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States & Destinations

Explore Louisiana by...

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About Louisiana

Introduction  Facts

Find inspiration for Louisiana...

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Louisiana

Pelican State

Louisiana is where culture, cuisine, and music collide in a colourful, soul-stirring celebration of life. Known as The Pelican State, it’s a place where every street corner tells a story and every meal is a memory.

For more than 300 years, Louisiana has been shaped by a unique blend of cultures, with French, Spanish, African, Cajun, Creole, and British influences woven into everything from the food to the architecture. Nowhere is this more alive than in New Orleans, where the French Quarter, with its iron-laced balconies and cobbled streets, feels like stepping into another era. You can hear live music 24 hours a day, whether it’s jazz in a club, blues on a street corner, or brass bands parading through the neighbourhood.

Music That Lives on Every Street

Mississippi shares Louisiana’s strong musical heritage, particularly in blues and gospel, while Louisiana brings its own signature sound as the birthplace of jazz. Together, they form two essential chapters in the story of American music – one soulful and deep, the other vibrant and ever-changing. Here, music isn’t just a backdrop; it’s part of daily life, from festivals and parades to impromptu performances in cafés and courtyards.

A Cuisine Rooted in Tradition

Food is another pillar of Louisiana’s identity. Whether it’s spicy jambalaya, rich gumbo, or indulgent Bananas Foster, every meal is a celebration of flavour and tradition. From humble delis and family-run po’boy shops to award-winning fine dining, food here is prepared with love and shared with pride. Mississippi offers equally comforting Southern flavours, while Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole roots add a unique cultural twist – a shared love of tradition expressed in different, delicious ways.

Beyond New Orleans: Towns, Nature, and Stories

Beyond New Orleans, the entire state tells stories of its complex and vibrant past. In the north, Sportsman’s Paradise offers outdoor adventures in bayous and pine forests. Towns like Natchitoches, Lafayette, and Lake Charles showcase stunning historic homes, cultural festivals, and warm, community-based hospitality. Where North Dakota’s history reflects pioneering frontiers and open plains, Louisiana’s narrative unfolds through its riverfront cities, Creole cottages, and centuries-old music halls – two very different but equally rich windows into America’s past.

Architecture, Festivals, and Everyday Celebration

Architecture lovers will find plenty to admire, from antebellum mansions in the Garden District to the lively Creole townhouses of New Orleans. From Mardi Gras to zydeco concerts, from quiet swamp tours to all-night music crawls, Louisiana is a state that pulses with energy, emotion, and expression. It’s where every festival feels like a family reunion and every visitor is welcomed like an old friend.

A Destination Full of Soul

If you’re looking to experience rich culture, unforgettable music, mouth-watering food, and historic beauty all in one place, Louisiana is ready to show you why it’s unlike anywhere else.

Last Updated: 17/12/2025

 

Highlights

Louisiana is a state like no other in the U.S. With its rich cultural blend of Spanish, French, African, Caribbean, Cajun and Creole, visitors are guaranteed a unique and memorable experience.

State Secret

Louisiana hosts over 400 festivals a year, from world-famous Mardi Gras (celebrated across the state), Jazz Fest & French Quarter Fest to the unquestionably Louisianan Crawfish, Gumbo or even Po Boy Festivals.

State Facts

Land Area: 43,212.9 sq miles

Water Area: 9,162.5 sq miles

Population: 4.6 million

State Capital: Baton Rouge

Largest City: New Orleans

Local Time: CST - 6 hrs behind the UK.

Climate: Summer warm and long with mild winters and moderate rain fall. Average summer temperature is 28°C (82.5°F)

State Parks: 21 total state parks

More Information

Louisiana Office of Tourism
Tel: 020 8460 7082 |

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