The first time I visited Louisiana I knew I was experiencing someplace truly unique. I went to Jazz Fest in New Orleans and besides the great music one of my favorite memories of the trip was trying all the delicious new foods like etouffee, po’boys, and boudin. Later when I moved to Austin Texas I kept hearing great things about Lafayette Louisiana and when I finally got to visit I was smitten. While both cities have a relaxed vibe with a focus on great music and food Lafayette is smaller and not as crowded with tourists.

If you want to experience Cajun and Creole culture to the max then you’ll want to plan a visit to Lafayette Louisiana, the heart of Cajun Country in Louisiana. In this article I’m sharing some of the best places to experience Cajun and Creole culture and lots of other fun things to do in Lafayette. Discover the music, food, and cultural experiences that make it one of the most unique places to visit in the United States.

I know some people wonder if Lafayette Louisiana is worth visiting, and I can tell you YES! Especially if you are driving on your way to New Orleans. Stop in Lafayette for a day or two. You’ll be surprised with all there is to do in and around Lafayette.

I first visited Lafayette several years ago and I liked the vibe so much I keep on going back. What makes this place so great? I think it all starts with fabulous food and a massively fun music scene plus a laid back vibe and friendly people.

So now let’s dive into the best stuff to do in Lafayette!

 

 

Things to Do in Lafayette

Wondering what to do in Lafayette? Besides stuffing your face with Cajun and Creole food you can explore the Acadian culture in a lot of other ways. Check out the best activities in Lafayette from sun up to late night.

From dining and dancing to looking for alligators or learning a thing or two about Cajun and Creole history in Acadiana. There’s a ton of stuff to do in Lafayette whether you’re into history, art, unique food experiences, outdoor fun, or music and dancing.

1.  Eat Creole and Cajun Food

I’m starting this list of things to do in Lafayette with food because if you want to get acquainted with Lafayette you should start with the food. Creole and Cajun food is a blend of many food traditions including French, Native American, Spanish, West African, and Southern cuisine.

Here are some of the best traditional Cajun and Creole foods to try in Lafayette:

• Gumbo
• Etouffee
• Jambalaya
• Smothered pork chop
• Po’boy
• Red beans and rice
• Boudin
• Crawfish
• Catfish
• Pralines
• Bread pudding

In Lafayette you’ll also find some serious food fusions going on. They will Cajunify everything from sushi to pizza to Mexican food.

I hope you’re hungry because there’s a ton of great food in Lafayette. Southern + Cajun + Creole cuisine makes for a beautiful relationship.

And I feel an obligation to warn you that maybe you’re gonna gain weight and maybe you’re gonna drink too much. What I’m saying is pack the stretchy pants so you have room for your new food baby.

 

 

2.  Take a Food Tour

If Cajun food is something new to you then a food tour is a great way to get to know more about the various ingredients and it’s a fun way to learn about the local history and culture.

This Lafayette food tour will take you around to some great Cajun places and includes food from at least 5 different eateries. If you’re traveling by yourself to Lafayette and you’re not keen on dining alone then a food tour is an easy way to meet other people and you’ll have a local guide sharing stories and info making for a really cool experience.

3.  Try the French Pastries

In Lafayette you will find one of the most wonderful pastry shops around. Poupart’s Bakery has served authentic French pastries since 1967 when Mr. Francois Poupart set up his bake shop in Lafayette.

This is also the place to order Mardi Gras King Cakes, and of course they serve traditional French King Cake, a puff pastry with almond filling.

At Poupart’s everything is beautifully displayed and makes you want to order one of each gorgeous cake and pastry. They also have very good lunch specials, my favorite is their soup and sandwich with a pastry for dessert.

Address: 1902 W Pinhook Rd | Tues – Sat 7 am to 5:45 pm | Sun 7 am to 4 pm | Mon closed

4.  Best Stop for Cracklins (and Boudin)

If you are diving to Lafayette then be sure to make a small detour on the way to visit the Best Stop Supermarket in Scott (less than 8 miles west of Lafayette). This is the place to try some fabulous Louisiana foods such as cracklins and boudin (pronounced BOO-dan).

What are cracklins and what is boudin you ask? Cracklins are fried pieces of pork fat with a bit of meat and skin so the result is a crunchy delicious pork snack. Boudin is traditionally a mixture of cooked pork or beef, rice, onions, peppers, and seasoning stuffed into a sausage-like casing. But you can get all sorts of other flavors of boudin like crawfish, shrimp, chicken, etc.

