Baton RougeLouisiana

Cheering on the Louisiana State University Tigers football team at Tiger Stadium

Tamaria Williams

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Getting ready for a Southern Jaguars football game at a Southern University tailgating party

Collin Richie

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The popular Hallelujah Crab dish at Creole eatery Juban’s Restaurant

Jordan Hefler

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Rooftop views at downtown sushi restaurant Tsunami

Jordan Hefler

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Major Airports:
Baton Rouge (BTR)
Louis Armstrong New Orleans (MSY)
States:
Louisiana

Rich history, flavorful food and all-around good times in Louisiana’s capital city

Whether you’re enjoying Mardi Gras parades, digging into a vivid food and music scene, or tailgating at a college football game, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to revel in the good times in Baton Rouge. One of the most historic, vibrant and unforgettable cities in the South, this is a place where Blues festivals and beignets are as beloved as football, where you can marvel at the USA’s tallest state capitol building one day and visit the one-time world’s smallest church the next. Here, the 300-year history is as rich as the flavors, with historic sites, memorials and museums bringing the character of the city to life, and hundreds of restaurants dishing it up on a plate.

Historic Hotspots

Baton Rouge has quite a colorful history, one that impacts every facet of the city. Visit the Red Stick Sculpture on Scotts Bluff to see an artistic homage to the city’s namesake, sculpted by Southern University graduate Frank Hayden. From there, take an even deeper dive intoLouisiana heritage, starting at the Old State Capitol and the Old Governor’s Mansion. Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the observation deck of the 34-story Louisiana State Capitol, walk through Memorial Hall, and stroll the native plant-filled grounds. Finish off your historic tour at the Capitol Park Museum, where you can learn about The Bayou State’s centuries-long history.

Action-Packed Sports Arenas

Sports lovers won’t be left wanting for high-octane sporting events. The campus of Louisiana State University as a whole is attraction-worthy, with its manicured greens and Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture, but it’s really the electric energy of Tiger Stadium on game day that draws the crowds. Outside of football season, catch the Tigers and Lady Tigers in action at basketball, volleyball and soccer games. Just down the road, the Southern University Jaguars boast winning legacies in football, men’s and women’s basketball and more. If you’re lucky enough to be on campus on game day, don’t miss a chance to watch the Human Jukebox Marching Band put on a spectacular show.

A Thriving Food Scene

Southern cuisine forms the backbone of Baton Rouge’sculinary scene. Dine in at beloved Black- and family-owned spots like Zeeland Street, named among New York Times’ 50 best restaurants in the USA in 2024, and Chicken Shack, the city’s longest-operating restaurant. For some of the freshest seafood in town, don’t miss Tony’s Seafood Market & Deli, serving up everything from crab to catfish to crawfish. Pay a visit to Coffee Call, where the incredible coffees and beignets will have you buzzing. Enjoy an off-the-beaten-path culinary adventure in the Perkins Overpass area, a small neighborhood jam-packed with diverse and delicious eateries – from cozy Asian street food to vibrant Latin American bites.

Boutiques and Beyond

Shop until you drop at Baton Rouge’s most charming boutiques. Mimosa Handcrafted in Mid City features handmade jewelry with Louisiana flair, while nearby Local Supply features all sorts of artsy products from local creatives and businesses. Grab a Louisiana-themed t-shirt at Sweet Baton Rouge, then head across the street to The Anthony Lawrence Collection to pick up some gear to rep the area’s collegiate teams. Spend an afternoon browsing the walkable Perkins Rowe retail and dining district, where you’ll enjoy a combination of local boutiques, large international brands and mouthwatering eateries.