Attractions
A walk through Baton Rouge's streets brings you face to face with historic landmarks, off-beat artwork, unique experiences, and Louisiana-inspired attractions.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's always something new to discover among the many things to do in Baton Rouge.
Celebrate Baton Rouge's Rich Culture and History
Baton Rouge is steeped in history. Our iconic landmarks, like the nearly 100-year-old Louisiana State Capitol and the over-150-year-old Old State Capitol, stand as testaments to our roots and are available for tours and sightseeing. A short walk through the century-old halls will have you literally stepping through our history and exploring our city's origins through our most impressive attractions.
Learning about our roots isn't a novelty in Baton Rouge. You don't have to go far before finding one of our 17 museums that speckle our landscape and highlight the city’s role in shaping the region's legacy.
Whether you're a history buff or have a young historian in your midst, these museums are a great way to enrich any trip, from our Baton Rouge African American Museum and Capitol Park Museum to Old Arsenal Museum and USS KIDD Veterans Museum.
Heads Up: The observation deck at the State Capitol building is currently closed for renovations, but the building remains open to the public.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Looking for fun things to do in Baton Rouge with the family? With interactive museums and plenty of outdoor fun, bringing the kiddos is a no-brainer. The Louisiana Art & Science Museum offers hands-on exhibits that make learning fun and captivating for both kids and adults.
Kids can uncover even more through playing at Knock Knock Children's Museum, which has 18 learning zones to choose from that combine fun with education. For our little outdoor enthusiasts, enjoy local parks or spend the day at the Baton Rouge Zoo, which is home to over 800 animals.
Vibrant Arts and Entertainment Scene
The arts beat strongly in the heart of Baton Rouge. Walking down the street, you can feel it. The way the city buzzes with music. You can see it too: the vibrant flair of artistry around every corner.
Choose between catching live music at one of the city's many venues, whether it's a bar on Main Street or a concert hall, or discovering your new favorite artist at one of our local galleries.
Grab tickets to a large-scale show, like our Blues Festival that has been a powerful outlet of the genre since 1981. Opt for a seat in the audience of one of our live theaters, and catch award-winning performances right here in Baton Rouge.
Natural Beauty
Our city is cut by the Mississippi River, huddled around lakes, and carved with hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of Baton Rouge. These curves of our city shape the landscape, making Baton Rouge a unique location for outdoor adventurers. Explore these sites by heading to the Mississippi River for kayaking or paddleboarding, or cast a line lakeside at the University Lakes in the heart of LSU's campus.
Hike or bike your way through our winding trails and discover Baton Rouge with a route off the beaten path. Find the track with the right views for you with our guide to hiking trails or by visiting our Running & Trails page.
Unique Culinary Experiences
In the recipe that made Baton Rouge famous, Cajun and Creole cuisine are the primary ingredients. No visit to Baton Rouge is complete without indulging in our famous culinary scene.
Treat yourself to fine dining at our Michelin-recommended restaurant, experience dishes crafted by award-winning chefs, grab a seat at local favorites, and explore Baton Rouge with your taste buds.
But our culinary experiences don't stop there. Shop local markets and attend renowned food festivals, which further define the city's culinary scene, offer an authentic taste of Louisiana, and are among the most delicious attractions in Baton Rouge.
Our Guides Are Curated to You
Discover All Our Attractions
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Frequently Asked Questions
We're ready to welcome you for however long you want to stay! There's an open invitation, but if you're looking for more specifics, check out our Trip Ideas & Itineraries page to find a plan that suits you best.
If the rain has you feeling a little cooped up, head out to our museums for new scenery and education, or visit our local libraries and cafes for some cozy vibes. Our Fun Indoor Activities blog has a huge selection of tips and trips for those rainy days.
Visit our local public art displays, from murals to sculptures and more. Lay out a picnic blanket at one of the parks. Take advantage of our museums' First Friday celebrations.
There are an endless number of ways to experience Baton Rouge without breaking the bank. Read our Free Things to do In Baton Rouge blog for more suggestions.
Perhaps our most iconic landmark is our Old State Capitol, which is rivaled by our impressive Baton Rouge Zoo, and by our museums that cater to a variety of niches and delve into both local and national topics.
