Top Things to Do in Lafayette and How to Explore the Heart of Acadiana

Lafayette is a city rich in culture, history, and delicious food. It is often overshadowed by its wild and flashy neighbor, New Orleans, but Lafayette is where you’ll find the down-home Cajuns ready to welcome you and fill you to the brim with Louisiana’s southern country culture. Literally. Pack those stretchy pants. You’re going to need them.

Aside from the abundance of local eateries, there are a number of ways to have fun and explore Lafayette. From festivals and swamp tours to local distilleries and breweries, you can easily pack a multi-day itinerary and leave the city both exhausted and enlightened. If you find yourself in Cajun country, don’t pass on spending a few days in Lafayette, Louisiana. If you decide to visit, here are a few of the best things to do in Lafayette.

Things to do in Lafayette if You Love Art & History

For travelers who enjoy art and history, Lafayette has numerous museums and historical sites worth visiting. You can spend time touring an art gallery dedicated to local artists or step back in time at a living history museum to for a glimpse into early Cajun culture.

Visit the Acadiana Center for the Arts

The Acadiana Center for the Arts (ACA) is dedicated to promoting and preserving the unique culture of south Louisiana. The ACA showcases the work of local artists, musicians, and filmmakers, and also offers classes and workshops in a variety of media. Located in downtown Lafayette, the Acadiana Center for Arts is well worth a visit. You’ll find an impressive collection of art and artifacts, as well as a friendly staff who are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Be sure to check out the calendar of events; there’s always something going on at the ACA, from live music and dance performances to art exhibits and film screenings. So, whether you’re interested in Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage or simply looking for a great place to spend an afternoon, the Acadiana Center for Arts is worth adding to your list.

Spend an Afternoon at Vermilionville

Vermilionville is a living history museum that tells the story of the Acadian people who settled in Lafayette. The museum features several historic buildings, as well as demonstrations of traditional crafts such as basket weaving and pottery making. Costumed interpreters at this recreated Cajun village interact with guests in educational and engaging activities to paint a picture of life in early 19th century Louisiana. Visitors can also take part in traditional dances or enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.

Afterward, hop over to the Acadian Cultural Center located just a few minutes away by car. Here you can your history lesson through exhibits and film. The Center is located at Lafayette’s National Park, Jean Lafitte, which offer several other activities for visitors to enjoy.

Explore Downtown Lafayette

Lafayette, Louisiana is home to a thriving art scene, with galleries, museums, and public art displays throughout the downtown area. Visitors can start their exploration of the local art scene at the Lafayette Art Association Gallery, which features rotating exhibitions of contemporary local artists. For a more historical perspective, the William Bryan Observation Tower offers panoramic views of the cityscape, along with informative displays about the local history and culture.

Downtown Lafayette is also dotted with public art installations, including murals, sculptures, and mosaics. These pieces add color and personality to the urban landscape and provide a unique window into the creativity of the local community. With so many things to do in Lafayette’s downtown district, it’s an ideal destination for those interested in exploring the world of art.

Outdoor Things to Do in Lafayette

Lafayette is surrounded by beautiful scenery, from the stunning Atchafalaya Basin to the picturesque bayous. The unique landscape makes it a perfect place for those who love the outdoors. Located in the heart of Louisiana, this city offers visitors a chance to explore cypress swamps, go cycling on scenic trails, and kayak down bayous. Here are some of the best outdoor activities to enjoy in Lafayette.

Take a Swamp Tour

Lafayette is located in south Louisiana, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of swamps to explore. The best part of going on a swamp tour in Lafayette is the scenery. The bayous and swamps are beautiful, and they offer a unique perspective on Louisiana’s history and culture. You’ll also be able to get an up-close look at alligators, turtles, and other wildlife. You’ll definitely want to have your camera ready. There are many companies that offer these tours, and they all have different itineraries. Some tours focus on history, while others are more about nature.

Hop on a Bike

The first great thing about exploring the Lafayette Parish on a bicycle is that the area is mostly flat making it a more accessible activity level for all skill levels. The second great thing is that Lafayette is home to many scenic trails that are perfect for cycling. The most popular cycling route is the levee trail, which runs along the Mississippi River levee for nine miles. Other popular routes include the Cypress Island Nature Trail and Vermilionville Historic District Loop. If you’re visiting in April, be sure to check out Cycle Zydeco. This annual festival is a great way to combine adventure and culture as you pedal your way around Lafayette.

Grab a Paddle and Go Kayaking

Another great outdoor activity in Lafayette is kayaking down one of the city’s many bayous. Bayous are slow-moving bodies of water that are found throughout Louisiana. They are typically lined with trees and plants, making them a beautiful place to paddle through. There are plenty of kayaking tours available which provide visitors with a guided experience on the water. One of the best areas to kayak is through the beautiful Atchafalaya Basin, an area is known for its cypress swamps and abundant wildlife.

Find Ways to Enjoy Local Flavor

Food is central to any travel experience. It’s one of the best ways to get a feel for a place and its people. Not only will you get to taste the unique flavors of the city, but you’ll also be able to learn about its culture and history. When I’m in a new city, I try to find restaurants that are popular with locals. Yelp and TripAdvisor can be helpful, but nothing beats a personal recommendation. One thing you will love about Lafayette is how friendly the people are and how proud they are to share Louisiana culture with a perfect stranger. If you want to find authentic cuisine that packs a flavorful punch, just ask around.

