Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Louisiana (Louisiana (LA))
Louisiana (Louisiana (LA)) features major hubs at New Orleans, Baton Rouge & Lafayette. Key sights, National & State Parks, and travel highlights across the state include New Orleans French Quarter, Garden District & Frenchmen Street Jazz, Cajun Country bayous (Lafayette), Oak Alley & Laura Plantations, and Atchafalaya Basin.
How to get to Louisiana
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal (Amtrak & historic RTA streetcars), and I-10. Use our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($) and $80 National Parks Pass Calculator to plan your route.
Signature local food in Louisiana
When visiting cities and towns across Louisiana, look out for these regional American specialties at classic diners, smokehouses, seafood shacks, and farmers markets:
- Chicken & andouille gumbo and jambalaya
- Crawfish étouffée & boiled Gulf crawfish
- Roast beef & fried shrimp po'boys on French bread
- Café du Monde-style powdered beignets & bananas Foster
- Chicory café au lait, Sazerac & Ramos Gin Fizz
Best time to visit Louisiana
Best time to visit Louisiana: Oct–May (Feb–Apr for Mardi Gras & Jazz Fest).
Featured cities & towns in Louisiana (14 featured · 176 total)
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, county & elevation facts, nearest airport/Amtrak station, regional food specialties, and neighboring towns:
| City / Town | County & Type | Population | Elevation | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans New Orleans, LA | US City | 362,701 | 18 m (59 ft) | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Baton Rouge Baton Rouge, LA | US City | 227,470 | 14 m (46 ft) | City guide → |
| Shreveport Shreveport, LA | US City | 187,593 | 44 m (144 ft) | City guide → |
| Metairie Metairie, LA | US City | 138,481 | 1 m (3 ft) | City guide → |
| Lafayette Lafayette, LA | US City | 121,374 | 11 m (36 ft) | City guide → |
| Lake Charles Lake Charles, LA | US City | 76,070 | 4 m (13 ft) | City guide → |
| Bossier City Bossier City, LA | US City | 68,094 | 53 m (174 ft) | City guide → |
| Kenner Kenner, LA | US City | 67,091 | 5 m (16 ft) | City guide → |
| Jackson Jackson, LA | US City | 3,788 | 46 m (151 ft) | City guide → |
| Homer Homer, LA | US City | 3,005 | 86 m (282 ft) | City guide → |
| Monterey Monterey, LA | US City | 439 | 17 m (56 ft) | City guide → |
| Avalon Avalon, LA | US City | 0 | 3 m (10 ft) | City guide → |
| Keystone Keystone, LA | US City | 0 | 10 m (33 ft) | City guide → |
| Williams Williams, LA | US City | 0 | 12 m (39 ft) | City guide → |