lafayette la travel ideas

15 Things to do in Lafayette, Louisiana [With Sample 3 Day Itinerary]

Lafayette is located in the southern part of Louisiana. Because of its rich history and beautiful landmarks, Lafayette is really a city that you everyone should explore! One of the places that you shouldn’t miss here is the Acadian Village. It would give you a glimpse of what happened in the past. 

In this article, we listed down the 15 things to do while you’re in Lafayette, Louisiana. I would help you have an idea of what to do when you decide to visit this awesome city.

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Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Lafayette, Louisiana

1. vermilionville.

This is the perfect place to learn more about the history of the area. Not only it has amazing houses from the 18th-century, but it’s also full of nice artifacts that make everything come alive.

Suggested Tour: Tour Historic Vermilionville

2. Lake Martin Rookery

If you want to have a memorable and relaxing day, Lake Martin Rookery is waiting for you! Have a great 2-hour swamp tour that is really worth it. You’ll see some animals and the view is amazing. People who love photography would really love this place!

3. Cathedral of St John the Evangelist

A very picturesque church! This quasi-Romanesque brick cathedral in Lafayette is worth a visit, even just for a short time. This old church is rich in history. And even though it is old, it still looks new because of the materials used. When you’re in Lafayette, Louisiana, don’t forget to go here.

4. Acadian Village

This private cultural park located in Lafayette, Louisiana would help you step back in time. People who love history would enjoy reading artifacts here. So if ever you get the chance, don’t forget to visit here

5. Lafayette Science Museum

This museum is great for people of all ages. Everyone would surely enjoy seeing exhibits inside. It houses over 1,000 paintings, prints, and sculptures of Louisiana artists and regularly changing exhibits and planetarium programs.

6. Acadian Cultural Center

A visit here is free. By going here, you can learn about the area’s past and development of the local culture. There is also a documentary available for visitors to watch. This trip is really educational and fun at the same time.

7. Alexandre Mouton House

Alexandre Mouton House, also known as the Lafayette Museum houses antiques, paintings and a collection of Mardi Gras costumes. After visiting here, you will surely gain a lot of knowledge about the history of this house.

8. Evangeline State Park

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Maddie (@smol_spooky_witch) on Jun 25, 2017 at 12:46pm PDT

This park would take you back in time. Get a chance to learn about the history of the Bayou Teche area and early settlers. The ground itself is also beautiful. Never miss this place when you’re in Lafayette, Louisiana.

9. Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge and Monument

This bridge is 18 miles long and it will give the visitors the chance to see the beautiful swamp. This is also a great monument dedicated to the men and women of the United States Military who have served as airborne soldiers. There are a lot of interesting facts about its history when you go here. 

10. Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Siete Salsa (@thesietesalsa) on Jan 25, 2020 at 7:32am PST

The ideal place if you want to buy a lot of things! There are a lot of good items here. There are different types of vendors including foods, wines, body products, clothing, metal and woodworks and more. 

11. Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission

This is a very informative tourist center. It has tons of information and staff are friendly and so much willing to help you! 

12. Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum

This is a contemporary art museum. The exhibits inside are very interesting. This museum was named after Paul and Lulu Hilliard, who donated $3 million for the building’s construction.

13. Children’s Museum of Acadiana

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Children’s Museum of Acadiana (@childrensmuseumofacadiana) on Dec 6, 2019 at 4:09pm PST

From the name itself, of course, this place is ideal or kids! So if you’re traveling with kids, then you should head here. A lot of fun activities for children! There are several different rooms themed as a child’s size world. A grocery store, a restaurant, a bank, a dentist’s office, etc. Your kids won’t get bored here.

14. Cajundome & Convention Center

This the perfect place for big events! If you want to watch a good concert, this is the place for you. A great venue for you to entertain yourself.

15. Lafayette Art Gallery

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lafayette Art Gallery (@lafayetteartgallery) on Jul 21, 2015 at 12:25pm PDT

This small art gallery has unique works of art. Art of all types by local artists can be found here such as painting, ceramics, wood, jewelry, mixed media & sculpture. They exhibit all around the city. If you’re interested in art. Then you should go here.

Things to do with 3 days in Lafayette, Louisiana

Day 1 in Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission –   Before you start your journey in Lafayette, Louisiana, it is recommended to go to Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission. This center would help you have more information about your trip.

Vermilionville – For you to be able to know more about the city, then you should head here. You’ll see houses from the 18th century with lots of artifacts. People who love history would enjoy this place.

Day 2 in Lafayette, Louisiana

Lake Martin Rookery – This 2-hour swamp tour would let you feel closer to nature. It has great views and you’ll see different animals as well. If you like photography, this the perfect place for a nice photo.

Cathedral of St John the Evangelist – This very beautiful church is a must-visit. It is rich in history and the church is very picturesque that people who love photography would enjoy going here.

Day 3 in Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market – Before you leave, you should go to Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market first. You can buy a lot of things here, from food, wines to clothing and a lot more!

Frequently Asked Questions about Lafayette, Louisiana

1. Is it safe to travel to Lafayette, Louisiana?

Lafayette’s tourist attractions are mostly safe. However, tourists are advised to be cautious at night, everywhere you go.

2. When is the best time to visit Lafayette, Louisiana?

The best time to visit Lafayette would be spring and fall season. The weather is nice and cool during these days. Everyone would surely enjoy having a good time in the city during these seasons. 

3. How to get to Lafayette, Louisiana?

Unfortunately, only a few airports from different cities fly directly to Lafayette (Dallas, Atlanta, Denver, and Houston). In some states, you need a connecting flight. The main airport in the said city is Lafayette Regional Airport. You can check Skyscanner for available flights.

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About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima . My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram .

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15 Fun Things To Do In & Around Lafayette, Louisiana

North America , Travel | November 12, 2020

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you buy anything mentioned here. It doesn't cost you anything extra.

For my first ever trip to the southern United States, I visited Lafayette in Louisiana on a press trip to experience Cajun country’s Mardi Gras with Lafayette Travel . Between parades, we discovered some of the most fun things to do in Lafayette.

Lafayette is the hub city of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country on the American southern Gulf Coast. A cocktail of European, Caribbean and African influences bestow a unique charm on the destination.

Lafayette is like nowhere I’ve ever been before and it made me want to see more of the south  – when travel is back to whatever shade of normal we can salvage, that is.

Upon touching down in Louisiana, I quickly learned that life in Lafayette revolves around the three holy pillars: food, community and live music.

Almost more Caribbean in its culture and aesthetic than it is southern , Lafayette is surrounded by swamps and bayous.

It’s known as the happiest city in America, and my first taste of its famous southern hospitality from grinning locals had this British gal sold on that idea.

Fun things to do in Lafayette and surrounding areas

Here’s the lowdown on what to do in Lafayette: the hub city and beyond.

Watch my Youtube video about Cajun Mardi Gras in Lafayette

1. Start the day with a Zydeco breakfast at Buck and Johnny’s

Zydeco is a style of African American music that originated in the south of Louisiana. Its ability to get your toes tapping is remarkable! I developed a taste for it when I spent my first morning in the States joining locals two-stepping to a live band at this packed bar near Lafayette.

The Zydeco Brunch happens every Saturday during the breakfast service. The food is typically southern.

Order Beignets and Troubled Water to start, followed by a Buck and Jonny’s specialty such as Cajun Swamp Rice or the Don’t Mess with My Tasso.

They have 15 dollar Cajun Bloody Marys, if you’re looking to kick brunch up a notch before you hit the dance floor.

I absolutely loved the atmosphere at B&J’s. It was just so different to anything I’d seen back home! A breakfast party there has got to be one of the best things to do in Breaux Bridge, which is a city near Lafayette.

If you want to keep going after the music stops, move on to Tante Marie down the street for a jam session then wind up back at B&J’s in the afternoon.

2. Learn about Lafayette’s past at Vermillionville

Vermillionville is a Cajun and Creole living history museum named after the area’s original title. It’s spread over 23 acres so you can easily spend a whole day there, and there’s an on-site restaurant with reasonable prices.

You can take a self-guided tour around the original period buildings and the costumed historians working there will tell you stories about life in 19th-century Acadania.

They have a lot of fascinating information to share, and this is a great way to immerse yourself in the history of Lafayette.

If you go to Vermillionville on a Sunday you can catch live Zydeco music in one of the buildings.

Check tour prices on Viator

3. See the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Originally named l’Église St-Jean du Vermilion, this beautiful cathedral is one of Lafayette’s top attractions.

The red and white brick building stands proudly above the cityscape, so you can’t miss it while you’re walking around downtown Lafayette.

The cathedral is beautifully maintained. Some of the features of note are the stained glass from Munich which depicts the life of the patron, oil paintings of Christ and the Apostles, and a grand Casavant Frères organ.

4. Dance the night away at Rock’n’Bowl

If you’re looking for an off-the-wall date night in Lafayette, head down to Rock’n’Bowl . I felt like I was in a movie!

Rock’n’Bowl is a ten-pin bowling alley with a difference: there’s a huge dance floor and a stage with live music in the centre of the lanes!

While the younger clientele aims for a strike, the rest of the crowd takes over the dance floor in pairs.

As a British girl, I can’t even imagine my male relatives anywhere near a dance floor so I felt quite emotional watching this wholesome fun play out! The fact that everyone dances in Lafayette made me fall a little bit in love with the place.

5. Join locals at a Boucherie

Attending a boucherie is one of the more unique experiences to have in South Louisiana. It’s a Cajun tradition that dates back to a time when butchering a hog was a necessary part of feeding the community, so everyone in the area mucked in.