You can buy cracklins by weight or just ask for $5 or $10 worth. I always get the cracklins for my driving snacks but you can also get excellent boudin and boudin balls at Best Stop as well as a variety of South Louisiana cuisine to take home and cook.

LEARN MORE: Best Places to Visit in Louisiana

5.  Acadian Village

To understand Lafayette you also need to find out about the Acadian culture and history and you can begin with the Acadian Village. This outdoor museum recreates Acadian life from the early 1800’s – visit Acadian Village website for tickets and hours.

If you are in Lafayette in December be sure to go and visit for the Noel Acadien Au Village winter wonderland from 5:30 to 9 pm every evening.

Closed during the month of November except for the General Store which is open Tues/Thurs 10 am to 2 pm for holiday shopping.

Address: 200 Greenleaf Drive

6. Alligators at the University Campus

How many universities in the United States (or the world) have alligators on campus? Just one and you’re in luck because the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is where you can visit Cypress Lake to see alligators and other wildlife like bull frogs, turtles and egrets.

There’s a walkway all around the little swamp-like lake and you can stroll around it in about 5 minutes but you’ll want to stop and have a look at the alligators and turtles. When I visited there were two alligators, five turtles, and one egret all sharing the same wooden platform on the lake. I was surprised to see them all hanging out together.

Add this one to your Lafayette to-do list when you want to see something truly unique!

 

 

7.  Acadiana Center for the Arts (ACA)

ACA is an art gallery and performance venue downtown. If you get a chance to attend a concert or any performing arts event at ACA you should jump at that opportunity!

Not a bad seat in the house but they do regularly change up the seating depending on the type of event.

Events regularly sellout so check the calendar and get tickets here for music, dance, and theatrical happenings at ACA.

Now, the art gallery is cool as well because first of all it’s FREE to attend. They also stay open late for Art Walk on the second Saturday of each month.

ACA Gallery showcases Louisiana talent and the gallery is not one of those monstrous size places that you can never see everything. Go and see the art at ACA Gallery for 30 minutes to an hour.

Address: 101 W Vermilion St

8.  Hilliard University Art Museum

Celebrating art and education, Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum is the official name of the gallery. Admission prices and exhibit info here. I love this gallery! It’s big enough to spend a couple hours but small enough that you don’t feel drained trying to see all the exhibits.

While the main focus at Hilliard museum is local art from the South Louisiana region they also have works from Asia, Europe, and all around the world.

Address: 710 E St Mary Blvd | Parking address: 100 Gerard Park Drive | Open Tues – Fri 9 – 5  and Sat 10 – 5

 

 

9.  Lafayette Science Museum

Are you into learning about geology, paleontology, marine biology, and exploring outer space? Maybe a visit to Lafayette Science Museum is in your future.

Featuring interactive exhibits you get to explore science in a hands-on kind of way, perfect for curious kids of all ages. Seriously, hands-on exhibits are the best! The Lafayette Science Museum makes science fun and educational.

Address: 433 Jefferson St

10.  Parc Sans Souci

Located in downtown Lafayette this is one of the places that is always busy around festival season in Lafayette. It’s a good place to take a moment and relax. And for those with children there’s a new an accessible and inclusive playground under construction at Parc Sans Souci in 2023, it should be finished before the end of the year.

You must visit Parc Sans Souci and get your picture taken at the big LAFA ETTE sign – you stand in for the Y in Lafayette.

Remind me to get MY picture taken next time! And there’s also a splash fountain for the kids to have some fun.

Address: 201 E Vermilion St

 

 

11.  Moncus Park

Formerly a horse farm (and often referred to as “the horse farm” by locals), Moncus Park is a beautiful green space along Johnston Street in Lafayette. On Saturdays the local Farmers and Artisans Market is open from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. This is a great place to buy local hand-made artworks and get delicious food.

At Moncus Park there’s a splash pad and playground for kids plus trails and a pond so it’s a great place to relax or walk/jog a few laps in a beautiful setting.

Address: 2913 Johnston Street

12.  Freetown Port-Rico Historic District

Take a walk from downtown to the historic district of Freetown Port-Rico where you’ll find eateries, art studios, and Maison Freetown African American History Museum. The neighborhood dates back to before the Civil War when freed people of color settled in the area, hence the name Freetown.

