Weekend Getaway: Baton Rouge's Best Bites & Sites
Experience the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine of Baton Rouge.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is a charming city that offers a diverse mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. With its vibrant food scene, riverfront parks, and historic landmarks like the Louisiana State Capitol and the USS Kidd, there is something for every tourist to explore and enjoy in Baton Rouge. From exploring the Cajun cuisine to seeing the mighty Mississippi River, this city promises to provide an unforgettable experience for tourists.
Travel plan
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- Get breakfast at Louie's Cafe, a charming diner with Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy.
- Visit the Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest capitol building in the country with breathtaking views from the observation deck.
- Head to the LSU Museum of Art to check out exhibitions from contemporary artists.
- Grab lunch at Tony's Seafood, a local institution serving up Louisiana-style crawfish, gumbo, and po'boys.
- Walk through the Burden Museum and Gardens, which boasts gorgeous landscaped gardens and historic buildings.
- End the day with dinner at Juban's, a refined restaurant serving classic Louisiana cuisine like seafood gumbo and blackened catfish.
- Hotel recommendation: Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown, a boutique hotel with funky decor and a rooftop bar.
- Start the day with breakfast at Parrain's Seafood Restaurant, known for its delicious shrimp and grits.
- Take a tour of the LSU Rural Life Museum, which showcases Louisiana's rural history and culture.
- Head to the Red Stick Farmers Market to sample local produce and artisanal products.
- Try some tasty Cajun food at The Chimes, a popular spot with a huge beer selection.
- Visit the Shaw Center for the Arts, which features rotating exhibitions from local and national artists.
- End the day with dinner at Tsunami Sushi, a trendy restaurant with inventive sushi rolls and craft cocktails.
- Hotel recommendation: L'Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge, a luxurious hotel with a rooftop pool and casino.
Length of stay
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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.