bigtravelbuzzBaton Rouge is the capital city of Louisiana, located in the southeastern part of the state. It is a bustling city with a rich cultural heritage, historic sites, and a variety of attractions and activities. Here are some things to see and do in Baton Rouge:
Louisiana State Capitol: The Louisiana State Capitol is a beautiful and historic building that houses the offices of the governor and the state legislature. Visitors can take a free guided tour of the building and learn about its history and architecture.
USS Kidd: The USS Kidd is a World War II-era destroyer that is now a museum. Visitors can tour the ship and learn about its history and the role it played in the war.
Louisiana Art & Science Museum: The Louisiana Art & Science Museum is a great place to learn about science and art. It has interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.
Baton Rouge Zoo: The Baton Rouge Zoo is a fun place to visit with the whole family. It has a wide variety of animals, including tigers, giraffes, and monkeys, as well as a petting zoo and a playground.
Shaw Center for the Arts: The Shaw Center for the Arts is a beautiful building that houses theaters, art galleries, and restaurants. It is a great place to see a show or view local art.
Louisiana State University: Louisiana State University is one of the largest universities in the state, with a beautiful campus that is open to visitors. Visitors can take a tour of the campus, visit the LSU Museum of Art, or attend a sporting event.
Baton Rouge also has a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore, as well as festivals and events throughout the year.
Places to Visit in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana, has a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of the top places to visit in Baton Rouge:
Louisiana State Capitol: The Louisiana State Capitol is an impressive building and an important part of the city’s history. Visitors can take a tour of the building, including the observation deck at the top, and learn about the state’s government and history.
USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial: The USS Kidd is a historic World War II destroyer that is now a museum. Visitors can tour the ship and learn about its role in the war. The Veterans Memorial next to the ship honors Louisiana veterans from all branches of the military.
Louisiana Art & Science Museum: The Louisiana Art & Science Museum is a great place to learn about science and art. It features hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a variety of art collections.
Magnolia Mound Plantation: Magnolia Mound Plantation is a historic house museum that dates back to the 1700s. Visitors can tour the house and grounds to learn about Louisiana’s early history and culture.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center: The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is a beautiful and peaceful nature preserve that features walking trails, a boardwalk, and educational exhibits about the local flora and fauna.
Louisiana State University: Louisiana State University is a beautiful campus that is open to visitors. Visitors can tour the campus, visit the LSU Museum of Art, or attend a sporting event.
Shaw Center for the Arts: The Shaw Center for the Arts is a beautiful building that houses theaters, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to catch a show or view local art.
Baton Rouge Zoo: The Baton Rouge Zoo is a fun place to visit with the whole family. It features a variety of animals, a petting zoo, and a playground.
In addition to these attractions, Baton Rouge has a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore, as well as festivals and events throughout the year.
Best Time To Visit Baton Rouge
The best time to visit Baton Rouge is during the fall and spring seasons. The weather is mild and pleasant during these times, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (12-24 degrees Celsius). This makes it a great time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions and enjoy festivals and events, such as the Bayou Country Superfest in May or the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival in November.
Summer can be hot and humid in Baton Rouge, with temperatures reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) and frequent thunderstorms. However, if you don’t mind the heat, it can be a good time to take advantage of indoor activities and attractions, such as museums and shopping malls.
Winter in Baton Rouge can be mild, with temperatures averaging in the 50s Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). However, occasional cold snaps can bring freezing temperatures and even snow. While there are fewer tourists during this time, some attractions may have limited hours or be closed for the season.
Overall, the best time to visit Baton Rouge depends on your personal preferences and interests. If you enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, then the fall and spring are great times to visit. If you prefer indoor activities or don’t mind the heat, then summer can also be a good option.
Things to Do in Baton Rouge
Here are some of the top things to do in Baton Rouge:
Visit the Louisiana State Capitol: This iconic building is the tallest capitol in the US and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.
Tour the USS Kidd: This World War II-era destroyer ship is now a museum and offers a glimpse into the lives of sailors during the war.
Explore the LSU Rural Life Museum: This outdoor museum showcases life in rural Louisiana during the 18th and 19th centuries and includes 32 historic buildings, gardens, and exhibits.
Discover the Louisiana Art and Science Museum: This museum features both art and science exhibits, including a planetarium and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Visit the Shaw Center for the Arts: This contemporary arts center offers exhibits, theater performances, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Saint Paul River.
Walk or bike along the Saint Paul Riverfront: Enjoy scenic views of the Saint Paul River and the downtown skyline while getting some exercise.
Attend a Louisiana State University (LSU) sporting event: Cheer on the LSU Tigers at a football or basketball game.
Take a swamp tour: Explore the unique ecosystem of the Louisiana swamps and see wildlife such as alligators and turtles.
Visit the Baton Rouge Zoo: See a variety of animals from around the world, including giraffes, tigers, and elephants.
Explore the Louisiana Old State Capitol: This Gothic-style building was once the state capitol and now houses a museum of political history and exhibits on Louisiana culture.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Baton Rouge, a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty.
How to get around in Baton Rouge
Here are some ways to get around in Baton Rouge:
Public transportation: Baton Rouge has a bus system called the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) which operates throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Ridesharing services: Popular ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Baton Rouge.
Taxis: Taxis are also available in the city, and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.
Bike rentals: Baton Rouge has a bike-sharing program called Gotcha Bike which allows you to rent bikes by the hour or day.
Car rentals: There are several car rental agencies located in Baton Rouge, which can be convenient if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.
Walking: Many of Baton Rouge’s attractions are located in the downtown area and are easily accessible by foot.
Where to eat in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is known for its vibrant food scene, with a variety of cuisines and dining options to choose from. Here are some popular restaurants to check out:
Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant: This family-friendly restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and Cajun-style dishes, including crawfish étouffée and gumbo.
