival

What is it: Around Halloween each year, the Louisiana State Capitol plays host to the sprawling Louisiana Book Festival. Writers and readers commingle on the capitol grounds and within the building’s chambers for a full day of literary fun.

Why go: You can meet your favorite authors, attend panels on comic books and true crime or just scope out your next read in the enormous book tent.

7.  Doe’s Eat Place

What is it: Doe’s originated in Greenville, Mississippi (hence the tamales on the menu, a Delta tradition), but the Baton Rouge location has differentiated itself especially thanks to the gifts of executive chef/head bartender George Krause, an endless font of cocktail lore (and of cocktails, too).

Why go: The generous cuts of steak at Doe’s could only be improved by martinis and mint juleps prepared by a master bartender.

8.  Tin Roof Brewery

What is it: Baton Rouge’s first craft brewery is a destination every night of the week, but Thursday night trivia is a particular draw for the competitive.

Why go: There’s a sweet window between your third and fourth beer when you’ve never remembered more minutiae about sports, Kurt Russell movies and whoever invented the hot dog. After that, it’s all downhill until the Uber arrives.

9.  Pinetta’s European Restaurant

What is it: Though you’ll find sausages and hefeweizens at other spots in Baton Rouge, only Pinetta’s European Restaurant has bona fide German dishes on its menu.

Why go: Schnitzel, bratwurst and sauerbraten are just some of the tiny, candle-lit restaurant’s offerings. You can also feed yourself for a week on Turkish and Armenian dishes as well as Italian fare.

10.  Cajun French Music Association

What is it: Each month, the Baton Rouge chapter of the Cajun French Music Association keeps traditions alive by inviting a lively Cajun band to soundtrack a Saturday night dance.

Why go: Lessons beforehand open the door for anyone who’s sat on the outskirts of a zydeco performance before and wondered how an accordion could captivate a crowd so thoroughly. C’mon, it’s just two steps—you can hack it.

11.  Spanish Town Mardi Gras

What is it: Baton Rouge’s most irreverent parade, emerging from the colorful Spanish Town neighborhood adjacent to downtown, also acts as its entry into the state’s Mardi Gras canon. (The competition’s pretty tough.)

Why go: Some floats employ the art of satire better than others, but there’s a wicked glee to the whole affair that’s ultimately liberating.

More of the best in Baton Rouge

The 12 best restaurants in baton rouge.

From ramen and tacos to Greek bistros and French cottages, the dining experience in Baton Rouge has never been so energetic or intriguing

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The Best Things to Do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Are you interested in the best activities and sights in Baton Rouge? Donn’t miss our list of the top things to do in Baton Rouge!

Located on the majestic Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s capital city with a little over 225,000 residents. The city is home to the state government buildings, Louisiana State University, and a myriad of activities and attractions including a surprisingly large number of free things to do.

The history of Baton Rouge, meaning the Red Stick, is a fascinating one. Although New Orleans was originally the state capital, the government was moved to Baton Rouge as a way to decentralize power in New Orleans. At the time, New Orleans had a population of 100,000 people while Baton Rouge was basically still a backwater with just over 2,000 people. The decision paid off and Baton Rouge began to grow quickly. The city played an important role in the Civil War. Today, you can find many historic 19th century locations scattered around the surrounding areas. 

There are also many parks and gardens surrounding Baton Rouge and thanks to Louisiana’s moderate weather, many of these are accessible year-round! 

Baton Rouge is less than 90 minutes drive from New Orleans and the two cities are well connected by public transport. Mobile, Alabama is just three hours away heading east and to the west, Houston is around four hours away. Although it is possible to see many of the city sights on foot, Baton Rouge is quite a spread-out city so if you want to see and do much outside of the downtown area, which we highly recommend, it is necessary to have a car handy. 

We know that planning a vacation can sometimes be a headache especially if you’re juggling work and family so to help you get started we have put together this handy travel guide covering all of the top things to do in Baton Rouge from military museums to swampland. There is a lot to see here and you may find yourself wishing that you had just a little bit more time to spend in this fascinating city!

Explore Baton Rouge with Let’s Roam

If you are looking for a really interesting way to explore downtown Baton Rouge, don’t forget to pick up one of our Baton Rouge Scavenger Hunts . This fun-filled activity will have you racing your loved ones through the streets of Baton Rouge to find your next clue and claim the big prize – pride and bragging rights! You will learn a lot about the city along the way and we promise that you will have a fantastic time doing it!

Discover Downtown Baton Rouge

Downtown Baton Rouge is a wonderful place to explore. It is overflowing with interesting attractions and centuries-old buildings and since most of the attractions are located within one area, it is easy to wander from one place to the next.   There are many historic neighborhoods where you can lose yourself in the charming streets or spend hours hitting the shops, bars, and restaurants.  This is a great place to try quintessential southern cooking or hear live music being performed by up-and-coming artists. 

