Louisiana

A Southern state blending French and African cultures, with New Orleans jazz, Cajun food and bayou swamps all offering distinctive character.

Louisiana lies on the Gulf Coast of the southern United States, where the Mississippi River meets the sea, with estuarine wetlands throughout the south. New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and the French Quarter, Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras are world famous; the Acadiana region, centered on Lafayette, is the heart of Cajun culture, with zydeco music and crawfish dishes; the capital, Baton Rouge, and the plantations along the river are also worth a visit. Late winter through spring is the best time to visit; summers are hot and humid, with hurricanes to watch for. The main gateway is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

Destinations

• New Orleans
• Acadiana (Cajun Country)

Itineraries

• Louisiana Cajun Country – Head west from New Orleans to explore River Road plantations, swamps, and Tabasco Island.
• Deep South Music Road Tour – Drive from Nashville along Highway 61 through the Delta, passing Natchez to New Orleans.