We attended a boucherie at Lakeview Beach Park in Eunice and (thankfully) arrived after the slaughter. I’m glad I didn’t witness that bit, but I did enjoy the overall experience for its community focus.

While the pig was divided among the local chefs housed under a gazebo outside, the rest of the community got the party going in the big barn.

Everyone, awkward teenaged couples and creaky-hipped grandparents included, made for the dance floor. Drinks flowed and soon, heaped plates of pork were passed around. Every part of that pig was devoured!

It’s worth checking if your visit to South Louisiana coincides with a boucherie. The Lundi Gras Boucherie is a Cajun Mardi Gras tradition but there are events throughout the year.

6. Find live music – any night of the week

Lafayette is the self-proclaimed Free Music Capital of the World and there’s live Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music playing at bars all over the city from Wednesday to Sunday.

You can of course find live performances on a Monday or Tuesday night too, but you might have to venture outside of town. I personally loved the singers at Agave , a Mexican place on Vermillion Street.

Almost every bar we went to had a live band playing, and I learned a lot about South Louisiana’s musical past during our trip.

7. Follow the Boudin Trail

I had never even heard of Boudin before my trip to Lafayette but I think I ate it every day while I was there – and every single ‘link’ was different to the last.

Boudin is a type of sausage that’s a little like black pudding. The Cajun version typically contains pork and rice, and the spicy flavour really packs a punch.

One of the more unique tourist attractions in Lafayette is the Boudin Trail . Can you work your way around some of the best boudin in the city? It’s quite a challenge!

8. Wander around the Hilliard Art Museum

If the weather isn’t on your side, this is one of the best things to do in Lafayette when it rains. The Hilliard Art Museum ‘s permanent collection consists of 18th through 21st century European, Asian and American art works. 

There were some inspiring exhibitions when I visited, including Vitus Shell’s ‘Bout It, ‘Bout It, The Political Power Of Just Being’.

If you’re lost for things to do in Lafayette with kids, the museum has ‘Toddler Time’ that should keep them entertained.

The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. Adult entry is $5.

9. Visit a microbrewery

I developed a taste for the New Orleans raspberry beer Purple Haze during my time in Louisiana, but there are craft breweries local to Lafayette that you can support.

Parish Brewing in Broussard produce special brews like Ghost in the Machine and Opus Vert. You can take a tour of their taproom on Saturdays and they have Trivia Night on Thursdays.

Bayou Teche Brewing in St. Martin Parish is around 25 minutes in a car from Lafayette. It’s a family-run brewery and they host events throughout the year.

Try their signature brews like Biere Pale Ale, Ragin’ Cajun Ale & Lager, and Swamp Thing IPA. Cheers!

10. Shop in Downtown Lafayette

I spent my last morning in Lafayette trawling the shops in the Downtown area, stopping for a caffeine hit at Rêve Coffee Roasters , which has a surprisingly hipster edge that seems incongruent with the city itself.

I was pleased to find some hidden gems on the high street (are they called high streets in America?), including Genterie , which feels like a homegrown Urban Outfitters, and indie music store Lagniappe Records . Take home some ‘Swamp Pop’ on new or used vinyl as a souvenir of your trip.

If you’re shopping for gifts, Parish Ink is a good choice. They print t-shirts focused on their South Louisiana roots that express the cultural nuances of the area.

I keep wishing I’d bought the ‘Mais Bruh’ shirt – or how about one stating, ‘I wanna be loved bayou’?

You can also catch Lafayette Farmers Market at Moncus Park on Saturdays.

11. Slurp a drive-thru daiquri

Yes, you read that right. Lafayette is home to more than one daiquiri bar offering a drive-thru service. It blew my mind!

The menus are extensive, offering everything from White Russian flavour to strawberry daiquiris. Like you need any more reasons to visit?

Not gonna lie, this was one of my most memorable activities in Lafayette.

Just don’t put the straw in the slot until you’ve finished driving (because that’s how they keep things legal). Only in Louisiana!

12. Attend one of Lafayette’s festivals

It’s worth timing your trip to Lafayette to coincide with one of the various festivals taking place there throughout the year.

The  Festival International de Louisiane is the largest with entertainment on seven stages, but there are also festivals dedicated entirely to shrimp, boudin and Zydeco across the cultural calendar.

Of course, Mardi Gras is celebrated at the beginning of the year and the Cajun version is a little different to anywhere else’s.

You can read my blog post about what makes Cajun Mardi Gras different to find out more.

13. Visit the Tabasco factory

Located around 20 miles south of Lafayette, the Tabasco factory on Avery Island is a must-visit while you’re in Lafayette.

There’s a museum where you can learn all about the history of the McIlhenny family, who invented the hot sauce in 1868 and still run the company today.

I know what you’re thinking – does hot sauce have that much of a story to tell? But the museum is surprisingly engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

You can see the iconic sauce being made and get samples in the tasting room. They have a wacky souvenir shop and restaurant on the surprisingly attractive premises. Try the Tabasco ice cream!

After your Tabasco factory visit, you can also explore Jungle Gardens , a 170-acre bird sanctuary and botanical garden founded by Edward McIlhenny. He did a lot for conservation of the local ecosystem.

14. Spot alligators on a swamp tour

One of the more adventurous things to do near Lafayette is a trip out into the swampy landscape. We got to enjoy a tour of Atchafalaya Basin Landing on an airboat.

Wrapped up in the blankets they hand out before you board, I found myself wondering why I would need layers on such a warm day. I quickly learned why.

The air chilled as we glided noisily over the murky water barely making a ripple, and I was glad of the extra insulation.

We were lucky enough to see a couple of alligators as well as some turtles and birds during our tour.

Our guide had been conducting tours of the basin for 30 years and seemed to know the swamp like the back of his hand, which blew my mind.

15. Browse Breaux Bridge’s antique stores

There are a number of quirky shops in Downtown Breaux Bridge , so if you don’t fancy carrying on in the bars after breakfast at Buck and Johnny’s, you can still kill some time in town perusing their wares.

Check out the 17,000 square-foot marketplace that is Lagniappe Antiques , Au Vieux Paris Antiques and the Breaux Bridge Antique Mall on Bridge Street. I could have spent hours searching for treasures there.

Find more things to do in Louisiana here

Where to stay in lafayette.

We stayed at the DoubleTree Hilton which is always a safe bet. Got to love those freshly baked cookies they hand out at check-in!

One of the most unique places to stay in Lafayette is Crawfish Haven/Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast . You can stay on a crawfish farm and harvest your own crawfish, see how it is cooked, then eat them.

Search for more accommodation in Lafayette using the booking.com map below.

How to get to Lafayette

I flew from London to Dallas, and from there it’s a short flight to the tiny Lafayette International Airport.

If you hire a car in New Orleans , the drive to Lafayette takes between two and three hours depending on traffic.

Best time of year to visit Lafayette

My visit was in February for Mardi Gras. The weather was a little unpredictable but we mostly got lucky, with only one afternoon of heavy rain.

The best time to visit Lafayette is in Spring or Fall, so you avoid the stifling heat of summer. I quickly learned that it gets much colder when it rains in Lafayette!

How many days to spend in Lafayette

I’d say three to four days should be enough to get around the main attractions in Lafayette. Of course, if you’re charmed by the local nightlife and love to dance, you might want to stay longer.

I hope you’ve found my guide to what to in Lafayette helpful for planning your trip!

Check out my Mardi Gras Instagram story highlight on my profile and follow me on Facebook and Twitter for more travel updates. I also have a Youtube channel .

As mentioned at the beginning of this post, I visited Lafayette for a press trip before travel restrictions were introduced. All views are my own and this content is not sponsored.

Margie says

November 14, 2020 at 4:41 pm

I just listened to a podcast about Lafayette LA!! I saved a bunch of restaurant recommendations and now saved a couple more thanks to this post.

Krista says

November 14, 2020 at 6:36 pm

Great list of things to do here! I haven’t been to Lafayette before, but I heard it’s a lovely place to visit and judging by your photos that looks to be true!

November 14, 2020 at 10:09 pm

That Tabasco factory sure looks…spicy?? Oof. Love Louisiana. I haven’t been in yeeeears, since before Katrina, so it’s definitely time!

• Destinations

25 Best Things to Do in Lafayette, LA

Last Updated By VI in Louisiana on June 10, 2024

Acadian Village

Paul and lulu hilliard university art museum, children's museum of acadiana, lafayette science museum.

• Complete List & Map

200 Greenleaf Drive, Lafayette, Louisiana, Phone: 337-981-2364

Girard Park Drive, Lafayette, Louisiana, Phone: 337-482-0811

201 East Congress Street, Lafayette, Louisiana, Phone: 337-232-8500

433 Jefferson Street, Lafayette, Louisiana, Phone: 337-291-5544

Avery Island

Avery Island Rd, Avery Island, Lafayette, Louisiana, Phone: 337-365-8173

Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours

337-230-4068

Cajun Food Tours

337-230-6169

Cypress Island

Here, you can find a picnic pavilion and the start of the 2.5-mile Levee Trail that leads visitors through the preserve and around the lake. From January to June there are many different kinds of birds that come to the preserve to make their nests, including little blue herons, roseate spoonbills, and several types of egrets like cattle, great, and snowy egrets. Plan a romantic day trip and explore this beautiful area on vacation.

Acadian Cultural Center

501 Fisher Road, Lafayette, Louisiana, Phone: 337-232-0789

1004 Coolidge St, Lafayette, Louisiana, Phone: 337-234-3289

Tsunami, Lafayette

412 Jefferson St., Lafayette, Louisiana, Phone: 337-234-3474

Vermilionville

300 Fisher Road, Lafayette, Louisiana, Phone: 337-233-4077

Bon Temps Grill

11211 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA 70503, Phone: 337-706-8850

The French Press

More vacation ideas: Unique Romantic Places to Stay in Louisiana .

