Louisiana is a state in the South of the United States of America named in honor of King Louis XIV. Its capital is Baton Rouge. The state is bordered to the west by Texas, to the north by Arkansas, to the east by the state of Mississippi, and to the south by the Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana is known for its unique history, its oil/gas and seafood empires, its music, its diverse cultural make-up, including the Cajun culture of Southwest Louisiana and its once dominant Creole culture, its vast wetlands, swamps, bayous, and its sugar & cotton plantations along its waterways.

Climate

Louisiana has perhaps the most "classic" example of a humid subtropical climate of all the Southeastern states, with long, hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. The subtropical characteristics of the state are due in large part to the influence of the Gulf of Mexico, which even at its farthest point is no more than 200 miles (320 km) away. Precipitation is frequent throughout the year, although the summer is slightly wetter than the rest of the year, and there is a dip in precipitation in October. Summers in Louisiana are among the most oppressively hot and humid in the United States with high temperatures from mid-June to mid-September averaging 90°F (32°C) or more and overnight lows averaging around 75°F (24°C). In the summer, the extreme maximum temperature is much warmer in the north than in the south, with temperatures near the Gulf of Mexico very rarely reaching 100°F (38°C). In northern Louisiana, temperatures can reach above 105°F (41°C) in the summer. Temperatures are generally mildly warm in the winter with highs around New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the rest of south Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico averaging 65°F (18°C), while the northern part of the state has average highs of close to 60°F (15°C). The overnight lows in the winter average well above freezing throughout the state, with 45°F (7°C) the average near the Gulf and an average low of around 37°F (3°C) in the winter in the northern part of the state. Louisiana does have its share of cold fronts which can drop the temperatures below 20°F (-8°C) on occasion. Snow is not very common near the Gulf of Mexico, although those in the northern parts of the state can expect one or two dustings of snow per year.

Louisiana is often affected by tropical cyclones and is very vulnerable to strikes by major hurricanes, particularly the lowlands around and in the New Orleans area. The unique geography of the region with the many bayous, marshes and inlets can make major hurricanes especially destructive. The area is also prone to frequent thunderstorms, especially in the summer. The entire state averages over 60 days of thunderstorms a year averaging more thunderstorms than any other state except Florida. Louisiana averages 27 tornadoes annually, and the entire state is vulnerable to a tornado strike, with the extreme southern portion of the state slightly less vulnerable than the rest of the state.

Get In

Besides driving into Louisiana, you may arrive by plane through one of its two major airports - New Orleans International Airport or the Shreveport Airport. There are also several local airports including the Baton Rouge Metro Airport, Lafayette Regional Airport, Lake Charles Regional Airport, Alexandria International Airport and Monroe Regional Airport.

The Port of Orleans is also a major port for many cruise ships. You can depart from New Orleans to many destinations in the Caribbean or visit New Orleans through one of the cruiseline's port stops.

Attractions

 • Avery Island, home of the McIlhenny Tabasco factory and a wildlife sanctuary. The island is actually an eight-mile deep salt dome. Visitors can drive and walk through 250 acres of subtropical jungle flora with an amazing array of wildlife.
 • The Wildlife Gardens at 5306 North Black Bayou Drive, Gibson, consist of 30 acres of preserved swamp, where you can walk around a nature trail on shady paths. Apart from the natural wildlife there are ostriches, bobcats, nutria and alligators on display in cages and paddocks and peacocks roam the grounds. Bed and breakfast accommodation is available in four small 'trapper's cabins', adjacent to a small swamp. Each has its own front porch overlooking the water and ideal for gator watching. Staying overnight is a unique experience that kids will love. 
 • New Orleans French Quarter is a world famous destination year round, but especially during Mardi Gras. Unique architecture, excellent restaurants, and interesting people make this a great destination in the city.
 • The world famous "Mardi Gras" is celebrated in New Orleans. Mardi Gras is an ancient custom that originated in southern Europe. It celebrates food and fun just before the 40 days of Lent: a Catholic time of prayer and sacrifice.
 • In New Orleans, visit the Audubon Aquarium and Zoo,  go behind the scenes of Mardi Gras at Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, take a safari tour at the Global Wildlife Center, take a Haunted History tour of the city or see some alligators in the Louisiana Swamp Tour.
 • Natchitoches, the oldest town in Louisiana, is a unique small city in north central Louisiana. It was the backdrop of the movie "Steel Magnolias" and has architecture reminiscent of the French Quarter in its Historic District in front of the Cane River Lake. Graceful mansions line the river as well as Bed and Breakfasts. A great destination to visit if you're in the northern part of the state and a hub for nearby Creole plantations along Cane River.
 • Cane River Creole National Historical Park near Natchitoches
 • Great River Road-Plantation Country, the 70-mile stretch between New Orleans & Baton Rouge along the Mississippi River with Creole and Ante-Bellum sugar plantations, rural settlements, B&Bs, Cajun & Creole restaurants. After the French Quarter, plantations on "Great River Road" represent Louisiana's most visited destination.
 • Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, headquartered in New Orleans, with units in St. Bernard Parish, Baritaria (Crown Point), and Acadiana (Lafayette)
 • New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
 • Poverty Point National Monument at Epps, Louisiana.
 • Saline Bayou, a national wild and scenic river in northern Louisiana.