Baton Rouge Travel Guide

Have the time of your life in this city of Louisiana.
Last Updated
:
September 8, 2024
Aerial view of State Capitol Park Baton Rouge Louisiana
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Think you’ve been to Louisiana without visiting Baton Rouge? Not so fast, my friend! You haven’t truly tasted Bayou life until you’ve sunk your teeth into some finger-licking jambalaya and swayed to zydeco beats in Louisiana’s colorful capital. Sure, New Orleans grabs all the glory with its flashy Mardi Gras and ghost-ridden cemeteries. But just up the Mississippi lies an underrated gem waiting to steal your heart.

A vibrant mix of culture, cuisine, and character – with fewer bachelor parties clogging the streets. Sorry Big Easy, but your little sister city’s getting her time to shine! From the mighty Mississippi rolling by the Capitol’s art deco towers to hanging Spanish moss shading neighborhood dives serving the best gumbo ya-ya, Baton Rouge keeps things funky, fiery, and oh-so flavorful.

Prepare to loosen that belt, baby! Smothered catfish, crawfish étouffée, sweet beignets – even your grandma’s Cajun cooking can’t compete with what these local chefs are stirring up. And don’t even get us started on the rollicking nightlife and jam sessions keeping the city alive after dark. Grab your dancing shoes and join the citywide party from downtown to mid-city, fueled by zesty Creole soul food and good times galore. Ready to two-step your troubles away, cher?

So skip the crowded tourist traps and head somewhere a little more authentic. With this travel guide highlighting the very best, you’ll be eating, strolling, dancing and indulging in “laissez les bons temps rouler” like a true Baton Rouge local by the time you leave!

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About Baton Rouge

Aerial of Baton Rouge with Huey Long statue and skyline
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Baton Rouge is a riverside city located on the Mississippi River and the capital of the state of Louisiana. Its sights include the Old Louisiana State Capitol, now a museum, Magnolia Mound Plantation (a French Creole house), and the LSU Rural Life Museum, a complex of refurbished buildings illustrating life in 18th and 19th century Louisiana. It’s also home to the USS Kidd, a retired World War II destroyer.

The city has a growing housing market, and some of its largest employers are expanding. This means more construction jobs, as well as jobs in the food industry and education. In addition, the city is home to ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company in the world. In addition to manufacturing jobs, Baton Rouge is also a growing technology hub in the American South.

European settlement in the city of Baton Rouge began in 1721 when French colonists established a trading post and military base. Since that time, Baton Rouge has been ruled by France, Britain, Spain, the Republic of West Florida, and the United States. In addition to the French-speaking settlers, the city has been influenced by a variety of different cultures. Its diverse population makes it a multicultural center.

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Why Go to Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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There are so many things to see and do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The city is the state capital and is home to the tallest U.S. State Capitol House in the country, standing at 450 feet tall. This makes the city a great destination for visitors who love history and are interested in the city’s culture. You’ll find many historical sites as well as plenty of good restaurants.

Foodies will be in heaven in the city, with over 400 restaurants and eateries serving everything from traditional Creole fare to trendy tapas. There’s also an extensive farmers’ market, where you can pick up fresh produce. Another must-see is the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, which features many animal and ecological exhibits and a boardwalk through hardwood forests. You can also check out the arts and culture scene with the city’s vibrant music scene.

While the weather in Baton Rouge is hot most of the year, the best time to visit is from March to May. During this time, temperatures rarely dip below 40°F, making them ideal for travel. The city is also home to Mardi Gras celebrations in February and hosts several holiday events around Christmas. Fall is also a great time to visit, but be aware that hotel prices increase around football game days at the city’s two major universities.

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Best Time to Go

St Joseph Cathedral, Baton Rounge, Louisiana
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The Best Time to go to Baton Rouge depends on whether you’re planning on visiting during spring or fall. During spring, temperatures rarely drop below 40°F, and during fall, temperatures tend to be warmer than average. However, you’ll find that fall brings with it a spike in hotel prices because the city hosts football games at two major universities. If you’re in the mood to shop, there are a number of malls in the area. The Mall of Louisiana is one of the most popular shopping centers in Baton Rouge and includes anchor tenants such as Dillard’s, Macy’s, and JCPenney.