The Chimes: This casual restaurant and bar serves up traditional Louisiana cuisine, as well as an extensive selection of beers and cocktails.
Superior Grill: This Tex-Mex restaurant serves up classic dishes like fajitas and margaritas, as well as Louisiana-inspired fare like seafood enchiladas.
City Pork Brasserie and Bar: This upscale restaurant specializes in charcuterie, with a variety of cured meats and artisanal cheeses on the menu. They also serve up seasonal dishes and craft cocktails.
Louisiana Lagniappe: This waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of the Saint Paul River and serves up fresh seafood dishes, as well as steaks and other Southern classics.
Juban’s Creole Restaurant and Caterer: This elegant restaurant serves up classic Creole dishes like turtle soup and jambalaya, as well as more contemporary offerings.
Elsie’s Plate and Pie: This cozy cafe serves up homemade pies, sandwiches, and salads using locally sourced ingredients.
Magpie Cafe: This trendy cafe is known for its artisanal coffee and pastries, as well as breakfast and lunch dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients.
These are just a few of the many dining options in Baton Rouge, so be sure to explore the city’s diverse food scene during your visit.
Famous street stalls in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is known for its rich food culture, and there are many popular street food vendors and food trucks that offer delicious local fare. Here are a few famous street stalls in Baton Rouge:
Curbside Burgers: This food truck serves up some of the best burgers in Baton Rouge, with unique toppings like bacon jam and fried green tomatoes.
The Cajun Spoon: This food stall in the Red Stick Farmers Market offers authentic Cajun cuisine, including gumbo, jambalaya, and boudin balls.
Roux 61: This popular food truck specializes in Louisiana-style barbecue, with slow-smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs.
Taco de Paco: This food truck offers a variety of delicious tacos, including crawfish, shrimp, and pork belly.
Fete au Fete: This food truck serves up gourmet versions of classic Cajun dishes, like crawfish mac and cheese and fried alligator bites.
The Big Cheezy: This food truck specializes in grilled cheese sandwiches, with a variety of creative toppings like pulled pork and mac and cheese.
Beignets and Coffee: This food stall in the North Gates of LSU offers fresh beignets and coffee, perfect for a quick breakfast or mid-day snack.
These street stalls and food trucks are just a few of the many options available in Baton Rouge. Be sure to explore the local food scene and try some of the delicious street food during your visit.
Where to stay in Baton Rouge
Luxury accommodation
Baton Rouge offers a range of luxury accommodations for visitors seeking upscale amenities and services. Here are some of the top luxury hotels in Baton Rouge:
L’Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge: This luxurious hotel offers elegant rooms with modern amenities, a full-service spa, and an outdoor pool with cabanas. The hotel also features several dining options and a casino.
Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel: This sophisticated hotel features stylish rooms with plush bedding and high-end amenities, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. The hotel also offers an on-site restaurant and lounge.
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center: This historic hotel features elegant rooms with views of the Saint Paul River, a rooftop pool and sundeck, and a fitness center. The hotel also has a restaurant and lounge with live music.
Watermark Baton Rouge, Autograph Collection: This boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms with custom furnishings and marble bathrooms, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center. The hotel also features a restaurant and bar with panoramic views of the city.
Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown: This boutique hotel features stylish rooms with contemporary decor, a rooftop pool and bar, and a fitness center. The hotel also offers a farm-to-table restaurant and a lounge with live music.
These luxury hotels in Baton Rouge offer guests a premium experience with top-notch amenities and services.
Where to stay in Baton Rouge
Budget accommodation
There are several budget accommodation options in Baton Rouge. Some of the popular ones are:
HI Baton Rouge Hostel: This hostel is located in the Mid City neighborhood and offers shared dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds. They also have private rooms available. Prices start at around $30 per night.
Red Roof Inn Baton Rouge: This budget hotel is located near LSU and offers basic rooms with amenities such as free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Prices start at around $50 per night.
Magnuson Hotel Baton Rouge: This hotel is located near the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and offers budget rooms with amenities such as free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast. Prices start at around $60 per night.
Super 8 by Wyndham Baton Rouge/I-12: This budget hotel is located near the I-12 highway and offers basic rooms with amenities such as free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast. Prices start at around $60 per night.
Motel 6 Baton Rouge Southeast: This budget hotel is located near the Mall of Louisiana and offers basic rooms with amenities such as free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Prices start at around $70 per night.
These are just a few of the budget accommodation options in Baton Rouge. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and compare prices before making a booking.
Travel Tips Baton Rouge
here are some travel tips for Baton Rouge:
Explore the City: Baton Rouge has a lot to offer, from historical landmarks and museums to parks and restaurants. Take some time to explore the city and discover its hidden gems.
Try the Local Cuisine: Cajun and Creole cuisine are a big part of the Baton Rouge food scene. Be sure to try local favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish.
Visit the LSU Campus: The Louisiana State University (LSU) campus is a beautiful place to visit, with tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and a lake. Take a stroll around the campus and soak in the university atmosphere.
Visit the State Capitol: The Louisiana State Capitol is a must-see attraction in Baton Rouge. It is the tallest capitol building in the United States and offers a great view of the city from its observation deck.
Attend a Sporting Event: Baton Rouge is a sports-loving city, and there’s always a game or match happening. Whether it’s LSU football or minor league baseball, attending a sporting event can be a fun way to experience the local culture.
Stay Safe: Like any city, Baton Rouge has its share of crime. Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to stay safe, especially at night.
Check the Weather: Baton Rouge can get quite hot and humid during the summer months, so be sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
Rent a Car: While there is public transportation available in Baton Rouge, it can be limited. Renting a car can give you more flexibility to explore the city and surrounding areas.