10 Best Things to Do in Baton Rouge

Top 10 Things to Do in Baton Rouge

• Visit the Louisiana State Capitol
• Take a tour of the USS Kidd
• Explore the Louisiana Art and Science Museum
• Indulge in Cajun cuisine at Parrain’s Seafood
• Watch a game at Tiger Stadium
• Stroll through the Baton Rouge Zoo
• Experience the nightlife on Third Street
• Learn about Louisiana’s history at the Old State Capitol
• Take a swamp tour with Cajun Pride Swamp Tours
• Enjoy the views at the LSU Rural Life Museum

1. Visit the Louisiana State Capitol

The Louisiana State Capitol is a must-visit attraction in Baton Rouge. Not only is it the tallest capitol building in the United States, but it’s also home to the Louisiana State Museum. The building’s art deco design is impressive, and the views from the observation deck are breathtaking. I highly recommend taking a guided tour to learn more about the history of the building and the state of Louisiana.

Fun fact: The Louisiana State Capitol was built in the 1930s as part of Huey P. Long’s plan to modernize the state.

2. Take a tour of the USS Kidd

The USS Kidd is a World War II-era destroyer that’s now a museum in Baton Rouge. It’s a fascinating look into the history of the US Navy, and the ship’s restoration is impressive. The tour guides are knowledgeable and offer great insights into the ship’s history and operations. Be sure to check out the torpedo room and the captain’s quarters.

My experience: I took my nephew to the USS Kidd, and he loved exploring the ship and learning about life on board. It was a great bonding experience for us.

3. Explore the Louisiana Art and Science Museum

The Louisiana Art and Science Museum is a fantastic place to spend a day in Baton Rouge. The museum’s exhibits are diverse and engaging, and the planetarium shows are a highlight. The museum’s location in the historic downtown district is also a plus, as there are plenty of other attractions and restaurants nearby.

Tip: If you’re visiting on a Saturday, be sure to check out the Red Stick Farmer’s Market, which takes place right outside the museum.

4. Indulge in Cajun cuisine at Parrain’s Seafood

No trip to Louisiana is complete without indulging in some Cajun cuisine, and Parrain’s Seafood in Baton Rouge is one of the best places to do so. The restaurant’s menu is full of Louisiana favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée, and the seafood is always fresh. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot for a family dinner or a night out with friends.

My preference: I always order the blackened catfish with a side of hushpuppies. Delicious!

5. Watch a game at Tiger Stadium

If you’re a sports fan, you can’t miss a game at Tiger Stadium, home of the LSU Tigers football team. The stadium is one of the largest in the country, and the atmosphere on game day is electric. Even if you’re not a big football fan, the tailgating scene outside the stadium is worth checking out.

Fun fact: Tiger Stadium is known as Death Valley, thanks to its intimidating reputation for opposing teams.

6. Stroll through the Baton Rouge Zoo

The Baton Rouge Zoo is a fun and family-friendly attraction in Baton Rouge. The zoo’s exhibits are well-maintained, and the animal enclosures are spacious and natural-looking. The zoo is also home to a petting zoo and a playground, making it a great spot for kids.

My experience: I recently visited the zoo with my niece, and we had a blast feeding the giraffes and watching the otters play.

7. Experience the nightlife on Third Street

Third Street in downtown Baton Rouge is known for its nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and music venues to choose from. The area has undergone a revitalization in recent years, and it’s now a vibrant and exciting place to spend an evening.

Tip: Check out The Blues Room for live music and great drinks.

8. Learn about Louisiana’s history at the Old State Capitol

The Old State Capitol is a beautiful and historic building in Baton Rouge that’s now a museum. The exhibits cover the history of Louisiana, from colonial times to the present day. The building itself is impressive, with its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.

My recommendation: Don’t miss the interactive exhibit on Huey P. Long, which includes a replica of his office.

9. Take a swamp tour with Cajun Pride Swamp Tours

No trip to Louisiana is complete without a swamp tour, and Cajun Pride Swamp Tours in Baton Rouge is one of the best operators in the state. The tour takes you through the beautiful swamps and bayous of Louisiana, with plenty of opportunities to spot alligators and other wildlife.

My advice: Be sure to wear sunscreen and insect repellent, and bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

10. Enjoy the views at the LSU Rural Life Museum

The LSU Rural Life Museum is a unique and fascinating attraction in Baton Rouge. The museum’s exhibits focus on rural life in Louisiana in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the grounds include a working plantation, a blacksmith shop, and a schoolhouse. The museum is a great place to learn about Louisiana’s history and culture.

My favorite part: The museum’s collection of historic buildings is impressive, and it’s fun to explore them and imagine what life was like in Louisiana in the past.