The Acadiana Center for the Arts

101 West Vermilion Street, Lafayette, LA 70501, Tel. (337) 233-7060 Best things to do in Lafayette, Louisiana for couples include the Acadian Village , Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum and Avery Island .

Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site

You may also like: 19 Unique Romantic Places to Stay in Louisiana .

Alexandre Mouton House

1122 Lafayette Street, Lafayette, LA 70501, Phone: 337-234-2208

Moncus Park

2913 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503, Phone: 337-500-1177

508 Youngsville Highway, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508; Phone: 337-837-5278

Azalea Trail

1400 NW Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA 70501

Premier Lanes

3227 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette, LA 70506, Phone: 337-981-4034

Southern Stone Indoor Climbing

Whether you’re a seasoned climber or totally new to the sport, Southern Stone Indoor Climbing is a great place to come and enjoy multiple disciplines of rock climbing. In just ten minutes, newbies can find themselves traversing some of the center’s walls with trained coaches there to assist them at every point. Southern Stone Indoor Climbing supports several times of climbing disciplines such as bouldering, which requires no ropes or harnesses to a maximum height of 14 feet. The most popular type of climbing at Southern Stone is the top-rope climbing in which visitors will climb in pairs with a belayer. For solo climbers, there are also auto-belayer devices available to help visitors scale Southern Stone’s highest walls. For advanced climbers, sport climbing walls are also available. 109 Grand Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70503, Phone: 337-981-8116

3480 NE Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA 70507, Phone: 337-896-3247

T-Coon's Restaurant

1900 West Pinhook Road, Lafayette, LA 70508, Phone: 337-233-0422

Escape Room Lafayette

5520 Johnston Street, Suite D, Lafayette, LA 70503, Phone: 333-371-2883

• 1. Acadian Village
• 2. Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum
• 3. Children's Museum of Acadiana
• 4. Lafayette Science Museum
• 5. Avery Island
• 6. Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours
• 7. Cajun Food Tours
• 8. Cypress Island
• 9. Acadian Cultural Center
• 10. Roly Poly
• 11. Tsunami, Lafayette
• 12. Vermilionville
• 13. Bon Temps Grill
• 14. The French Press
• 15. The Acadiana Center for the Arts
• 16. Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site
• 17. Alexandre Mouton House
• 18. Moncus Park
• 19. Kart Ranch
• 20. Azalea Trail
• 21. Premier Lanes
• 22. Southern Stone Indoor Climbing
• 23. Prejean's
• 24. T-Coon's Restaurant
• 25. Escape Room Lafayette

More Getaways in Louisiana:

Resources: Explore Louisiana , Louisiana State Parks , New Orleans Jazz

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Road Trip Across Southern USA: 12 Exciting Things To Do In Lafayette, LA

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Cajun food in Lafayette, LA is out of this world, but Lafayette has so much more to offer. Besides its incredible food scene, Lafayette has a rich culture waiting to be explored. There, you will get a taste of its rich French heritage blended with Spanish, American, Indian, and African influences. In this post, we highlighted 12 exciting things to do in Lafayette to make your Louisiana road trip an unforgettable adventure!  Looking for inspiration for similiar road trips in other parts of the US? Check out our guide for the ultimate  Miami to Key West Road Trip !

1| Explore the Vibrant History of Acadiana

What makes Lafayette (or Southern Louisian in general) unique is its Cajun culture. But who are the Cajuns and where did they come from?

To truly understand what Cajun really culture is, we need to go back and explore its French heritage. It dates all the way back to 1755 when the French-speaking Acadian people were expelled from their home in Acadie (now Nova Scotia, Canada) by the British. They found refuge in southern Louisiana and settled in the swamps, bayous and prairies.

Over the years, the Acadians adapted to their new environment and shared what they brought with them with the other cultural groups already in the area, including American Indians and immigrants from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The Acadians became Cajuns and developed their own distinct Cajun French dialect, societal norms, music and food. 

To learn more about the Acadians, the Acadian Cultural Center at  Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve  is a wonderful place to explore the cultural diversity in the Acadiana area in Southern Louisiana. The park rangers  tell fascinating stories of the Acadians and their rich traditions of dances, food, and music.

Vermilionville is another great place worth stopping by. It is a living museum that preserves and demonstrate the Acadian/Cajun, Creole and Native American cultures in the Attakapas region from 1765-1890. You can experience firsthand how life was lived by the early Acadians in Louisiana.

What I loved most is that costumed artisans could be found in homes throughout the village demonstrating a craft or telling history through stories!

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2| Wander Around Downtown Lafayette

Downtown Lafayette is full of life and home to wonderful boutiques, a large selection of international restaurants, and downtown parks. 

Take a walk along Jefferson Street and you will find breathtaking mural arts completed by the internationally renowned artist, Robert Dafford. Each features iconic and lesser-known visual stories unique to Lafayette.

In spring and fall, the city hosts abundant events and festivals to keep people busy and active.

One of the most well-known Lafayette events is Bach Lunch.  The free lunchtime concert series takes place every Friday from 12-1pm at Parc Sans Souci in downtown Lafayette. Different local musicians performing every week in a variety of musical genres ( you can hear cajun , zydeco, blues… ) while lunches are available for purchase from local restaurants.

[irp posts=9454]

3| Go Craft Beer Tasting

A cold, crisp brew is all you need on a hot summer day.

In Lafayette, there are 2 local breweries that make high-quality beers worthy of your attention.

Bayou Tech Brewing (aka LA 31), located near the Atchafalaya Basin, is a favourite among the locals. This little gem is known for   brewing the freshest, most creative beers that complement the Cajun and Creole cuisine. With  over 20 beers on tap, there’s something for everyone!

If you don’t want to drive so far, Parish Brewing  is a microbrewery closer to downtown Lafayette. Best known for its Parish Canebrake, made with honey-sweet sugarcane syrup!

4| Get up Close and Personal with the Alligators

Looking for something fun and different to do in Lafayette? Go on an airboat adventure at Louisiana’s wildest place, Atchafalaya Basin!

The Louisiana swamp tour will take you deep into the secluded bayous, giving you an opportunity to get to known the unique mammals and birds along the water.

Roseate spoonbills, great egrets, and cottonmouth snakes are just some animals you will encounter on the Atchafalaya swamp tour as you meander through the moss-draped cypress trees.

And of course, alligators are the star of the show! As you watch the interactions between the alligators and the capture, you will be surprised how docile the animals actually are. ( Having said that, they may become aggressive if provoked! ).

Guided airboat tours are a popular way to explore the bayou. Aside from  airboat swamp tours, you can also head out for a paddle, go fishing, and stay on a houseboat!

5| Go Vintage Shopping

Searching for antiques and vintage clothing for a unique souvenir from your trip to Lafayette? The streets in Henderson has numerous antique shops and vintage boutiques where you can hunt for second-hand treasures!

Highlights include Lagnaippe Antique,  a gigantic store housing an incredible collection of home decor item, used books, vintage toys and collectibles, and LA Marketshops at the 115, which brings in a full range of Louisiana art, gifts, antiques and products. 

6| Dance the Night Away

Put on your dancing shoes and feel the rhythm of cajun music! 

Even if you don’t know how to do the 2-step, give it a try. Honestly, it is not about how well you can dance, but the fun you have. I promise you will have a great time!

Downtown Lafayette has plenty of venues inviting you to boogie on down and show off your best dance moves. 

Boogie on over to the dance floor at  Blue Moon Saloon , where live bands take the stage all week long and Cajun Jam happens every Wednesdays. Or cut loose at Artmosphere – the perfect spot to dance to a jambalaya of swamp pop, Cajun, zydeco, soul and blues.

On Friday evenings, join the locals at Downtown Alive! from 6-8pm. This outdoor concert series takes place only in the spring and fall with live band music ranging from cajun to world music, enticing you to dance under the starry sk y!

7| Put Your Bowling Shoes on

If you’re looking for a good indoor activity to keep you busy on colder days and nights, why not go for a bowl?

Rock ‘n’ Bowl is a popular venue and a cool date spot in Lafayette, LA. It’s unique in its pairing of bowling and live music. The spacious 16-lane bowling alley manages to combine a large performance stage, dance floor, and a second-floor space for wedding receptions and private events, all under one roof.

To make things even more exciting, Rock ‘n’ bowl has private suites on the second floor, resembling windowless opera box overlooking the main stage and bowling lanes. 

8| Get Your Cajun Food Fix

Let’s be real. You’re here for the food, right? We get it!

Lafayette has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the USA so you will sure ly find something suite your palate. 

As a first-time visitor, it can get overwhelming choosing a restaurant when there are so many incredible places to eat in Lafayette, LA . So, we’ve picked a few best food spots to indulge yourself:

• French Press serves the best brunch in Lafayette, LA. Their praline bacon and cajun benedict will fuel your day and make you feel good.
• Blue Dog Cafe is my personal favourite . Seafood in Lafayette, LA is extraordinary, and the popular cajun restaurant dishes up  mouthwatering seafood dishes like Breaux Bridge catfish and crawfish etoufee  that make you lick your plate!

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9| Tour the Tabasco Pepper Sauce Factory

Those who love hot sauces should not miss the chance to tour the iconic Tabasco sauce factory ! The company is headquartered on the Avery Island in Louisiana and has just recently celebrated its 150th anniversary.

To see how the world-famous hot sauce is made, take a 10-stop self-guided tour through the factory , from the pepper greenhouse all the way to the bottling centre .

