If you need to blow off some steam over a long three-day weekend these ideal Louisiana destinations are sure to recharge your batteries. From family-friendly towns with a host of fun festivals and events to casinos and fishing, these locales are full of things to discover. Check out the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum in Monroe, or head to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in the spring. If you like things more laid back, rent a cabin on the beach in Venice. With so many unique and historical cities, Louisiana proves it’s the perfect spot for sun, exploration, and adventure in 2024!
Avery Island
Gather round, nature lovers! Avery Island, which isn't a traditional island since it is inland, is a lush forested destination sitting on a deposit of solid rock salt home to Tabasco Hot Sauce. The salt deposit runs almost as deep into the earth as Mount Everest! Spend an entire day at the Tabasco Visitors Center. Take a self-guided tour of the grounds and facility, and check out the museum.
But there is more to Avery Island than just hot sauce! Embark on a tour of Avery Island’s Jungle Gardens, which is ideal for nature lovers. Participate in a tour of Bird City, or hike one of the many accessible trails through the gardens. Or, drive a short 20 minutes north to the Rip Van Winkle Gardens to check out one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the state. After a long day exploring, check in to Hampton Inn & Suites New Iberia Avery Island or the Bayou Teche Guest Cottage in New Iberia.
Monroe
If you love taking museum tours, Monroe is the perfect spot for an eventful long weekend! Tour one of the many museums in the area, such as the Biedenharn Museum and Garden, Masur Museum of Art, or the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum. If you are a big fan of Coca-Cola, you have to check out the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum. It’s the home to the first Coke bottling facility and has been restored to its former glory.
Monroe isn’t just for history buffs. It’s a great place for nature enthusiasts, too! Spend an entire day exploring the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo and get up close to exotic animals from all over the world. You can set up your RV or camper at Cheniere Lake Park and admire amazing water views. Don’t worry, there are plenty of cozy hotels, like Hampton Inn & Suites Monroe, and B&Bs located in the heart of the city if camping isn’t your thing!
Lake Charles
Lake Charles is the ideal blend of stunning views, a bustling downtown area, and family-friendly activities. Take the family to the annual Mardi Gras festival (the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the state), or the famous Louisiana Pirate Festival. With over 75 festivals happening year-round, it’s always a party at Lake Charles! In addition to family-friendly activities, there is also plenty to see for the adults. Head to one of their award-winning golf courses, or test your luck at the Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino.
While the downtown area is always jumping, Lake Charles also offers places to relax and unwind. Head to the serene Prien Lake Park for an afternoon picnic, or hike one of their many accessible trails, like the Sam Houston Jones Orange Trail. For even more adventure, head to the Creole Nature Trail, also known as one of America's Last Great Wildernesses. Stay at one of the many hotels in the downtown area, or rent a rustic cabin from Big Lake Guest Houses.
Venice
Ready to head to the beach? Venice, aka the Gateway to the Gulf, is a bustling seaside town with no shortage of fun things to do. It is considered one of the best places to fish on the planet, so pack that fishing rod and book a tour with Salty Marsh Charters! However, the best time to experience Venice and the nearby town of Buras is during the annual Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival in December, highlighting the citrus industry in the region.
For a more laid-back stay, visitors can relax on one of the many beaches or explore one of the many local parks for bird watching, kayaking, kite fishing, and hiking. Plus, Venice has some of the best seafood at local restaurants like CrawGators Bar & Grill. Park your camper at Delta Dragon RV Park, alongside the Mississippi River, or a cabin on the beach.
Baton Rouge
Baton Rogue is a charming, quirky city with a robust history, incredible shopping, and many sights to discover. History buffs have to check out Capitol Park Museum, which depicts the rich history of the area, and takes almost 2 hours to fully explore. For art lovers, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum is a must-see! No trip to Baton Rouge is complete without checking out Louisiana's Old State Capitol, a Gothic 165-year-old building that stands 450 feet tall. It’s the tallest capital in the United States!
Aside from stunning architecture and museums, Baton Rouge is surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Take a break from the bustle of downtown and head to Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center or the BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo to explore wildlife from all over the globe. While there are plenty of affordable and cozy hotels in the area, you have to check out the fun, quirky, and modern Origin Hotel Baton Rouge!
New Orleans
New Orleans is a city that needs no formal introduction! While it’s famous for its Mardi Gras Festival, there are a ton of family-friendly events and attractions worth discovering. Visit during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, which is just as spectacular as Mardi Gras, but perfect for the whole family.
The bustling downtown area hosts plenty of amazing museums like The National WWII Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Backstreet Cultural Museum to name a few. Spend an entire day at the French Quarter, aka the Jewel of New Orleans. You will find some of the best southern seafood in the French Quarter! There are so many great hotels with sweeping views of the city, but one of the best is the magnificent Hotel Monteleone.
Shreveport
Shreveport is a charming city on Louisiana's border with Texas. It has a thriving downtown district and so much to do. Check out one of the many historical landmarks, like The Logan Mansion, the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, or the Germantown Colony Museum. Explore the stunning Shreveport Aquarium or casually stroll through the R.W. Norton Art Gallery. There is no better place for shopping than the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets!
For a little rest and relaxation after a full day in the downtown area, visitors can head to Coates Bluff Nature Trail in the heart of downtown. It offers stunning water views, accessible trails, and the home of the city's oldest African American cemetery (Hopewell Cemetery). One of the best places to stay in Shreveport is Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, Shreveport, located near Bally's Shreveport Casino.
The Ideal 3-Day Weekend in Louisiana
The Bayou State is home to many unique, exciting, and historical cities full of things to discover for the whole family. From museums, zoos, shopping, beaches, and bayous, there is something here for everyone. Whether you are looking for a little adventure, or want to spend the weekend shopping and discovering local festivals, Louisiana is like a 24/7 party! So, pack a light travel bag and discover everything Louisiana has to offer on a three-day weekend in 2024!