Louisiana State Capitol 

Home of the Louisiana State Legislature, the Louisiana State Capitol was opened in 1931 and replaced the Old State Capitol. Rather than many state capitol buildings that feature large domes, the Louisiana State Capitol rises dramatically from the ground and stands as the tallest building in Baton Rouge and the seventh tallest building in the state of Louisiana. Nicknamed “Huey Long’s Monument” due to the former populist governor’s influence in its creation, the capital looks like many of the art deco skyscrapers built during the Gilded Age of the 1920s complete with an observation deck on the top and it is an interesting departure from other state capitols.

Today, it is possible to visit the building daily from 8 am until 4:30 pm and while you are there, you may be able to see the Louisianan government at work. The capital is located in Downtown Baton Rouge right on the edge of Capitol Lake. Admission is free of charge. 

Veterans Memorial Park

The lovely Veterans Memorial Park is located right next to the Louisiana State Capitol. It is the first memorial on Louisiana state property to honor the hundreds of thousands of Louisianans who have served in the United States military. The park features walking paths, and benches where you can sit and contemplate the sacrifice that the generations before us have made. 

Capitol Park Museum

This wonderful museum covers the history, culture, and unique geography of the Bayou State through its two permanent exhibits, Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation, and Experience Louisiana: Discovering the Soul of America.  The Capitol Park Museum uses its wide collection of artifacts along with interactive exhibits to bring Louisiana’s history to life. Highlights of the museum include a 48-foot wooden shrimp trawler, a Civil War submarine, and the replica holding cells that enslaved people were forced into while awaiting their turn on the auction block. There is also an impressive exhibit on the Louisiana musicians and you can see Pete Fountain’s clarinet, Louis Armstrong’s bugle, and Buddy Guy’s polka dot Stratocaster guitar. 

The park is located just across from the Capitol Gardens and the Louisiana State Capitol. Tickets cost just $7 per adult and if you purchase tickets to more than two Louisiana State museums, you can get a 20% discount. 

Pentagon Barracks

Right next to the Capitol Gardens, you can find the Pentagon Barracks Museum. Like much of Louisiana, the Pentagon Barracks have changed hands many times throughout history and have been under the control of Britain, France, Spain, and the United States. It was an area that helped shape the fate of Louisiana and famous men including Abraham Lincoln, Lafayette, Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and George Custer have all set foot in these historic buildings. Strangely, they were also once the birthplace of the Republic of West Florida. 

The barracks were used as an American military outpost before being taken over by the Confederacy during the Civil War. The Union quickly regained control and renamed it Fort Williams. The fort was handed over to Louisiana State University in 1884 and today, it now contains the offices of the lieutenant governor of Louisiana and the private apartments of state legislators. Since it is a residential area, it is not possible to go inside; however, you can take a walk around the grounds and get a closer look at the building’s exterior. It is also a great spot for photography and depending on when you go, you may find happy couples posing for their prom and wedding photos. 

Spanish Town Historic District

The Spanish Town Historic District is located a few blocks east of the State Capitol. As the oldest neighborhood in Baton Rouge, the district has an interesting history.  The neighborhood gets its name from the Spanish people who moved here in the early 1800s after the Louisiana Purchase made their former homes part of the United States. After the Civil War, many newly freed African Americans moved here and created a vibrant district. 

The neighborhood today is just as interesting as its history. As you stroll along the charming streets, you will see many 19th century buildings with the oldest structure dating back to 1823. The architecture is a bit eclectic and you will find Greek Revival and Queen Anne design as well as craftsman bungalows, and shotgun houses. Spanish Town now hosts Baton Rouge’s biggest Mardi Gras, which can be a bit raunchy and is certainly not family-friendly and has a flamingo as its mascot. It is a fun place to explore and if you get hungry, there are plenty of eateries to choose from. 

Old State Capitol Museum of Political History

As you head south from the Louisiana State Capitol, you will reach the Old State Capitol. Built in the mid-19th century, the Old State Capitol resembles more of a castle than an American government building thanks to its Gothic design elements. The building stands high up on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River surrounded by beautiful gardens. 

Known as Louisiana’s castle on the river, the Old Capitol was used as a government building from 1850 until 1862 and then again from 1884 until 1932. It was here that the Louisiana government voted to secede from the United States of America and declared itself a sovereign state. Two months later, Louisiana joined the Confederacy. In 1862, the LA government fled Baton Rouge and the Union took over the building and used it as a command post and prison. At the end of the war, a fire gutted the building leaving just the external walls behind. 

The capital was reopened in 1884 after extensive reconstruction complete with a newly added fourth floor, imposing exterior towers, a regal cast iron spiral staircase, and a beautiful stained glass dome. The building remained in use until 1934 when Governor Huey P. Long, who despite being under threat of impeachment for bribery and the misuse of state funds, was able to convince the legislature to build a new state capitol.

Today, the Old Capitol is being used as a fascinating museum that takes visitors through the history of Baton Rouge and you can see for yourself where some of the state’s most defining moments occurred. The museum also features interesting exhibitions on a wide array of subjects. The interior of the building is absolutely beautiful and that alone makes it a great place to check out. The museum is free which is just the icing on the cake!

