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Baton Rouge   Travel Guide

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15 Best Things To Do in Baton Rouge

Updated March 2, 2022

Travelers with a particular interest in Louisiana history will be delighted by the top things to do in Baton Rouge. Attractions like the Capitol Park Museum , the LSU Rural Life Museum , Magnolia Mound and both state capitol buildings help visitors

• All Things To Do

Louisiana's Old State Capitol Louisiana's Old State Capitol free

A National Historic Landmark, Louisiana's Old State Capitol is not your average capitol building. Designed in a Gothic Revival architecture style and constructed between 1847 and 1852, the exterior of the building looks like a medieval fortress. Created by architect James Harrison Dakin, the building is accented with towers, stained-glass windows and cast-iron – a design aesthetic that Dakin referred to as "Castellated Gothic." Though it's no longer used for official government business (lawmakers started using the new state capitol beginning in 1932), it's open to the public and houses a number of exhibits, including a multimedia presentation about the ghost of Sarah Morgan, a Civil War-era figure who kept diaries of her experiences throughout the war.

Past visitors called the building a "must-see" while in Baton Rouge. Reviewers were particularly impressed by the stained-glass windows and spiral staircase.

USS Kidd USS Kidd

Named for Medal of Honor recipient Isaac C. Kidd Sr., who was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Arizona, this Fletcher-class destroyer is considered one of the world's most authentically restored vessels, according to the Historic Naval Ships Association. Along with the preserved ship, there is also an attached museum that displays a variety of artifacts related to veteran and naval military history. Artifacts on display include ship models, a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and a helmet worn by an infantryman who stormed the beaches of Normandy , among other items.

Past visitors highly recommend making time for a tour of the USS Kidd and the adjoining museum. Many said the experience helped them understand the lives of Navy sailors. They also applauded the staff for their willingness to answer all sorts of questions. Several reviewers did warn that spaces within the ship can be tight, which can pose a challenge for visitors with mobility limitations.  

Capitol Park Museum Capitol Park Museum

For a big dose of Louisiana history, plan a stop at the Capitol Park Museum. Spanning nearly 70,000 square feet, the museum houses a variety of hands-on exhibits and artifacts depicting the unique history of the state. Among the museum's temporary exhibits, there are two permanent exhibits, "Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation" and "Experiencing Louisiana: Discovering the Soul of America." Items on display include a Civil War submarine, a 48-foot wooden shrimp trawler, a two-row sugar cane harvester and Clifton Chenier's Grammy Award, among many others.

There are also exhibits dedicated to the Black experience in Louisiana, exploring everything from slave markets, resistance, revolt and Jim Crow. Among the displays is an exhibit on the Baton Rouge bus boycott of 1953.

Louisiana State Capitol Louisiana State Capitol free

At 450 feet tall, the Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest capitol in the United States. Designed in an art deco architectural style, the building is one of only four skyscraper capitols in the U.S. and one of only nine capitol buildings that do not have a dome. Aside from its unique structural design, the building also has an interesting history. It was commissioned in 1930 by Governor Huey Long – one of the state's most controversial political figures – who was nearly impeached on allegations of bribery. Though Long was ultimately not impeached and went on to win a Louisiana Senate seat, in 1935 he was assassinated at the very capitol he fought to build. Today, visitors can tour the capitol and admire the city from the observation deck on the 27th floor.

Past visitors were impressed with the building and the manicured grounds. For many, the view from the observation deck was the highlight. Others appreciated the informational plaques found throughout the building.

The Old Governor's Mansion The Old Governor's Mansion

Between 1930 and 1962, this Georgian mansion served as the official residence to nine Louisiana governors and their families. Though the historical record is disputed, some believe that Governor Huey Long wanted the residence built to resemble the White House so that when he became president he would be familiar with the White House (unfortunately, the governor's mansion was the closest Long got to the White House). Indeed, the mansion does have a similar look in part thanks to four large, 30-foot Corinthian columns that support an intricately carved pediment. You'll see more similarities between the two structures during a tour of the interior. Highlights include a curving marble staircase, black-and-white checked marble floors, west wing offices and east wing guest bedrooms.

