Explore Baton Rouge: Unveiling the Charm of Louisiana's Capital City

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Gillian Spatz

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  • City Travel

  • Couples Travel

  • Family Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

  • Road Trip Travel

  • Louisiana

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

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Curator’s statement

Nestled along the majestic Mississippi River, Baton Rouge beckons with its unique blend of Southern hospitality, rich history and vibrant culture. As the capital city of Louisiana, Baton Rouge boasts a tapestry of experiences, from historic landmarks like the Old Louisiana State Capitol to the lively rhythms of its music scene. Whether strolling through the oak-lined streets of the Garden District, savoring mouthwatering Cajun cuisine or delving into the city's fascinating past at the USS Kidd Veterans Museum, Baton Rouge offers a captivating journey for every traveler. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and iconic attractions that make Baton Rouge a must-visit destination for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike.

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Where to stay in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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The Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU

Your premier destination for upscale accommodations and events at LSU's vibrant campus.

Baton Rouge Marriott

Elevating your stay with Southern hospitality and modern comfort in the heart of Louisiana's capital city.

Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel

Where sophistication meets Southern charm, offering an elevated stay experience in Louisiana's vibrant capital.

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Things to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

A picture of LSU's mascot, a snarling tiger. There are trees and a stone building in the background.

Tour the Louisiana State Capitol: Visit the Louisiana State Capitol building, the tallest state capitol in the United States. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of this iconic landmark, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.

Explore the LSU Campus: Take a self-guided tour of Louisiana State University's beautiful campus, known for its historic buildings, lush green spaces and live oak trees. Don't miss landmarks like the Memorial Tower, LSU Union and Mike the Tiger's Habitat.

Visit the LSU Rural Life Museum: Step back in time at the LSU Rural Life Museum, which features 30 historic buildings and exhibits showcasing Louisiana's rural heritage. Explore a working plantation, a pioneer cabin and a variety of artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Take a Swamp Tour: Experience the natural beauty of the Louisiana bayou on a guided swamp tour. Cruise through cypress swamps, marshes, and waterways, and see wildlife such as alligators, birds and turtles in their natural habitat.

Visit the Louisiana Art & Science Museum: Located in downtown Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum offers interactive exhibits, planetarium shows and art galleries featuring works from around the world. It's a great destination for families and art enthusiasts alike.

Explore Downtown Baton Rouge: Take a stroll through downtown Baton Rouge and explore its historic buildings, shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. Don't miss landmarks like the Old State Capitol, Shaw Center for the Arts and the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial.

Visit the Baton Rouge Zoo: Perfect for families, the Baton Rouge Zoo features over 1,800 animals from around the world, as well as a train ride, playground and interactive exhibits. It's a fun and educational destination for visitors of all ages.

Attend a LSU Sporting Event: Cheer on the LSU Tigers at a football game in Tiger Stadium or catch a basketball game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU sporting events offer an exciting atmosphere and a chance to experience the local sports culture.

Experience Louisiana Cuisine: Indulge in delicious Louisiana cuisine at local restaurants and eateries. From Cajun and Creole classics to Southern comfort food and seafood specialties, Baton Rouge offers a variety of dining options to satisfy any palate.

Places to eat & drink in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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Ruffino's: Known for its upscale Italian cuisine and elegant atmosphere, Ruffino's offers a menu of classic dishes with a modern twist. Don't miss their signature seafood pasta or veal piccata.

Parrain's Seafood Restaurant: A local favorite for seafood, Parrain's offers a casual dining experience with a menu featuring fresh Gulf Coast seafood, po'boys and Cajun specialties like crawfish étouffée.

The Chimes: Located near the LSU campus, The Chimes is a popular spot for Cajun and Creole cuisine. The menu features dishes like gumbo, jambalaya and blackened catfish, as well as a wide selection of craft beers on tap.

Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar: If you're a fan of oysters, don't miss Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar. This cozy eatery offers a variety of oysters on the half-shell, as well as other seafood dishes like shrimp and grits and lobster rolls.

City Pork Brasserie & Bar: Specializing in pork-centric dishes, City Pork Brasserie & Bar offers a menu of gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie boards and house-smoked meats. Don't miss their famous pork belly tacos or smoked brisket.

Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar: Beausoleil offers contemporary Southern cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu features dishes like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and bourbon-glazed pork chops.

Rocca Pizzeria: For authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, head to Rocca Pizzeria. This cozy restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas made with high-quality ingredients imported from Italy, as well as a selection of antipasti and salads.

Tsunami Sushi Baton Rouge: Tsunami Sushi offers creative sushi rolls, sashimi, and Japanese-inspired dishes in a stylish, modern setting. Don't miss their signature rolls like the Tiger Eye or the LSU Roll.

Mansurs on the Boulevard: Mansurs on the Boulevard offers upscale Louisiana cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and prime steaks. The restaurant's elegant atmosphere and attentive service make it a top choice for special occasions.

Doe's Eat Place: A Baton Rouge institution, Doe's Eat Place is known for its no-frills atmosphere and hearty steaks. The menu features USDA prime beef, tamales and other Southern comfort food classics.

Need to Know

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Exploring Philadelphia: A City of History, Culture, and Culinary Delights. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mississippi.

Advisor - Gillian Spatz

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Gillian Spatz

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