About Louisiana

Louisiana lies in the U.S. Southeast, bordering Texas and Mississippi. Think of Louisiana, and you'll probably think of New Orleans, the largest city in the state, but New Orleans isn't the only cultural city in the Deep South. Exploring the state can be a great experience when you're solo and can choose your own adventures. Plus there are plenty of things to do in Louisiana whatever activity you enjoy. 

Known for having a rich and historic heritage, Louisiana has influences of African, French, and Spanish, with a laid-back vibe. Not only will you be singing the blues, but you can enjoy a few beaches or two along the Gulf Coast during your visit.

If you love nature, you'll love Louisiana with its 150 lakes and many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Although famed for the Mississippi River, Louisiana has many other rivers, as well as swamplands and islands in the southern part of the state. Visiting Louisiana is great for nature lovers, with its national parks, as well as history buffs, with historic sites dating back hundreds of years.

New Orleans

If you're set on visiting Louisiana's most famous city, head south for the Mississippi River and the New Orleans.

The French Quarter with its pastel-coloured buildings is a great place to stay when you are looking for New Orleans hotels. Frenchmen Street is where you'll find live jazz clubs to while away your solo evenings, but make sure to visit Woldenberg Park first for the sunset. During the day, enjoy some solitude in one of the city's historic gardens, admire the centuries-old architecture, wander around St. Louis Cemetery, or explore the churches. Instead of walking, you can take one of the city's trams or explore Jackson Square on a horse and carriage.

There's so much to do here as a solo traveller. You can learn how to cook Creole-style or find out more about the legends on a ghostly evening tour. Learn about the ecology of the area on a riverboat tour or swamp tour, discover the history and wildlife of the region, or spend a day visiting old sugar plantations.

If you’re an arty & museum GatG, pay a visit to the 360 degree Van Gogh Immersive Experience. Step into the interactive art exhibition and learn more about this famous Dutch artist in a one of a kind VR experience.

New Orleans holds many festivals, from Jazz in the Park to the New Orleans Film Festival. Visit in February, and you'll be there in time for the famous Mardi Gras, with its colourful parade and celebrations featuring mask-wearing celebrants.

Things To Do in Louisiana

Although overshadowed by New Orleans, Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana and also sits along the Mississippi River. Here you'll find the Blue Bayou Water Park, the largest amusement park in the area. One of the things to do in Baton Rouge Louisiana is to take a swamp tour or explore the LSU Lakes. The climate here is perfect for spending time outdoors.

Head to Lafayette for spicy Cajun cuisine and places of importance, such as the Acadiana Centre for the Arts and the Alexandre Mouton House Museum, where you'll find antiques and vintage Mardi Gras costumes. With the strong Cajun influence in the region, the Acadian Village is a prime example of a Cajun Bayou community and is one of the things to do in Lafayette LA.

Shreveport is the third-largest city in Louisiana. This is the cultural centre of Ark-La-Tex, the region where Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma intersect, and here you'll find a network of waterways, wetlands, and pine forests. One of the fun things to do in Louisiana is to see the Mardi Gras that is held here every February, making it a good alternative for those who aren't in New Orleans.

Other places to visit here for your solo adventures are Lake Charles, which offers small-town charm, and Kinder, which is home to the largest casino in Louisiana.

Accommodation in Louisiana 

In Louisiana, you’ll find a range of accommodation from chain and boutique hotels in the cities to resorts and historic B&Bs. For the budget-conscious solo, there are hostels such as the India House Hostel in New Orleans, as well as motels, inns and RV parks too.

Plus there’s Airbnb which offers rooms with a local and rental accommodation in cities such as New Orleans on a short-term basis. You can stay in a private room in a local's house or rent their whole apartment. Save $20 off your first stay with this Airbnb link. 

All of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. 

* To book, check prices or availability for all accommodation in Louisiana

For those who prefer the freedom of the open road consider hiring an RV and driving yourself around the USA stopping in Louisiana on the way. As a solo traveller, you’ll have plenty of space for your accommodation, your own transport and possibly a kitchenette too. RVshare allows you to compare RV rates from different brands and find local owners near you. In most cases, they deliver to a specific location or park, so the home-away-from-home will be ready and waiting for you on arrival. Plus, you can bring your pet! Prices start from $75 a night. * Book a campervan with RVshare

Baton Rouge – Watermark Baton Rouge, Autograph Collection

If staying in a historic skyscraper is more your style, this 4-star hotel in Baton Rouge is stunning. This former bank has been transformed into a chic-looking hotel with a 24-hour front desk, and an onsite deli and restaurant. Located in the historic downtown and close to the landmarks, the Watermark Baton has a nice welcoming vibe for those of us travelling solo. Choose from a double queen room, a king room or a junior suite.

• Prices from £133/$188 USD per night for a European petite queen
• To book, check prices or availability for Watermark Baton Rouge

Lafayette – Drury Inn & Suites Lafayette

This 3-star Louisiana hotel is a great choice for solos with true Louisiana hospitality. You can swim in the outdoor pool, soak in the hot tub, work out at the fitness centre and mingle with the other guests every evening at the cocktail bar held in the lobby. The rooms are clean and comfortable and there is always fresh coffee available plus a hot breakfast is included in your room rate. Choose from a deluxe or superior queen room, a deluxe or superior king room, or a suite.

• Prices from £81/$114 USD per night for a European petite queen
• To book, check prices or availability for Drury Inn & Suites Lafayette

New Orleans – Omni Royal Orleans Hotel

Located in the French Quarter, this award-winning 4-star hotel is in a fantastic location in New Orleans with everything you need within walking distance. The staff are helpful and the hotel has a charm to it, with a restaurant and bar onsite. There’s an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace with a bar where you can while away the hours after sightseeing. Choose from a European petite queen, a queen room with a courtyard view, a deluxe queen, or a premier king with a jacuzzi. There are plenty of room types to choose from.

• Prices from £126/$179 USD per night for a European petite queen
• To book, check prices or availability for Omni Royal Orleans Hotel

Louisiana Tours

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated day tours and activities in Louisiana. Choose from a day or evening jazz cruise on the steamboat Natchez, a swamp tour of New Orleans by airboat, or a French Quarter walking and storytelling tour. There are several to choose from including a ghosts, vampires, voodoo tour, and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. Read my Get Your Guide review  or click the link below for all their tours.

* Check all Get Your Guide tours, prices and availability

Viator – Viator is similar to Get Your Guide. They are an American company and a tour platform with more than 345,000 tours and worldwide activities. They also offer a New Orleans steamboat harbour cruise, a three-hour city tour of New Orleans, and a chance to experience Cajun country on a plantation and swamp boat adventure. Read my Viator review or click the link for all their tours.

* Check all Viator tours, prices and availability

Intrepid Travel – If you’re searching for some company to explore the USA with, Intrepid Travel is a responsible travel company that offers a Southern Comfort USA tour. Over 12 days experience the real Southern hospitality of the country’s Deep South from New Orleans to Charleston. Intrepid operate a flexible booking policy so you can change your travel plans up to 21 days before departure. Read our Intrepid Review here or click on the link below for the itinerary.

* Click here for the Intrepid itinerary, price and start dates