The Best Louisiana Travel Destination For Retirees

Planning a trip to Louisiana during your golden years? This U.S. state in the Deep South has so much to offer retirees. From rich Cajun history and unbeatable cuisine to mesmerizing wildlife and the largest concentration of wetlands in the continental United States, you will have no shortage of beautiful and fascinating destinations to visit in Louisiana. If you’re ready to start planning your upcoming vacation, then keep reading for more insight into the best places to travel to in this underrated state. There truly is something for every type of retired traveler.

Grand Isle

One of the best travel destinations for retirees in Louisiana is undoubtedly Grand Isle. Grand Isle is a barrier island at the confluence of the Gulf of Mexico and Barataria Bay. Despite being only 100 miles south of New Orleans, it has a completely different vibe than Louisiana’s largest city. Brimming with charm, Grand Isle is a haven for beach-goers with the scenic Grand Isle Beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming, canoeing, and fishing, all activities perfect for retirees.

Speaking of fishing, if you’re visiting in the summer months, you might be lucky enough to attend one of the many fish rodeos that take place here, like the Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo and Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. Lastly, since Grand Isle sits at the end of Highway 1, it makes for the perfect final destination at the end of your Louisiana road trip.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is a must-visit if you want to see first-hand why Louisiana is referred to as “The Bayou State.” It is estimated that roughly 40% of wetlands in the continental U.S. are located in Louisiana, and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is a prime example of this. It is part of the River Delta region in Louisiana and was named after French pirate Jean Lafitte.

The best way to explore the park is via a swamp tour on an airboat. Many tour operators offer these types of tours, typically lasting one to two hours. While in the park, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for alligators, owls, snakes, herons, pelicans, otters, and turtles. Retirees who want to learn more about the region’s diversity and culture can visit the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in the town of Eunice.

Lafayette

If you’ve always been fascinated by Cajun history or simply love Cajun food, then you have to visit Lafayette, Louisiana. Lafayette is the heart and soul of Cajun country and a vibrant and lively destination. All you have to do is walk through with lots of nightlife, dining, and culture. Top attractions include the Acadian Cultural Center and Vermilionville Historic Village, which showcase the state’s history and culture. Furthermore, visitors can check out spots like the Acadiana Park Nature Station, Lake Martin, and LARC’s Acadian Village.

The city also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, like Downtown Alive!, Movies in the Parc, and Festival International. Lastly, whatever you do, don’t leave Lafayette without sampling some gump and a po’boy.

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is a state park worth visiting in Louisiana. Located roughly 20 miles east of St. Martinville, this park spans 6,000 acres and was historically the home of the Chitimacha Indians. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is full of wildlife. In fact, you can find alligators, raccoons, birds, catfish, shrimp, and crawfish here. In terms of activities, it is highly recommended that you take advantage of the many canoeing, kayaking, and hiking trails that run through the park. For seniors who want to stay the night, the park has 14 premium campsites and 20 improved campsites ideal for a comfortable outdoor experience.

It is part of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, which is the biggest freshwater swamp in the U.S. For those who don’t know, Atchafalaya is a Native American word meaning “long river.” If you’re interested in exploring more of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, there is tons to see in this ecologically diverse river basin.

Avery Island

Avery Island, nestled just south of Lafayette in southern Louisiana, is actually inland – not an island. Nonetheless, it is a highly recommended Louisiana travel destination for seniors, located near the central city. Avery Island is technically a salt dome and one that is owned by a very famous condiment company: Tabasco! That’s right, the spicy sauce hails from this region. Visiting the Tabasco factory is a major attraction, with guided tours available for guests. However, there is also a botanical garden called Jungle Gardens and a bird sanctuary called Bird City located in the region, both of which are also owned by Tabasco. Make sure to visit all three Avery Island attractions when in Louisiana. Retirees planning a multi-day trip can stay in the nearby town of New Iberia, which features hotels like Hampton Inn & Suites and Days Inn & Suites.

Natchitoches

Calling all history buffs! Seniors traveling through Louisiana should make time to visit Natchitoches, the oldest settlement in the state. Though its origins date back to 1714, it became an official settlement during the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The town boasts French Creole architecture, Spanish influences, and a delightful historic district with brick-lined streets and ornate ironwork. For history enthusiasts, Fort Saint Jean Baptiste stands out as a must-visit, recreating an 18th-century French military post complete with reenactments. The nearby Cane River Creole National Historical Park includes Oakland Plantation and Magnolia Plantation, both of which showcase the lives and legacies of the area’s diverse communities.

Natchitoches also hosts the Cane River National Heritage Trail, which is perfect for scenic drives and exploration. With festivals like the Natchitoches Christmas Festival lighting up the streets during the holiday season, this town blends history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for retirees seeking relaxation and enrichment.

American Rose Center

If you find yourself in northwest Louisiana, you may want to pay a visit to the 118-acre American Rose Center. Located in Shreveport, this center is the largest park dedicated solely to roses in all of the United States (you will find over 20,000 rose bushes here). Fittingly, it is also home to the national headquarters of the American Rose Society. As you may suspect, the best time to visit the American Rose Center is when the roses are in bloom, typically between mid-April and late May and mid-September through to late October.

While in Shreveport, you can also take the time to walk around the R.W. Norton Art Gallery and Spring Street Historical Museum or visit a riverboat casino on the Red River.

Breaux Bridge

Retirees should plan to stop at the next Louisiana travel destination on this list: Breaux Bridge. Situated just outside the city of Lafayette is the much smaller parish town of Breaux Bridge. Known for its Cajun culture, it is a quieter alternative to Lafayette for those still looking to experience the culture, history, and cuisine that Southern Louisiana is known for. Speaking of cuisine, some restaurants that Breaux Bridge is known for include Creole Lunch House and Wildcat Brothers Distilling. You can also sample cuisine via Cajun Food Tours.

Breaux Bridge is the “Crawfish Capital Of The World.” If you’re visiting in May, try to visit during the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, which features live music, dancing in the streets, and, of course, tons of fresh crawfish cooked to perfection. Thus, retirees can re-live their youth with delicious food in Breaux Bridge.

Wrapping Up

By now, you probably can’t wait to hop in the car or book your flight to Louisiana. No matter what type of travel you prefer as a senior, you can find it in this southern state. Pristine coastline, delicious food, and rich history await in Louisiana. Visit the white sand beaches of Grand Isle, sample fresh crawfish in Breaux Bridge, walk amongst thousands of roses at the American Rose Center in Shreveport, and learn more about American history in Natchitoches. Wherever you decide to go, you will undoubtedly have an incredible getaway in Louisiana.