Make sure you stop by the gift shop for free tastings of Tabasco-infused goodies and shopping for all the Tabasco merchandise! 

For an additional $7, you can visit the Jungle Gardens – a beautiful sanctuary with a diverse collection of plants, trees and wildlife. You may see alligators, egrets, bears, bobcats and more! 

10| Learn How to Make Authentic Cajun Food

Want to know how to cook authentic Cajun food? Take a cooking class while you are on Avery Island!

Every Tuesday and Thursday, local chef Lionel Robin demonstrates how to make his signature Cajun dishes. Recipes will be given to you at the beginning of the class so you can follow through step by step.

In 1.5 hours, you will discover the secrets to Cajun cooking. It really is a great opportunity to brush up on your culinary skill.

11| Get a Taste of the Cajun Boudin Trail

There’s one thing you’ve gotta try in Lafayette and that’s boudin !

Stuffed with pork, rice and seasoning, the traditional Cajun sausage is a tasty Louisiana delicacy that will get you addicted in just one bite. I’m not exaggerating.

In Lafayette, you can find boudin in various forms, e.g., smoked boudin, boudin-stuffed bread, or, better yet, deep-fried boudin balls! 

The best way to sample the many varieties of boudin is through the Cajun Boudin Trail . Believe it or not, there are more than 30 places to expand your boudin horizons! Check out this brochure to find out where to eat boudin in Lafayette, LA. 

Note: if you only have time to try one place, go to Johnson’s Boucaniere for a boudin breakfast!

Visiting in October? Be sure to attend the  annual Boudin Cookoff  that brings together chefs from across the state and test their skills.

12| Enjoy a Zydeco Breakfast

For a truly memorable breakfast in Lafayette, Louisiana, head over to  Buck & Johnny’s  on a Saturday morning which pairs classic Cajun food with zydeco music.

Live band begins playing at 8 am sharp and that’s when diners transition to the dance floor and show off their dance moves. 

There’s no pretension, everyone is welcome, even if you are a complete newbie!

Next time when you drive across Louisiana, remember to stop by Lafayette for a taste of the genuine Cajun experience. The food, the music, the people will make you fall in love with the city!

Disclaimer: This post is written in partnership with Lafayette Travel and International Food Wine Travel Writers Association. As always, all opinions on For Two, Please are our own and we only recommend brands that we 100% stand behind.

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19 comments leave a comment ».

Ohhh I definitely want to visit Lafayette for the Cajun food. It looks amazing. There will be a shopping spree at the Tabasco shop as well. There is so much to do and see there. Thank you for your article.

I’ve always heard that Cajun food is really spicy and tasty and really delicious, I would really love to these days when I visit the southern part of the states. Plus I like the ideas that you have given to do when in the South, like dancing the night away or bowling or visiting the Tabasco sauce factory or a craft beer fest – all seem to be highly interesting to me.

I have roadtripped through the south, but I havent been to Lafayette! It sounds so wonderful! I would love to take the Cajun food cooking class. That sounds incredible! I would want to see the alligators too! 

Enjoying Cajun food, dancing, music and vintage shopping sounds like a fun way to spend a few days in Lafayette. Of course, the alligators add a bit of excitement to the mix.

Ah! There are so many places in the US that we still have to visit (and return to)! Louisiana is certainly high on our US bucket list, as are Arizona, New Mexico and Texas! When the U.S. finally gets a new president, we’ll make another long road trip through these states, and of course we’ll stop in Lafayette to see Robert Dafford’s murals, and to taste some excellent cajun food!

Interesting Acadian history in Lafayette. But it is the Zydeco breakfast that I would like to try. Dancing is great exercise so why not do it in the morning instead of late at night?

I remember my trip to Lafayette, clear as day, and now your photos really made me want to visit again. I would love to go and try the Zydeco Breakfast but my husband would definitely want to experience the Craft Beer Tasting – guess we will have to do both!

At the risk of sounding ignorant, I did not know that there’s a place called Lafayette in southern Louisiana. Seems like a pretty cool town though, especially with the fact that you can go looking for alligators on one hand and enjoy a cool vibe and nightlife on the other. I’d love to try out the airboat adventure, visit downtown Lafayette and also try some really delicious looking Cajun food!

Cajun food is one of my favourites. I think the cooking class would be a great hit. I’d love to visit. 

Visiting the South of America has been there on my bucket list for a long time now. Specially because most of the experiences are still offbeat, and not touristy at all. Definitely going to keep these 12 things in mind when I happen to take a trip that side.

Okay I’m in for the craft beer tasting and Cajun food tour! These two are an awesome combo perfect to enjoy the weekend. Thanks for sharing these fun activities when visiting Lafayette!

This sounds like so much fun. What is Zydeco music? What does it sound like? The food looks amazing and since I already love cajun food, trying the boudin is high on my list. I’m not familiar with the cities outside of New Orleans, so this a great overview of Lafayette and what else to do outside of NOLA.

I’ve not made it to the west coast of the US yet but LA is definitely on my list. The airboat adventure at the Atchafalaya Basin sounds like something I’d love! You’ve got a great list together, I’ll save this for future reference

We are sorry we missed Lafayette on our visit to Louisiana.  It is always interesting to be reminded that Cajun history starts in Nova Scotia.  Hubby would want to try out the craft beer scene.  But I may make him wait until after he has seen the alligators.  The biggest challenge I have with Cajun food is the spices.  I would definitely not be visiting a tabasco factory!  

I must say if it was not for this post I would have not thought of visiting these places so thanks for sharing with a wider audience. Lafayette has so much more to offer then just food and places to see. The culture the people all add to its beauty I must agree. The name itself reflects French influence I must say. Besides its incredible food scene the brewery seems great as well. Thanks for sharing a great post and hope to visit some day. 

I have always enjoyed Cajun flavours, so taking a class from a local chef would be right up my alley. I would make it al point to try as many dishes as possible. And vintage shopping…yes, please!

One of my favorite cities was New Orleans before the big flood. It makes me smile that this eclectic mix of french history, cajun spices and laid back fun city are making a resurgence into the travel market. There is something so genuine about the people there, and very inviting. As always, your photos are fantastic & now makes me want to take a road trip of my own.

I am a big fan of cajun music. It is so happy and lively. Cajun food holds a special place in the edible etymology. I love how the local and African flavors blend with traditional French concepts to form a culinary branch unto itself.

I would love to see you and Kevin bowling. Jenn and I challenge you next time we meet.

I LOVE how many of these revolve around food, haha! You are really selling me on Lafayette lately, and I’d never heard of it before reading your blog! Personally I’d love to do the airboat. They offer those in Florida too but after all these years I’ve still never tried it !

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How To Spend A Perfect Day In Historic Lafayette, Louisiana

Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock

• Destinations
• United States

Certain things lend to a sense of happiness, and Lafayette, Louisiana, has just the right combination of friendly people, comforting food, mild weather, and an outdoor playground to earn its label as the happiest city in the U.S.

Any season is a great time to visit, with mild winters and sunny summers creating plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine.

The French culture will have you feeling as if you stepped outside the U.S. Feel like a true Acadian as you immerse yourself in the Cajun Zydeco and Swamp Pop music, visit historic cultural sites, or savor specialties such as boudin, gumbo, or other Cajun dishes.

With so much to be happy about, it’s easy to spend a perfect day in historic Lafayette.

Things To Do In Lafayette

Lafayette has an easy-going vibe mixed with a deep cultural influence. The best way to experience the Acadian lifestyle is through sampling the delicious foods, visiting museums and historic locations to learn about the area and its people, and taking in the outdoor scenery that’s so unique to southern Louisiana.

Downtown Lafayette

It’s easy to explore the walkable downtown area with galleries, shopping, restaurants, and more. Designed in the 1800s, downtown Lafayette features culture and the arts as well as a vibrant nightlife.

Shop the hundreds of retail stores, or discover the arts scene and historic culture with stops at the Benoit Gallery , local art gallery Cite des Arts , the Alexandre Mouton House Museum , the Acadiana Center for the Arts , and much more.

Sittichai Sukreep / Shutterstock

Cypress Lake

The wildlife and scenery in Lafayette is unique to the South. At Cypress Lake, you can view not only alligators, turtles, and more, but the swampland and cypress trees that are unique to South Louisiana. For those who aren’t accustomed to seeing alligators, it’s an eerie feeling to see the swamp-like lake and its inhabitants at this prehistoric bison wallow located on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus.

Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail

A boat, kayak, or canoe ride on the Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail is an opportunity to see historical areas while enjoying a day on the water in Bayou Country. The trail is nearly 10 miles long and makes for a perfect day (or a few hours, depending on the route you pick) to see the natural beauty of the Vermilion River. Choose one of the two 9.6-mile routes, or go for the shorter option of a 6.6-mile roundtrip ride that takes about 3.5 hours.

Pro Tip. Download the Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail app to navigate the route as well as learn more about the history and offerings of the area.

Ancient Oaks Tour

View the live oaks, part of southern Louisiana history and heritage, on an Ancient Oaks Tour . The Live Oak Society started in 1934, when Dr. Edwin Lewis Stephens, the first president of Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), proposed an organization dedicated to identifying and preserving the numerous ancient oaks in the state. Stephens “recognized the deeper truth of this Southern icon — the live oak symbolically reflects the most distinctive characteristics of the cultures and people that settled this rich alluvial area: strength of character, forbearance, longevity, and a hearty nature,” Lafayette Travel explains.

Today, more than a thousand oaks in the Lafayette area are listed on the Live Oak Society’s roster.