Past visitors called the mansion a "must-see" while in Baton Rouge. Along with the impressive architecture and design, reviewers were also complimentary of the entertaining information guides provided about the Louisiana governors that occupied the home.

LSU Rural Life Museum LSU Rural Life Museum

History buffs won't want to skip a visit to the LSU Rural Life Museum. Boasting the largest collection of material from 19th-century Louisiana, the museum comprises more than 30 historic buildings and a 25-acre landscaped garden. Highlighting the working classes of the 18th and 19th centuries, the site features an exhibit barn that displays hundreds of artifacts representing everyday rural life up to the early 20th century. Other buildings include a blacksmith's shop, a sugar house and a grist mill, among other structures. There are also slave cabins on-site that allow visitors to see the conditions of an enslaved person working on a plantation. The Windrush Gardens, which feature live oaks, colorful crepe myrtles, azaleas and camellias, are also located on-site.

Recent visitors offered high praise for the LSU Rural Life Museum and recommended budgeting plenty of time to explore all the buildings. Many were impressed with the period artifacts on display and applauded the knowledgeable, friendly staff.

LSU Tiger Stadium LSU Tiger Stadium

Nicknamed "Death Valley" because it's so hard for visiting teams to win here, Louisiana State University 's Tiger Stadium is certainly a sight to see, especially on football game days. On game days, the stadium welcomes more than 100,000 fans, making the stadium the fifth-largest city in the state of Louisiana. If you can, try to time your Baton Rouge visit so that you can attend a game and get a sense for the stadium's memorable game day atmosphere, which recent visitors described as "electric."

While you're at the stadium, you may also want to make time to pop over to see Mike the Tiger, the only live tiger residing on a college campus in the U.S. The 15,000-square-foot tiger habitat is located across the street from Tiger Stadium and is a must-see LSU tradition, according to past visitors. Mike is usually outside daily and visible from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; it's free to view his enclosure.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Calling all nature lovers! While in Baton Rouge, you may want to plan a trip to the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, a 103-acre facility that boasts more than a mile of gravel paths and boardwalks that connect a variety of habitats, including a cypress-tupelo swamp, beech-magnolia and hardwood forests. Among the wildlife that call the area home are hundreds of bird species, snakes, turtles, racoons, opossums and more. For even more animal viewing, head to the 9,500-square-foot exhibit building, which is filled with live animal displays, photos and other artifacts related to the center's flora and fauna, such as feathers, pelts and skulls.

Past visitors said this was a great place to bring young children thanks to a helpful staff eager to answer any questions. Reviewers reported seeing plenty of snakes and turtles and recommended visiting the exhibit building displays for a dose of air conditioning and more small animal exhibits. Travelers also described the center as being well-maintained.

Baton Rouge Zoo Baton Rouge Zoo

A hit with families, the Baton Rouge Zoo is home to a variety of animals both big and small. Everything from alligators and rhinoceroses to parrots and hissing cockroaches call this zoo home. Visitors will find a variety of exhibits here grouped by region, including Africa, Asia and South America, as well as by environment, including an aquarium and an otter pond. In addition to the animals, the zoo also offers a playground, multiple cafes, daily animal feedings and educational chats and demonstrations. There's also a train ride that takes visitors into the wetlands surrounding the zoo's perimeter.

Recent visitors said the zoo is a fun activity for families. A few felt the zoo was too small, but others said it was sized just right, especially for the price of admission. 

Knock Knock Children's Museum Knock Knock Children's Museum

Spanning 26,000 square feet, the Knock Knock Children's Museum attracts families with its interactive exhibits that the museum calls "Learning Zones." In total, the museum boasts 18 Learning Zones. Exhibits include an art studio that allows kids to create with paint, fabric, beads and clay, a play cafe and a mock veterinary space equipped with stuffed animals, lab coats, stethoscopes and more.