You’ll also find plenty of good stores at the nearby Bon Carre Mall and Town Center at Cedar Lodge. Another upscale mall is Perkins Rowe. Whether you’re looking to shop for unique gifts or browse the local art scene, Baton Rouge is a great city to visit. The city is rich in history and has plenty to offer visitors. Downtown, you’ll find a variety of art galleries, and the Arts Council’s Arts Market is a monthly event that takes place on the first Saturday of the month. Other cultural events in the city include Hot Art Cool Nights, Ebb & Flow, and White Light Night.

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How to Get Around

Baton Rouge, Louisiana map
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Getting around Baton Rouge can be a challenge, but it’s still possible. You can find a rental car agency and reserve a vehicle to explore the city on your own. You don’t have to be an expert driver, but you should be at least 21 years old. You can also use public transportation to get around the city. The weather in Baton Rouge is warm, although it can get hot and humid. The best time to visit is spring when temperatures are at their mildest.

The city is walkable throughout most of the year. It’s especially easy to get around if you’re visiting during a season that’s not as humid. There are several bike rental locations in the city. The Gotcha bike share system has twelve to twenty docks. You can ride a bike to get around town, or you can rent an e-bike if you want to be environmentally friendly. Once you’re done, return the bike to the hub.

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Best Restaurants

Best Restaurants in Baton Rouge
Tsunami

Baton Rouge is home to several excellent restaurants. Stab’s Prime Steak and Seafood on Coursey Boulevard is an excellent choice for a gourmet steakhouse experience. It serves lunch, brunch, and dinner daily. The menu includes steakhouse favorites such as Cajun-rubbed New York strip steak and filet mignon. It also features daily catch platters and grilled whole Maine lobsters. There’s also an excellent selection of Louisiana-style seafood to choose from.

The sushi selection at Tsunami Shaw Center is a unique experience. The sushi here is prepared with a modern twist on traditional Japanese food. Its menu also includes vegan options. The atmosphere is fun, and the riverside setting offers a breathtaking view of the downtown Baton Rouge skyline. Another popular dining option is Frankie’s Dawg House. Its gourmet-style hot dogs are served with toppings such as bacon, chili, and cheese. You can also get a vegetarian version of the popular po’boys here. This restaurant has been chosen by locals as one of the best eats in Baton Rouge. Guests who dine here will likely leave stuffed with delicious food.

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Neighborhoods to Know

Baton Rouge downtown aerial skyline view
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There are a number of neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Many of these neighborhoods are considered safe. However, if you want to feel safe while living in Baton Rouge, there are a few things you should know before you move there. For one thing, you need to understand the city’s crime rate. While it isn’t bad across the city, some areas are a bit more unsafe than others. This is especially true in the downtown area, where there are active police and a high density of residents. Goodwood: This popular Louisiana neighborhood is located between Airline and Jefferson Highways. It is home to several shops and cafes.

A great place for a brunchtime margarita, Goodwood has been attracting a large number of residents in recent years. Its median home value is $415,220, and the median rent is $1,085 per month. Mid City: While the city is home to many neighborhoods, each has a distinct feel and personality. Whether you are looking for a traditional or modern lifestyle, there are several neighborhoods in Baton Rouge that are sure to meet your needs. For example, the Garden District is home to many historical buildings, and it is close to LSU. Moreover, the Garden District is home to many restaurants and pubs.

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Weather

Louisana State Capitol
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The climate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is generally temperate. The city has four distinct seasons, with the warmest month being December and the coolest being February. The average number of hours of sunshine per day is approximately 3.7 hours. The city’s average monthly humidity is about 36%. The city experiences significant seasonal changes in the wind. For example, January has the highest daily average wind speed, while February has the lowest, at 1.8 hours per day.

The probability of rainy days varies throughout the year. July is the wetter month, with an average of 17.0 days with at least 0.04 inches of rain. By contrast, October only has seven days of precipitation. For these reasons, you can plan your outdoor activities with confidence. The best time to visit Baton Rouge is between early May and early July. The average temperature in Baton Rouge is twenty to 26°C. The wettest months are July and August. The coldest month is January, with average low temperatures of 43°F.

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