Denny Culbert

Vermilionville Historic Village

A truly immersive experience waits at the Vermilionville Historic Village . The village contains homes, gardens, and collections that represent the cultures of the majority of the Atakapa region until the end of the 1800s. This group includes Native Americans, Acadians, Creoles, and people of African descent.

The houses you’ll see represent the people, each from a different time period and socio-economic class. Visit the Broussard house, built in 1790, which is the largest and oldest house to see how a wealthy Acadian rancher lived. Other homes represent various trades. For example, the Beau Bassin house showcases the home of a textile artist and has demonstrations of cotton spinning and weaving. You’ll see costumed actors recreating everyday living throughout the village.

While there, visit the Healer’s Garden to see the plants used for medicinal purposes in Acadiana.

The homes are filled with artifacts and furnishings, allowing a peek into the 1765-1890 lifestyles. Plus view the natural history collection at the science exhibit, located in a watershed near the banks of the Bayou Vermilion. You can really immerse yourself while listening to live music, taking a cooking class, dance lesson, or boat tour.

Pro Tip: For more about Lafayette’s history, visit Lafayette’s historic landmarks .

Biking And Hiking

BikeLafayette is a non-profit organization designed to educate and create community through events. While you can always rent a bike and explore on your own, joining one of their events, such as Women Crush Wednesdays, gives women a chance to explore as a group and get something to eat after.

Or if you visit in April, take a Cycle Zydeco tour. This four-day festival on wheels tours for four days to experience bicycling flat roads with stops for live music and great food. It’s a way to experience Zydeco each night, whether camping or staying in a hotel, and traveling by bike during the day.

Learn about Lafayette’s Historic Azalea Trail here .

Then, of course, there’s Mardi Gras . The Lafayette version is tamer compared to what you might find in New Orleans, making it a perfect celebration for families.

I remember, during a visit to Lafayette, getting up early to visit a bar at 6 a.m. There was live music, children and adults dancing, and pure joy like I’ve never seen before — especially at that hour of the morning. My sister Mary and her husband, Jerry, lived in Louisiana for years. Mary says of Lafayette, “It was my favorite place to see the Mardi Gras Children’s Parade. All children’s parades are wonderful, but there was something about the way their streets are laid out that make it a happy place. We considered retiring there because of its location to the coast, but also because it’s such a culturally rich place.”

Best Restaurants In Lafayette

Southern Louisiana cuisine is distinct to the culture of the area, reckoning back to the late 1700s. The food reflects the joi de vivre — joy of life — that the area is known for. Get ready to imbibe in gumbo, boudin, po’boys, crawfish, BBQ and smoked meats, and fried chicken. The food is rich and hearty, and many dishes, such as boudin or crawfish, can be messy, but oh so much fun to try. Snoballs are another local favorite, so be sure and grab a grown-up version with alcohol at one of the drive-thru daiquiri shacks.

Hideaway On Lee

Dine inside a home that was converted into a restaurant and music venue to give visitors the feel of a Louisiana house dance. The Hideaway on Lee opened in 2020 with a spacious outdoor patio, live music, and plenty of nostalgia, such as the ice cream floats, egg cream seltzers, and even a spiked seltzer.

Try the poutine with hand-cut fries topped with cheddar cheese curds and homemade gravy.

Don’s Seafood

For dinner in a historic restaurant, try Don’s Seafood , open since 1934. Enjoy traditional Cajun dishes such as chicken and sausage gumbo or even blackened alligator. As a seafood lover, there are so many local catches to try, but I’d have to say my favorite is the Half Catfish and Half Red Beans, a fried catfish served with red beans and rice and hushpuppies. Still, it’s a tough decision between the crawfish etouffee, the charbroiled oysters, or the shrimp and grits. Or try it all with the seafood platter, which includes stuffed crab, stuffed shrimp, fried catfish, fried oysters, shrimp etouffee, french fries, and coleslaw. Mon Dieu .

Poor Boy Riverside Inn

Another historic location is the Poor Boy Riverside Inn , open since 1932 and still family owned and operated. Enjoy Cajun specialties, their homemade bread pudding, and Louisiana’s official sandwich, the po’boy. For a rich and savory meal, try the Redfish Extravaganza, a choice of redfish, tilapia, flounder, or catfish stuffed with crabmeat stuffing and then topped with more crab meat, crawfish, and mushrooms sauteed in sweet cream butter.

Multiple Selections On The Cajun Boudin Trail

If you’ve never tried boudin — a meat and rice concoction that’s stuffed into casings — try the Cajun Boudin Trail . There you can sample it in various incarnations, whether held in hand and sucked straight from the casing, sliced, or breaded and deep-fried as boudin balls.

These stops along the Cajun Boudin Trail will give you a taste of this unique Acadian food specialty.

Pro Tip: If you’d like to stay a night or more, stay at Clarion Pointe , a charming hotel located amongst some of Louisiana’s oldest oak trees. It’s an upscale hotel that’s close to the downtown area. Enjoy an outdoor heated pool and a hot tub. The rooms have refrigerators and microwaves, making it convenient to save all the scrumptious Cajun leftovers to eat later.

In 2015, Jill Dutton started traveling the world to explore culture and place through storytelling, writing about the people she meets along the way. Readers of her articles have come to expect an intimate look at authentic travel experiences. Jill's podcast, Global Journeys with Jill Dutton is ranked #22 in FeedSpot’s “Best Travel Podcasts on the Planet.” Listen to a podcast episode, read her syndicated food column -- Global Plates: The People We Meet, The Food They Eat, or follow her travels at https://globaljourneyswithjilldutton.com/.

7-Day Itinerary Lafayette Louisiana Cajun Country USA

By: Author Susan Moore

Posted on Last updated: November 8, 2023

Anyone who knows me well, knows of my love for Lafayette Louisiana. Anyone who asks me about my favorite places so far on my big road trip will know how much I adore Lafayette Louisiana. Since people often ask me what there is to do in Lafayette and how many days they should spend there, I put together this 7 day itinerary to help anyone plan a trip to Lafayette.

With a one week itinerary you get to spend some time exploring the art, food, museums and music of Lafayette along with plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you are traveling solo or on a family vacation to Lafayette you’ll find plenty to do and see!

If your preference is to wing it then I’ve got you covered too – check out my great big list of things to do in Lafayette . You can pick and choose your favorite type of activity and plan each day to your liking. I also made a separate list of 11 great day trips from Lafayette so use that for your guide to daily outings around Lafayette.

Hey, you can listen to a podcast about Lafayette LA too!

I was interviewed about Lafayette by Chris Christensen from Amateur Traveler . We cover the 7-day itinerary in this podcast – click the play button on his website to listen now.

This post contains compensated links and I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. See my disclosure about affiliate links

Lafayette may be Louisiana’s best kept secret! Everyone has heard of New Orleans and I love visiting NOLA but Lafayette is my favorite place in Louisiana . Why?! It’s the culture, sweetie.

Lafayette is the heart of Acadiana region in Louisiana, the area where the Acadians (French settlers) found a new place to live, years after the British expelled them from the lands now known as Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in eastern Canada.

Where is Acadiana? The region stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to about 100 miles inland but excludes the greater New Orleans region. Acadiana includes 22 parishes – there are 64 in total in Louisiana. Parishes are administrative districts – in other states they are called counties.

You will find French influence all around South Louisiana, particularly with the music and food of the Cajun and Creole people. Lafayette will fill your belly with good food and your heart with love.

1 Week Itinerary Lafayette Louisiana

Wednesday – day 1 in lafayette.

Breakfast downtown – Black Café at 518 S Pierce St #100 (open Sunday through Friday)

Just a couple blocks away you want to visit Park Sans Souci – the little downtown park with the BIG Lafayette sign. Actually, giant letters spell out LAFA_ETTE and you stand in place of the Y – with your arms outstretched – you fill in for the Y of the Lafayette sign.

201 E Vermilion Street

Giant letters spell LAFF ETTE so you can stand in for the Y to complete LAFAYETTE

Next visit San Souci Fine Crafts Gallery – it’s right next to the park. The gallery features handmade art and crafts by local artists – a great place to pick up some gifts for friends and family.

219 E Vermilion Street

Also nearby is Sola Violins where you can see or shop for beautiful violins, cello, bass, and violas.

100 E Vermilion #102

If you want local souvenirs visit Jefferson Street: Lagniappe Records and Parish Ink.  There are also many restaurants and cafes on Jefferson Street.

Next up on the itinerary is Vermilionville – a Living History Museum

300 Vermilion Rd

Vermilionville sits on the banks of the Bayou Vermilion , with 7 restored original homes with costumed artisans that provide demonstrations on crafts performed by the early settlers – wood carving, weaving, etc.

Wood carver Cliff Mire demonstrates his skills at Vermilionville museum

Their mission is to increase appreciation for the history, culture, and natural resources of the Native Americans, Acadians, Creoles, and people of African descent in the Attakapas region through the end of the 1800s.

Attakapas Parish – one of the 12 parishes in the Territory of Orleans – Louisiana Purchase 1803 – became State of Louisiana in 1812.

Ferry yourself across the bayou on Le Petit Bayou Ferry at Vermilionville history museum in Lafayette LA

While at Vermilionville you can transport yourself across the bayou via the Petit Bayou ferry – you use a rope to ferry across the bayou – it’s fun!

Head back downtown for lunch at Johnson’s Boucaniere – grab a plate lunch or try some boudin, BBQ, or smoked meat.

1111 St John Street

What is a plate lunch? A plate lunch is basically the special of the day and features down home comfort foods like smothered pork chops, fried catfish, rice and gravy and a choice of side dishes like collard greens, mashed potatoes, etc. Restaurants often have a schedule for the plate lunches, for instance on Mondays they might have a smothered pork chop with your choice of side dishes, then Tuesday is brisket, etc.