Recent visitors were highly impressed with the museum, saying they spent at least three hours exploring the facility's various exhibits. Others described the space as clean and said it's a great indoor activity for children ages 2 to 10.

Magnolia Mound Magnolia Mound

For a peek into the lives of Louisiana's early settlers from France and the West Indies, pay a visit to the 900-acre Magnolia Mound. This plantation house dates back to 1791 and serves as a notable illustration of the French Creole lifestyle of the early 19th century. Aside from the house itself, the property also showcases a collection of Louisiana-made furniture from the state's colonial period, as well as English and French ceramics, decorative arts and crystal.

Magnolia Mound also serves as an important reminder of the role of enslaved people in Louisiana's history and prosperity. It is believed that as many as 79 enslaved people worked on Magnolia Mound by 1860. Though the plantation's original slave quarters were demolished, visitors will see a double slave cabin that was relocated to the property from another historic site in Louisiana. Other buildings on-site include an open-hearth kitchen, an overseer's house, an outhouse and a building used to house game birds called a dovecote.

Louisiana Art & Science Museum Louisiana Art & Science Museum

Located in a historic railway station that dates back to 1925, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum features a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as a planetarium. The museum also houses a selection of hands-on galleries, including the "Science Station," where kids ages 7 to 12 learn the elements of life science, earth science, physical science and math via a series of interactive exhibits. One such exhibit is "Calories in, Calories Out," which teaches participants about the amount of time and energy it takes to burn off the calories of various snacks. Among the museum's permanent exhibits is one dedicated to ancient Egypt that displays a mummy from the Ptolemaic period.

Along with its science-focused exhibits, the museum also houses a permanent collection of 4,000 artworks and artifacts. A selection of items from the museum's permanent collection are on display in the museum's two small galleries at any given time. Visitors can expect American and European art – including works by the likes of Jean Victor Bertin and Charles Burchfield – as well photography, and Louisiana modern and contemporary art.

Shaw Center for the Arts Shaw Center for the Arts

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Perkins Rowe Perkins Rowe free

Blue Bayou Water Park Blue Bayou Water Park

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Top Things to Do in Baton Rouge, LA

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Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Baton Rouge

Other Top Attractions around Baton Rouge

What travellers are saying

• Mike the Tiger's Habitat
• LSU Tiger Stadium
• Louisiana's Old State Capitol
• Louisiana State Capitol
• Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
• Baton Rouge Zoo
• Riverfront Plaza
• LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens
• Capitol Park Museum - Louisiana State Museum
• LSU Rural Life Museum

32 Things to Do in Baton Rouge, LA (+ Beignet Fingers!)

The best things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, involve digging into the unique history of the state’s capital but also eating all of the things.

We spent a full month in New Orleans bopping around town and eating our weight in beignets. It wasn’t until closer to the end of our time there that we decided we had to make time for Baton Rouge.

We’re all about state capitals, but it somehow wasn’t at the top of the list, even when it came to New Orleans day trips we’d done in the weeks prior.

Don’t sleep on Baton Rouge like we did. Use this guide, instead, to have yourself a delightful time exploring all of the best attractions in Baton Rouge.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

What is Baton Rouge best known for?

Baton Rouge is best known for its multiple state capitol buildings and Louisiana State University, or LSU. This is the home of the Tigers and all kinds of school pride.

This city in the southeast-central part of Louisiana also has a great food scene. Beignet fingers are a great place to start with that.

How do I spend a day in Baton Rouge?

You can spend a day in Baton Rouge like this:

• Order a plate of beignet fingers at Coffee Call.
• Get to the top of the Louisiana State Capitol Building.
• Stroll Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park.
• Learn the local history at the Capitol Park Museum.
• Grab lunch at City Pork.
• See the Old Governor’s Mansion.
• Visit the Old State Capitol.
• Walk the Louisiana State University campus.
• See Mike the Tiger.
• Visit a Baton Rouge brewery.
• Enjoy dinner in downtown Baton Rouge.

