Baton Rouge gets overlooked by people driving between New Orleans and everywhere else, which is their loss. The Red Stick has history, river views, great food, and one of the loudest Saturday nights in college football. Whether you are planning a visit, hosting out-of-town wedding guests, or just looking for something new to do this weekend, here is our list.
Go up the Louisiana State Capitol
The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest state capitol building in the country, and its observation deck gives you one of the best views in the city: the Mississippi River, downtown, and the capitol gardens below. The building itself is an art deco landmark worth walking through. Check visiting hours before you go.
See the Old State Capitol
Just down the hill sits the Old State Capitol, a Gothic Revival building that looks more like a castle than a government office. Inside, the stained glass dome and spiral staircase are worth the stop on their own.
Walk the riverfront and tour the USS Kidd
Downtown's riverfront is a good place for a walk, and it is home to the USS Kidd Veterans Museum, a World War II destroyer you can tour on the Mississippi. It is a hit with kids, veterans, and anyone who likes history.
Spend a Saturday at LSU
Even outside football season, LSU's campus is one of the prettiest in the South, with live oaks, lakes, and Mike the Tiger's habitat near Tiger Stadium. During the season, a Saturday night game in Death Valley is something everyone should experience at least once. Get there early. The tailgating is half the show (more on that in our post on LSU tailgating food traditions).
Explore the museums
The Louisiana Art & Science Museum downtown pairs art galleries with a planetarium. The LSU Rural Life Museum shows what everyday life in Louisiana looked like generations ago, set on grounds that are a pleasure to wander. The Shaw Center for the Arts is home to the LSU Museum of Art, with a downtown view from the top.
Get outside
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center offers boardwalk trails through cypress and tupelo swamp without leaving the city. The LSU Lakes are a favorite for walking, running, and biking. BREC's parks system and the Baton Rouge Zoo round out the list for families.
Shop the farmers market and eat your way across town
The Red Stick Farmers Market downtown is the place to find local produce, baked goods, and the people who make them. From there, spend the day eating: po-boys, boudin, plate lunches, and some of the best Gulf seafood you will find inland. Mid City and the Government Street corridor have a growing mix of restaurants, coffee shops, and local businesses.
Catch live music and festivals
Baton Rouge has a long blues tradition, and you can still hear it around town. Throughout the year there are festivals, outdoor concerts, and events downtown. Check local listings for what is on during your visit.
Hosting guests in Baton Rouge?
If you have family or friends coming in for a wedding, graduation, or reunion, a welcome dinner or backyard get-together is the easiest way to give them a real taste of the city. That is what we do: on-site catering for gatherings across Baton Rouge and the surrounding area, cooked fresh while your guests settle in. Get in touch and tell us what you are planning.