Baton Rouge Explore Local With RVshare

Louisiana’s capital and the second largest city in the state, Baton Rouge is as well-known for its stunning Mississippi River views as its urban attractions. A major economic and educational hub of the American southeast, this town is full of fun to get into — and we’re here to help you find it. Here are our favorite things to see, do, and explore in Baton Rouge.

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

As full of urban hustle and bustle as Baton Rouge may be, there are also plenty of incredible green spaces and reserves in the area to explore. Here are some of the best state and national parks and preserves to check out in and around Baton Rouge. 

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

Tucked just 30 miles or so west of town and encompassing a swath of about 25 square miles of wild river swamp, the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge is as fun to visit as it is to say out loud. Along with neotropical songbirds and swallow-tailed kites, this preserved wilderness is also home to white-tailed deer, turkey, and even Louisiana black bear! Keep an eye out while you hike or drive around. 

Fairview-Riverside State Park

Set along the scenic banks of the Tchefuncte River, Fairview-Riverside State Park is a popular place for many locals to head for the weekend, particularly if they’re camping. With an on-site campground offering more than 80 campsites, each of which including both water and electricity hookups, this spot is simultaneously affordable, beautiful, and well-developed. There’s also an on-site museum that dates back to the 1800s. What more could you want?

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

If you’re looking to get seriously out in the boondocks, Lake Fausse Pointe State Park consists of some 6,000 acres of stunning Louisiana countryside, and was once the historic home of the Chitimacha Indians. Over the years, it’s also been inhabited by French and Acadian fur trappers and agriculturalists, and today, it’s one of the most beautiful places available for outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you’re looking to fish, boat, hike, or camp, there’s plenty of space to get lost — in a good way — in this state park.

Tickfaw State Park

Opened in 1999, Tickfaw State Park isn’t the oldest such preserve in Louisiana’s roster… but it’s certainly one of the most popular, and for good reason. Featuring not one or two but four unique and distinct ecosystems, this park allows visitors to explore two different types of hardwood forest, a river habitat, and the surrounding swamplands. It’s also home to wildlife including, but not limited to, alligators, beavers, deer, foxes, and a wide range of bird life. 

It’s not known for hills and mountains, but make no mistake about it: Baton Rouge is an incredible place to take a hike (or two). Here are some of the best hiking trails available in the area for those looking to get their boots on the ground. 

University Lake Trail

At 2.5 miles in length and negligible elevation gain, University Lake Trail is the perfect short and sweet trail for those looking to get acquainted with the great outdoors without making a great big drive to get where they’re going. Constructed of asphalt, brick, and concrete, the paved nature of portions of this tail make it ideal for those using wheelchairs or pushing strollers, and it’s also a popular bike route. Along with views of campus itself, enjoy the scenery and nature surrounding University Lake.

Blackwater Conservation Area

Just over a mile in length and seeing about 30 feet in elevation gain, the rail running through Blackwater Conservation Area is approachable and perfect for families. Known for its beautiful wildflowers as well as the lakeside views and forested areas that make this spot so popular amongst bird- and wildlife-watchers, this trail is easy, nearby, and lovely — which is what we call a win-in-win scenario.

Tickfaw State Park River Loop

If you’re hoping to get more familiar with Tickfaw State Park, check out Tickfaw State Park River Loop, a trail that runs just two miles round trip and sees a mere 16 feet in elevation gain. An easy venture that guides hikers through the variety of lush hardwood forests that characterize this part of the state, this trail is gentle enough for strong kids to tackle and is a great place to look out for wildlife. Do wear some boots though, as portions of this trail are known to get muddy!

Comite Park Trail

If you’re looking for a lovely, leisurely trail to wander, consider Comite Park Trail, tucked away into Comite River Park, located just outside of Baton Rouge proper. Meandering total of just over five miles and seeing approximately 80 feet of elevation gain, this trail is in the easy-to-moderate difficulty category and is frequented by mountain bikers as well as walkers and runners. Enjoy scenic riverside views as well as plush vegetation, and feel free to bring Fids long as he stays on-leash the entire time. 