Fun Things to Do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

If you’re traveling to Baton Rouge from New Orleans as we did, start your day early. It’ll take you about an hour and a half to get there with light traffic. It could take you a bit longer to get back depending on when you hit the road for your return.

Once you’re there, Baton Rouge parking can be a little tricky to navigate. We were able to find free parking downtown within a few blocks of the major sites, but navigating campus was more of a pain. 

Interested in a map of everything I’ll get into here? Follow my Google link below:

GIMME THAT BATON ROUGE MAP!

1. get the beignet fingers at coffee call..

You would think I had my fill of beignets after a month in New Orleans, but that turned out to be incorrect. When I hear about something called “beignet fingers,” I need to answer the call…the Coffee Call , that is. (Don’t hate me.)

They give you a substantial amount of the fingers, which we compared to elephant ears, for an insubstantial amount of money. Brian also got a king cake iced coffee which felt very special. 

The location seems weird. You’ll be around all kinds of big box stores that don’t suggest you’re about to do something awesome, but do something awesome you will!

2. Check out the goods at the Red Stick Farmers Market.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, you may want to start your morning in Baton Rouge at the Red Stick Farmers Market, instead. You can also bring your beignet fingers to the market as you shop for additional treats. There’s no shame in that game.

From 8am-noon on Saturdays, produce farmers and local vendors sell all kinds of yummy goodies at this downtown Baton Rouge market. Expect live music on nice days, too. It’s a whole scene.

3. Take in the view from the Louisiana State Capitol Building.

The tallest capitol building in the U.S. deserves some time on your Baton Rouge activities list. Head to downtown Baton Rouge for a gander and walk the grounds at the very least.

If it’s open (it wasn’t on our visit), you can head up to the observation level for what I assume are great views of the city. 

4. Stroll Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park.

On a sunny day, stroll around the Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park or any of the pathways along the Mississippi River once you’re done at the capitol building. If you’re as lucky as we were, you’ll see some very fancy ducks doing what they do best: precarious crossings across the street.

Note: You’ll be within a short walk of the Governor’s Mansion from here, too. You can plan a tour of the place, but it’s by appointment only.

5. Learn about local history at the Capitol Park Museum.

Take a short walk to the Capitol Park Museum , part of the Louisiana State Museum system. The museum was closed on the day we visited Baton Rouge, so do better than I did and make sure there aren’t any private events happening when you’re planning all of the fun things to do in Baton Rouge.

It looked like a wedding, so I won’t be too upset.

Expect a colorful history of Louisiana told through exhibits on life along the Mississippi River, the importance of agriculture — and, as a result, slavery — in the city and the state, and the state’s musical roots.

Note: If you book more than two museums during your visit to Baton Rouge, you’ll get a decent discount.

6. Visit the Old Governor’s Mansion.

The Old Governor’s Mansion is known as Louisiana’s White House, and it’s just as grand as the new mansion near the capitol building. 

The lovely building and gardens are home to the Foundation for Historical Louisiana today, but back in the day it was home to all kinds of wheeling and dealing, I imagine. Getting married? You can do so here, too. 

Pop in for a look at the grand ballroom and marble staircase.

7. See the immersive Old State Capitol.

The Old State Capitol was a highlight of our Baton Rouge trip. It’s all free, and the exhibits are informative and, at times, a little spicy. 

If you know anything about Louisiana’s political history, you know that Huey P. Long can be a polarizing figure. There’s an exhibit here that embraces that fact with separate sections that display the pro/anti stances for and against the former governor and state senator.

Long was assassinated, by the way, something they also explore in a bit of a mysterious way.

In any case, I loved this stop. The stained glass throughout and impressive dome are worth the visit alone if you’re not into all of that political backstory I described.

If you have the time in Baton Rouge, you can spend a full afternoon just in the vicinity of the Old State Capitol.

8. Pop by the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.

This museum is across the street from the Old State Capitol, so it’s an easy add-on to your list of activities in Baton Rouge if you’re being efficient.