Besides the African American History Museum you will also find historic buildings and markers in the neighborhood such as Lee A Butler House and Butler’s Drug Store commemorating Lee A. Butler, a physician and pharmacist who owned the L. A. Butler’s Drug Store.

Check out Gary’s Breakfast Burgers & Plate Lunches (6:30 – 2 pm Mon – Fri) and Acadian Superette (11 – 2 pm Tue – Sat) even if you’re not hungry yet because once you get there you’ll decide you are indeed hungry :)

 

 

13.  Acadian Cultural Center Jean Lafitte National Historic Park

One of the best free things to do in Lafayette is visit the Acadian Culture Center.

Located at one of the six sites in South Louisiana that comprise the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, the Lafayette Acadian Cultural Center is an excellent starting point for learning about Cajun culture and history.

Watch the film The Cajun Way: Echoes of Acadia – a 35-minute film about the Acadians journey from Nova Scotia to Louisiana.

Check their calendar of events page for Ranger talks, boat tours, walking tours and more.

Address: 501 Fisher Rd

 

 

14.  Vermilionville Historic Village

Vermilionville Village is a living history museum, it’s a real gem of Lafayette and one of my favorite tourist spots to visit. Their goal is to preserve Acadian, Creole, and Native American culture in the Attakapas region from 1765 to 1890.

 

 

When you go to Vermilionville you’ll see seven restored original homes from South Louisiana. What I love most about Vermilionville are the costumed artisans that provide demos by working on crafts in the houses.

 

 

Another favorite thing at Vermilionville is the Petit Bayou Ferry. The video below is me when I ferried myself and a couple of other people across le petit bayou! This is how people got across the bayou when there was no bridge over the water.

Address: 300 Fisher Rd | Hours: Tues – Sun 10 am to 4 pm

 

15.  Dance to Cajun and Zydeco Music

When you’re looking for fun things to do in the evening in Lafayette you’ll definitely should try a little two-stepping to the Cajun and Zydeco beat.

But hey, why limit it to nighttime? You can actually dance at breakfast too! It’s a Louisiana thing!

There’s plenty more places, but here’s a few to get you started dancing in Lafayette.

Blue Moon Saloon – Cajun jam every Wednesday starting at 9 pm. They also have a guest house so you can drink and dance and sleep all at the same location – party on!

Address: 215 E Convent

Buck & Johnny’s – Zydeco Breakfast every Saturday in Breaux Bridge from 8 – 11 am break the fast and dance to the Zydeco beat.

If that’s too early in the day for moving your feet so much then check out Buck & Johnny’s on Thursday night with Yvette Landry and Richard Comeaux or Friday night with Doyle Tauzin. Both of these weekly events run from 7 to 10:00 pm.

Address: 100 Berard St, Breaux Bridge – pronounced ‘bro bridge’ in case you were wondering :)

Rock’N’Bowl Lafayette – Live music + bowling = FUN! If you’re looking for fun things to do at night and can’t decide to go bowling or go out dancing – do both! Lafayette’s Rock”N’Bowl is open Wednesday to Sunday.

 

 

16.  Buy Local Souvenirs

Here are some of my favorite shops in Lafayette and places to buy local stuff. There’s probably someone waiting on a souvenir from you, so why not surprise them with something unique and hand crafted?!

Just remember that Monday is not the best day to go souvenir shopping in Lafayette as many places are closed. If you miss out, then check out the websites and order online!

Remember when you’re listening and dancing to all that great music in Lafayette to buy merch from the artists at the gigs. It’s great karma and you’ll have an original souvenir from Louisiana.

Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market – Saturdays at Moncus Park, a 100-acre green space, formerly a horse farm. Moncus Park also has walking and biking trails, a Veterans memorial, amphitheater, and off-leash dog park, playground, and fishing pier.

Address: 2913 Johnston St | Saturdays 8 am til noon

Lagniappe Records – New and used vinyl records with a specialty in rare Louisiana 45’s and 78’s, world music. Check the website for in store events. Go feed your vinyl habit!