Shaw Center for the Arts

Located just north of the Old State Capitol, the Shaw Center for the Arts is a mecca for art lovers in Baton Rouge. The center is home to the Manship Theatre, Glassell Gallery, LSU Museum of Art, and the River Terrace, a popular event venue. 

Manship Theatre

As Baton Rouge’s center for the performing arts, the Manship Theatre hosts a wide array of events including concerts, film screenings, and dance performances. There is a full schedule of events on their website so if you are looking for something interesting to do in the evenings, you may want to check out what is going on while you are in town. 

Glassell Gallery

The Glassell Gallery provides exhibition space for ultra-contemporary artwork. While you are there, you can see work from LSU students and faculty in addition to work by artists located across the US. The gallery is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 12 pm until 5 pm. Admission is free of charge. 

LSU Museum of Art

The LSU Museum of Art first opened its doors in 1962 and has provided Baton Rouge residents the opportunity to experience world-class art ever since. The museum has more than 13,000 feet of exhibition space to showcase its collection of more than 6,500 works of art including an extensive collection of Louisiana art. During your visit, you can view regional, American, and European art such as paintings, decorative arts, drawings, photography, and sculpture. Admission to the museum is $5 per adult and it is open from 10 am until 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 pm until 5 pm on Sundays. 

Old Governor’s Mansion

Located just a few blocks east of the Old State Capitol, the Old Governor’s Mansion was used as the governor’s residence from 1930 until 1963. It was built while the infamous Huey Long was governor after he had the previous one torn down and he was the mansion’s first resident. Its resemblance to the White House in Washington DC is uncanny and according to legend, Long wanted to prepare himself for when he became President of the United States. Whether this is true or not, we will never know. 

The mansion now serves as a historic house museum and it is possible to take a guided tour of this beautiful building that nine Louisiana governors called home. Tours run from 10 am until 3 pm and tickets cost $10 per adult. 

Louisiana Art & Science Museum

Lying west of the Old State Capitol along the Mississippi River in a historic train station, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum is one of Louisiana’s premier science museums. The station was built in 1925, which is already pretty cool in itself, and inside, you will find fascinating exhibits covering everything from the solar system to Ancient Egypt. There is also a steady stream of rotating exhibits and planetarium shows so even if you have visited the museum before, there may be something new waiting for you there! Tickets cost $12 per adult and the museum is open from 10 am until 3 pm from Wednesday until Saturday and from 1 pm until 5 pm on Sundays. 

Riverfront Plaza

This beautiful 5-acre park lies right against the Mississippi River and features walking and cycling paths which provide the perfect spot to get a bit of exercise (and to burn off some of that yummy Southern cooking!). From the park, you can get sweeping views of the river and there are plenty of spots to sit down and relax for a while. 

USS Kidd Veterans Museum

The USS Kidd is anchored just off of Riverfront Plaza. This Fletcher-class destroyer is named after Admiral Kidd who was killed on the USS Arizona during the Pearl Harbour attacks of World War II. The ship played a key role in the invasion of Okinawa and went on to serve in the Korean War.  The USS Kidd is now a floating museum showcasing artifacts related to naval military history and celebrating the brave men and women who have served the United States. Tickets are just $13 per adult and the museum is open from 9:30 until 3:30 pm daily. 

Magnolia Cemetery

This haunting cemetery was established in 1820 and is the final resting place of many of Baton Rouge’s most prominent residents including many politicians. During the Battle of Baton Rouge, the cemetery experienced intense fighting. Luckily, today the grounds are incredibly peaceful and it is a nice area to go for a stroll while reflecting on the area’s turbulent history. The cemetery is located on the eastern side of Downtown Baton Rouge. 

Visit the Louisiana State University Campus

The Louisiana State University campus is located about three miles south of downtown Baton Rouge. This sprawling campus has more than 250 buildings, many of which are designed in an Italian Renaissance style. With more than 30,000 students enrolled, the campus has a youthful energy that perfectly complements the beautiful buildings and grounds. The campus is open to the public and it is a popular spot to check out during a visit to Baton Rouge.

While the campus is beautiful and worth a trip, one of the best things to see there isn’t one of the imposing university buildings or the sleek stadium, it is actually Mike the Tiger who serves as the honorary mascot of LSU.  While many universities are happy to have their mascot be a person in a costume that jumps around during sporting events, LSU takes it one step further and has a real live tiger on campus who lives in his very own tiger habitat.  The tradition to have a tiger on campus began back in 1934 when students raised $740 to buy one from the Little Rock Zoo and named him after the school’s Athletic Director Mike Chambers.   The original Mike retired after 20 years of service and his taxidermied body is now on display at the LSU Museum of Natural Science.  Many more Mikes have followed since and the tradition lives on today.  No trip to the LSU campus is complete without heading over to say hello to LSUs most famous staff member. 

LSU Tiger Stadium

Baton Rouge residents take sports seriously and there is no better place to see this passion in action than the LSU Tiger Stadium . The stadium’s nickname is Death Valley and if that’s not telling enough, it is even said that during home games, the stadium becomes Louisiana’s fifth-largest city thanks to the influx of 100,000 fans.  This is one of the best spots in the United States to catch a football game (or a football if you happen to be one of the players on the field!). You can find a full schedule for the upcoming season and purchase tickets on the LSU website. 