The arts portion includes pieces from Louisiana and European artists and photography exhibits. The science portion includes the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium for my space nerds out there.

I say this with love. Brian is a big space nerd.

9. Tour the USS Kidd Veterans Museum.

We didn’t make it inside the USS Kidd Veterans Museum , but it’s worth checking out from the outside as it’s a short walk from the Old State Capitol.

The ship itself saw all kinds of action during World War II. It was decommissioned by 1946 but returned to active duty during the Korean War. By 1964, it was chosen as the site of a new memorial for Louisianians who served in World War II. 

Fun fact: The ship was named after Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd, Sr., who was killed aboard the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor in 1941.

The museum closes earlier than most, so if you do want to head inside, reserve your tickets online in advance.

Visiting on a sunny day? The surrounding Riverfront Plaza is a lovely place to spend some time and look for more fancy ducks.

10. Check out the Red Stick Sculpture.

It may not look like much, but the Red Stick Sculpture at Southern University and A&M College speaks to the history of Baton Rouge and how it got its name.

When French explorers arrived in Baton Rouge to claim it for their own, they noticed a pole sticking out of a bank on the Mississippi River in a spot now known as Scott’s Bluff. The pole was actually a marker dividing the border between rival indigenous tribes.

The pole was bloodied from recent hunting activities, so the French naturally called it “le bâton Rouge,” or “the red stick.” The sculpture commemorates that magical moment for all to see.

11. Indulge in barbecue at City Pork.

The City Pork Brasserie & Bar is an excellent lunch option for barbecue sandwiches and gator sausages. 

Fun fact: No, really. Brian ate an alligator sausage po’boy and lived to tell the tale.

Make a reservation if you’re visiting during peak lunch hours to avoid a wait. We booked one about an hour before our arrival time with no problems.

If you’re not into delicious barbecue, the same folks also run City Taco, a ghost kitchen on Chimes Street.

12. Explore more Baton Rouge restaurants.

Lunch and a stop for beignet fingers were enough to sustain us on our day in Baton Rouge, but with more time, the Louisiana city has quite a few options for delicious eats. Here are a few that looked all kinds of yummy:

• Beausoleil : Experience contemporary Louisiana cuisine with delights like pumpkin and crawfish bisque, deviled lobster, and truffled fried oysters. Make reservations via OpenTable .
• The Chimes : You’re likely to see some students, or at the very least alumni, at The Chimes. This one is positively beloved by LSU folks. I’m going to say the extensive beer menu and crawfish mac and cheese have something to do with it.
• MJ’s Cafe : Vegetarians and vegans rejoice. MJ’s Cafe caters almost exclusively to plant-based palates. Choose from light options like chickpea salads and large helpings of daily soups with this option.
• The Overpass Merchant : This gastropub serves up elevated favorites like spicy chicken sandwiches alongside inventive fare like their “semi-world famous” chicken skins and Wisconsin cheese curds. Book a table via OpenTable .
• UMAMI : It’s true. Baton Rouge has bangin’ sushi. Chef Cong Nguyen comes to town with a background in Japanese cuisine and Louisiana fishing. Order à la carte or go with their omakase option. Call 225-768-8808 for reservations.

13. Walk the LSU Campus.

If you’re visiting Louisiana State University (LSU) at any point during your trip to Baton Rouge, check to see whether there are any events, sporting or otherwise, happening during your visit. 

There was something going on when we were there, and it was a pain to sit in traffic on some of those narrow lanes.

Now that that’s out of the way, that doesn’t make the campus any lovelier. Find your favorite green space and do some people-watching.

If you’re working with a sunny day, check out the Memorial Tower first. The 175-foot clock tower is actually a memorial to Louisianians who died in World War I. Set against some impressive open green space, it’s a lovely place to start on a visit to LSU.

14. Find hidden sculptures at the LSU Rural Life Museum.

The LSU Rural Life Museum is dedicated to the architecture and agricultural materials of rural Louisiana. Explore historic outbuildings and the Windrush Gardens — try to find the hidden sculptures in the botanical park along the way — on a self-guided tour.

