28 Best & Fun Things To Do In Baton Rouge (Louisiana)

New Orleans might be the most famous city in Louisiana, but people are catching on to the wonders of its capital city.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana sits along the Mississippi River and is one of the best cities in the whole south.

These are 28 of the best and most fun things you can do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

1. Louisiana Art & Science Museum

One of the best things to do in Baton Rouge if you have a curious mind is to go to the Louisiana Art & Science Museum.

You can learn great things about each topic.

Plus, the building is gorgeous and historic, starting off as a railway station, first completed in 1925.

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum has lots of fun attractions and exhibitions.

You can learn about the very-far past at the Ancient Egypt exhibit.

Want to learn about things beyond our planet?

You owe it to yourself to check out one of their incredible planetarium shows.

When you’re looking for enriching stuff to do in Baton Rouge, you won’t be disappointed.

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum shines a light on some of the most fascinating topics.

It’s open on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children, ages three to 12, and seniors.

Address: 100 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, United States

2. Alex Box Stadium

Alex Box Stadium is a remarkable Baton Rouge attraction with a very moving backstory.

Simeon Alexander Box played for the LSU Tigers baseball team before he was killed while serving in World War II.

His memory has been preserved with one of the loveliest college stadiums in the nation.

This stadium is actually preceded by another one with the same name.

The current Alex Box Stadium was completed in 2009.

More than 10,000 baseball fans can fit here and cheer on the Tigers.

Alex Box Stadium is one of the loveliest Baton Rouge attractions.

It really shows how much a community cares about people, even after they’ve passed.

Check it off your Baton Rouge sightseeing list by coming here for a game.

Address: Gourrier Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, United States

3. Baton Rouge Zoo

One of the most fun things to do in Baton Rouge is to go to the zoo.

You’ll feel like you’re going on safari around the world.

There are so many beautiful animals with so many unique characteristics here.

The zoo also does a great job with education and conservation.

This zoo was first opened on Easter Sunday in 1970.

Soon, it became a sensation in the area.

All of their animals, from the tigers, to the ostriches, to the zebras, have the means to thrive.

They also celebrate creativity among visitors, with their annual “Art Gone Wild” contest.

You don’t want to miss out on the Baton Rouge Zoo.

It’s a great source of entertainment as well as learning.

It’s open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is $8.75 for adults and teens, $7.75 for seniors, and $5.75 for children, ages two to 12.

Address: 3601 Thomas Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, United States

4. Shaw Center for the Arts

The Shaw Center for the Arts isn’t just one of the best Baton Rouge attractions for entertainment and culture.

It also houses some of these most amazing attractions.

Within this complex, you’ll find places to lift your spirits and expand your mind.

The Shaw Center for the Arts is 125,000 square feet, and it makes good use of every single inch.

Here, you can tour the LSU Museum of Art, Manship Theatre, and even eat sushi at a rooftop restaurant.

The architecture of this building is also stunning.

Its see-through glass exterior should have you immediately peeking inside, eager to see what’s going on.

One of the top things to do in Baton Rouge is to visit or attend an event at the Shaw Center for the Arts.

Its points of interest like these which are helping to keep the culture alive in the United States.

The Shaw Center for the Arts is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Tuesdays to Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: 100 Lafayette St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, United States

5. Louisiana State Capitol

The Louisiana State Capitol is one of the biggest tourist attractions for multiple reasons.

Its importance as the Louisiana seat of government is clear.

However, there’s also the incredible design.

You may be astonished by how amazing this capitol building is.

You don’t often see capitol buildings like this one, which is more like a skyscraper.

Its 450 feet tall, reaching heights greater than any other capitol building in the nation.

Completed in the early 1930s, it deftly captures the Art Deco styles of the era.

The Louisiana State Capitol is one of the best things to see in downtown Baton Rouge.

The outside is one of the best places to take pictures, but we also recommend exploring the inside.

Book a group tour to learn more about this building and Louisiana’s governing.

It’s open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Address: 900 N 3rd St b170, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States

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6. Bistro Byronz

French influence is so important to Baton Rouge and the rest of Louisiana.

There’s no better way to experience it than by trying some French food at a place like Bistro Byronz.

