Popular Louisiana Vacation Cities

What to Know

A rich cultural gumbo fused with French, Spanish, Caribbean, African and Native American influences, the Big Easy is an American gem. With gorgeous architecture, a diverse music scene and some of the best food in the world, New Orleans offers visitors unlimited entertainment options. Even Hurricane Katrina couldn’t dampen the spirit of this festive city; "laissez les bons temps rouler" ("let the good times roll") is still very much the mantra in these parts.

The Vieux Carré (also known as the French Quarter) is the heart and soul of the city. Home to several festivals, New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood is packed with historic landmarks. Beignets and café au lait have been served at the legendary Café Du Monde since 1862. The adjacent French Market, in business since 1791, is America’s oldest operating public market. Even one of the city’s most famous bars, the candlelit Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, dates back to the 1700s. Reportedly the oldest bar in the U.S., Lafitte’s was once a front for a pair of pirate brothers.

Where to Go

Visitors tend to spend the bulk of their time in the Quarter, and there’s plenty to explore beyond Bourbon Street. By day, stop by Jackson Square for the ultimate photo-op, then lose an hour or two watching the artists, entertainers and palm readers surrounding the square. Shop for antiques and art along Royal Street, or venture just beyond the Quarter to explore Magazine Street’s six miles of eclectic shops and boutiques. First-time visitors are practically required to sip a hurricane on the crowded but pleasant patio at touristy Pat O’Brien’s. Just be sure to venture next door to catch the authentic, no-frills Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Legendary French Quarter restaurants include Commander’s Palace for its weekend jazz brunch and Galatoire’s for a traditional Creole dinner. Be sure to dress appropriately; these genteel spots don’t allow shorts and require jackets in the evening. Whatever you do, don’t leave town without eating a po’ boy. Try Johnny’s in the heart of the Quarter or Mother’s just on the outskirts. If you need a bite after hitting the bars, grab a hot dog at a Lucky Dog stand, made famous in John Kennedy Toole’s Pulizer Prize-winning novel A Confederacy of Dunces.

When to Go

Summers in New Orleans are extremely humid and can be unbearably hot and sticky. Visitors descend upon the city in February for Mardi Gras, which means huge crowds and potential difficulty finding a place to stay. A variety of smaller festivals held throughout the year offer fewer crowds and a more authentic glimpse of life in the Crescent City.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, held for seven days around late April and early May, is an outstanding event with hundreds of bands, famous food stalls, art and multi-cultural attractions. It’s also a prime time to check out some of the city’s best music venues. After the fairgrounds close down for the day, Jazz Fest-ers fill popular music spots like Uptown’s Tipitina’s and Maple Leaf Bar for live music into the wee hours.

Early spring is an ideal time of year to experience the city’s charming residential neighborhoods. Uptown’s Victorian homes and the Garden District’s mansion-lined streets are simply stunning when the azaleas are in bloom.