Things to do in Baton Rouge

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Howard Wilkinson Bridge showing a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge

Baton Rouge Attractions

Plenty of historic sights and a dynamic, college-town feel make Louisiana’s capital city a must-visit. city. Tasty Creole-inflected Southern cuisine, riverboats on the Mississippi, venerable landmarks, and Louisiana’s largest malls add up to plenty of things to do in Baton Rouge, with attractions to suit whatever you’re in the mood for.


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What to do in Baton Rouge

Free Things to Do in Baton Rouge

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's possible to entertain yourself in Baton Rouge without spending a penny.

Jack and Priscilla Andonie Museum - Crammed with exhibits and artifacts, this gallery is a paradise for inquisitive minds.

Southern University and A&M College - Architecture lovers will certainly enjoy admiring the impressive modern design of this local landmark.

Old State Capitol - If you'd like to explore the area's history through its landmarks, add this one to your must-see list.

Greater Baton Rouge Port - Plan a visit and find out the significance of this place to the local community.

North 14th Street Park - Organize a picnic and enjoy a stroll around the interesting plants.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Baton Rouge

Downtown

Bounded by Capitol Lake, the Mississippi River, and a pair of interstate highways, the central business district has upscale hotels and convention centers alongside the city’s oldest churches, historic houses, and centers of government. Both the castle-like Old Louisiana State Capitol and the new State Capitol building share the area with the State Library, waterfront casinos, and museums on the bluffs overlooking the river.

Garden District

Dating back to the early days of the 20th century, the Garden District holds some of the city’s best-preserved historic neighborhoods, with elaborate Queen Anne-style houses on roads lined with great oak trees. Just to the south, City Park hosts a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, and the contemporary art exhibits at the Baton Rouge Gallery.

Mid City

A collection of eclectic neighborhoods whose simple frame houses belie one of the city’s most diverse populations, the Mid City offers a network of eateries and small merchant shops lining the quiet residential roads. The area hosts some of the city’s favorite music clubs, and all 5 of Baton Rouge’s historic cemeteries can be found here.

Highlands/Perkins

Covering Louisiana State University, the City Park and University lakes, and a stretch of green space along the Mississippi River, this area is defined by greenery, performance spaces, and boutique shops. The suburban atmosphere extends to an equestrian center at Farr Park, while the college campus fuels a vibrant arts and theater scene.

What to See in Baton Rouge

There’s a unique brand of Americana to be found in the sights of Baton Rouge. The Gothic-styled castle of the Old State Capitol and the Art Deco skyscraper of the modern building are both among the most striking statehouses in the country. The capitol’s observation deck is one of the highest vantage points in town, and the bluffs that stand over the Mississippi give you some terrific views over the river. See where a retired World War II destroyer, the USS Kidd, rests along the river, visit the old plantation houses that formed a part of the Sugar Trail, or get to know the wildlife at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center.

Sightseeing in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge has a variety of performing arts centers to showcase its wealth of entertainment options, from the River Center complex and Shaw Center for the Arts to the Reilly Theatre at LSU, home of the Swine Palace theater company. The Louisiana Art & Science Museum combines paintings and historical artifacts with a grand planetarium, and the Pentagon Barracks offers the stories of the 5 different countries’ armies that garrisoned there over the years.

If you’re here to explore, head outdoors and get to know the sea of greenery just north of the Mississippi River delta. The LSU Rural Life Museum assembles the traditions and culture of native peoples from across 3 continents in a recreation of 19th-century plantation life, and you can visit a half-dozen preserved estates in the countryside around the city. Ride an airboat through the swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin, go tubing along the Amite River, or just take on one of the water parks for some splash-filled fun as you find your favorite way to enjoy Baton Rouge.

Things to Do in Baton Rouge with Kids

Baton Rouge is a fabulous place for a family vacation. Take the kids along and enjoy these family friendly experiences together:


 

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Frequently asked questions

What to do in Baton Rouge on a sunny day?
Make the best of the wonderful weather with outdoor experiences like a Guided Oak Alley Plantation & 3-Hour City Tour Combo and a Customizable Plantation & optional Swamp Tour.
What should I not miss in Baton Rouge?
Spectacular sights are easy to come by here, however, Louisiana State University and Southern University and A&M College are two you simply shouldn’t miss.
Are there cheap things to do in Baton Rouge?
What can you do in Baton Rouge for free?
You’ll barely have time to fetch your wallet out of your pocket with so many free attractions:

  • Louisiana State University
  • Southern University and A&M College
  • L’Auberge Casino & Hotel
  • Mall of Louisiana


Discover the most popular places to visit in Baton Rouge

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge which includes a garden, hiking or walking and landscape views

Historic Downtown Baton Rouge

Historic district in downtown Baton Rouge features 43 commercial buildings dating from c.1860 to mid-1950s, along 3rd Street. Explore the area's rich history and architectural charm while strolling through the district.

Historic Downtown Baton Rouge
Magnolia Mound Plantation House which includes a house and interior views

Highlands - Perkins

4/5(492 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Highlands - Perkins, Alex Box Stadium and Tiger Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Highlands - Perkins
Cheesecake is delicious!! Various types

South Baton Rouge

4/5(447 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in South Baton Rouge, Perkins Rowe and Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center are top sights worth seeing.

South Baton Rouge
Louisiana which includes signage, shopping and street scenes

Mid City South

If you're spending some time in Mid City South, Corporate Square Mall and Foster Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

Mid City South
Louisiana which includes signage, shopping and street scenes

Mid City North

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

While visiting Mid City North, you might make a stop by sights like Mississippi River and Madison Avenue Park.

Mid City North
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Broadmoor

3.5/5(366 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in Broadmoor. You might want to make time for a stop at Sherwood South Shopping Center or Gateway 12 Shopping Center.

Broadmoor

 

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Popular day trips from Baton Rouge