This eatery is both intimate and friendly.

Visit for lunch, dinner, or brunch and you’ll find some great things to eat.

Bistro Byronz also does southern and creole cooking right.

Their poboys and étoufée are among the best you’ll ever find.

Each menu item finds them bringing out the best in each ingredient.

When people talk about food made with love, they’re talking about Bistro Byronz.

Bistro Byronz is one of the top places to go for a great meal in Baton Rouge.

There are multiple locations throughout the city, including Pizza Byronz.

After a day of activities, it’s great to unwind at Bistro Byronz.

Address: 8200 Village Plaza Ct, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, United States

7. Old Governor’s Mansion

Another one of the most significant Baton Rouge attractions is the Old Governor’s Mansion.

Build when famed politician Huey P. Long was governor, the Old Governor’s Mansion is a marvel of Louisiana construction.

It’s a great building that has housed generations of leaders.

Although the Old Governor’s Mansion was also used as a residence from 1930 to 1963, it’s still a very important part of the state.

Supposedly, Governor Long modeled it after the White House.

It’s hard not to notice the similarities, especially when you see the Corinthian columns decorating the outside.

Taking a tour of this revered home and institution is one of the best things to do in Baton Rouge.

The Old Governor’s Mansion may no longer be a home, but its importance has not been diminished.

It’s open for tours Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the last tour beginning at 3 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, ages 62 and up, and $8 for students, from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Address: 502 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States

8. Louisiana Museum of Natural History

Some of the most amazing Louisiana attractions spent millions of years buried under dirt.

The Louisiana Museum of Natural History showcases all sorts of great pieces from different times.

It’s the kind of place that really shows how much there is to learn, even without written documents.

Louisiana State University’s 16 incredible natural history exhibitions all came together for this museum.

Areas like the Vascular Plant Herbarium and the Vertebrate Paleontology Collection offer unique insights.

Nearly three million specimens can be seen here.

While you might not be able to see every unit, and certainly not every specimen, you should still have a great time here.

The Louisiana Museum of Natural History is one of the best places to go if you’re interested in things like paleontology.

It’s open from Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There’s no cost for admission.

Address: Murphy J. Foster Hall, 119 Dalrymple Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States

9. Old Arsenal Museum

When you’re in Baton Rouge, you’ll quickly learn that “old” doesn’t mean “obsolete.”

The Old Arsenal Museum certainly has a lot of wear-and-tear.

However, when you learn more about its history, you’ll better understand its condition, as well as its importance.

Federal troops stayed here during the Battle of Baton Rouge, a Civil War conflict.

It was originally known as “the Powder Magazine.”

The Old Arsenal Museum is decorated with vintage graffiti, which offers insights into how these soldiers felt.

You can also learn about its former role as a powder magazine.

Visiting this place is what to do in Baton Rouge if you’re interested in Civil War history.

The Old Arsenal Museum is open on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There’s no charge for admission.

Address: 900 Capitol Lake Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States

10. Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Swamps get a bad rap.

Sure, they might not be as idyllic as the beach or a well-manicured park, but they’re still gorgeous in their own ways.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center brings you to the strange beauty of these habitats.

It’s also got plenty of forest, giving you other things to appreciate.

More than 100 acres make up Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center.

Among the biggest attractions is the animals.

There are ones roaming around outside, ones housed inside the massive building located on the property.

Some of the animals you can see are rabbits, coyotes, deer, foxes, and hundreds of types of birds.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center gives visitors a chance to appreciate nature and better understand the importance of conservation.

It’s open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors and college students, and $2 for children, ages three to 17.

Address: 10503 N Oak Hills Pkwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, United States

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11. Capitol Park Museum

If you’re looking to learn about this state, Capitol Park Museum is the place to be.

Louisiana’s rich history is explored thoroughly here.

The Capitol Park Museum shows how much crucial history has happened here, as well as how it informs the present.

Louisiana’s story is an American story but also one that stands on its own.

The Capitol Park Museum teaches about the people who have made up this state, including those who were enslaved and oppressed through segregation and Jim Crow laws.

All of these stories, from the 1953 bus boycott to the development of different music styles, are important.

