With its diverse natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and renowned Southern hospitality, Louisiana is a popular holiday destination. But if you’re a traveler like us, you’ll definitely want to visit some off-the-beaten-path attractions.
How do you choose the best, you ask? As usual, we are one step ahead and have already tested the waters, in some cases literally. On this list you will find: the 7 incredible hidden gems in Louisiana to visit in 2024 that we have chosen for you.
Fort Proctor
Located on a small island in Lake Borgne, Fort Proctor is an abandoned Civil War fort. It was built to protect New Orleans and the Mississippi River Delta from potential maritime threats. Although it was never actually used as planned, it played an important role in Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage. The unusual location in the serene wetlands also makes for great photos.
To get there, you’ll need to launch a boat from Campo’s Marina in Shell Beach – an inflatable kayak will do as it’s not far from shore. Another option is to take a guided tour.
Abandoned Jazzland in New Orleans
Six Flags was an exciting theme park that catered to families with children and looking for fun in general. Unfortunately, it was closed by Hurricane Katrina and was never renovated because it was deemed too expensive.
But don’t hang your head. You can still enjoy it today for exciting urbex exploration. You’ll encounter muddy clowns, fallen mermaids and broken Mardi Gras figures. The park is also often visited by alligators, which makes for a fascinating contrast.
Please note that entering the park can be quite dangerous and is prohibited. But you can observe it quite well from outside and take some fascinating photos.
Gator Country LA Alligator Park
Thanks to the abundance of marshes, marshes, rivers, and marshes, Louisiana is known to be home to a large population of alligators. Gator Country LA Alligator Park offers a unique opportunity to learn more about these animals and see them safely up close.
Watch a feeding show, hold baby gators, snakes and dragons, or take a swamp tour. Part of the park is also a petting zoo, which is especially fun for small children. All that is less than $20 per person.
Carousel bar and lounge
No visit to New Orleans would be complete without a stop at Carousel bar and lounge. This famous bar is part of Hotel Monteleone and spins like a merry-go-round. Thanks to that, it entered Vogue Living’s list of TOP 20 bars in the world.
Take a ride on the carousel while enjoying the Vieux Carré, the bar’s signature cocktail. You can also complement your drink with a delicious aperitif and enjoy live entertainment in the background, usually in the form of jazz or piano serenades.
Lafayette Cemetery
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is another hidden gem of New Orleans. It is one of the oldest city-run cemeteries and features many beautiful tombs, statues and mausoleums. It appeared in many films, such as Interview with a Vampire or Double Jeopardy, and also served as an inspiration for many literary works.
Retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere. There are also many tours available that will make your experience even better with some fascinating stories and anecdotes.
Louisiana swamps and stand-up paddleboarding
Louisiana boasts incredible wildlife and a unique way to explore it is through its dispersed water system. You can do this on a canoe, kayak or paddleboard, which is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the fall season.
So, which swamps are best for navigating your way through Louisiana’s natural beauty? Bayou Segnette State Park is definitely our number one choice. It is located in New Orleans, making it easily accessible. Besides regular paddle boarding, you can also try SUP fishing and stay there in one of the floating huts.
Other great options include Atchafalaya Basin, Barataria Reserve Trailsor Lake Martin. In all of them you can spot different bird species, alligators and other native animals and plants.
Mardi Gras World
If you are in or around New Orleans, a visit to this special museum should not be missed. As the location says, it’s a place where every day is Mardi Gras, so you can enjoy the beloved Southern festivities even though they’ve just ended.
Mardi Gras World offers insight into the history and traditions of the parade, a collection of traditional floats, costumes and other props, and you can also try on some masks and costumes. The best part? It’s conveniently located in downtown New Orleans, and the museum even offers a free shuttle from the French Quarter.