Alex Box Stadium

Located just south of the Louisiana State University campus, the Alex Box Stadium is home to the LSU baseball team. It is a great place to watch a game thanks to the well-designed seating arrangement and the vibrant energy that fans bring with them to the stadium. If you happen to visit Baton Rouge in the spring and are a baseball fan, make sure to check out the team’s schedule before your visit. 

Jack and Priscilla Andonie Sports Museum at LSU

Jack and Priscilla Andonie gathered nearly 13,000 pieces of LSU-related memorabilia and artifacts over the course of three decades and this collection has formed the basis of this interesting little sports history museum. Located within the alumni center at LSU, the Andonie Sport Museum has 54 different displays showcasing all of LSU’s sports as well as exhibits on the LSU cheerleaders, marching band, and majorettes. While you are strolling through the exhibits, you can also watch past sporting events on one of the 24 wall-mounted TVs. The museum is open from 9 am until 4:30 pm Monday to Friday and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. On game days, the museum closes two hours before kick-off giving you plenty of time to stop in and explore the history of LSU sports before heading to your seats inside the stadium. Tickets are $3 per adult.

Explore the Surrounding Areas

The areas surrounding Downtown Baton Rouge have a wide variety of fun activities and attractions.  From quirky museums to beautiful parks and gardens as well as the sprawling LSU campus which is just three miles away from downtown, there is enough to do in the suburbs of Baton Rouge to keep you busy for days on end!

City Brooks Community Park 

Located in southeastern Baton Rouge, the City Brooks Community Park covers 154 acres of parkland. Within the park, you can find walking paths, a splash pad that provides a great way to cool off, a labyrinth designed for meditation and relaxation, a golf course, a tennis center, and much more. It is also home to Baton Rouge’s children’s museum, the Baton Rouge Gallery, and the northern section of City Park Lake. 

Knock Knock Children’s Museum

The Knock Knock Children’s Museum features fun-filled interactive exhibits designed to excite young learners. Based on the theory of playing with a purpose, the Knock Knock Children’s Museum aims to increase literacy rates and inspire children to learn more about STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). Kids can visit learning zones with fun themes like Go Go Garage, Pelican Pantry, I See Food Cafe, and the Art Garden.  This is the perfect place to take curious kiddos and help them burn off some energy. Admission to the museum is limited to two-hour-long pre-booked entry slots and tickets cost $14 each. Don’t forget to arrive at the very start of your scheduled time. There are a ton of fun things to do here and we all know how fun dragging a child away from playtime can be!

LSU Rural Life Museum

The LSU Rural Life Museum is located in the Burden Museum and Gardens in East Baton Rouge. This outdoor, living museum takes you back in time to see what life was like in Baton Rouge in the 18th and 19th centuries. Louisiana has been a multicultural place for hundreds of years with people of Spanish, French, Native American, African, German, and AngloAmerican people all settling there. The museum reflects the contributions made by all of these different groups through three different sections of the park including a working plantation which focuses on the enslaved people who helped build America with the sweat off of their backs, a section focusing on the settlers that relocated to the area, and a Cajun section that pays homage to the unique culture that has developed in the surrounding areas. 

The park has the largest collection of Louisianan architecture and material items in the state and this is one of the best places to learn more about Louisiana’s rural past. The museum is open from 8 am until 5 pm daily and it costs $10 to enter. 

AGCenter Botanic Gardens

The AGCenter Botanic Gardens feature an impressive collection of formal gardens, woodlands, and wetlands connected by five miles of walking trails. During a visit, you can explore the Burden Woods, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, a Tropical Garden, and even a Memory Garden. There are special events held throughout the year and it is a popular venue for weddings.  It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and destress for a few hours.  The gardens are located within the same area as the LSU Rural Life Museum and are open from 8 am until 5 pm daily. 

National Hansen’s Disease Museum

The National Hansen’s Disease Museum may be 16 miles away from Baton Rouge, but it is well worth the effort of getting there. This interesting museum is dedicated to the victims of leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease, and the health care workers who cared for them.  During your visit, you can learn more about the history and treatment of leprosy and see the tools that were used to treat patients. It gives a fascinating look into this much-maligned disease. The museum is located in Carville and is open from 10 am until 4 pm. Admission is free of charge. 

Magnolia Mound Plantation

Built in 1791, Magnolia Mound is a French Creole plantation house and was one of the first buildings in Baton Rouge. It was owned by an Irish immigrant named John Joyce. During this time, the 900-acre plantation had at least 50 enslaved people who helped grow and harvest indigo, cotton, tobacco, and sugarcane.  The house was bought and sold many times throughout the past century before the city of Baton Rouge finally converted it into a historic home museum.