Some aspects of this history are troubling, but the Capitol Park Museum shows how important it is to know and learn from history.

You can visit between Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for students, seniors, and active military members.

Children, ages six and younger, get in for free.

Address: 660 N 4th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States

12. Red Stick Farmers Market

The Red Stick Farmers Market is a very fun place to shop and hang out in Baton Rouge.

This market actually has seven locations throughout the city, each with its own charms and top-notch produce.

If you’re staying with friends and want to wow them with an amazing dish, pick up supplies at one of these markets.

The number of markets open depends on the time of year.

However, you can always count on finding items that are both delicious and local.

In addition to the produce, you can also find wonderful meats, seafood, cheeses, pickles, and honey, among other high-quality selections.

The Red Stick Farmers Market lets you see how great Louisiana produce is.

Fill up your shopping bag with as many selections as possible, and turn them into something incredible.

These markets are open on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Address: 501 N 5th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States

13. USS KIDD Veterans Museum

The USS KIDD is a destroyer, named in honor of Pearl Harbor victim Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd, Sr.

Although it’s been out-of-commission since 1964, its legacy lives on at the USS KIDD Veterans Museum.

This attraction lets you explore this incredible vessel and see how well it served this country.

Used as a museum since 1983, the USS KIDD is still in remarkably good condition.

Some renovations priors to the museum’s opening helped to make this ship look as it did when it first launched.

A vessel like this is simply too good to waste, even if it’s no longer being used in battle.

Going to the USS KIDD Veterans Museum is one of the best things to do in downtown Baton Rouge if you want to see an amazing destroyer.

It’s open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Admission is $12.53 for adults, $10.45 for veterans and seniors, ages 60 and up, and $8.36 for children.

Address: 305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States

14. LSU Hilltop Arboretum

One of the most fun attractions in Baton Rouge is the LSU Hilltop Arboretum.

This was a gift from Emory Smith to the university.

Today, the LSU Hilltop Arboretum is an immaculate sight, a haven for people looking to relax and enjoy nature.

In addition to relaxation, with its many gorgeous plants, this arboretum also offers plenty of great learning opportunities.

You can learn about these species and how they’re able to thrive.

They also have great programs for both adults and children.

LSU Hilltop Arboretum is one of the top attractions in Baton Rouge.

It’s a colorful and relaxing place that can also teach you a lot.

The LSU Hilltop Arboretum is open every day from dawn to dusk.

There’s no admission fee charged.

Address: 11855 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, United States

15. LSU Museum of Art

As mentioned, the LSU Museum of Art is part of the Shaw Center for the Arts.

This is among the most popular tourist attractions here.

Spectacular art from the region and around the world is displayed here.

The LSU Museum of Art was first opened in 1962 and became part of the Shaw Center in 1962.

This is the lone dedicated art museum in Baton Rouge.

However, you might not need any others, given how incredible this one is.

Among the best parts is its Chinese jade collection, as well as the scores of southern pieces.

Going to the LSU Museum of Art is what to do if you love art.

There are so many great things to see here, from different places and times.

Hours for this museum vary throughout the week.

Admission is $5 for adults, ages 13 and up.

Address: 100 Lafayette St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, United States

16. LSU Tiger Stadium

Another great Louisiana State Univerity stadium, this is where the LSU Tigers football team plays.

Since its opening in 1924, this stadium has become one of the most adored parts of Baton Rouge.

If you want to see how much Louisiana loves football, come to one of these games.

LSU Tiger Stadium can fit up to 102,321 fans.

That puts in the top 10 largest stadiums in the entire world.

The excitement of game day should spread to you, whether you’re an LSU alum or just visiting.

LSU Tiger Stadium is what to see in Baton Rouge for when you’re looking for sports excitement and community bonding.

You’ll hopefully love all of the energy, on and off the field.

When the Tigers score a touchdown, it’s like you’re in a whole new realm of fan fervor.

Address: Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States

17. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University has all sorts of attractions, from stadiums to museums.

It’s also one of the best learning institutions in the entire south.

Since 1869, it’s been a part of Baton Rogue and has been in its current area since 1926.

One thing is consistent with LSU’s history.

