There are plenty of must-see attractions in Louisiana that are worthy of your time. Whether you’ve spent your entire life in the Bayou State or you’re just passing through, it’s worth adding these tourist attractions in Louisiana to your bucket list.

We tried to keep this list to specific attractions, rather than naming major cities like New Orleans, Natchitoches, Lafayette, or Shreveport. However, each one of those cities is overflowing with things to do!

1. Avery Island

Avery Island is the home of Tabasco but it’s so much more. Not only can you take a tour of the factory, but you can fill up an entire afternoon with activities here. Both Jungle Gardens and Bird City are dreamy destinations year-round, and after you’ve strolled through the gardens, swing by Restaurant 1868 to enjoy authentic Louisiana dishes spiced up with our favorite pepper sauce.

2. Creole Nature Trail

The Creole Nature Trail is a 180-mile All-American Road that takes you through some of the most gorgeous scenery in southwest Louisiana. Beginning in Lake Charles and ending at the Gulf of Mexico, this scenic drive covers everything from marshes to beaches, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.

Don’t forget to pack some road trip snacks!

3. Atchafalaya River Basin

America’s largest swamp is a top tourist destination in Louisiana for a reason. Clocking in at nearly one million acres, the Atchafalaya’s wetlands and river delta is home to countless swamp critters ranging from crawfish to the Louisiana black bear. The best way to experience the Atchafalaya is with a swamp boat tour, and there are plenty of them!

4. Lake Martin

Just a few miles south of Breaux Bridge, Lake Martin is the perfect little slice of paradise for anyone who wants to get lost in Louisiana’s natural scenery for an afternoon. The lake is one of the best places to spot alligators, and you won’t have any trouble spotting them from the shoreline. There is a nature path that goes around the lake if you want to check it out, but for an immersive experience I’d recommend jumping on a tour with Cajun Country Swamp Tours.

5. Chicot State Park

5. Chicot State Park

Sitting pretty in the heart of Cajun Country, Chicot State Park is the largest state park in Louisiana, so be sure to clear your schedule if you want to explore it fully. An extensive 20-mile hiking trail encircles the 2,000-acre lake, but I’d recommend renting a canoe from the park so you can explore the park from the water. There is a paddle trail that makes its way around the lake, including several little alcoves where you’ll feel like you’re the only person in the world.

The Louisiana State Arboretum is also located within the park, and there are even more lovely nature trails to explore here.

6. Barn Hill Animal Preserve

Barn Hill Animal Preserve is a bit of a hidden gem, but I promise you, it’s worth it. The preserve is home to countless cuddly critters who are just waiting for you to boop the snoot. Some of Barn Hill’s main attractions include otter swims where you can swim in a pool with otters and capybara encounters. Barn Hill also hosts special events like sipping wine with sloths and yoga with kangaroos. Sure, the kids will love their time here, but adults will, too!

7. Poverty Point

Located in northeastern Louisiana, Poverty Point is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back 3,400 years. These earth ridges were built by indigenous people sometime between 1700 and 1100 BCE, but historians and archaeologists are just starting to put the puzzle together. With no written word left behind, experts have tried to understand Poverty Point through the clues left behind— pottery, fish bones, spear points, etc. It’s a fascinating area that few locals even know exists, and it’s right in our own backyard!

Poverty Point State Park is nearby, and the cabins are the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploring Poverty Point.

8. Gators and Friends

Heading over to the northwestern side of the state, Gators and Friends is a unique hybrid between an animal preserve and an adventure park. The park is home to more than 150 alligators plus a separate petting zoo with more than 20 different tupes of exotic animals that you can pet and feed.

On the adventure side, there are Go-Karts as well as an epic zipline where you can soar over the live alligator pond. Check availability before you go!

All of these destinations would be great for a road trip. If you plan on doing any hiking, be sure to check AllTrails first so you can get an idea of what the trail is like.

How many of these must-see attractions in Louisiana have you visited? Let us know in the comments below!