Baton Rouge

The name of Baton Rouge was given over 300 years ago when on 17 March 1699, Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville, led an expedition along the Mississippi River. The early French explorers found a pole stained with blood of fish and animals that served as the dividing line between the Bayougoula and Houmas Indians. It is from this "red stick" that Iberville called the city "le Baton Rouge", French for "red stick". The city was founded in 1721.

The small town here was selected as the new capital of state of Louisiana in 1817, and it's been growing since. The capital was returned to New Orleans for a while during and after the troubles of the American Civil War, but it's been back here since 1882.

Climate

Baton Rouge has a semi-tropical climate, perfect for outdoor activities.
The weather is consistently warm from May to September. Be warned that, like the rest of the Southern United States during the summer, it can become down-right miserable, with sustained temperatures in the 90s (°F) with 100% humidity. Proper medical precautions should be taken if you plan on partaking in outdoor activities, such as ample amounts of sunscreen and hydration. Also, there are many days throughout July that are classified as "ozone days" due to severe ground-level ozone, which can damage the health of sensitive individuals.
Winter is usually mild and short-lived. Spring is glorious with cool nights and warm, sunny days. A light jacket is all that is needed. Fall is mild and only a light sweater is needed in the evenings.
Precipitation is reasonably well-distributed and ample throughout the year with an average annual precipitation of 55 in (140 cm)

• Average summer temperature: 81.3°F (27°C)
• Average winter temperature: 52.5°F (11°C)
• Average annual temperature: 67.5°F (20°C)

Baton Rouge, like many cities in the Gulf States, has what is known as 5 seasons. The 5th season is hurricane season, the time of year between June 1 and November 30 when hurricanes are most likely to form.

By plane

• Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airportlocated in north Baton Rouge, near Southern University. American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines offer non-stop service to their respective hubs in the Southern United States.

• Louisiana Regional AirportA general aviation airport in the nearby suburb of Gonzales.

By train

While there is no proper Amtrak service to Baton Rouge, connecting bus service can be booked with the Sunset Limited between New Orleans and Los Angeles as well as with City of New Orleans, which runs to and from Chicago.

By car

From New Orleans, Baton Rouge is an 80-mi (129 km) northwest drive on I-10, which drives into the heart of downtown. The distance between the two Louisiana cities is an easy 90-min drive if you avoid weekday rush hours; if you catch the traffic of commuter rush hours at either end it can take a lot longer.
If you're driving in from anywhere east of Louisiana, come into Baton Rouge via I-12, which will take you north of Lake Ponchartrain and bypasses New Orleans. From the west, I-10 connects Lafayette, Houston, San Antonio, Tucson, Phoenix, and Los Angeles with Baton Rouge. From the east, I-10 connects Baton Rouge with New Orleans, Mobile, Pensacola, and Jacksonville. If you're coming from Chicago, St. Louis, or Memphis follow I-55 South and merge onto I-12 West and continue driving for roughly 45 mi (72 km).

By bus

In town the bus companies have their own separate stations & stops in downtown (Flixbus, Greyhound and Megabus) and in the east side of town (Turimex):

• Flixbus

  address: (bus stop) 138 Florida St
  Service to Baton Rouge from Houston, New Orleans, Biloxi and points in between.

• Greyhound Lines & Quicklink

  phone: +1 225 383-3811
  address: (bus station) 1253 Florida Blvd
  Service from Houston, New Orleans, Shreveport, Memphis, Biloxi, and points in between. They also have an additional stop at a Chevron Gas Station located at 2915 Highland Rd. The Chevron Station does NOT sell Greyhound tickets which can only be bought at the bus station or online. They also offer more frequent & less expensive commuter service between Baton Rouge & New Orleans with the Quick Link brand.

• Megabus

  address: (bus stop) NE corner of N 22nd St & Convention St
  Service to Baton Rouge from Houston and New Orleans

• Turimex Internacional

  address: (bus stop) Agencia La Tiendita at 6031 Siegen Ln
  Service to Baton Rouge from Houston, Raleigh NC and points in between. Buses continue south into Mexico from Houston and San Antonio. In Louisiana they only stop in Hammond & Lafayette. In town they have additional stops at W Spring Valley & S Colt Rd and at 17453 Old Hammond Hwy.

• Capital Area Transit System (CATS)

  phone: +1 225 389-8282
  address: (bus terminal) 2250 Florida Blvd
  Capital Area Transit System (CATS) operates city buses in and around Baton Rouge. The marked location is the central bus transit center/bus station for CATS.

• Louisiana Art and Science Museum

  phone: +1 225 344-5272
  address: 100 S River Rd

• Baton Rouge Zoo

  phone: +1 225 775-3877
  address: 3601 Thomas Rd
  Enjoy the Otter Pond, L'aquarium de Louisiane, Parrot Paradise, the Cypress Bayou Railroad, the Safari Playground & KidsZoo petting zoo.

• Louisiana State Capitol

  phone: +1 225 342-7317
  address: State Capitol Dr
  Louisiana's new state capitol building dominates the city's skyline. It's an impressive Art Deco style skyscraper, built as part of the grand vision of Louisiana's colorful political boss of the 1920s and 1930s, Huey P. Long, who met his end by assassination in its halls.

• Capitol Park Museum

  phone: +1 225 342-5428
  address: 660 N. 4th St.
  Near the State Capitol this museum features two floors of exhibits related to Louisiana culture, with such curiosities as Louis Armstrong's first bugle, Huey P. Long's tombstone, and a Civil War Confederate submarine with hand-cranked propeller.

