7 Fun Things To Do in Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge is a city in and the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. Located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, it’s home to a vibrant culture, a famous food scene, and cutting-edge companies. With year-round warm weather and a great Mississippi River location, the area moves at a slower pace while offering the opportunities of a flourishing cultural hub.
Whether you’re a Baton Rouge resident, new to the area, or visiting for the first time, there’s something for everyone in this scenic city. With sights and attractions like the USS KIDD, the Baton Rouge Zoo, and the Louisiana State Capitol, a weekend in Baton Rouge is sure to be a good time. Here are just a few of the activities we recommend for a trip to Baton Rouge.
Hop Aboard the USS KIDD
A must-see when coming to town is the former World War II destroyer turned museum, the USS KIDD. Sitting on the Mississippi River, The USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-profit organization highlighting the role Louisiana and its citizens played in U.S. military history. The museum offers a permanent collection of Louisiana veterans’ artifacts, traveling exhibits, visiting ships, and event space with views of the Mississippi River.
This museum is open to the public every day of the week from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Although tickets can’t be purchased in advance, all you have to do is show up and purchase your tickets before entering! Adult tickets are $14, military and senior tickets are $12, and children’s tickets are $10. Exploring this museum is said to take only one to two hours, leaving you to explore many other attractions in the Baton Rouge area. Why hit just one when you can experience them all?
Visit the Louisiana State Capitol
The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest Capitol in the U.S. The building is 450 feet high and 460 feet to the tip with 34 floors. The Capitol houses the chambers for the Louisiana State Legislature, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as the office of the Governor of Louisiana. The Observation Deck on the 27th floor overlooks the city of Baton Rouge and offers free admission. The Louisiana State Capitol is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
A few of the amenities associated with the Capitol include:
- Observation deck
- “The Shop at the Top” gift shop
- Guided tours
- Louisiana highway maps
- Local attractions and destinations brochures
Stop by to take a picture in front of the Capitol or enjoy a scenic view of the city on your way to Baton Rouge’s other largest attractions.
Tour LSU’s Campus
Not only is Baton Rouge home to many popular attractions and famous landmarks, but it’s also home to one of the top-rated universities in the United States: Louisiana State University. Louisiana’s top university since 1860, it has a beautiful tree-covered campus and lots of attractions to visit, like the Union Art Gallery, Museum of Art, Greek Theatre, and Museum of Natural Science.
From the 1,200 live oaks shading every path to the Italian-Renaissance-inspired architecture dating back to the 1920s, our campus in Baton Rouge is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. It houses not only the classrooms and laboratories where our award-winning students and faculty chase their dreams but also our live tiger mascot. And if you visit at noon, you’ll hear Memorial Tower chiming the LSU Alma Mater across the grounds. Schedule a visit or just walk through campus in your free time to experience the college feel and potentially call it home one day.
Attend an LSU Football Game
After you’re done touring the campus, stop by Tiger Stadium, also known as Death Valley, and catch the LSU football team in action. On football game days, Tiger Stadium becomes the fifth largest city in the state of Louisiana as thousands of fans pack the cathedral of college football to watch the Tigers play. Seating over 100,000 fans, poll after poll has proclaimed Tiger Stadium as one of the greatest sites anywhere for a football game—college or professional.
Ticket prices vary depending on what game you attend, where you’d like to sit, and if you’re a season ticket holder. A quick Google search of their schedule to determine which game you’d like to attend will take you straight to the price of tickets. Don’t miss out on catching the four-time national champions and most recent 2019 champions in action for the 2023 season!
Walk Around the Baton Rouge Zoo
Need something the whole family can enjoy? Stroll through the Baton Rouge Zoo, home to more than 800 animals and birds, set in their natural outdoor habitats, plus a children’s area, tram, and train rides.
The zoo is open every day of the week from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Their prices are very affordable, and it’s easy to spend hours visiting every exhibit. Tickets for adults and teens are $8.75 plus tax, $7.75 for seniors, $5.75 for children ages 2-12, and children age 1 and under are admitted free.
Explore the Red Stick Farmers Market
The Red Stick Farmers Market is a producer-only market, which means all the produce a farmer sells under their tent was grown on their farm. The produce selection will vary depending on the season. Arrive early for the best variety because farmers often sell out by the end of the market.
Although the farmers market is only open Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., it’s a great way to get your morning started by connecting with the Baton Rouge community and supporting local farmers and vendors.
Dine at the Top-Rated Restaurants in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is known worldwide for its exquisite cuisine that combines the flavors and cultures of both Cajun and Creole. Feast like a Louisianian during your stay in the capital city. From boiled and broiled to fried and baked, tempt your taste buds with their authentic Louisiana fare.
Some of the most popular places that are a must-try in Baton Rouge include:
- Sullivan’s Steakhouse
- Another Broken Egg Cafe
- BRQ Seafood and Barbecue
- City Pork Jefferson
- Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant
- Cocha
- Anthony’s Italian Deli
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