New Orleans

• Situated in southeastern Louisiana, the City of New Orleans is nestled between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. New Orleans is known for its historic French Quarter which hosts many celebrations, including Mardi Gras. The carnival season begins on January 6 and continues until Mardi Gras, which is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. There are many parades and activities throughout carnival season in New Orleans. Additionally, there are many festivals held in the city during the rest of the year, including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in the spring, the Voodoo Experience music festival around Halloween and the Essence Music Festival in the summer. Visitors to New Orleans also have the opportunity to dine on world-class cuisine at many of New Orleans's famous restaurants.
  
  

Baton Rouge

• Baton Rouge is the state capital of Louisiana. It is located approximately 81 miles northwest of New Orleans. The home of Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge is a vacation destination for sports fans eager to catch a college game. The LSU Tigers football team plays in Tiger Stadium, which is affectionately called "Death Valley." According to the school's athletics website, Death Valley can seat up to 92,400 people. In addition to college football, visitors to LSU can attend other sporting events, including those played by the LSU baseball, basketball, soccer and tennis teams. Before home games, LSU fans participate in massive tailgating parties in which you can find people grilling alligator and making jambalaya in the streets of Baton Rouge.
  
  

Lake Charles

• Lake Charles is in southwest Louisiana. The city is situated very close to the Texas border and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Lake Charles is the perfect vacation destination for those who are interested in fishing, boating and swimming. In addition to its own celebration of Mardi Gras, Lake Charles hosts a 12-day Contraband Days Pirate Festival each spring. Visitors to Lake Charles can also gamble at several casinos in the Lake Charles area.
  
  

Grand Isle

• Grand Isle is an island off southeastern Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico, connected to the mainland by Louisiana Highway 1. It is a prime destination for people who enjoy fishing, and there are many fishing competitions held on the island each year. Additionally, the island has many scenic beaches where visitors can sunbathe and swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.