Rich
history, flavorful food and all-around good times in Louisiana’s capital city
One of the most historic, vibrant
and unforgettable cities in the South, this is a place where Blues festivals
and beignets are as beloved as football, where you can marvel at the USA’s
tallest state capitol building one day and visit the one-time world’s smallest
church the next. Here, the 300-year history is as rich as the flavors, with
historic sites, memorials and museums bringing the character of the city to
life, and hundreds of restaurants dishing it up on a plate.
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Historic
Hotspots
Baton Rouge
has quite a colorful history, one that impacts every facet of the city. Visit
the Red Stick Sculpture on Scotts Bluff to see an artistic homage to the city’s
namesake, sculpted by Southern University graduate Frank Hayden. From there,
take an even deeper dive into Louisiana heritage, starting at the Old State
Capitol and the Old Governor’s Mansion. Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from
the observation deck of the 34-story Louisiana State Capitol, walk through
Memorial Hall, and stroll the native plant-filled grounds. Finish off your
historic tour at the Capitol Park Museum, where you can learn about The
Bayou State’s centuries-long history.
A
Thriving Food Scene
Southern
cuisine forms the backbone of Baton Rouge’s culinary scene. Dine in at beloved Black- and
family-owned spots like Zeeland Street, named among New York Times’ 50 best
restaurants in the USA in 2024, and Chicken Shack, the city’s longest-operating
restaurant. For some of the freshest seafood in town, don’t miss Tony’s Seafood
Market & Deli, serving up everything from crab to catfish to crawfish. Pay
a visit to Coffee Call, where the incredible coffees and beignets will have you
buzzing. Enjoy an off-the-beaten-path culinary adventure in the Perkins
Overpass area, a small neighborhood jam-packed with diverse and delicious
eateries – from cozy Asian street food to vibrant Latin American bites.
Fabulous Festivals
The hip Mid City neighborhood plays host to two art festivals annually. Each November, White Light Night showcases local artisans and live bands along lively Government Street, while Hot Art Cool Nights offers artistic vibes amid the blooms of spring. These family-friendly events are fun ways to shop for local goods and mingle with the community art scene. Music lovers will be thrilled to learn that Baton Rouge is also home to one of the USA’s oldest blues festivals. Visit during the first weekend of April to check out the Baton Rouge Blues Festival and dance to vibrant sounds on four stages.
Live
Entertainment
If the live
music bug has bitten you, stop into local hangs to hear the region’s premier
bands and artists in action. Phil Brady’s Bar & Grill looms large over the
Baton Rouge music scene. The oldest blues bar in the city offers live
entertainment every Thursday through Saturday, encompassing a wide range of
musical styles. About 30 minutes outside of town, Teddy’s Juke Joint offers a
one-of-a-kind atmosphere and a legendary lineup of local bands. When there’s no
live entertainment scheduled, you can catch Teddy himself spinning his favorite
classic blues and soul records.
Beyond live
music, you can take part in heart-pounding athletic events at Baton Rouge’s two
universities. When the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers or the Southern
University Jaguars take the field for some football, it’s always a major event.
Grab tickets to a game, then show up early to enjoy the time-honored tradition
of tailgating – informal block parties with food, music and plenty of revelry.
Even if it’s not football season, you can watch LSU and Southern University’s
baseball, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball teams as they vie for
their respective championships.
Imagery credit: Jordan Hefler