Today, the home serves as an educational resource where visitors can learn more about plantation life in the 19th century as well as the unique French-Creole culture that developed in Louisiana. The house is richly decorated with period furniture including locally-made pieces from the colonial era and nearby, you can see the open-hearth kitchen, slave quarters, the overseer’s house, and a three-seat outhouse which will make you forever grateful to have the luxury of your own private toilet. Tickets to tour the property cost $10 and it is open from 10 am until 4 pm Monday to Saturday and from 1 pm until 4 pm on Sundays. 

Blue Bayou Water Park & Dixie Landing

Located about a 20-minute drive southeast of Baton Rouge, the Blue Bayou Water Park is the perfect place to go when you want to cool down on a hot Louisiana day.  With oodles of water slides to choose from, a lazy river, a water play area, and a wave pool, there is something for everyone from thrill-seekers to toddlers.  

Dixie Landing is a small amusement park with a fun selection of carnival rides and a handful of roller coasters that are sure to please.  Tickets for people 48 inches and taller cost $35 or $29 for anyone below 48 inches.   The park is a fun place to spend a day full of family-friendly fun. However, keep in mind that the park gets pretty busy, especially during school holidays so if possible try to come between Monday and Wednesday when everything is much quieter. 

Baton Rouge Zoo

At the Baton Rouge Zoo , you can enter the wonderful world of the animal kingdom.  The zoo is home to over 800 animals from around the world such as giraffes, rhino, alligators, otters, gibbons, and tigers.   The winding walkways lead you through the animal enclosure and at the back of the zoo, there is a small aquarium where you can see native reptiles, fish, amphibians, and spiders from Louisiana including some species that you find nowhere else in the world. There are animal chats throughout the day where you can learn more about your favorite furry friends.  Tickets are only $9 per adult which is quite the bargain for a zoo and it is open from 9:30 am until 5 pm. 

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

This 103-acre nature park takes you deep into the mysterious world of Louisiana’s swampland.  At Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center , boardwalks and gravel trails connect the bald cypress-tupelo swamp and the beech magnolia and hardwood forests.   If you are lucky, you may see a raccoon, opossum, armadillo, turtle, or snake as you make your way through the park.  Don’t forget to look up as well as the park is home to many seasonal species during peak migrations. 

The park features a 9,500 square foot information center where you can view live animal exhibits and displays on the park’s flora and fauna.  There is also a large collection of vintage duck decoys.  There are also a number of special events and nature walks held throughout the year so make sure to take a look at the park’s schedule of events to see if there is anything interesting going on while you are in town.  

Just 15 minutes southeast of Downtown Baton Rouge, the park is open from Tuesday until Saturday from 9 am until 5 pm and on Sunday from 12 pm until 5 pm.  The park offers a four-person annual family pass for $42 which is great value, especially if you think you and your family may want to visit the park more than once. 

Featured Products & Activities

Grab your camera: Where are the best places in Baton Rouge to take nature photos?

B ATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Looking for beautiful natural scenery to take pictures of? You are in luck, Baton Rouge has a few spots that you should check out.

Baton Rouge has lots of places to experience the great outdoors without having to travel from the city. With the Mississippi River, historic plantation homes, tons of wildlife and wooded areas it’s easy to take in beautiful sights.

Nature photography is recognized as outdoor photography to display landscapes, wildlife, plants and close-ups. Many nature photographers visit Louisiana because of our immense bayous, swamps and wetlands. These make Louisiana different from many other states for nature photographers.

We’ve created a list of natural sites to visit for professional or aspiring nature photographers.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Where: 10503 N. Oaks Parkway

The Swamp Nature Center offers a wildlife exhibit and a 65-acre swamp showcasing birds, bobcats, snakes and alligators.

Riverfront Plaza

Where: 300 S. River Road

The plaza offers seats above the Mississippi River levee, a fountain, a four-panel mural, an observation deck and access to the USS Kidd destroyer ship.

LSU Ag Center Botanic Gardens

Where: 4560 Essen Lane

The botanical gardens at the LSU AgCenter offer a 440-acre site in the heart of Baton Rouge that displays plants, landscapes and agricultural heritage.

University Lakes

Where: Near E. Lakeshore Drive

The lakes is a four-mile walk around the LSU’s campus, featuring plenty of scenery such as birds and treelines.

LSU Hilltop Arboretum

Where: 11855 Highland Road

The arboretum is 14 acres that showcase a wide collection of Louisiana shrubs and trees.

Louisiana State Capitol Gardens

Where: Downtown Baton Rouge near N. 3rd Street

The gardens at the state capitol are full of small bushes, shrubs and flowers that have a front-row seat to happenings at the capitol.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com.

Hook's Catch

Updated by business owner 3 months ago

Today is a holiday! Business hours may be different today.

Updates From This Business

Looking for Party Wing Deals and Seafood Specials?