15. Meet Mike the Tiger.

I know you want to see Mike the Tiger.

It started to rain just before we got to him, so we drove to the Mike the Tiger Habitat and parked right up front. Do NOT follow Apple maps to get to his habitat. You can park right along Stadium Drive, seriously right out front. It’s free to visit. 

If he’s feeling saucy, he’ll come right up to where you’re standing against the 15,000-square-foot space and give you a little purr. Take a look at the large LSU Tiger Stadium next door if you’re a college sports fan. 

16. Get artsy at the Shaw Center for the Arts.

The Shaw Center for the Arts is a full city block made up of multiple venues for you to experience. Those include:

• The Manship Theatre
• LSU Museum of Art
• Glassell Gallery
• The River Terrace

The LSU Museum of Art actually started in Memorial Tower on the LSU campus back in the day, expanding to the Shaw Center in 2005. Good on you, art museum.

17. Catch a tour at the Magnolia Mound Plantation.

I’m not a huge fan of plantation tours, but from what I’ve read, they do address the enslaved population that worked the grounds here when it was a working plantation. We didn’t have time to head out for our own visit, but if I’m wrong here do let me know.

The house you’ll see is an 18th-century home that is one of the oldest in the city. As it’s run by the city and the Recreation and Park Commission for the Paris of East Baton Rouge (BREC), I feel comfortable about the historical perspectives you’ll get here.

That said, it’s also important to visit these places with the facts. The indigo, sugarcane, tobacco, and cotton operations that thrived at the plantation did so thanks to the enslaved people who worked the land. The number of enslaved individuals who worked at the plantation grew from six to nearly 80 by 1860.

18. Sip on pints at Tin Roof Brewing Co.

It’s time to ponder all of the fun you had today with a beer or two at Tin Roof Brewing Co. This is the city’s largest brewery featuring pours like their King Cake Cream Ale or the Parade Ground Porter, a coffee porter.

Interested in a brewery crawl? Here are a few more to try:

• Agile Brewing : The name of this microbrewery is a nod to the brewery’s response to changing beer styles. You can expect them to embrace the flavors of the moment with whatever they have going on during your visit.
• Cypress Coast Brewing Co.: This smaller operation is one of the newer kids on the block, but that doesn’t mean their brewers aren’t passionate about their craft. Expect small-batch and experimental pours at this one.
• Rally Cap Brewing Company : This one is another newbie, but the brewers have just as much passion for sports as they do for beer. I’ll allow it, especially when superstitions are involved.

19. Check out the nightlife on Third Street.

Third Street is the heart of downtown Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge tourism, and your best bet if you’re seeking things to do in Baton Rouge for adults. For a full lineup of live music, karaoke, and open mic opportunities, head to Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s .

To get a little more bespoke with your entertainment in Baton Rouge, head to the cocktail bar at The Gregory . For drink specials no matter when you wander in and the most casual of vibes, try Happy’s Irish Pub. Can you ever really go wrong with an Irish pub?

20. Book a guided Baton Rouge tour.

Baton Rouge is easy enough to explore on your own, but I’m all about a solid guided experience if it makes your life easier. Red Stick Adventures is the most popular tour company in the city. They can take you on a haunted city tour, historic walking tour, or foodie tour if you’re here to snack.

I’m always here to snack , so have at it!

Even More Baton Rouge Attractions

With more time, check out a few more places to go in Baton Rouge on your visit to the Louisiana city: 

• Learn about regional military history at the Old Arsenal Museum.
• Stroll the boardwalks of the BREC’S Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, a great place to spot wildlife like snakes, turtles, and maybe an armadillo or two.
• If you love all things flora, don’t miss out on the Hilltop Arboretum at LSU, just south of the nature center I just described.
• Meet over 800 animals at the Baton Rouge Zoo, one of the best family-friendly things to do in Baton Rouge.
• Looking for more things to do in Baton Rouge with kids? Try the Knock Knock Children’s Museum.
• Catch a show in the balcony seats at the Manship Theatre.
• Plan your trip to coincide with the Baton Rouge Blues Festival.
• Travel to Baton Rouge during the winter holidays for their annual Festival of Lights.