Address: 311-B Jefferson St | Tues – Sat 11 am to 6 pm | Sun 11 – 3 | Mon closed

Parish Ink – This is the place to buy original and cool souvenir t-shirts, accessories and other fun stuff. From their website “Our designs express the cultural nuances of our homeland through vibrant color and a whole lotta love for our homeland.”

From their “I wanna be loved bayou” onesies to big people t-shirts they’ve got you covered. They also have stickers, art cards, flags, and other souvenir items. I always stock up on stickers here because they have the high quality ones that don’t fade even when sitting in the hot sun. The hood of my car is plastered with stickers from my travels.

Address: 310 Jefferson St | Mon – Sat 10 am to 6 pm | Sun closed

San Souci Fine Crafts Gallery – Featuring artwork from some of the finest artisans in South Louisiana, this downtown shop right next to Parc San Souci should be on your shopping list. Step into the gallery and you’ll find fabulous hand-made pottery, jewelry, photography, woodwork and more.

Address: 219 E Vermilion | Tue – Fri 11 am to 5 pm | Sat 10 am to 4 pm | Sun/Mon closed

 

 

17.  Cool Off at the Pool and Splash Park

The place to really chill during hot summer days is Red’s gym (officially Red Lerille’s Health & Racquet Club). Why?

There are fabulous swimming pools: an outdoor heated lap pool, indoor lap pool, and a second indoor swimming pool, a family pool, and a shallow wading pool for the little kids.

Plus, a hot tub and the cold plunge pool if you really want to cool down. I love swimming laps and then doing the cold plunge pool, apparently it’s good for your muscles. And, surprisingly after the initial shock it feels really good too!

Kids love the big outdoor splash park, complete with water slide. You can purchase a day pass for $20 (no charge for age 5 and under).

There is a restaurant with healthy food choices but there’s also yummy treats like cookies :)

Address: 301 Doucet Rd

 

 

18.  Cool Off with Frozen Treats

Another way to cool off is from the inside out and satisfy your taste buds with frozen treats. Snoballs are an icy sweet summer treat that kids love. This shaved ice in a cup with colorful flavor additions is perfect on hot days. Also known as snowballs or snow cones but in Louisiana it’s usually snoballs.

For those who prefer to cool off with ice cream you can visit the only remaining retail Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe in the world in Lafayette, Louisiana.

And one new-to-me ice cream joint in Lafayette is Sundays Soda Fountain on Jefferson St downtown. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus, if you’re in the mood for a boozy milkshake they have that too!

When you want to kick it up a bit you can also treat yourself to the Louisiana tradition of Drive-Thru Daquiris. What?! Yes, there is drive-thru everything in the South and daquiris are no exception. There is a piece of tape across the straw in the daquiri because yes you do need to WAIT until you are no longer driving before you begin imbibing.

19.  St John’s Cathedral and Big Oak Tree

The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist is the official name and it’s an attractive piece of architecture. And you don’t need to attend mass to go visit the church, they offer tours at St John’s.

Whether you do want to go to mass or take a tour get more info from the Cathedral website.

The other reason to visit the Cathedral is the giant old oak tree. St John’s Cathedral Oak is estimated to be nearly 500 years old.

 

 

Cathedral Oak is a beautiful old oak tree, probably one of the most beautiful live oak tress I’ve ever seen.

I do love the Big Tree down in Rockport Texas too but I have to say Cathedral Oak is more handsome, and should be considering he’s 500 years younger.

Address: 515 Cathedral St

 

 

20.  Acadiana Park Nature Station

When you want to recharge and feel like you’ve left the city without actually leaving the city I recommend a visit to the Acadiana Park Nature Station in Lafayette. Here you can explore nature trails, watch the birds, and learn about nature. And if you have your own kayak or paddle board there is a launch are in the park. There’s a campground here too if you want to really get into nature and sleep under the stars!

The boardwalk trail is wheelchair accessible while other trails are dirt so after heavy rainfall things can get muddy so choose your footwear accordingly.

The Nature Station is a small building filled with a fascinating collection of natural objects and here you can talk with the informative staff about all things nature. Guided nature trail tours are held on several weekends throughout the year.

Address: 1205 E Alexander St | Hours: 8 – 5 Mon-Fri and 11 – 5 Sat/Sun

 

 

 

21.  Murals in Lafayette

While you are walking around downtown Lafayette there are several murals to look for on your wanderings. One of my favorite murals is called Horizon (or most people call it Flying Violins) by Robert Dafford. It’s the one with cypress trees and fiddles over on Vermilion Street at Buchanan.