Drive to Lake Martin (1209 Rookery Road) for a swamp tour – around 2 hours for the tour and allow 30 minutes to get there. The swamp tour is fun and informative.

You will probably see alligators – although they are in sleep mode in the colder winter months – similar to hibernation, reptiles will bromate in the winter.

But alligators will come out to enjoy the sunshine on warmer winter days.

Take a Swamp Tour at Lake Martin to learn about the Cypress Trees and wildlife in the area

There are at least two tour operators at Lake Martin – Cajun Country Swamp Tours and Champagne’s Cajun Swamp Tours.

It’s best to make a reservation but if you don’t have one or they’re already booked up you can rent a canoe to paddle around the lake.

Or you can walk alongside the water – be aware of alligators and do not approach wildlife, give them plenty of space.

Take a tour of Lake Martin or rent a kayak and paddle around the lake for wonderful birdwatching

Happy Hour at Wurst Biergarten – outdoor venue

537 Jefferson Street

Dinner at Pamplona Tapas Bar (631 Jefferson Street) then music and dancing at Blue Moon Saloon Cajun jam session (215 E Convent Street) or dinner and music at Café Vermilionville (1304 W Pinhook Rd) courtyard music series

(Wednesdays only for both events)

THURSDAY – Day 2 in Lafayette

Enjoy breakfast at Rusted Rooster  – My favorite menu item is the Ragin Rooster – a buttermilk biscuit with spicy fried chicken breast and a pepper jelly glaze – so delicious! Lots of other biscuit choices and classic breakfast items to choose from.

105 St Landry Street

Cathedral of St John the Evangelist Lafayette

Cathedral of St John the Evangelist and Cathedral Oak . Call to schedule a tour of the cathedral.

The Cathedral Oak is recognized as Second Vice President and a founding member of the Live Oak Society. The tree is around 500 years old and almost 30 ft in circumference.

515 Cathedral Street

Big and beautiful Cathedral Oak in downtown Lafayette Louisiana is about 500 years old

Drive to Avery Island – tour Tabasco factory and Jungle Gardens – botanical gardens and bird sanctuary

Lunch at Café Jefferson at Rip Van Winkle Gardens

Tour Jefferson mansion and stroll through Rip Van Winkle Gardens

Touring the Tabasco factory in Avery Island Louisiana is an interesting day trip from Lafayette

St Martinville – Visit the Evangeline Oak made famous by Longfellow’s poem Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie .  Next to the Evangeline Oak visit the African American Museum and the Acadian Memorial – one admission ticket gets you into both.

Afterwards take a short drive to the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site – the oldest state park site in Louisiana.

1200 N Main Street, St Martinville

Dinner at Pop’s Po’boys downtown at 740 Jefferson Street

Live music and bowling at Rock n Bowl located at 905 Jefferson Street

Flags wave at the entrance to Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Site in St Martinville LA

FRIDAY – Day 3 in Lafayette

Breakfast downtown at The French Press – Enjoy chicken and waffles, praline bacon, boudin sliders made with bacon, fried boudin balls, and Steen’s cane syrup.

214 E Vermilion Street

Try the Chicken and Waffle at French Press restaurant in downtown Lafayette

Go kayaking or canoeing at Lake Martin

Lunch at Bach Lunch event – Park San Souci – March/April and October/November downtown concert series every Friday. Local restaurants sell boxed lunches to benefit Lafayette Science Museum.

OR lunch at Poupart’s Bakery or dessert at Poupart’s after Bach lunch

100 E Vermilion Street

After lunch enjoy some art and a couple of short walks. Start out at Hilliard University Art Museum (Paul & Lulu Hilliard)

710 E St Mary Blvd

Girard Park is less than 5 minute walk from Hilliard, and it’s the venue for the Festival Acadiens et Creoles free music event in Lafayette from Oct 11 – 13 2019.

500 Girard Park Drive

Sheryl Cormier and family jamming at Festival Acadiens et Creoles in Lafayette LA

Cypress Lake at ULL (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) is about a 10 minute walk. Look for the alligators  but be careful if it’s mating season around April through June.

Wildlife tend to become more aggressive towards intruders during mating season. Who wants to be interrupted during courtship?! Do not approach alligators and NEVER feed wildlife.

Dinner and music with Downtown Alive! event at Parc International in spring and fall from March – May and Sept to Nov.

You can check out the Downtown Alive 2020 Spring lineup – the first one is on Friday March 13th

You can go out for an early dinner at Tiniballs – Martinis and Meatballs (at Rock N Bowl 905 Jefferson St) or get some gourmet boneless chicken wings at Wing Fingers  (1043 Johnston St) before the Downtown Alive event.

If Downtown Alive is not on the agenda go have dinner and catch some live music at Artmosphere – indoor seating and dance floor plus large outdoor seating area.

SATURDAY – Day 4 in Lafayette

On day four in Lafayette you have a couple of options to decide or you can do a bit of both!

Buck and Johnny’s Zydeco breakfast in Breaux Bridge – dance to the Zydeco rhythms.

100 Berard Street in Breaux Bridge – about 25 minute drive from downtown Lafayette

Then visit Lake Martin for canoeing/kayaking, and birdwatching or alligator watching

Lunch in Breaux Bridge at Poche’s Market and Restaurant

3015 Main Hwy #A

Poche’s Meat Market and Smokehouse in Breaux Bridge Louisiana

OR drive to Eunice (about 45 minutes from Lafayette) and do the Savoy Music Center Cajun Jam from 9 am to noon.

Explore Cajun culture in Eunice Louisiana – perfect day trip from Lafayette

Also in Eunice you’ll visit the  Prairie Acadian Cultural Center – music and cooking/tasting demo each Saturday afternoon – FREE admission.

Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Eunice Depot Museum next door. At 6 pm on Saturday nights the  Liberty Theater features Rendez-vous des Cajuns Cajun Music Radio and TV Show – enjoy music and dancing.

Stop at Best Stop Supermarket in Scott LA for Cracklins and boudin on the way there or back.

615 Hwy LA-93

Dinner: Spoonbill Watering Hole and Restaurant – a former Conoco gas station converted to a restaurant and bar. Spoonbill opened in 2018 and it’s a popular dining spot in Lafayette so reservations are recommended.

900 Jefferson Street

A Conoco gas station finds a new life as the Spoonbill Watering Hole and Restaurant in downtown Lafayette

SUNDAY – Day 5 in Lafayette

A lot of places in Lafayette are closed on Sunday!

So drive to Arnaudville and brunch at Little Big Cup –then visit NUNU art collective/gallery. Afterwards taste some local brew at Bayou Teche Brewing

Little Big Cup in Arnaudville puts on a fantastic brunch – indoor and outdoor seating along the Bayou Fusilier

Drive to Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge (open daily)

Hiking, kayaking, or canoeing, fishing, hunting, skeet ranges, RTV trails, and birdwatching.

Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth and paddlefish.

Recreational fishing is open year round, subject to state of Louisiana licensing and regulations.

Dinner –   Zea Rotisserie and Bar – Asian and American with a Cajun/Creole twist

235 Doucet Rd

MONDAY – Day 6 in Lafayette

A lot of places are closed on Monday too!

Acadiana Day! A lot of things related to Acadian life and culture are on the agenda for day six in Lafayette.

Dwyer’s Cafe (323 Jefferson St) for breakfast – they are open 7 days a week from 6 am to 2 pm.

After breakfast start out with a visit to the Acadian Village at 200 Greenleaf Drive

Open from 10 am to 4 pm this Cultural Museum is an excellent place to learn more about Acadian culture. Note the museum is closed November but opens in December with a big Christmas light display.

Walk the nature trails at Acadiana Nature Station

Next up is a visit to the Acadiana Park Nature Station – This is an offshoot of the Lafayette Science Museum. Explore the nature trails and watch for birds and wildlife. Chat with the knowledgeable staff about local flora and fauna. There is also a  small display area with lots of interesting finds from nature.

1205 E Alexander Street

• Monday–Friday 8:00am–5:00pm
• Saturday and Sunday 11:00am–5:00pm

Snake skins and a skull on display at Acadiana Nature Station in Lafayette

Lunch at Olde Tyme Grocery for a traditional style Po’boy sandwich. Counter service with indoor and outdoor seating.

218 W St Mary Blvd

ACA – Acadiana Center for the Arts – FREE to visit the art exhibits – check their events page for tickets to performing arts events. You’ll have an excellent view of the stage from any seat at ACA.

101 W Vermilion Street

Dinner – Cajun food at Bon Temps Grill in south Lafayette at 1312 Verot School Road. The restaurant is open daily so it’s a good choice especially on Sundays or Mondays when a lot of other restaurants are closed in Lafayette.

TUESDAY – Day 7 in Lafayette

Choose your favorite breakfast spot in Lafayette then visit the Science Museum (433 Jefferson St) and the Makerspace at the downtown library (301 W Congress St) – this is a great option if you are traveling with kids.

OR visit Lafayette Museum (Alexander Mouton House)

Built in 1800 by city founder Jean Mouton, it later belonged to Jean’s son, Alexandre, first Democratic governor of Louisiana.

1122 Lafayette Street

Then visit Acadian Cultural Center – Watch the 30 minute film and enjoy the exhibits.

501 Fisher Road

A visit to Lafayette Acadian Cultural Center is a must for learning about Cajun culture

A reminder if you want local souvenirs visit Jefferson Street downtown: Lagniappe Records and Parish Ink. And Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery at 219 E Vermilion St.

Lunch Laura’s Two – excellent plate lunch and Creole Cajun food – stuffed turkey wings are Laura’s specialty but if those are sold out try something else like the smothered pork chop or fried catfish. Show up early for best selection – open from 10:30 to 2:30 daily.

