15 Things to do in Lafayette, Louisiana [With Sample 3 Day Itinerary] (2024)

Lafayette is located in the southern part of Louisiana. Because of its rich history and beautiful landmarks, Lafayette is really a city that you everyone should explore! One of the places that you shouldn’t miss here is the Acadian Village. It would give you a glimpse of what happened in the past.

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In this article, we listed down the 15 things to do while you’re in Lafayette, Louisiana. I would help you have an idea of what to do when you decide to visit this awesome city.

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Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Lafayette, Louisiana

1. Vermilionville

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This is the perfect place to learn more about the history of the area. Not only it has amazing houses from the 18th-century, but it’s also full of nice artifacts that make everything come alive.

Suggested Tour: Tour Historic Vermilionville

2. Lake Martin Rookery

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If you want to have a memorable and relaxing day, Lake Martin Rookery is waiting for you! Have a great 2-hour swamp tour that is really worth it. You’ll see some animals and the view is amazing. People who love photography would really love this place!

3. Cathedral of St John the Evangelist

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A very picturesque church! This quasi-Romanesque brick cathedral in Lafayette is worth a visit, even just for a short time. This old church is rich in history. And even though it is old, it still looks new because of the materials used. When you’re in Lafayette, Louisiana, don’t forget to go here.

4. Acadian Village

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This private cultural park located in Lafayette, Louisiana would help you step back in time. People who love history would enjoy reading artifacts here. So if ever you get the chance, don’t forget to visit here

5. Lafayette Science Museum

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This museum is great for people of all ages. Everyone would surely enjoy seeing exhibits inside. It houses over 1,000 paintings, prints, and sculptures of Louisiana artists and regularly changing exhibits and planetarium programs.

6. Acadian Cultural Center

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A visit here is free. By going here, you can learn about the area’s past and development of the local culture. There is also a documentary available for visitors to watch. This trip is really educational and fun at the same time.

7. Alexandre Mouton House

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Alexandre Mouton House, also known as the Lafayette Museum houses antiques, paintings and a collection of Mardi Gras costumes. After visiting here, you will surely gain a lot of knowledge about the history of this house.

8. Evangeline State Park

This park would take you back in time. Get a chance to learn about the history of the Bayou Teche area and early settlers. The ground itself is also beautiful. Never miss this place when you’re in Lafayette, Louisiana.

9. Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge and Monument

This bridge is 18 miles long and it will give the visitors the chance to see the beautiful swamp. This is also a great monument dedicated to the men and women of the United States Military who have served as airborne soldiers. There are a lot of interesting facts about its history when you go here.

10. Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market

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The ideal place if you want to buy a lot of things! There are a lot of good items here. There are different types of vendors including foods, wines, body products, clothing, metal and woodworks and more.

11. Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission

This is a very informative tourist center. It has tons of information and staff are friendly and so much willing to help you!

12. Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum

This is a contemporary art museum. The exhibits inside are very interesting. This museum was named after Paul and Lulu Hilliard, who donated $3 million for the building’s construction.

13. Children’s Museum of Acadiana

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From the name itself, of course, this place is ideal or kids! So if you’re traveling with kids, then you should head here. A lot of fun activities for children! There are several different rooms themed as a child’s size world. A grocery store, a restaurant, a bank, a dentist’s office, etc. Your kids won’t get bored here.

14. Cajundome & Convention Center

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This the perfect place for big events! If you want to watch a good concert, this is the place for you. A great venue for you to entertain yourself.

15. Lafayette Art Gallery

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This small art gallery has unique works of art. Art of all types by local artists can be found here such as painting, ceramics, wood, jewelry, mixed media & sculpture. They exhibit all around the city. If you’re interested in art. Then you should go here.

Things to do with 3 days in Lafayette, Louisiana

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Day 1 in Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette Convention & Visitors CommissionBefore you start your journey in Lafayette, Louisiana, it is recommended to go to Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission. This center would help you have more information about your trip.

Vermilionville For you to be able to know more about the city, then you should head here. You’ll see houses from the 18th century with lots of artifacts. People who love history would enjoy this place.

Day 2 in Lafayette, Louisiana

Lake Martin Rookery This 2-hour swamp tour would let you feel closer to nature. It has great views and you’ll see different animals as well. If you like photography, this the perfect place for a nice photo.

Cathedral of St John the Evangelist This very beautiful church is a must-visit. It is rich in history and the church is very picturesque that people who love photography would enjoy going here.

Day 3 in Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market Before you leave, you should go to Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market first. You can buy a lot of things here, from food, wines to clothing and a lot more!

Frequently Asked Questions about Lafayette, Louisiana

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1. Is it safe to travel to Lafayette, Louisiana?

Lafayette’s tourist attractions are mostly safe. However, tourists are advised to be cautious at night, everywhere you go.

