Places to Vacation in Louisiana

Enjoy vacationing in various cities and parks in Louisiana.Louisiana state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com

The southeastern state of Louisiana has a rich cultural heritage, which can be seen in its cities' historic districts. These include the New Orleans' French Quarter and the downtown area of Natchitoches, both founded in the 18th century. These cities are also home to annual festivals, including Mardi Gras and the Festival of Lights. Gaming opportunities are available in Shreveport, while vacationers can enjoy recreation activities in Kisatchie National Forest.

New Orleans

Also referred to as the "Big Easy," New Orleans is in southern Louisiana and offers tourists chances to see historic buildings and locations. These include the French Quarter, which features architecture dating back to the 18th century and the boutique shops on Magazine Street in New Orleans' Garden District. Both districts also have world-class dining establishments, such as the Commander's Palace. Hotels are available in downtown New Orleans, which is within walking distance of both of these districts. Tourists can also take advantage of shopping at the Riverwalk mall and cruises on the Mississippi River. The Big Easy is also home to the Mardi Gras in early February, a festival with parades and live jazz music.

Shreveport and Bossier City make up the largest metropolitan area in northern Louisiana, and provide tourists with opportunities for gambling on the Red River. Casino resorts on the river include Horseshoe Hotel and Sam's Town. The riverfront gaming resorts are within walking distance of restaurants and shops in Shreveport's downtown area. If the casino hotels are fully booked, visitors can find accommodations in downtown Shreveport and Bossier City. More gambling is available at Harrah's Louisiana Downs Racetrack on the eastern edge of Bossier City, which is adjacent to the Springhill Suites.

Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the oldest city in Louisiana, according to the city's official website, and home to the historic downtown district which features antique shops and bed-and-breakfast accommodations. The town is also home to fishing and picnic activities in Crane River Creole National Historic Park. This park has the Magnolia and Oakland Plantation homes which were built before the Civil Warb and now open to the public. This town also draws tourists to annual festivals, which include the Christmas Festival Lights in the wintertime. During this festival all the buildings are decorated with lights and other festival events include a parade and fireworks display.

Kisatchie National Forest is the only national forest in Louisiana and is in the central part of the state, approximately 30 minutes north of Alexandria. The national park offers trails for off-vehicle riding, hiking, horseback riding and bicycling. Fishing and canoeing opportunities abound at Saline Lake and Spillway Lake. The national park offers seven campgrounds with sites for primitive and RV camping. Campgrounds allow propane, grills and stoves but they must meet fire safety specifications. Fires must be in fire rings in designated camping areas.