 

 

And a short walk to Jefferson Street will bring you do the giant Iris mural by Kelli Smith. Continuing west on Jefferson Street to Garfield Street you can see the mural with a giant butterfly and a bird also by Robert Dafford. Several restaurants in downtown Lafayette also have decorative artwork painted on their walls.

 

 

22.  Attend a Music Festival in Lafayette

South Louisiana likes to party! There are dozens of events going on in and around Lafayette every year. Here’s a few of of the most popular annual music events in Lafayette.

Mardi Gras – The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday

Celtic Bayou Festival – In March – around St Patrick’s Day

Festival International de Louisiane – end of April

Festivals Acadiens et Creoles – mid-October

Blackpot Festival and Cookoff – end of October

There are also a couple of cool film fests that happen every year.

Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival – end of January

Southern Screen Film Festival – mid-November

If you’re planning a trip to Lafayette in spring then Festival International de Louisiane is something to consider. But book your accommodations early because this is a super popular event. Instead if you are traveling in the fall then Festivals Acadiens et Creoles in mid-October is a fun event celebrating Acadian and Creole music, food, and art. Again, book your hotel early if you want to attend this event.

Festival International de Louisiane

Last weekend in April

Celebrating culture through music, food and art – my kind of people. And it’s a FREE festival! Living in Austin TX I always dreamed of going to Festival International but never managed to get that trip planned.

If you have the opportunity to go to this event – Just DO it!

The festival takes place at the end of April each year. Venues throughout downtown Lafayette. Check the Festival International website for updates.

Festival International is my favorite of the free festivals in Lafayette.

 

 

Festivals Acadiens et Creoles

Another free music festival in Lafayette! Festival Acadiens et Creoles is a celebration of Cajun and Creole culture through music and art and food. This event is smaller scale than Festival International and I loved attending both events!

Mid-October at Girard Park | Address: 500 Girard Park Dr

 

 

23.  Attend a Food Festival

One of the main things you’ll notice in South Louisiana is that they love to eat great food. And they also love a reason to throw a party so you’ll find a bunch of food festivals in and around Lafayette celebrating everything from rice to po’boys to crawfish.

There’s even a Boudin and Bacon Festival in Lafayette in October. Blackpot Festival and Cookoff celebrates food and music with a fun cooking competition at the end of October takes place at Vermilionville Historic Village.

 

 

24.  Try the Local Beer

I always love trying out the local food and beer when I’m traveling and these days there are craft breweries everywhere so it’s pretty easy to find local brews.

Adopted Dog Brewing is located in Lafayette and yes they have a dog-friendly patio so you can bring your BFF (best four-legged friend) while sipping a brew outdoors.

Bayou Teche Brewing is a family owned brewery in Arnaudville, with a tap room and beer garden right close to its namesake bayou. They’re the makers of Rajin’ Cajuns Ale which is of course the perfect beer for watching the Rajin’ Cajuns football team. You don’t have to go all the way to Arnaudville to find Bayou Teche beer but it is a cool little town about 30 minutes north of Lafayette and well worth visiting.

Parish Brewing is located in Broussard (a few miles from Lafayette) but you’ll find a few of their beers like Canebrake, Envie, and Ghost in the Machine in a lot of bars and restaurants around town. Also, available at convenience stores and grocery stores.

 

 

25.  Live Music and Comedy in Lafayette

Besides all the music festivals in Lafayette you have several other options for enjoying live music, dancing, karaoke, and some stand-up comedy. There’s lots of things to do in the evening hours.

Artmosphere – This is a fab place to catch some local music and do some dancing, or hang out in the outdoor seating area.

Address: 902 Johnston St – music events almost every night – check the website for details

Blue Moon Saloon – Popular back porch outdoor venue for live music (mostly Wed through Sun) featuring a mix of local talent and touring musicians. You’ll have a good time!

Address: 215 E Convent St

Wurst Biergarten – Outdoor beer garden with comedy nights, trivia nights, and food trucks along with a food menu at the bar. They also do live music events – check their Facebook page for info. And besides beer they also have kombucha, ciders, wine, and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. This is a family friendly and dog friendly venue :)

Address: 537 Jefferson St

 

 

Best Day Trips from Lafayette

In any direction from Lafayette you can visit cute small towns each with their own character and local eateries and easy to walk around to explore. There’s also an abundance of natural habitats if you are in the mood to spend time with nature and do some hiking, fishing, or birdwatching.