1904 W University Ave

Drive to to the small city of Opelousas in St Landry Parish (30 minutes) and try to find all the art work of Fiddle Mania – oversize violins/fiddles decorated by local artists.

Drive to Opelousas and find all the giant fiddles around town created for Fiddle Mania by local artists

Ville Platte – Visit the Swamp Pop Museum – that’s Swamp Pop music, not soda pop by the way! And visit Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning store. Spices and seasonings are a great gift for any of you foodie or gourmet friends.

A short drive to Chicot State Park at 3469 Chicot Park Rd in Ville Platte will bring you to hiking among the giant cypress trees, or go canoeing and fishing. Campsites and cabins are available for rent.

Wander the trails of the Louisiana State Arboretum in Chicot State Park

Dinner at Tsunami for all night happy hour specials. And Tsunami is not just sushi. My fave menu item is the “blackened” salmon with kimchee smothered collard greens.

412 Jefferson St

Not into sushi at all? Go to Central Pizza or pick your fave restaurant and revisit!

423 Jefferson St

_________________________________________________

When you are craving dessert any day of the week in Lafayette check out Carpe Diem Gelato and Espresso

You could even have espresso and gelato for breakfast if you like because they open at 7 am on weekdays and 9 am on weekends.

812 Jefferson St

Vegetarian Dining Options in Lafayette

• Masala Indian Kitchen – 2208 Kaliste Saloom Rd – south of downtown
• Zeus Café – Mediterranean – several locations – check their website for closest one to you
• Sandra’s Café and Health Food Store – 111 Rena Drive #C (south of downtown)

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 Chill out or Work Out in Lafayette

If you need a chill out day or workout day or it’s too-hot-to-do-anything day – go and enjoy the swimming pools at Red’s Gym.

301 Doucet Rd

• Indoor lap pool, indoor warm temp pool, outdoor lap pool, hot tub, cold plunge pool
• Basketball, indoor track, weight rooms, separate women’s only weight room, racquetball, tennis courts.
• Steam rooms and dry sauna in the change rooms.
• Healthy food at the café + cookies :)
• Upstairs lounge serves adult beverages

Day passes available – also 10-day pass – call or inquire the front desk

Spanish moss decorates a live oak tree in south Louisiana

Summary of One Week in Lafayette

Now you have a plan to organize your trip to Lafayette with fun activities and a variety of things to do both indoors and outdoors. Although this is a full week itinerary if you can only do a weekend trip to Lafayette just select the Friday to Sunday section for your itinerary. You’re all set with a travel plan.

If you get to spend some time in Lafayette, you are blessed with good fortune. You will return home, but with a longing to return to Lafayette for the music and dancing, food and drink, the people and folklore.

More Lafayette Travel Info

• Awesome Things to Do in Lafayette Louisiana the BIG List of Stuff to Do!
• The Legend of the Evangeline Oak in St Martinville Louisiana
• 11 Awesome Day Trips from Lafayette Louisiana – Best of Acadiana!

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Sunday 11th of August 2019

If your ever in Opelousas again try Kelly's diner for lunch between 11-2

Solo Trips and Tips

Friday 2nd of February 2024

Julie, Thank you for the recommendations, I look forward to trying them out next time around. I can't believe I haven't tried Mazen Grill yet! I feel like I need to plan a food tour of South Louisiana :) And I'm happy you liked the Lafayette article too, I love that town! Cheers, Susan

Julie Mahfouz

Wednesday 31st of January 2024

Susan Moore, you also need to try Mamas Fried Chicken in Opelousas. Their chicken salad is absolutely the best! But the chicken salad at Kelly’s is awesome as well! Also, your article on Lafayette is amazing! Next time in Lafayette, try Mazen Grill for fresh catch seafood.

Susan Moore

Helen, thanks for the tip about Kelly's Dines - always looking for new places to go to. I looked at their menu and I'll be trying it out for sure next trip...so hungry for Louisiana cooking right now! Cheers, Susan

Saturday 10th of August 2019

What a fun filled trip. So much to see and do. It's no wonder you LOVE it there! Love the video of you hauling yourself to the other side.

Thanks Jo! I lucked out when I took the little ferry, I asked a guy to take a photo for me, and he took the video instead, nice! Traveling alone I rarely get videos of myself. Looking forward to my next trip to Lafayette this winter, hope to be there for the Cinema on the Bayou film festival at the end of January. Cheers, Susan

Andrew Lewis

Thursday 8th of August 2019

Originally from Acadiana and now living in Mobile....this article just made me SO hungry and now makes me want to visit Lafayette as a tourist :)

Andrew, Writing this article made me hungry too. I think you should plan a road trip to Lafayette soon :) For my next trip I'm already planning out my visit according to where I'm going to eat...Lafayette is the BEST! Cheers, Susan

Joan Shelly

Tuesday 6th of August 2019

This is terrific! The only thing you missed was the Cajun Food Tour. It's a ton of fun -- samples of local food and commentary on the history of Acadiana.

Joan, thank you! I will look into a Cajun Food Tour on my next trip to Lafayette. Cheers, Susan

Jacquelin Hebert

Monday 5th of August 2019

This is fantastic. All my favorite places, plus MORE. Cant wait to try this. Thank you!!!

Jacquelin, thank you for reading and so glad you enjoyed it - have fun!! Cheers, Susan

This Louisiana College Town Is A Foodie's Paradise Known For Its Friendly People

I f you want to try lip-smacking Cajun cuisine in one of the friendliest cities in the South, then you should have Lafayette, Louisiana, on your radar. The college town of Lafayette serves up boudin, crawfish, and jambalaya (among many other delights) and even attracted the legendary Anthony Bourdain with its cuisine. Deep in the heart of Cajun and Creole Country, Lafayette is a mixture of cultures best experienced through its food, music, and festivals.

The area around Lafayette was settled by Acadians exiled from French Canadian territories in the mid-19th century. For many years, the town retained its Cajun culture, and you may still hear the Cajun-French dialect as you wander Lafayette. While Lafayette has become increasingly cosmopolitan in recent decades, it remains the soul of Cajun Country. This is reflected in its delicious cuisine and welcoming people, which led Southern Living to rank Lafayette as one of its friendliest cities in 2024. Whether you visit Lafayette as part of a delicious and gorgeous Southern road trip or make it a weekend getaway in its own right, you're sure to enjoy this friendly, foodie college town.

Read more: 75 Things Every American Should Do In Their Lifetime

Must-Eats In Lafayette

Come to Lafayette with an empty stomach. Then, fill your stomach with boudin, jambalaya, crawfish, and gumbo. Let's start with boudin, a sausage made of pork and rice. Traditional boudin uses organ meat spiced for flavor and mixed with vegetables. You can find boudin all over Lafayette and the surrounding region, and there's even a Cajun boudin "trail" to follow.

Two favorite stops in Lafayette are Alexander's Specialty Meats and Johnson's Boucanière, which both serve much more than just boudin and have excellent reviews. Johnson's also comes highly rated for its jambalaya, which is served by the pint, according to user MysticAntics in Reddit's r/askNOLA forum. There is also a Boudin Cookoff and Acadiana Bacon Fest held every year in October in Lafayette.

There's so much to eat in the city that we recommend taking a Cajun Food Tour to try as much as possible. Many of these tours have incredible reviews and allow you to get a taste of boudin, king cake, gumbo, crawfish etouffee, fried shrimp, cracklin', as well as many other delights. Anthony Bourdain didn't just focus on the Cajun food of the region but also on Creole dishes. In an episode of Parts Unknown called "Cajun Mardi Gras," Bourdain visited Laura's Two and fell head over stomach for the stuffed turkey wings, another regional classic.

Explore Friendly Lafayette

One reason Lafayette made it onto Southern Living's friendliest cities list is because of the festivals where everyone is welcome. We already mentioned the Boudin Cookoff, but October also sees the Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, where you'll find local music, arts, and incredible eats. Working backward, the Festival International de Louisiane takes place in April and brings world-class music, food, and artwork to Lafayette. And before that, there's Mardi Gras. But it's not New Orleans-style Mardi Gras (check out our article to read why Rick Steves calls New Orleans the most fun city in America !). Lafayette's Mardi Gras involves the unique Courir de Mardi Gras (the Mardi Gras Run) and communal gumbo cooking.

If your trip to Lafayette doesn't coincide with one of the festivals, stop by Blue Moon to experience Cajun and zydeco music. Many visitors talk about the bar's warm and welcoming atmosphere. More zydeco music can be heard at Buck & Johnny's in nearby Breaux Bridge, where you can join a zydeco breakfast every Saturday.

Finally, to really explore southern Louisiana, you need to leave downtown Lafayette. Just an hour north of the city, you'll find a hugely underrated state park  that's a paradise for fishing, birding, hiking, and camping. If you're brave enough to venture into the alligator-harboring swamps, take one of the many tours from Lafayette. These swamp tours allow you to experience the lush swamps safely and get up close (but not too personal) with the gators.

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Visitors Guide

Request a copy, e-newsletter, click to sign up, lafayette in a pinch.

We’ve all been there.

You work hard, saving your time off to take that much-needed vacation. You’re itching to get away, and you might even be considering a trip to Lafayette, Louisiana. But you’ve got that nagging feeling that “maybe you shouldn’t” because it’s going to cost you…right?

Here in Lafayette we believe fun shouldn’t be an expense or something you budget for. It’s one of the reasons we’re known as the Happiest City in America even when your budget is tight and you’re in a pinch. That’s why we bundled all of our favorite things to do here in Lafayette, Louisiana at little to no cost.

