Find easy charm and Cajun roots in Louisiana’s capital city.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is home to a number of the South’s finest universities, including Louisiana State University (LSU) and Southern University and A&M College. The city pulses with that special energy generated by colleges and their students — especially on game day, when thousands of LSU Tigers fans descend on South Quad for festive (and sometimes frenzied) tailgating. Bordering the east side of the Mississippi River, the city is also known for its excellent opportunities for outdoor fun in the water and along its shores. You can paddleboard, kayak and golf there — or simply kick back in a big red Adirondack chair and watch the tugboats toot by.
Explore Baton Rouge
- Bocage
- Downtown
- Garden District
Bocage
Overview
If you’re looking for iconic Southern style and chic boutiques, Bocage is the spot. Think grand old homes and country club vibes, right in the middle of the city.
Known For
Shopping, Dining, Architecture
Downtown
Overview
Built along the Mississippi River, downtown is the city’s cultural hub. Take a walk through the Spanish Town Historic District, the oldest neighborhood in Baton Rouge; spend the day at one of the many museums; or tour its historical landmarks, including Louisiana’s Gothic-style Old State Capitol.
Known For
Museums, Restaurants, Nightlife
Garden District
Overview
The Garden District is known for hosting Baton Rouge’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, known as Wearin’ of the Green. Stroll its quiet streets any other day of the year to find moss-covered trees, historic homes and the City-Brooks Community Park (BREC), one of the area’s largest green spaces.
Known For
History, Parks, Dining
Stay in The Center of it All
Immerse yourself in your destination at these centrally located hotels.
Experience the History of Louisiana's Capital City, Baton Rouge
Spend the Day Downtown
Enjoy breakfast at the Red Stick Farmers Market before exploring the Old State Capitol, featuring rotating exhibits focusing on state history, politics and art. Then bike the levee along the Mississippi and end your night with a classic Southern meal at the Gregory.
Explore Baton Rouge's Great Outdoors
Spend the day outdoors. Start the morning with a house-brewed cup from Garden District Coffee and take a relaxing walk in “BREC,” which is what the locals call the sprawling City-Brooks Community Park. Afterwards, explore the Louisiana State University campus before spending the evening in Baton Rouge's vibrant Mid City neighborhood.
Visit the Museums
End the trip by checking out the city’s top museums, including the USS Kidd Veterans Museum and the Shaw Center for the Arts. Meals will include a sushi lunch (with river views) and seafood at one of Baton Rouge’s best restaurants. Come evening, get your two-step on at Squeaky Pete's.