Plan your ultimate Baton Rouge experience with our guide to everything happening in the city. Find details on upcoming events—from concerts and parties to sports and family-friendly activities—plus top restaurants & eateries, local tours, historic landmarks, museums, and vibrant social hubs. We also feature premium 4 and 5-star accommodations, including hotels, Airbnb, and vacation rentals. All this essential information is provided below to help you plan the perfect adventure when visiting Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a city known for its rich history, vibrant nightlife, and deep-rooted Southern traditions. As the state capital and home to Louisiana State University (LSU), Baton Rouge offers a mix of college sports, cultural attractions, and scenic riverfront views. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, attending live music events, or enjoying Cajun and Creole cuisine, this page highlights the best things to do in Baton Rouge.
Baton Rouge’s food scene blends Cajun, Creole, and Southern flavors, offering everything from seafood boils and gumbo to barbecue and soul food. The city’s Downtown and Perkins Rowe districts feature a variety of trendy restaurants, rooftop bars, and craft cocktail lounges. The LSU area is filled with lively eateries and sports bars catering to the college crowd. The city also boasts a growing craft brewery scene, with local brewers offering unique Louisiana-inspired flavors.
Baton Rouge provides a variety of luxury hotels, boutique stays, and riverfront accommodations. Downtown Baton Rouge features stylish hotels within walking distance of nightlife and attractions. The LSU campus area offers convenient stays for game days and campus visits. Visitors looking for a more unique experience can find historic inns, plantation-style bed-and-breakfasts, and scenic Airbnb rentals along the Mississippi River.
Baton Rouge has a lively entertainment and nightlife scene with several key districts. Downtown Baton Rouge is the city’s main social hub, featuring bars, music venues, and rooftop lounges. Third Street is known for its bustling nightlife, with a mix of jazz clubs, dance bars, and craft breweries. The Perkins Rowe and Highland Road areas offer stylish dining, boutique shopping, and live music events. The city also hosts seasonal festivals and tailgate parties that bring the community together.
Baton Rouge is steeped in history, from its political heritage to its French and Spanish influences. The Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest capitol building in the U.S., offers stunning views of the city. The Old State Capitol, a Gothic-style landmark, now serves as a museum showcasing Louisiana’s political history. The USS Kidd Veterans Museum, a preserved World War II destroyer, provides a fascinating glimpse into military history. The Magnolia Mound Plantation and Rural Life Museum offer a deeper look into the city’s colonial and antebellum past.
Baton Rouge offers a mix of sports, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can take a scenic walk along the Mississippi Riverfront, explore the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, or visit the Knock Knock Children’s Museum for family-friendly fun. Sports fans can experience the excitement of LSU Tigers football at Tiger Stadium, known for its legendary game-day atmosphere. The city hosts major annual events like the Mardi Gras parades, Baton Rouge Blues Festival, and Bayou Country Superfest. Whether you’re here for college sports, local history, or nightlife, this page provides everything you need to enjoy Baton Rouge.