Things to Do Near Baton Rouge

While I loved our extended time in New Orleans, I’d have no problem returning to Baton Rouge for an extended stay as a base for more adventure. Here are a few more Baton Rouge points of interest just outside of the city.

29. Greenwood Community Park

This lakeside escape in Baker, Louisiana, is just 15 minutes north of central Baton Rouge. It’s one of the largest parks in the area and best known for its 18-acre lake. Fish, kayak, or just have yourself a relaxing stroll around the lake in this spacious natural space.

There’s also a golf course here, something that may be relevant if you’re traveling with a golf fanatic like Brian .

30.  St. Francisville

This charming town just about 35 minutes north of Baton Rouge is perfect for fall travel. The Myrtles Plantation there is known as one of the country’s most haunted spots .

If you’re not here for ghost-hunting, visit the tranquil nature of the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area or the Afton Villa Gardens.

31. Drive the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is described by many in the region as one of the scariest drives you’ll make while you’re here. I didn’t think it was that bad — I go into it in my detailed guide — but I also wasn’t driving.

The causeway itself is just an hour and a half from Baton Rouge, so it’s a pretty easy day trip possibility if you like a nice long bridge.

32. Take a trip to New Orleans.

New Orleans is awesome, and it’s just an hour and a half from Baton Rouge. If you’re in Baton Rouge for any length of time, that easy drive to NOLA may be pretty tempting. Answer the call, if only to sample a more classic style of beignet.

If you’re not sure where to start with a day trip to New Orleans, I have a detailed guide to all of our favorite New Orleans things during our time there. I include everywhere we ate, too, so the list is pretty long.

Must-Do in Baton Rouge: FAQs

What are things to do in baton rouge for free.

Things to do in Baton Rouge for free include visiting Louisiana’s Old State Capitol building and the Mike the Tiger Habitat on the LSU campus. Baton Rouge also has a number of free days at its museums, so make sure that you peek at museum websites if you’re trying to time your visit right.

What can couples do in Baton Rouge?

Couples can do quite a bit in Baton Rouge. Explore any of the gardens or museums that are part of the LSU system, visit the city’s best breweries, or share a plate of beignet fingers. This city may not evoke romance in the obvious sense, but it’s certainly worth a closer look if you’re a traveling couple for its food, art, and history scene.

What is the trendy area of Baton Rouge?

The trendy area of Baton Rouge is Mid City. This is home to the city’s creatives, so expect a good art scene if you find yourself here. Spanish Town is another enclave for artists, but it doesn’t trend as young as Mid City. That certainly doesn’t make it less cool!

Where to Stay in Baton Rouge

We were in New Orleans for a month during our day trips to Baton Rouge, but that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t have great accommodation options.

Use the map below to browse Baton Route hotels and apartment-style stays:

Is Baton Rouge good for tourists?

Baton Rouge is definitely good for tourists if only to see the Louisiana State Capitol building. The newer capitol building is the tallest in the United States. 

If that doesn’t intrigue you, what does?

I know I’d love to come back for those beignet fingers alone. I’ve yet to meet a beignet I didn’t like, by the way!

Ready for What to Do in Baton Rouge?

Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, you should use Skyscanner . It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

To get to Baton Rouge, you’ll likely want to fly into New Orleans for better deals. Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport is a thing, but it’s much smaller than Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. From New Orleans, it’s about an hour and a half to Baton Rouge.

If you need a car, reserve a car ahead of time using a site like  Hotwire  or  Priceline  to find the best deals. You can search by car rental company, too, if you feel a loyalty there.

For adventurous folks who travel on the reg, I also subscribe to  Going , formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get cheap flight deals from your home base straight to your inbox.

