MAIN Travel USA Louisiana

Unlike the British and the Spanish who were major players in early colonial America, it was the French who were THE influence in Louisiana.

Today, Cajun -- "French with a Southern drawl" -- can still be heard in Louisiana most heavily throughout the Mississippi Delta region and in Lafayette Cajun country. (While here, don't miss a step back in time with a visit to the Vermilionville Living History Museum for a close-up look at ol' French Louisiana.)

And, of course, there is always the annual Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans brought by the French to America's premier party town with the call to "Laizzez les bons temps rouler! " (Let the good times roll!)

Top Louisiana attractions include the historic charm and jazzy nightlife of New Orleans,
authentic Cajun style cooking, and a trip back in time to Civil War-era plantation life.

New Orleans, of course, remains the state's biggest tourist draw with its Bourbon Street jazz clubs, top restaurants, and the charm of the French Quarter. While here, don't miss the city's famous food specialties by lunching on a po'boy sandwich or satisfying your sweet tooth with the luxurious taste of New Orleans pralines.

Other activities on the "The Big Easy" must-do list include sightseeing aboard a New Orleans streetcar, followed by an historic New Orleans paddlewheel riverboat tour of the mighty Mississippi River.

Around the state, more attractions await at historic plantations near Natchitoches, the Old State Capitol at Baton Rouge, and a network of very popular Louisiana state parks.

2024 Louisiana special events and festivals

Explore your inner pirate at the Louisiana Pirate Festival in Lake Charles in May

Just up ahead, check out our 2024 Louisiana travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information. Happy travels!

January 6 - February 13, 2024 -- New Orleans Mardi Gras New Orleans - THE event of the year in New Orleans begins in January and parades right up until Fat Tuesday drawing thousands to the biggest street party on the planet.

April 12 - April 14, 2024 -- Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Ponchatoula - There's strawberry shortcake, strawberry daiquiris, and lots more on the menu including three days of family fun, live music and the big parade.

April 11 - April 14, 2024 French Quarter Festival New Orleans -- And just when Mardi Gras is over it's time for one of the Louisiana's biggest music fests on 20 stages throughout the French Quarter.

May 2 - May 12, 2024 Louisiana Pirate Festival Lake Charles - Along with kids' activities, carnival rides, live music and food... here be pirates! Arrgh.

May 17 - May 19, 2024 Bayou Boogaloo Music Festival New Orleans - Boogy on down to Bayou St. John for live music, local food vendors, and regional arts & crafts.

also see -> Louisiana Beaches

DID YOU KNOW? Louisiana Travel Fun Facts

Camera ready: the Evangeline Oak.

• The St. Charles Avenue streetcar in New Orleans is the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world.

• Bayou (pronounced BUY-you) is the French name for "slow-moving river."

• Louisiana Cajuns are descendants of the Acadians who were driven out of Canada in the 1700s because they wouldn't swear allegiance to the King of England.

• Spanning 24 miles, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the world's longest bridge over water.

• One of the most photographed trees in the world is The Evangeline Oak in St. Martinville.

More about Louisiana tourist attractions around the Web:

Louisiana Travel - The next best thing to being there with interactive features including Cajun language lessons, recipes to try, videos to watch,, photos, e-postcards, as well as facts & information on where to go and what to see throughout Louisiana, plus hotel & restaurant guides, special vacation deals & packages, weather info, maps.