Cooked To Perfection and Cook To Order! We're known for our Scrumptious Seafood and Tasty Wings. Check out our reviews to see why… read more

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345 N Acadian Thruway Blvd

Baton Rouge, LA 70806

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About the Business

Welcome to Hook's Catch Seafood and Wings, where the freshness of the ocean meets the sizzle of the grill! Our specialty is in creating unforgettable dining experiences with a unique blend of flavors, quality ingredients, and culinary craftsmanship. Here's what makes us stand out: Signature Wings: Our wings are a local legend! Choose from an array of homemade sauces and rubs, each crafted to complement the crispy, juicy goodness of our perfectly cooked wings. Whether you're a fan of fiery heat or sweet and savory, we have a flavor to tantalize your taste buds. Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere: We believe dining is an experience to be savored. Our friendly staff, cozy ambiance, and attention to detail ensure a memorable meal, whether you're here for a family dinner, a casual lunch, or a special celebration. Discover why Hook's Catch Seafood and Wings is more than just a restaurant—it's a destination where each meal is an adventure. Join us and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more! …

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Was looking for some late night eats and this was it! Everything was fresh and fried to order. The livers were seasoned well and not dry or overcooked at all. I just about fell out when I saw there was hot sauce AND dipping sauce. The sauce is a 10/10. This was the special for the day so it was very affordable.

Fried Livers and FRENCH FRIES.

Peeeeerrrrrfectly fried food. So hot. So fresh. So well-seasoned. Even places that have great fried food, sometimes have the same fry breading and seasoning throughout. Each one of the items I ordered was delicious but had it's own particular seasoning. The one thing I didn't like, I don't attribute to them, I failed to think through my choice. I ordered the fried snapper, wings, with okra and hush puppies. I have never in my life eaten fried snapper. I always have it like Caribbean style grilled. So I should have had another fish. And to the cashier's credit, when I ordered he said, "you said you want the snapper?" So, I am excited for my next visit to see what the other fried fish tastes like. Hopefully, that isn't their Achilles Heel. They have a sauce they add on the side that is like a version of thousand island. It tastes decent but is unnecessary in my opinion.

Very good with decent prices.. Everything you need for a quick seafood fix. I got an oyster poboy and they ain't stingy so I was very pleased.

Hooks Catch, is great cooked fresh on the spot. Well seasoned and delicious you better get there, before the lines around them will be so long you'll have to make reservations. Yes they are a little pricey but so worth it.

Fried oysters and fries. So fresh and delicious. Fried on the spot

Wow, I just got my food through Grubhub and I must say I should have tipped the driver more just for the delivery because this food is a joke. I ordered a catfish po boy and I think they forgot to put the fish on it. Are you serious that I paid $15 for a catfish po boy and I could have got more fish at McDonald's? I came all the way from Chattanooga, Tn and was craving a good po boy, next time I will not be wasting my money here

This is what $15 will get you FISH PO BOY.

Ordered catfish and got some random trash fish! In Louisiana we definitely know what catfish looks and tastes like!

Food is very good order is served hot i especially like the chicken livers & the fried okra I recommend this establishment to anyone

The food is yummy. I'm not generally a fried foods girl but this is bomb.com. I got a combo dinner with fish, shrimp and wings. It was all totally yum! The fish was white with a clean taste. The wings were yummy & big enough to have meat on it. And the shrimp weee exceptionally good for fried. I also got okra and hush puppies. This was a lot of food, but it heated up well in my air fryer.

See all photos from Genevieve F. for Hook's Catch

Reasonably priced, quick, tasty. Fried oyster poboy really hit the spot.would eat again.

I've never given a yelp review. But this...for a drive through...they are insane. I've been on a personal mission to find the best poboy in Baton Rouge and this place is close to a 10/10. Compared to other places I've been to, drive through or not, this place takes the cake. It took about 15 minutes for us to get the food but when I tell you it was fresh. It was FRESH. And the various dips they gave me to try...I've never been to such a kind and considerate drive through. These people want you to enjoy it. They are thorough, personable, and above all provided one of the best poboys I've had in Baton Rouge. The lady and gentleman who served me tonight deserve a raise. Four hours later and I'm still thinking about it.

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Recruits React: LSU Football's Top Targets Rave Following Massive Visit Weekend

Zack nagy | jun 17, 2024.

The LSU football staff brought in double-digit official visitors over the weekend with the Tigers rolling out the red carpet for their prized targets.

Headlined by a pair of five-stars, coveted defensive backs and more, the Bayou Bengals wrapped up another impressive stretch on the recruiting trail.

Now, the reactions are beginning to pour in with the prospects taking to social media to voice their thoughts on the trip, post official visit photos and more.

The Recruits Reactions:

CJ Wiley: No. 6 WR in America

The four-star wideout has LSU firmly in the mix as he narrows down on making a decision in the coming days. Wiley will choose between LSU, Florida State and Georgia on June 25.

The Tigers wrapped up an impressive weekend with Wiley after Cortez Hankton and the staff continued their pursuit. Hankton remained by Wiley's side the entire visit; detailing the role he'd have in the scheme for the future.

Those familiar with Wiley's recruitment believe this is an LSU vs. Georgia battle down the stretch with relationships ultimately winning out. Wiley is an LSU legacy with his father Chuck suiting up for the Tigers decades ago.