Your Accommodations: I typically recommend sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com for your accommodation needs. Vrbo has become my preferred Airbnb alternative. Scroll up for recommendations for both Baton Rouge hotels and Baton Rouge apartments.

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try  Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.

Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page.

Love this guide to Baton Rouge things to do? Pin it!

Planning more travel in the South? Check out these guides:

• Check Out the Best of Nashville, Tennessee
• Spend the Best Weekend in Memphis
• Things to Do in Congaree National Park
• A Romantic Guide to Georgia’s Savannah
• A Complete Guide to Golf Mecca Augusta, GA

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Agnes Groonwald

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Get your free welcome guide, get the latest scoop from the red stick blog, top 10 attractions to see in baton rouge.

In the Capital City of Louisiana, there are many sights to see—from sky-high towers to castles. So the next time you’re in Baton Rouge, put these top 10 attractions on your must-see list!  

1. Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is filled with live animal exhibits, photographs depicting the site’s flora and fauna, natural artifact and mineral displays and a sizable, vintage waterfowl decoy carving station. Just outside, connect with nature on over a mile of paths and boardwalks linking habitats such as the cypress-tupelo swamp, beech-magnolia and hardwood forests.

2. Capitol Park Museum

Housing a full-sized shrimp boat, Louis Armstrong’s bugle and Mardi Gras artifacts from years past, the Capitol Park Museum provides a panoramic exploration of the industry, culture and history of one of the most vibrant states in America and tells a story of passion, adventure and discovery that could not have happened anywhere else.

3.  Knock Knock Children's Museum

Knock Knock Children’s Museum is filled with hands-on, interactive exhibits – all anchored in research and evidence-based practices addressing all areas of childhood development. By engaging in activities such as grocery shopping, construction, reading and much more, the kiddos will have a day filled with fun and education.

4. Louisiana Art & Science Museum

Housed in a historic railroad depot on the banks of the Mississippi River, The Louisiana Art & Science Museum offers educational entertainment for visitors of all ages – including a full dome planetarium, fine art exhibitions and after-hours events.

5.  Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is one of the most unique and historic buildings in Louisiana. The Gothic structure was built in 1850 and today is a museum showcasing Louisiana’s unique political history.

6. LSU Rural Life Museum & Windrush Gardens

The LSU Rural Life Museum has the largest collection of Louisiana vernacular architecture and the most extensive collection of material culture from 18th, 19th and early 20 th century rural Louisiana.

7.  Louisiana State Capitol

What began as the dream of one man – Governor Huey P. Long – became a symbol of pride, history and the spirit of Louisiana people. Visit the tallest state capitol building in the United States and overlook the city of Baton Rouge from the top of the Observation Deck!

8.  Magnolia Mound & Gardens

This 1790s French Creole house of vernacular architecture sits on 16 acres. Magnolia Mound’s collection of furnishings and decorative arts include one of the foremost public groups of Louisiana-made objects, in carefully restored and documented settings. The historic house and museum offers costume guides, open-hearth cooking demos and other interactive programming.

9.  Mike the Tiger Habitat

Say hello to Louisiana State University ’s live mascot, Mike the Tiger! Visit Mike VII at his state-of-the-art habitat on campus that includes lush planting, a live oak tree, a waterfall and a stream evolving from a rocky backdrop overflowing with plants and trees.

10. USS KIDD Veterans Museum

Take a step back in time as you walk the decks of history exploring the World War II destroyer USS KIDD (DD-661). Pay your respects to the fallen Americans whose names are carved into the black granite walls of the Louisiana Memorial Plaza.

BONUS: Visit Baton Rouge Mural

Looking for something to remember your trip by? Head downtown to the Visit Baton Rouge office and stop to get a picture with the postcard mural facing Laurel Street.

Gina Stephens

Born and raised in Mississippi, Gina made her way to Louisiana in 2018 after graduating from Mississippi State University with a degree in Communications - Public Relations and joined the Visit Baton Rouge team as the Content Marketing Specialist in June 2021. Gina enjoys cooking, spending time with her friends and family and keeping up with the Real Housewives franchise.