Visit the Tabasco Factory

The Tabasco Factory is one of the most popular things to do in Lafayette. Visitors can tour of the factory to see how Tabasco sauce is made, and then sample some of the different flavors at the on-site tasting room. The factory is home to the world’s only hot sauce museum, which features exhibits about the history of Tabasco sauce and the McIlhenny family. If you’re feeling hungry, the Tabasco Factory Cafe offers up some delicious Cajun cuisine. Of course, there is also a gift shop where you can buy sauces, spices, and other merchandise to take home.

Join a Food Tour

Food in Lafayette is a big deal. From Cajun classics like gumbo and jambalaya, to the city’s own unique creations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And what’s even better is that you can find some of the best food in Lafayette without spending a lot of money. One great way to sample the local cuisine is to join a food tour. These tours typically take visitors to several different restaurants, each of which serves up a different dish. This is a great way to try out a variety of local dishes without having to do all the research yourself.

Eat at Local Restaurants

Eating local is one of the best ways to explore a new city. By eating at locally owned restaurants, you’ll get a taste of the local culture and cuisine. Not only is it a great way to experience the city, but it’s also a great way to support the local economy. Start your day with beignets, a Louisiana staple, at Cajun Market Donut Company. Johnson’s Boucaniere serves up hot Boudin with a unique smokey flavor and Olde Tyme Grocery is famous for their delicious and budget friendly Poor Boys.

For a mid-day pick me up, head downtown and visit Bonne Vie. This instagrammable little shop serves up some of the best little Macarons this side of the Atlantic in hard to choose from flavors. My absolute favorite is Wedding Cake.

Visit a Local Brewery or Rum Distillery

The best distilleries and breweries in Lafayette, Louisiana offer a unique opportunity to taste the local flavors of this lively city. The city’s beer scene is anchored by Bayou Teche Brewing, which has been brewing award-winning beer since 2009. The Bayou Teche brewery was founded by brothers who were looking to revamp the local beer scene. The brewpub quickly became a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its delicious selection of craft beers. In addition to Bayou Teche, there are also several other breweries in Lafayette, including Parish Brewery and Gnarly Barley Brewing Company. For those who prefer something stronger, there are also several distilleries worth checking out.

Wildcat Brothers is one of the most popular rum distilleries in the area. The unique flavor profile of their small batch recipes sets them apart allowing their locally sourced ingredients to shine. The distillery offers tours and tastings, and it is also a great place to learn about the history of rum production in Louisiana. Another popular distillery is Bayou Rum, which produces a variety of different rum flavors, including spiced and flavored rums. Lastly, Leblon Rum Distillery is also a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. Their selection of white, gold, and dark rums are all incredibly delicious, and they offer tours of their facility so that visitors can learn about the rum-making process. 

Festivals are a Big Deal in Lafayette

Festivals are a big part of the culture in Lafayette, Louisiana. There are several different festivals throughout the year, each one celebrating a different aspect of local culture. The two biggest festivals in Lafayette are Festivals Acadiens et Creoles and Festival International. Other festivals include the Crawfish Festival, Boudin Cook-Off, and Louisiana Film Festival. These events are a great way to immerse yourself into local culture, have fun and maybe even make some new friends.

Festivals Acadiens et Creoles

If you’re looking for a taste of Louisiana culture, you’ll want to visit during Festivals Acadiens et Creoles. Held each October in Lafayette, this festival celebrates the music, food, and culture of the Cajun and Creole people. You can enjoy traditional Louisiana dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee while listening to music performed by some of the region’s top musicians. One of the things that makes Festivals Acadiens et Creoles so special is how it brings the community together, both young and old, in a grand celebration. From kids’ games to live music and Zydeco dancing, there is a little something for everyone. 

Festival International de Louisiane

Festivals International is the largest international music festival in the United States. It is a five-day event that takes place in Lafayette, Louisiana each April. The festival features performers from all over the world and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Past performers have included African musicians, Irish dancers, and Brazilian percussionists as well as mainstream artists like Lady GAGA and Macklemore. The festival offers something for everyone, with performances ranging from traditional folk music to modern rock and hip-hop. In addition to the music, Festivals International also features a variety of food vendors, an arts and crafts marketplace, and children’s activities.

Mardi Gras

Like New Orleans, Lafayette celebrates Mardi Gras with parades and pageantry. But there are things that make Mardi Gras in Lafayette special. One is the Courir de Mardi Gras, which traces its roots to medieval France. The Courir de Mardi Gras is a traditional rural French Carnival celebration in which participants, or “maskers,” travel from house to house begging for ingredients for a community gumbo. The tradition is rooted in medieval France, but it was brought to south Louisiana by Acadians who settled in the area in the 18th century.

Today, the Courir de Mardi Gras is celebrated in many Cajun communities across south Louisiana, but it is particularly popular in Lafayette. The Lafayette Courir typically starts at dawn on Mardi Gras day and culminates with a big gumbo feast in the afternoon. Lafayette’s annual Fat Tuesday celebration is one of the largest and most popular in south Louisiana. Tens of thousands of people come from all over to take part in the parades and festivities.