LSU Country will have the latest on the pursuit of Wiley as he navigates the final week of his recruitment before shutting things down.

Wiley shared photos from his trip to Baton Rouge:

Jonah Williams: No. 1 Safety in America

LSU welcomed Williams to Baton Rouge for an official visit with the Tigers rolling out the red carpet for the dual-sport phenom.

Along with being the top-rated defensive back in the country, Williams is also a star on the diamond as an impressive outfielder and left-handed pitcher.

Now, after a three-day stay in Death Valley, LSU is turning up the heat with both Brian Kelly and LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson pushing for his services.

Texas A&M is the current leader in the Williams Sweepstakes but LSU made up some ground, according to a source, and is swinging for the fences here.

Williams shared photos from his trip:

Carius Curne: No. 1 Interior Offensive Lineman

There was buzz that Curne wouldn't make the trip to Baton Rouge over the weekend. He was fresh off of an official visit with the Arkansas Razorbacks and had the chance to shutdown his recruitment and pledge to Sam Pittman and Co. once again.

Curne backed off of his commitment to the Razorbacks on March 25 with LSU surging in his recruitment. Now, after a trio of official visits to LSU, Missouri and Arkansas, he's set to reveal a commitment decision this week.

He'll choose between the three SEC schools with the Razorbacks having the latest buzz, but after a weekend with LSU offensive line coach Brad Davis, things could change quickly.

#LSU welcomed the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in America to Baton Rouge over the weekend: Carius Curne. The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder is fresh off of a multi-day stay in Death Valley with Brad Davis pushing for his services. Curne shared photos from his visit to The Boot: pic.twitter.com/7uKgnwYsqo — Zack Nagy (@znagy20) June 17, 2024

Charles Ross: 4-Star Linebacker (LSU Commit)

Ross has become one of the fastest risers in the 2025 cycle over the last few months. A player who was a fringe Top 300 prospect in America, he's solidified his status as a Top 100 prospect in the span of a couple of months.

He revealed his commitment to LSU on March 10th and hasn't looked back. Now, he's set to shutdown his recruitment and not take anymore visits this summer. It's a huge win for the Tigers to have the speedster shut things down and reaffirm his pledge to LSU.

Thank you GOD for your many blessings!💜💛 pic.twitter.com/HOzB2yoT9j — Charles CJ Ross (@Legendary_Ross_) June 16, 2024

Mario Nash: Four-star Offensive Lineman

@LSUfootball was epic! Me and my family had a great time @CoachBrianKelly ! Hat off to @coachbraddavis for an awesome job. @_donovantate @CarlSt_Cyr took good care of us! Looking forward to building our relationship! @Rivals @On3Recruits @adamgorney @SWiltfong_ @ChadSimmons_ … pic.twitter.com/QlqXmvpThZ — Mario Nash Jr ⭐️ (@BigNash_77) June 17, 2024

Onis Konanbanny: Four-star Cornerback

Why not LSU ? I’ll wait 🤔 Geaux Tigers 🐯 @BobbyBarham_2 @CoachCRaymond @CoachBrianKelly @BobbyBarham_LSU pic.twitter.com/S317K3ucmf — ᴏɴɪs "𝐨" ᴋᴏɴᴀɴʙᴀɴɴʏ'25 (@KonanbannyOnis) June 16, 2024

Tyler Miller (LSU Commit): No. 3 IOL in America

Had a great time at lsu last weekend #tigernation 🏠 pic.twitter.com/XIQDBfjCJM — 𝓣𝔂𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓜𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻 ❤️‍🩹 (@five9tm) June 17, 2024

Other LSU News:

Recruiting Roundup: The Latest Buzz From LSU's Official Visit Weekend

LSU Football: No. 1 Quarterback in America Visiting LSU

LSU Baseball: Pair of Prized Transfer Pitchers Reveal Commitments to LSU

Join the Community:

Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter:  @znagy20  and LSU Country:  @LSUCountry_FN  for all coverage surrounding the LSU program.

Zack Nagy is the Managing Editor and Publisher of LSU Country, a Sports Illustrated Publication. Nagy has covered Tiger Football, Basketball, Baseball and Recruiting, looking to keep readers updated on anything and everything involving LSU athletics. 

Follow znagy20

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Louisiana court says mostly white enclave in Baton Rouge may secede and form its own city

Aubri Juhasz

A wealthy Baton Rouge neighborhood has become its own city in order to try to create a new school district. Some residents call the move modern day segregation.

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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Dual degrees: Baton Rouge educator to finish second masters from LSUS

SHREVEPORT – As an elementary teacher for eight years who completed her undergraduate teaching degree in face-to-face classes, Kendle Davis knows the power of communicating in person.

So the Baton Rouge-area resident had legitimate hesitations when considering pursuing a masters degree online at LSU Shreveport.

But come graduation this September, Davis will walk across the stage for the second time after earning her second master’s degree in 30 months from LSUS.

Davis finished her master’s in educational leadership this spring and is on pace to add a master’s in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in special education leadership by the end of July.