Bogue Chitto State Park Gorge Run Trail

At nearly six miles round trip and seeing about 250 feet in elevation gain along the way, Bogue Chitto State Park is about as hilly as Louisiana gets… which is to say, still not very. But this pleasantly long yet achievable hike makes for a great opportunity for those looking to get in some outdoor exercise while still remaining in the easy-to-moderately challenging category, and is frequented by trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians as well as hikers. Keep an eye out for the lovely wildflowers that bloom here in the spring and summer seasons! 

If you’re planning to keep up with all the incredible adventures there are for the taking in Baton Rouge, you’re going to get hungry! Good thing this city is as known for its restaurants as it is its vibrant cultural and outdoor attractions. 

Eliza Restaurant

You can’t really say you’ve experienced Louisiana until you’ve chowed down on some good Creole cooking, and if you’re looking for the best place to do so in Baton Rouge, you’re probably looking for Eliza Restaurant. Serving up timeless and satisfying classics in a comfortable yet elegant space, this spot is the best bet for those in search of gumbo, po’boys, local seafood dishes, and more. They also feature a full bar and serve brunch! 

Gino’s Restaurant

Whether it’s date night or just any night, sometimes only Italian will satisfy. Gino’s Restaurant is widely considered one of the best options in town for those looking for Old World eats, thanks to its handcrafted menu items and friendly atmosphere. Family owned and operated, this spot has been a community fixture since the 1960s, so you know they know what they’re doing. From a bowl of minestrone soup to parmigiana entrees to homemade cannolis to top it all off with, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Tsunami Sushi Baton Rouge

Looking for a different kind of seafood experience in the heart of the deep south? Tsunami Sushi Baton Rouge frequently features on the area’s list of best Asian restaurants, particularly for those craving Japanese delights. Along with carefully crafted rolls and nigiri, bento boxes and special grilled dishes are available, such as Thai spaghetti, steak, and pork tonkatsu. 

MJ’s Cafe

This just in: plant-based doesn’t have to mean boring! For those subscribing to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, MJ’S Cafe is a godsend: dedicated to fresh and refreshing plant-based foods like soups, salads, wraps, and a wide range of hot pressed paninis that will impress even your carnivorous friends. Food can feel good and taste good, as visitors to this popular cafe soon discover! 

Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine

If spicy and satisfying sound like the perfect combination, do yourself a favor and take yourself out to Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine, one of the best local Indian restaurants in Baton Rouge. Offering both a la carte favorites and a sumptuous lunch buffet, one thing’s for certain: you won’t leave this spot hungry! 

Whether you’re looking for a quick activity to wake up your weekend or you’re after fun things for couples to do in Baton Rouge, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top picks and tips for fun things to see and do in this town. 

For Kids and Families

Baton Rouge has some great family friendly options to consider! Here are some of the best all-ages activities.

Blue Bayou Water Park & Dixie Landin’

Whether you’re looking to beat the Louisiana heat with a slip down a wet-and-wild water slide, or you’re after some classic fair fun and attractions such as Ferris wheels, roller coasters and more, Blue Bayou Water Park & Dixie Landin’ offer the perfect opportunities to get away from it all, be it for an afternoon, a weekend, or a whole summer. Along with the rides, this spot offers games, events, and concessions to keep the whole family entertained and ready for more! 

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

Originally opened back in 1970, Baton Rouge Zoo, owned and operated by the Recreation and Park Commission of East Baton Rouge Parish, has been a place for animals and people to connect for literally half a century — and you can tell they know what they’re doing as soon as you step foot on the property. Home to approximately 800 animals including both common and endangered varieties, this park also offers educational events and programming to get the whole family geared up about the great outdoors. 

At Night

Looking for things to do once the hot Louisiana sun has set? Here are some of our favorite after-hours options in Baton Rouge.

Highland Road Park Observatory

Although the bright lights of the big city might make it quite difficult to make out many stars, just a short drive out of town you can find yourself at the Highland Road Park Observatory, which offers the public a unique opportunity to gaze into the heavens using its high-powered telescope. Events and programming help even amateurs and laypeople get more familiar with all things outer space. It’s a great alternative for date night! 