It’s always been a great place for students to learn and grow.

If you have a teen beginning their college search, consider scheduling a tour here.

LSU has great academics, across different disciplines.

Students interested in the scientific, artistic, historical, and beyond can be properly nurtured at this university.

This is also just a great campus to explore, especially given how much history is in this institution and on its grounds.

Touring Louisiana State University is what to do if you want to see a great school.

Try to squeeze in a visit during your Baton Rouge trip.

Address: Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States

18. Blue Bayou Waterpark & Dixie Landin’

While Baton Rouge has plenty of fun attractions, there are few that reach the heights of either Blue Bayou Waterpark or Dixie Landin’.

These are two different amusement parks that offer many different types of thrills.

They’re some of the best places to visit if you have an insatiable thirst for thrills.

Blue Bayou is one of the best waterparks in the country.

In fact, it has some of the biggest waterslides in the whole world.

Dixie Landin’ is a more general amusement park, but its attractions are still quite amazing.

Each of its roller coasters should have you screaming in a combination of terror and delight.

Going to Blue Bayou Waterpark & Dixie Landin’ is what to do if you’re looking for a special type of thrill.

These are two of the biggest Baton Rouge attractions for families.

Both parks are open from May to September.

Address: 18142 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, United States

19. Old State Capitol Building

The wonders of the world come through again with the Old State Capitol Building.

This is where Louisians’ state legislature operated until the 1930s.

It survives as a great and historic piece of Gothic architecture.

Come here if you’re looking for important places to visit in Baton Rouge.

If you didn’t know any better, you might think this is a castle.

Its front towers give it a fairly medieval design.

When you enter, you’ll see plenty of documents and other valuable things pertaining to Louisiana.

Any historic sightseeing trip through Baton Rogue needs to include a trip to the Old State Capitol Building.

Resting on a bluff, overlooking the Mississippi River, the Old State Capitol Building is a sight to behold and cherish.

So much has happened within these walls, and taking a tour can help you uncover the amazing history.

It’s open from Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There’s no cost for admission.

Address: 100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, United States

20. Mike the Tiger Habitat

One of the most famous Baton Rouge citizens is a tiger.

Mike the Tiger, Louisiana State University’s mascot, has a habitat you can visit.

It’s definitely one of the top tourist attractions for football fans in Baton Rouge.

The first Mike the Tiger came to LSU in 1936.

The current one, Mike VII, was introduced in 2017.

He can be seen outside most days, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

As the sole live tiger on an American college campus, Mike is truly a sight to behold.

The Mike the Tiger Habitat is one of the must see parts of LSU.

If you’re going to be in Baton Rouge this weekend, you should definitely give it a visit.

You might not want to come on Thursday mornings, however.

That’s usually when yard work is being done, and Mike is kept inside.

There’s no cost to see Mike the Tiger.

Address: 16 N Stadium Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States

21. Downtown Baton Rouge

There are unique things to do and great places to visit all around Baton Rouge.

Many of them can be found in the downtown area.

If you’re stumped for what to do or just want to stumble across something fun, venture out to downtown Baton Rouge.

The city has done an excellent job of making downtown Baton Rouge a lively and beautiful area.

The Mississippi River setting is perfect for creating an intimate environment.

You can find great places to eat, with cuisine from around the world represented here.

Nightlife in Baton Rouge is excellent, and downtown is where to experience it.

Look for places to go and fun activities to enjoy downtown tonight.

You’ll be near so much excitement and awesome sights when you’re in downtown Baton Rouge.

22. Fleur de Lis Pizza

There are great restaurants which don’t manage to survive for more than a few years.

Fleur de Lis Pizza is a Baton Rouge restaurant that’s been open since 1946.

This isn’t a place that’s just coasting on legacy, either.

Eat here if you’re looking for fun and also some of the best pizza you’ve ever had.

Fleur de Lis Pizza has a decidedly retro look and concept.

Their decor and food has stayed the same since their founding.

Certainly, no one is complaining.

It’s consistently delicious, classic Roman pizza that delivers every way a pizza should.

If you’re looking for great pizza places to visit in Baton Rouge, your journey may start and end with Fleur de Lis Pizza.

