Louisiana Holidays

French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Acadian influences sit side by side in Louisiana, and you feel them in the food, the music, and the rhythm of daily life. Much of the state is low-lying and shaped by water, with the Mississippi River forming much of Louisiana’s eastern border with Mississippi before winding south to the Gulf, influencing how towns took root and how people still move around today. 

Its musical legacy runs deep: Louisiana is the home of Louis Armstrong, whose gravel-voiced records helped carry jazz from neighbourhood streets to the wider world, and it’s closely tied to Ella Fitzgerald’s legacy and her songbook recordings that helped define American popular music. Beyond the famous names, it’s a place where music spills into the street, meals stretch on, and everyday life tends to happen at its own, easy pace.

How to get to Louisiana

Most Louisiana holidays from the UK begin with a flight into New Orleans, usually connecting via major US hubs such as Atlanta or New York. Louisiana sits on the western edge of the Deep South, with Mississippi to the east and Texas to the west, and pairs naturally with destinations such as Memphis, Natchez, or the Gulf Coast. Once you’re in Louisiana, a car makes it easier to explore beyond New Orleans, particularly the bayou country and smaller towns. A city-only stay, though, is best done without one, thanks to walkable neighbourhoods and the streetcar system.

How to holiday in Louisiana

Louisiana holidays suit a slower, more settled style of travel. New Orleans works well as a standalone city break, with enough depth to fill several days without moving on. Longer Louisiana holiday itineraries often combine the city with Cajun Country around Lafayette, Baton Rouge, or plantation country along the Mississippi River. Driving is the most flexible way to travel outside the city, but trips can also be planned around guided excursions if you’d rather not self-drive. 

Things to do in Louisiana

In New Orleans, days often organise themselves around neighbourhoods, meals, and live music rather than formal attractions. There are, however, standout experiences worth planning, including music history tours, food-focused walks, bayou excursions, and plantation visits. Outside the city, historic sites, short stops along the river, and small museums add interest to travel days without demanding complete itineraries. 

Best time to go to Louisiana

Weather-wise, the most comfortable times to travel in Louisiana are spring and autumn. March to May and September to November offer warm temperatures with lower humidity, making it easier to explore cities and travel between regions. Summer, particularly July and August, can be hot and humid in New Orleans and is best suited to slower-paced trips. Winter months are cooler and can be wet, but tend to be quieter with fewer visitors. Hurricane season typically runs from June to September, which is something to think about if you’re considering summer travel.

Events and festivals in Louisiana

Mardi Gras season begins each year on Epiphany in early January and builds towards Mardi Gras Day in mid to late February, depending on the calendar. The biggest parades and busiest celebrations usually take place in the final days leading up to Mardi Gras itself. It is one of the most exciting times to be in Louisiana, but accommodation fills quickly, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.

Hotels and places to stay in Louisiana

In New Orleans, neighbourhood matters. We focus on location first, choosing areas that match how you plan to spend your time rather than chasing star ratings. Outside the city, accommodation is more limited and tends toward simple, comfortable hotels that work well as practical bases. In Cajun Country and along the river road, character and location count for more than facilities. The right hotel depends on whether you plan to stay put or move on early the next day, and we’ll help you find the ideal choice.