WHAT’S INSIDE Welcome 4 10 Welcome to Louisiana! Connect & Explore Year of Outdoors 12 16 18 19 22 24 26 27 28 29 My Louisiana Outdoors Scenic Waterways Fishing Louisiana’s Waters Floating Fish Camps Hiking & Biking Trails Swamp Tours & Wildlife Nighttime in the Outdoors NatureEscapes&Wildflowers  Unusual Nature Stays Outdoors ... in the City Official avel Guide ON THE COVER Rip Van Winkle Gardens in New Iberia, Louisiana Photo: Tim Mueller Photography LouisianaOfficial Travel Guide The Honorable Billy Nungesser Lieutenant Governor Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism ExploreLouisiana.com ©2026. The Louisiana Official Travel Guide is published by the Louisiana Office of Tourism. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information retrieval system known or hereafter invented, without written permission from the publisher. Though every effort was made to ensure accuracy, all information herein, including dates and times, is provided by the local sites and cannot be guaranteed. The Louisiana Office of Tourism thanks the professional writers who shared their personal viewpoints and experiences in this guide. However, the writers’ opinions are not necessarily those of the Louisiana Office of Tourism or Louisiana’s convention and visitors bureaus and tourist commissions. The advertisements in this publication do not imply any endorsement by the publisher, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, or the State of Louisiana. Any photograph not credited is property of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Please check destination and event websites or call ahead to confirm openings, closings and postponements. Features 32 33 34 36 37 38 39 41 42 43 44 45 46 48 49 Music Under the Sun & Stars Dance Halls & Juke Joints Culinary Hall of Fame Small Towns, Big Flavor Gas Station Eats Louisiana Seafood MICHELIN on the Menu Traditions Like No Other How to Speak Cajun Meet the Makers Historical Sites & Attractions Louisiana’s Charming Cities Seasonal Celebrations The Mardi Gras You Don’t Know Road Trips & Getaways Regions 56 84 94 101 2 South Louisiana Central Louisiana North Louisiana Coupons & Deals #OnlyLouisiana @ExploreLouisiana
Louisiana Travel Guide 2026: Page 2