Here are four of the top day trips from Lafayette for you to explore more of the gorgeous Louisiana landscape and culture. But there are lots more cool one-day excursions, you can check out my full list of best day trips from Lafayette.

26.  Lake Martin and Breaux Bridge

20 minute drive from Lafayette

Lake Martin is great for birdwatching, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, or a swamp tour. Did you want to see alligators in the wild? Yes, there are alligators at Lake Martin. I have seen them sunning along the shore when I went for a walk and also when I went kayaking.

Lake Martin is about a 20 minute drive east of Lafayette. And Breaux Bridge is on the way from Lafayette so you may as well stop in and say hello.

Buck & Johnny’s Zydeco Breakfast is the place to be in Breaux Bridge on a Saturday morning from 8 to 11:30 am. Put on your dancing shoes and shuffle out to the dance floor.

If you love donuts and kolaches then don’t miss Cajun Market and Donut Company, they have the cool “Welcome to Breaux Bridge” mural. You can also get your Crawfish fix in Breaux Bridge and then walk it off with this walking tour.

 

 

27.  Avery Island

30 minute drive from Lafayette

Visit the Tabasco factory for a tour. Also visit Bird City, Jungle Gardens, and Rip Van Winkle Gardens.

The Tabasco tour is fun and educational. You get to learn about the history of Tabasco sauce, how they pick the peppers, how it is made, stored in barrels while it ages, and you also get to try samples. Also plan to spend some time at Bird City in Jungle Gardens at Avery Island where you can see great white egrets and maybe even some alligators.

Close to Avery Island (about 10 miles away) the Rip Van Winkle Gardens and historic house built in 1870 is also worth a visit while you’re in the area. It’s a beautiful setting and you may see peacocks wandering around the property. If you’re hungry there is a cafe onsite as well.

 

 

28.  Eunice

45 minute drive from Lafayette

Eunice is one of the best day trips from Lafayette when you want to learn know more about Cajun culture and history. Go to Savoy Music Center for a Cajun jam session from 9 til noon on Saturdays. This is a free event but if you bring a little boudin or beer for the musicians they wouldn’t mind :)

Visit the Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Be sure to visit Prairie Cajun Cultural Center on Saturday afternoons for Cajun music and dancing, then enjoy a cooking demo – all FREE. Note: As of this writing the Prairie Cajun Cultural Center is temporarily closed so check the website for updates.

 

 

29.  St Martinville

30 minute drive from Lafayette

Visit the Evangeline Oak, Acadian Memorial, African American Museum, and Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site. There is no shortage of great places to eat in St Martinville. Grab a bite at The Brown Skillet II,  Clambeaugh’s, Graton Eatery, or St John Restaurant.

 

30.  Seasonal Events in Lafayette

Some of the best events in Lafayette are the free seasonal programs throughout the year.

Bach Lunch – March/April and October/November downtown concert series every Friday. Local restaurants sell boxed lunches starting at 11:00. The music starts at noon and is free to attend.

Location: Parc San Souci 201 E Vermilion St

Downtown Alive! – Spring/Fall – Outdoor concert series every Friday starting at 6 pm. Family friendly fun for FREE on Fridays! Check out the Downtown Alive lineup. There are food trucks (plus beer + wine + cocktails) at the event. Bring a chair or dance away the evening. The event goes until around 9 pm, then there’s usually a designated after party bar location downtown.

Location: Parc International at 200 Garfield St

Movies in the Parc – From October through December you can attend this family friendly event featuring free movies at Parc San Souci including Dr Seuss’ The Grinch in December.

Location: Parc San Souci 201 E Vermilion St

Second Saturday Art Walk – This is the perfect event to get to know your way around the downtown shops and galleries, meet some locals, buy local artwork, plus check out some of the local cuisine and libations.

Location: Various venues downtown. When: 2nd Saturday of each month

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That completes the list of 30 things to do so now let’s jump into some other practical information about visiting Lafayette.

Getting to Lafayette Louisiana

You can fly direct to Lafayette (LFT) or fly into New Orleans (MSY) and drive 135 miles (217 km) to Lafayette, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours from New Orleans.