Dead Poet

Don’t worry — a trip to Baton Rouge’s Dead Poet doesn’t mean setting foot into a classroom, even one helmed by Robin Wiliams. Rather, this iconic community bar and pub is known for its comforting atmosphere and rolicking live entertainment and music choices. Belly up for a beer or a cocktail and check out some of the best acts in town. 

Cheap and Free Things to Do in Baton Rouge

Don’t want to take out a second mortgage to get familiar with Baton Rouge? You don’t have to. Here are some of the coolest affordable things to do in town. In fact, some are entirely free! 

Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum 

While rural farm life might not be the Baton Rouge we know and love today, it certainly helped the town get where it is… and is still a critical part of how our nation feeds and maintains itself. Louisiana State University’s Rural Life Museum offers a unique peek into how this important practice has evolved over the ages, preserving tools and artifacts from 19th and 19th century homesteaders and growers. 

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

While Baton Rouge is still the capital of the state, today, government affairs take place in a different building — but the Old State Capitol is still open to the public. A living museum and Gothic architecture gem in the deep south, the Capitol offers free admission and a variety of educational and entertaining programming to help the whole family learn more. 

Barton Arboretum

Looking for a place to take a beautiful afternoon walk? Tucked onto the campus of Louisiana State University, Barton Arboretum offers a lovely example of southern landscaping, including ponds surrounded by palmetto palms, a vast camellia collection, and more. Footpaths criss-cross the property and are free to meander, creating the perfect way to while away a sunny afternoon. 

BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center 

A nature park consisting of 103 acres maintained by the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to get familiar with this one-of-a-kind ecosystem that’s endemic to the American south. Fun and entertaining events and programming get kids an up close and personal view of the world around them while teaching them about why that world is so incredible. They’ll discover it all with their own two eyes and hands! 

Spas in Baton Rouge

Need some “me” time? Don’t we all! Here are some of the best day spas and salons in Baton Rouge for those days when you just need to let everything melt away. 

The Retreat

True to its name, The Retreat is a day spa in Baton Rouge that allows for a reprieve from day-to-day life in the form of a variety of therapeutic services, from massage in a wide range of modalities to facials and skincare, beautifying and restorative services for the nails and teeth, hair removal and so much more. Spa packages and specials make it possible to get even more beautifying and relaxing bang for your buck, and couples’ options make for great gifts and romantic getaways. 

Studio Gabriella

Sometimes, it just is true: nothing can improve your mood, or even change your whole perspective, as quickly as a great haircut. Studio Gabriella offers not only cutting-edge hair cutting services, but also coloring, styling, extensions, highlights, and so much more. If you’re feeling the need to absolutely transform, trust the professionals at this great salon to help you do it

Best Gyms & Yoga Studios

Along with helping you look better and stay physically healthy, working out can have a major impact on your mental health. Here are some of the best gyms and yoga studios in the Baton Rouge area for those who want to work it all out. 

Iron Tribe Fitness

Need a gym that’s got it all? As Iron Tribe Fitness’s name suggests, this fitness center is about more than just great equipment — although you’ll find that there, too. Rather, this motivating space is populated by a professional and caring staff of trainers and guides who will help you through group classes, one-on-one programming, and plain old community. It’s way easier to meet your goals when you have your whole tribe behind you! 

Yoga Rouge

If you like your yoga a little, shall we say, spicy, Yoga Rouge might be just the right temperature for you. Offering hot power yoga flows that will be sure to get you both stretched out and sweating, this studio is known for its friendly-yet-challenging instructors, minimalistically beautiful appearance, and the opportunity to reach a level of mental and physical fitness you might not have known you could unlock. 

Baton Rouge certainly is lovely… but there are also some wonderful day trippable options in the nearby communities. Here are some options.

New Orleans

Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans? Well, since Baton Rouge is only an hour away, you don’t have to! Head on down to the city to enjoy its stunning live music and convivial atmosphere… all while being able to get home before things get truly bananas on Bourbon Street for the night. Don’t forget to enjoy some beignets at Cafe Du Monde, though! 

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Baton Rouge that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Baton Rouge? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.