Come here at night for a wonderful dinner.

Fleur de Lis Pizza is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Address: 5655 Government St, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, United States

23. Baton Rouge Food Tours

When you go to a city with great food, there can be a real sense of FOMO.

With so many great restaurants, how can you find the time, money, and appetite for all of them?

If you’re looking for excellent culinary activities, take a Baton Rouge Food Tour.

Going on a Food Tour is a great way to not only sample some great Baton Rouge restaurants but also learn about the city.

Among the great southern items you’ll eat are po-boys, shrimp and grits, and beignets.

These restaurants are some of the top places to visit in Baton Rouge, and a food tour lets you see them in three hours.

This is something you must do if you consider yourself a real culinarian.

24. Mason’s Grill

Mason’s Grill is a restaurant full of simple pleasures, executed with perfection.

Since its humble beginnings as a coffee shop, Mason’s has become one of the most beloved places in Baton Rouge.

At this point, it’s less of a restaurant and more of a place of legend.

Among the biggest reasons to come to Mason’s is for their brunch.

225 Magazine has named them “Best of Brunch” for five consecutive years.

When you try their Eggs Benedict or their Bloody Masons, you’ll see why.

Mason’s Grill is a fun place to come for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

If you’ll be in Baton Rouge this weekend, you have to come here at least once.

Mason’s Grill is open from Mondays to Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Address: 13556 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70817, United States

25. University Lake

One of the most relaxing activities in Baton Rouge is taking a stroll around the University Lake, located at LSU.

The route is just under four miles, but the beauty of the water makes it quite enjoyable.

Visitors also love the many ways you can experience this wonderful attraction.

To make your way around the lake much faster, bring a bike with you.

You can also get out on the water with their kayaking clinics.

One of the most fun ways to enjoy University Lake is just by sitting by it, letting the serenity of the water wash over you as well.

Baton Rouge is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the US, and University Lake is one of the many points of interest for evidence.

Be glad there are such great places like this in Baton Rouge today.

Address: W Lakeshore Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, United States

26. Forest Community Park

Forest Community Park is one of the most fun places in Baton Rouge.

Adults, kids, and dogs alike can have a great time here.

With so many recreational activities, you can make a whole day out of a trip to Forest Community Park.

It’s especially fun to come to Forest Community Park in the summer.

Your kids can enjoy themselves on the playground and splash pad.

You can go fishing or play tennis, and your dogs can socialize with other canines at Raising Canes Dog Park.

Be sure to spend some time at Forest Community Park if you’ll be in Baton Rouge this weekend.

It’s a lovely park, outfitted with some of the coolest attractions imaginable.

Forest Community Park is open every day, from sunrise to sunset.

Address: 13900 South Harrell, S Harrells Ferry Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, United States

27. Let’s Roam

One of the most fun things to do in Baton Rouge, Lousiana is to go on a scavenger hunt.

Let’s Roam is a company that hosts great bonding experiences through their scavenger hunts.

You’ll come out of these knowing more about the city and hopefully feeling closer to your teammates.

You’ll use an app to go on this scavenger hunt.

Along the way, you’ll see different highlights of the city as you work your way to the winner’s circle.

Worried about getting stumped?

The app can help you out.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana is a city made for exploring.

These scavenger hunts help you find out what to see and where to go.

They’re also great for learning about an amazing new city.

28. Solera

If you have a taste for tapas, Solera is where to eat in Baton Rouge.

This Spanish-influenced restaurant has made a splash in only a few years.

Their menu and interior are both stunning.

For a dining experience you won’t soon forget, come to Solera.

Tapas are definitely the main draw at Solera.

They might be small plates, but they’re big on flavor.

If you want something heartier, you can order sandwiches, like the Solera burger, and entrees, like the seared scallop pasta.

Solera is a Baton Rouge restaurant that shows how well style and great cooking go together.

It’s a great place to visit for a romantic evening.

Solera is open from Tuesdays to Thursdays and on Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Address: 4205 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, Louisiana is one of the best vacation spots in the United States, with so many places to see and excellent activities.

There are tons of fun things to do in Baton Rouge, and you’ll be near so many important sights.

Get ready for your Baton Rouge trip today.