“The quality of education I received at LSUS was no different than in a face-to-face setting,” Davis said. “If I had questions about something or needed clarity on a topic, the professors were very good about talking through Zoom or making time outside of normal sessions.

“The expectations are still as high as classes held in a classroom. I was hesitant about going 100 percent online because I like to talk to people, but the professors made it feel like they were right there with you and not hundreds of miles away. They are really personable, and they really care.”

Davis, who worked as an educational compliance coordinator (Section 504 coordinator) for charter schools after leaving the classroom, just started a new job as a Montessori specialist in the East Baton Rouge Parish school system.

She said LSUS’s program structure in which students aren’t often required to be in front of a computer at a specific time allowed her to work her full-time job and raise her family while pursuing her master’s degrees.

“We would turn in assignments on Thursdays and Sundays, so I’d find time after work hours to dedicate to school,” Davis said. “That flexibility was very beneficial to me.”

Davis also benefitted from LSUS’s online accelerated format, which consists of seven-week terms instead of traditional semesters.

Juggling responsibilities is nothing new for Davis, who pursued an undergraduate degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge after having three children.

“As a young mom who had three children by age 21, I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time in their classes – I was like a volunteer classroom mom,” recalls Davis, whose children are now 20, 18, and 16. “Seeing how different teachers were making a difference for my kids and others is what led me to the education field.

“I had a really supportive husband, so I didn’t have to work while going to college (for my undergraduate degree). Without his support, none of this would be possible.”

When Davis started her master’s journey in 2022, she began working toward her special education degree before deciding to transition to educational leadership.

“I felt like I could cover more ground and had more opportunities with the educational leadership degree,” Davis said. “But once I finished that, I was close enough to the special education degree that I decided to just finish it.

“I think having both degrees will be essential because to be a good leader, you need to ensure equity and compliance for your special education population and support teachers in that way.”

Special education isn’t confined to certain teachers in certain classrooms – Davis said those principles are being used by every general education teacher as well.

“There are so many kids who are not identified as special education that need to be, but they go under the radar,” Davis said. “They are barely making the grades.

“So many kids need that support and that advocate. I want to support teachers to ensure that all learning styles are being considered, and that we have inclusion everywhere. When you support teachers, you support students.”

Completing the special education leadership master’s degree cemented Davis’s belief in a special education career path.

Ultimately, she wants to be a special education director of a district or a special education consultant who offers professional development.

Starting a successful career is closer than you think. With exceptional academics and generous financial aid, LSUS allows you to get your degree close to home while launching you to new heights.

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How Travel and Tourism Impacts Baton Rouge

From foods and festivals to the infrastructure and education systems, tourism supports much of what we love about our city. With millions of tourists coming to visit every year, the money they spend gives us the opportunity and the funds to make the city we love even better.

WHY TRAVEL AND TOURISM MATTER

The tourism industry continues to break records with the state seeing more visitors than ever. Being one of the largest industries and the fourth-largest employer in the state, Louisiana and the capital city of Baton Rouge depend on the travel and tourism industry’s ability to create jobs, stimulate economic recovery and drive needed tax revenue.

Visit Baton Rouge and our local tourism industry partners work to promote the city of Baton Rouge, both domestically and internationally, to attract business and leisure travelers here. When a destination attracts visitors, everyone from local business owners to residents wins.

When visitors come to Baton Rouge to experience our unique flavor and flair, the revenue that’s generated improves our city. It supports the rise of small businesses, creates thousands of jobs and attracts new events and entertainment for families across our communities to enjoy.

2023 ECONOMIC IMPACT

Total visitor spend.

$1.7 billion

NUMBER OF VISITORS

8.8 million

TAX DOLLARS SAVED PER HOUSEHOLD

Number of jobs in the travel & tourism industry, economic impact of meetings & conventions.

$46.2 million

NUMBER OF MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS

Number of attendees, number of room nights, 2023 impact report, a strong travel and tourism industry:, attracts world-renowned entertainment..

A stronger tourism industry allows Baton Rouge to better compete with other similarly-sized cities for entertainment opportunities. That means more sporting events, concerts, restaurants, conventions and more for you and your family to enjoy.

Gives back to local communities.

Travel and tourism create jobs and generate tax revenue for local communities, which in turn, help pay for important public services.

Creates a virtuous cycle of economic benefits.

Travelers visiting a destination spend money at local attractions, hotels, retail, restaurants and on transportation. Travel spending supports local businesses and generates additional tax revenue for state and local governments to invest in enhanced public services for residents and visitors alike.

Attracts new businesses and workers.

Destinations that are able to provide a range of travel-related offerings are not only likely to draw more visitors but also attract new businesses and skilled workers.

Leads to faster growth than in other regions.

Destinations with a higher concentration of visitor-related industries tend to grow faster than other regions. Not only does tourism create jobs in its own industry, but it also improves the quality of life for residents and has a positive impact on perceptions of a destination for residents, potential employees, students and businesses.

Travel and tourism efforts by Visit Baton Rouge are funded by the Hotel Occupancy Tax — a tax visitors pay. Learn more about the Hotel Occupancy Tax here.