From Houston Texas to Lafayette the drive is about 3 hours, and from Austin it takes from 5 to 6 hours, depending on whether you stop for breakfast tacos on the way :)

Amtrak offers service  3 times a week from New Orleans to Lafayette – check the schedule here.

Greyhound bus line provides service to Lafayette LA – check the schedule and prices here.

Both the Amtrak and Greyhound station are located at 100 Lee Ave in downtown Lafayette.

Where to Stay in Lafayette

Downtown is a convenient place to stay because there’s plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance.

Book your hotel room in Lafayette. You can sort by budget, star rating, type of accommodation you’re looking for and see photos, plus read the reviews and get all the details about each place. Also check out my list of downtown accommodation options below.

Hotels near downtown Lafayette

Blue Moon Saloon and Guest House – Private rooms, dorm rooms, or rent the whole place. Free drink ticket for you when there are events at Blue Moon. LUS Fiber high-speed internet. Use of the piano, kitchen, book library, and free admission to all shows during your stay. Check out the rooms and prices here

Hilton Garden Inn Cajundome – As the name suggests this hotel is located by the Cajundome and Convention Center. Featuring an indoor pool, gym, and onsite restaurant. Book your room now!

The Juliet Hotel – I stopped by to take a look and it’s definitely a great location. There’s free breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi included plus they have an outdoor swimming pool.

Mouton Plantation – This 7-room Bed & Breakfast is conveniently located on a quiet street close to downtown. Read what guests love about staying here and book your room now!

More hotels in Lafayette

FAQ Lafayette Louisiana

Where is Lafayette LA?

Lafayette is in the middle of South Louisiana (SOLA). Does that help? Louisiana is shaped like a boot and Lafayette is kinda where the arch of the boot is located. Not helping? Google Maps to the rescue!

Do I Need a Car in Lafayette?

For convenience it’s best to have a car but you can easily use ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft to get around in Lafayette. Also, if you are staying downtown you can get around easily by walking or riding a bike and then use ride-share for late night or rainy weather.

Is Lafayette LA Worth Visiting?

Absolutely emphatically YES!!! Aside from the happy friendly people, fantastic food, and awesome music, Lafayette is the heart of Cajun Country so there is much to explore around Lafayette.

There’s the history of the Acadians from the areas now known as Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to South Louisiana. They brought their traditional recipes, music, and folklore and that’s a big part of what makes the region of Louisiana known as Acadiana such an interesting (and FUN!) place to visit.

You know the French like to have a party, right? Well the Cajun French kept that tradition going and that’s why you’ll hear the phrase Laissez les bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll) when you’re in Cajun Country.

Does everyone speak French in Lafayette LA?

No, not everyone, just the cool people haha! If you are traveling to Louisiana from France or Quebec Canada you will find lots of people speak French.

It’s not Parisian French and it’s not Quebecois French, it’s Cajun French! French speakers will feel welcome in Acadiana.

 

 

How Many Days in Lafayette?

I suggest at least 3 days in Lafayette, it’s a great choice for a long weekend getaway. But if you want to explore the area and really delve into Cajun culture you need a whole week in Lafayette, maybe more if you want to do a bunch of day trips.

You could rent a car and make it a cool vacation road trip from Austin to Houston to Lafayette to New Orleans :)

And speaking of cars, you can get by in Lafayette without a car if you want to use Uber rideshare to get around. I met a couple that didn’t bother renting a car – instead walking or using Uber everywhere in Lafayette. From downtown Lafayette to the airport it’s about a 10-minute drive.

What’s the Weather Like in Lafayette?

Sometimes sunny and sometimes rainy but almost always on the humid side. It’s great for your complexion. Makes my face look at least 5 years younger when I’m in South Louisiana :)

Lafayette Louisiana is in the humid subtropical region of the Southern USA, so the summers are hot and humid, winters warm with some rain (okay sometimes torrential downpour!), spring and fall bring the most pleasant weather.

I’ve been to Lafayette in the months of October, November, December, January, February, March, April, and May and would recommend visiting during those months. It starts getting a bit too hot for me right around the end of May. But if you love hot and humid, you’ll love summer in Lafayette! And, there’s air-conditioning :)

Have fun in Lafayette, it’s hard not to :)

 

 

 

 

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