Why Go to Baton Rouge
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
New Orleans may get the spotlight, but Louisiana's capital, about 80 miles to the northwest, has plenty of history, culture and flavor of its own. In the early 1700s, French explorers came upon red-stained cypress poles that local tribes used to mark hunting grounds and named the spot Baton Rouge, French for red stick. Locals still call it Red Stick today, and you can see a Red Stick sculpture on the campus of Southern University.
Baton Rouge is also home to LSU, and game day here is an experience. Visit Mike the Tiger, the university's live mascot, before cheering on the Tigers at Tiger Stadium. History lovers can tour not one but two capitol buildings, including the towering Art Deco State Capitol, and step back in time at the LSU Rural Life Museum.
Baton Rouge has a more relaxed feel than New Orleans, but it delivers on Cajun food, unique history and lively Mardi Gras celebrations, and it's close to some of the best swamp tours in the state. I'll plan a weekend around game day or combine it with New Orleans and Cajun Country.
BEST FOR
History enthusiasts, college football fans and Louisiana food lovers
BEST MONTHS
March–April and October–November
EXPLORE
Start in the central visitor district, then group nearby attractions to reduce driving time. Check individual opening hours and accessibility before visiting.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Baton Rouge
North America › Southeast › USA › Louisiana
Riverfront history, Cajun flavors and LSU traditions.
Historical & Heritage
River
Culinary
University
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
See the Capitol and Old State Capitol together, then reserve an evening for local Louisiana cooking.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check current building and observation-area access before visiting.
Louisiana State Capitol
The landmark state capitol rises above landscaped grounds and traces Louisiana’s political history.
Step inside if tours are operating; the interior is as memorable as the exterior.
Louisiana Old State Capitol
A striking Gothic Revival landmark overlooking the Mississippi, now used to interpret the state’s political past.
Pair this museum with the nearby Capitol grounds.
Capitol Park Museum
Exhibits explore Louisiana music, Mardi Gras, industries and cultural traditions through objects and immersive displays.
Allow plenty of time outdoors and dress for the weather.
LSU Rural Life Museum
Historic structures and exhibits examine the rural life and material culture of Louisiana’s past.
The veterans museum remains open while the USS KIDD is in Houma for drydock repairs; ship boarding is unavailable until the vessel returns.
USS Kidd Veterans Museum
A riverfront military-history museum associated with the World War II destroyer USS Kidd; the ship has been away for restoration.
A stylish hotel in a former bank building near the riverfront and state government district.
Watermark Baton Rouge, Autograph Collection
Downtown Baton Rouge
Boutique · City
A historic full-service hotel with Mississippi River views and downtown access.
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
Downtown riverfront
City
An upscale hotel near shopping and restaurants in southern Baton Rouge.
Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel
Bluebonnet / South Baton Rouge
City
A campus-adjacent hotel convenient for Louisiana State University visits.
The Cook Hotel & Conference Center
LSU campus
City · Value
A boutique property close to the Shaw Center and walkable downtown dining.
Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown
Downtown Baton Rouge
City · Value
A casino resort on the Mississippi with a rooftop pool.
L'Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge
South Baton Rouge
City
Two-room suites with free breakfast, good for families.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baton Rouge
Midtown
Family · City
A peaceful B&B on wooded grounds close to LSU.
The Stockade Bed & Breakfast
Near LSU
Boutique
A practical, good-value hotel near shopping and dining.
Hyatt Place Baton Rouge/I-10
Midtown
Value
A good-value hotel near the State Capitol and riverfront.
Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge Downtown
Downtown
Value · City
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Baton Rouge
High 71°F · Low 48°F · Rain 3.9 in
Pleasant fall weather and tailgating season make November lively.
Spring and fall are generally most comfortable for walking and outdoor sightseeing. Summers are hot and humid; LSU home-game weekends can drive lodging demand and traffic.
Best Times to Visit Baton Rouge
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Downtown offers lunch spots and riverfront evenings, while Mid City has locally loved restaurants and cafés. Try gumbo, boudin and Louisiana seafood, but check opening days in advance.
06
River and Historic Excursions
Trips to rural heritage sites may require a guided tour or lengthy drive. Confirm accessibility and opening hours.
05
Taxis and Rideshares
Rideshare and taxi options can link hotels and dining districts. Account for traffic around LSU events.
04
Downtown Walking
The riverfront and state capitol precinct are manageable on foot in sections, but summer heat is intense.
03
Rental Cars
A car is useful for museums and parks spread across the metropolitan area and river corridor.
02
Capital Area Transit System
CATS buses serve selected urban corridors. Check current schedules and whether your itinerary is covered.
01
Baton Rouge Airport
BTR is the regional airport north of town. Prebook a road transfer or rental car.
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) has limited routes; New Orleans airport is another option with a longer drive. A car or rideshare is the easiest way to link downtown, LSU and outlying museums.
Getting Around Baton Rouge
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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