Baton Rouge on a Budget: A Family-Friendly Adventure!
Experience Southern hospitality and family fun at its finest in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Baton Rouge, located in Louisiana, is an excellent destination for a family-friendly trip. The city offers a diverse range of activities for all ages, including visiting the Baton Rouge Zoo, exploring the interactive exhibits at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, and taking a boat tour along the Mississippi River. With its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and numerous parks and outdoor spaces, Baton Rouge is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your family.
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- Check into The Waterfront Hotel, where every room has a riveting view of the Mississippi River. It's like sleeping on a cloud, but with rippling waters!
- Start your day with breakfast at Coffee Call, where beignets make a sugary confession to your tastebuds, leaving you smitten.
- Take a riverboat cruise on the Belle of Baton Rouge, where you'll feel like a true river queen, waving at passing gators and soaking in the history.
- Lunchtime calls for a visit to Chelsea's Café, where their monster-sized po'boys will have you drooling in delight. Bring your appetite!
- Explore the Louisiana Art and Science Museum, where playful exhibits and hands-on activities provide the perfect blend of education and entertainment.
- Wrap up the day with a sunset stroll along the Baton Rouge Riverwalk, soaking in the calming splendor of the river as the city lights twinkle to life.
- Wake up and smell the magnolias at the historic Nouvel Hotel. With its vintage charm and modern comfort, it's a like a time capsule of elegance.
- Savor a hearty Southern breakfast at Louie's Café, where the biscuits and gravy will transport your taste buds straight to flavor heaven.
- Embark on a tour of the Old Governor's Mansion, a regal residence that whispers tales of Louisiana's past. Don't forget to admire the stunning architecture!
- Lunch at Parrain's Seafood Restaurant, where the seafood gumbo will dance a tantalizing Cajun jig on your tongue. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
- Immerse yourself in Louisiana history at the LSU Rural Life Museum, where 19th-century cabins and farmsteads bring the past to life. Yeehaw!
- Indulge in dinner at The Chimes, a buzzing eatery known for its mouthwatering Cajun cuisine. The crispy gator bites will make your taste buds dance with joy.
- Get ready for a whirlwind of history, flavor, and Southern charm in Baton Rouge! From scenic riverfront adventures to delicious culinary escapades, this city is ready to captivate both young and young-at-heart. Enjoy your family-friendly trip!
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How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Baton Rouge by plane is to fly to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) which has domestic flights from major airlines such as American Airlines and Delta. From there, take a cab or rent a car to get to your destination.
Car
Driving to Baton Rouge is a great option if you're coming from nearby cities like New Orleans or Lafayette. From New Orleans, take I-10 West, and from Lafayette take I-10 East to get to Baton Rouge. There are several parking options available including metered parking and paid parking lots. Make sure to check traffic reports as traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Train
Unfortunately, there are no direct train routes to Baton Rouge. However, you can take an Amtrak train to New Orleans and then take a bus or cab to Baton Rouge which is about 80 miles away.
Boat
The Mississippi River runs through Baton Rouge, but there are no direct passenger boats available for transportation. However, taking a riverboat tour can be a fun and unique way to experience Baton Rouge and see the city's historical sites from the water.
Bus
Taking a bus from major cities like New Orleans or Houston is a convenient and cost-effective way to get to Baton Rouge. Greyhound and Megabus have daily buses to Baton Rouge from several locations. The Baton Rouge Bus Terminal is located downtown and it is easy to get around from there via cab or public transportation.