So give yourself and your wallet a much-needed break. The trip you’ve been waiting for is waiting on you.

Allons a Lafayette!

Food & Drink In A Pinch

Music in a pinch, culture & history in a pinch, outdoors in a pinch, shopping in a pinch.

Lafayette, Louisiana has the Cajun & Creole flavors you crave, along with the freshest in Gulf seafood. New generations of chefs across South Louisiana are putting an inventive spin on…

Every hour is happy here in Lafayette. While other areas might boast about their “2-for-1” cocktails or drink specials, we package all of our favorite things into our happy hours. 

Almost every day of the week, you’ll find specials ranging from freshly caught oysters to some unique pizza creations, and yes, even those coveted 2 for 1 drink specials.

Click here for a calendar that details where to go each night of the week for happy hour in the Happiest City in America.

Some treat brewing as a craft. Here in Cajun Country, local businesses are transforming it into an art form. Acadiana already has three established breweries that locals and visitors know and love.

Bayou Teche Brewing and Cajun Brewing continue to expand production and distribution as more and more people clamor to get a taste of Lafayette.

Click here for a list of breweries you can stop by, visit, tour, and sample some of the best beer Cajun Country has to offer.

Acadiana Delivered

When I lived up north, I taught myself how to make most of my favorite Cajun dishes from back home. But when the craving for boudin or boiled crawfish struck, I was out of luck…

Best Desserts in Lafayette

Cajun Country is world-famous when it comes to food. While we are known for savory specialties like boudin, crawfish, and jambalaya, Cajuns also have a serious sweet tooth. No…

A Guide To Lafayette's Burger Joints

Nothing seems more American than a good burger. A dish that has stood the test of time and can be reinvented in various ways, it's no wonder burgers are still a favorite among…

Dang Nguyen has one of those origin stories that makes you want to try his food. He's a Vietnamese American who owns and operates two Lafayette restaurants: Saigon Noodles on…

In addition to being known as the Cajun & Creole Country, Lafayette is also known as the Heartbeat of Acadiana and with good reason. Our distinctive mix of Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco have…

Kick your year off with a Mardi Gras celebration like no other. Right up the road from New Orleans , we’ve got all the excitement and revelry of carnival season in a family-friendly atmosphere. Or, if you’re looking for a more “traditional” experience the Courir de Mardi Gras (French for “Fat Tuesday Run”) is an experience you’ll only find in South Louisiana.

The good times keep on rolling through April when we celebrate the largest outdoor Francophone event in the world with Festival International de Louisiane. Hundreds of performing and visual artists from 17 countries, along with Lafayette’s own artists, converge on six stages across Downtown Lafayette for five days of world music.

The fall is even busier kicking off with Festival Acadiens et Creole, a Cajun and Creole experience like no other. Taking place the second full weekend of October, this free three-day festival welcomes locals and visitors alike to share in food, music, dancing as well as arts and crafts that make the region so unique.

Click here for more details about the festivals above and download our Annual Festivals & Fairs brochure.

Concert Series

Kick off your weekend starting Wednesday in Pelican Park with the Mercredi Concert Series.

The good times keep rolling on Thursday with Rhythms on the River, a free evening concert series held in River Ranch’s Town Square.

Friday's are a double header with Bach Lunch, a free popular lunchtime music series that takes place on Fridays in Downtown Lafayette coupling local food offerings with music for all ages.

The fun continues into the evening on Friday with Downtown Alive! another local favorite concert series offering free music from regional artists of all genres.

Click here for more details about the above concert series and download our Annual Festivals & Fairs brochure.

Lafayette Weekly

This week in Lafayette, we've got a lineup that's sure to keep your toes tapping. On Thursday evening, the Cajun supergroup, The Lafayette Rhythm Devils, will be…

Family Friendly Guide to Lafayette Festivals

Here in Lafayette, LA we are known for our joie de vivre , a French expression meaning our exuberant love of life. We love hosting lively festivals to honor our rich cultures, and…

Bringing the World to Lafayette: History of Festival International

During the last week of April, residents are decked out in hats, dancing shoes, and smiles along the streets of downtown Lafayette. Refrains of "Happy festival" are…

Two-Step Your Way through Acadiana

If you’ve been to any event in South Louisiana you know anytime there’s music there’s dancing. And trust us, there’s never any shortage of music! No…

Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country. This cultural oasis on the bayou blends contemporary sophistication of a cosmopolitan city with a unique heritage and…

Historic Lafayette Trail

Lafayette Parish has a long and profound history. The indigenous Atakapa-Ishak, Choctaw, Chitimacha, and Opelousa were some of the first to inhabit the area. Numerous Acadian refugees settled in this area after being expelled from Canada after Great Britain defeated France in the Seven Years' War. They married other settlers, forming what became known as Cajun and Creole cultures. Both cultures spoke French and were deeply Catholic .

Lafayette Parish is still at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole country, with a living and vibrant history that is evident whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat, visiting a gallery or museum , or dancing to Cajun or zydeco music at a local dancehall.

Click here to discover Lafayette's historic places.

Acadian Cultural Center

The Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette, Louisiana tells stories of the origins, migration, settlement, and contemporary culture of the Acadians ( Cajuns ) and other area groups. Ranger programs, films, exhibits, and events share a variety of local traditions including music, story-telling, dance, and food as well as exploring the mysteries of the Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana’s wildest place.

Click here for more information on the Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center including hours of operation, location, exhibits, and special events.

Civil Rights Trail in Lafayette

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail marks important landmarks, primarily in Southern states, where activists challenged segregation in churches, courthouses, schools, and other sites in…

Lafayette's Historic Restaurants

In the late 1700s, South Louisiana was a melting pot of cultures where families, friends, travelers, and neighbors gathered around the table at mealtime. Today, Cajun culture still…

Things to Do on a Monday in Lafayette

Oftentimes it can be difficult when visiting an area to find things to do on a Monday. It’s one of our more popular questions at the beginning of each week in our…

Lafayette’s an area known for its swampland dotted with moss-draped cypress trees teeming with wildlife, which makes it the perfect destination for bird watching, paddling, fishing, and…

Bayou Vermilion

Whether you’re a professional photographer or you’re looking for that perfect Instagram photo, Bayou Vermilion is the perfect backdrop for your getaway. The Vermilion runs 70-miles through Lafayette and Vermilion Parish. The Vermilion is also home to plenty of wildlife including a variety of birds and the occasional alligator in the northern portion. There are many access points in Lafayette Parish as well as many routes you can take. Rentals are available at Bayou Vermilion District as well as guided tours.

Click here for more information on the Vermilion including swamp tours, canoe, and kayak rentals and more.

Nature Station

Opened in 1978, the Acadiana Park Nature Station is located on a 150-acre facility complete with a 6-mile trail system. The trail system will introduce you to some of the native flora and fauna of the area and the Nature Station staff is on hand to answer any questions. In addition, they also offer plenty of programming for all ages including excursions and night hikes. Surrounding the Nature Station is a public park complete with playgrounds, tennis courts, soccer fields, pavilions, and a 36-hole frisbee golf course that’s perfect for a long afternoon walk or a picnic.

Click here for more information on Acadiana Park and the Nature Station.

Vermilion Voyage

"The Vermilion, by its union with the gulph, forms the natural communication of its inhabitants with the sea. The time is not far remote when many thousands of people will…

5 Epic Outdoor Experiences in Lafayette

Lafayette, 135 miles west of New Orleans, is a bustling city nestled in French-speaking Louisiana. With its laid-back vibe and vibrant culture, it’s no surprise that…

Top 5 Places to Hike in Acadiana

Hiking is the perfect way for the entire family, at any skill level, to experience the outdoors without breaking the budget. It provides the opportunity to see places you’d…

Top 5 Places to Paddle in Acadiana

South Louisiana’s waterways provide a gateway to outdoor adventure like no other. Exploration of this region in a kayak or canoe is an unforgettable wilderness experience…

If you have a passion for discovering local works of art, souvenir shopping, antique shopping or just enjoy window shopping from store to store we have a great selection of locally owned…

Antique Shopping Trail

Lafayette is a town of culture, food, music, festivals, and history. There is plenty to do no matter the time of year, but shopping is a nice, cool, option. Here in Lafayette, there are plenty of places to shop, but if you prefer a bit of a treasure hunt be sure to check out some of our antique shops and perhaps even take a piece of history home with you.

Click here for the complete Antique Shopping Trail guide and accompanying map.

Market at the Horse Farm

Experience the beauty of one of the largest green space parks in Lafayette while shopping and supporting local farmers and artisans. With local food vendors, artisans, jam sessions, park tours, and educational seminars it’s a great way to spend a Saturday. The park and farmer’s market is open every Saturday rain or shine from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., but you can remain in the park to stroll about or plan a family picnic.

Click here for more information about the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market at the Horse Farm.

Thrift Stores in Lafayette

Thrift stores are making a comeback. Whether you're looking for that ultra-rare rock tee or just an affordable pair of shoes, Lafayette has everything from resale designer…

Holiday Shopping Guide in Lafayette, LA

Shopping locally is one of the best ways to support our neighbors and build our communities! Small business owners, artists, and creators make Lafayette, LA's shopping…

Acadiana Antique Shops

Lafayette is a town of culture, food, music, festivals and history. There is plenty to do no matter the time of year, but with the weather heating up, shopping is a nice, cool…

Trip Planning Resources

Whether your passion is for their rich cultural history, the bustling culinary scene or distinctive blend of Cajun and Zydeco music, you can be sure you will leave with a smile on your…

Attractions

Lafayette by plane, lafayette by car, lafayette by bus, lafayette by train.