2. When is the best time to visit Lafayette, Louisiana?

The best time to visit Lafayette would be spring and fall season. The weather is nice and cool during these days. Everyone would surely enjoy having a good time in the city during these seasons.

3. How to get to Lafayette, Louisiana?

Unfortunately, only a few airports from different cities fly directly to Lafayette (Dallas, Atlanta, Denver, and Houston). In some states, you need a connecting flight. The main airport in the said city is Lafayette Regional Airport. You can check Skyscanner for available flights.

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About the Writer

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Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.

15 Things to do in Lafayette, Louisiana [With Sample 3 Day Itinerary] (2024)

FAQs

What is Lafayette Louisiana best known for? ›

Welcome to Lafayette — the heart of Cajun and Creole Country, the cultural center of Louisiana's heritage, the “Happiest City in America,” “Tastiest Town of the South” and a “Top Music Mecca.”

Is Lafayette, Louisiana worth visiting? ›

Q: Is Lafayette worth visiting? Yes, Lafayette is worth visiting as it's a lively city with a rich Cajun history and Creole culture, plus there are numerous festivals in the city throughout the year.

Is Lafayette LA walkable? ›

Lafayette's Downtown is small but mighty. Contained within less than 2 square miles, the entire area is incredibly walkable and bikeable.

Why go to Lafayette LA? ›

Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana's Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the Happiest City in America where people visit for a genuine Cajun & Creole experience. Lafayette has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun & Creole cuisine that's earned them the title Best Food City in the USA.

What is the happiest city in Louisiana? ›

Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission turns 50 this year, and we're giving you 50 reasons to visit our Cajun and Creole city in the heart of South Louisiana. Learn why Lafayette's been named the "Happiest City in America."

What language is spoken in Lafayette Louisiana? ›

Louisiana's Cajun History

The Acadians were descendants of the French Canadians who were settling in southern Louisiana and the Lafayette region of the state. They spoke a form of the French language and today, the Cajun language is still prevalent.

How far is Lafayette LA from the beach? ›

The city of Lafayette, LA is located in the center of Lafayette Parish at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Interstate 49 between New Orleans and Houston and only 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico.

How far apart are Lafayette and New Orleans? ›

The distance between New Orleans and Lafayette is 136 miles, which takes a minimum of 2 hours 25 minutes.

Do you need a car in Lafayette? ›

There are a few methods to get around Lafayette that don't require your own vehicle. One less car on the road means less time at the red light on Johnston Street and Ambassador Caffery. The fare to take the bus is $1. That means you can travel back and forth to work for $10 a week.

How many millionaires are in Lafayette, LA? ›

But there is an astonishing amount of money for a city of 85,000 people. Arthur Broussard, president of the Guaranty Bank, Lafayette's largest, estimates that there are ''a thousand, perhaps more'' millionaires in town. Others say there are as many as 2,000.

How long is the walk around Lafayette Reservoir? ›

There are two loop trails at Lafayette Reservoir: The Lakeside Nature Trail (paved, 2.7 miles) and the Rim Trail (unpaved, 4.7 miles).

Is Lafayette an expensive city? ›

How do Lafayette prices compare to other US cities? Lafayette is ranked 12 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Lafayette is 140% of the national average.

What is Lafayette known for? ›

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (6 September 1757 – 20 May 1834), often known simply as Lafayette, was a French aristocrat, a general in the American Revolutionary War and a leader of the Garde nationale during the French Revolution.

Why is Lafayette Louisiana famous? ›

Lafayette, LA is known as "The Hub City" because of its proximity to major roadways heading north, south, east and west that lead locals and visitors to explore smaller towns.

Is Lafayette worth the money? ›

Not only does the study affirm the value of a liberal arts education, it identifies Lafayette as an exceptional performer in this category. In a separate ranking of 201 selective liberal arts colleges, Lafayette is ranked ninth for 10-year net present value, rising to sixth in the nation at the 40-year mark.

Why is Lafayette famous? ›

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (6 September 1757 – 20 May 1834), often known simply as Lafayette, was a French aristocrat, a general in the American Revolutionary War and a leader of the Garde nationale during the French Revolution.

Is Lafayette, Louisiana a good place to live? ›

Lafayette is a city in Louisiana with a population of 121,706. Lafayette is in Lafayette Parish and is one of the best places to live in Louisiana. Living in Lafayette offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Lafayette there are a lot of restaurants and parks.

Why is it called Lafayette Louisiana? ›

Later, in 1823, Lafayette Parish was carved from St. Martin Parish, named after Marquis de Lafayette, a revolutionary hero. The town evolved into Lafayette and became the central hub of Acadiana, blossoming with a railroad stop, a dynamic population, and a bustling business district.

What is Lafayette College best known for? ›

Lafayette offers a scenic, historic campus with state-of-the-art engineering, science, and performing and visual arts facilities and easy access to Easton, a picturesque river city abuzz with fine and casual dining, entertainment, and popular festivals.

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