• Shaw Center for the Arts

  phone: +1 225 346-5001
  address: 100 Lafayette St
  Onsite dining includes Tsunamis, Capitol City Grill, PJ's Coffee, and Stroubes. The center also features The LSU Museum of Art's rotating exhibitions, rotating events from the Manship Theatre, and the LSU School of Art Flassell Gallery

• LSU Rural Life Museum

  phone: +1 225 765-2437
  address: 4560 Essen Ln

• Old State Capitol

  phone: +1 225 342-0500
  address: 100 North Blvd
  This 19th century castle formerly serving as the State Capitol before Gov. Huey P. Long built the new skyscraper is now a museum.

• Louisiana State UniversityLSU is a Tier 1 ranked university, and the flagship university for Louisiana. Aside from its academic excellence, the LSU campus in Baton Rouge is over a century old, and a historic delight for visitors. The campus is lush and green, with oaks that are as old as the campus itself. Historical Highland Road runs down a section of LSU, making the campus an easy visit for any tourist. Must sees include Tiger Stadium, the Indian Mounds, the Quad, the outdoor Greek Amphitheater, and the acres of beautiful, pedestrian friendly grounds. Food is available on campus at the Student Union for visitors, or you can eat at The Chimes, which is on Chimes Street running parallel to the LSU campus. edit

• Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

  phone: +1 225 757-8905
  address: 10503 N. Oak Hills Parkway
  Featuring wildlife and ecology exhibits, a 65-acre cypress-tupelo swamp, navigable by boardwalk filled with wildlife such as birds, bobcats, foxes, turtles and alligators.

• Blue Bayou Water Park / Dixie Landin'

  phone: +1 225 753-3333
  address: 18142 Perkins Rd.

• Swine Palace ProductionsOriginally a livestock-judging pavilion, Swine Palace are Baton Rouge's premier professional theater company.

• Shaw Center for the ArtsThis is the city's newest major performing arts complex. It features the Manship Theatre and a rooftop sushi restaurant.

• Blue Bayou Water Park/Dixie Landin'

  address: 10 and Highland Rd
  This is the largest amusement park in the area. The main attraction is the enormous waterslide "Conja".

• Red Stick Farmers Market

  address: 501 Main St
  The Red Stick Farmers Market, operated by BREADA (Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance), is a producer only market with over 50 vendors that has been in operation for nearly ten years. Located on Downtown Baton Rouge, the market is open in conjunction with The Main Street Market. Going to the Market is a great way to experience culture and goods from local vendors and farmers.

• LSU Lakes

  address: LSU
  The LSU Lakes are an attraction for residents in Baton Rouge. Composed of several lakes near LSU, they are open to the public for fishing. In addition, there are extensive running tracks that run next to the lakes for miles for walking, jogging, and running. You can easily mix and mingle with LSU college students, all of whom consider the LSU Lakes part of their home campus.

• Tour the USS Kid

  address: 305 South River Rd
  The USS Kid, a WWII era US Navy destroyer, offers tours to locals and tourists alike. A real delight if you are a WWII or military enthusiast or if you have children.

• Tailgate during an LSU home game

  phone: +1 225 635-6277
  address: LSU
  LSU has an incredible tailgating scene. It's not uncommon for 100,000+ people to be tailgating in and around LSUTiger Stadium has a seating capacity of over 102,000! You'll be amazed at the number and friendliness of the crowd. Plan on arriving hours before the game to be able to park within a reasonable distance (

*always* feel free to ask for a burger or gumbo from fellow tail-gaters as it's tradition to be friendly and open with fellow fans.

• Tin Roof Brewery Tour

  phone: +1 225 377-7022
  Baton Rouge's only microbrewery. Excellent guided tours every Friday at 6PM with three free beer samples for those over 21. Definitely a must for any beer lover.

• Mall of Louisiana

  phone: +1 225 761-7228
  address: 6401 Bluebonnet Blvd
  Large shopping mall in the south part of town, just off the Bluebonnett exit of I-10. Mall also includes nearby shopping centers, the AMC Movie Theater, and many restaurants.

• Perkins RoweA new mixed-use development at the corner of Perkins Road and Bluebonnet Blvd. Has many retail shops, restaurants, and Cinemark Movie Theater

• Anthony's Italian Deli

  phone: +1 225-272-6817
  address: 10248 Florida Blvd
  This is a great place to go for good deli food and classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meat balls and great muffuletta. Eat at the deli and enjoy the atmosphere and the personalities.

• The ChimesAn LSU staple for generations, at the North Gates of campus on Highland. Predominantly frequented by students and faculty, The Chimes serves a mix of standards with Louisiana Cajun/Creole fare, and has one of the best beer selections in town.

• Fleur de Lis

  phone: +1 225 924-2904
  address: 5655 Government St
  Baton Rouge's other half-century old pizza parlor, originally a gas station on the outskirts of town, the Fleur de Lis is a family restaurant with a dedicated old Baton Rouge clientele. Cash or check only.

• George's

  address: Perkins Road

• Rock n Sake

  address: Perkins Rd
  Sushi restaurant and bar; fun hip place with an awesome bar and fantastic food.

• India's Restaurant

  address: 5230 Essen Ln
  Southern part of the city, convenient just west of the Essen Ln. I-10 exit, +1 225 769-0600. Good, reasonably priced Indian food; buffet or menu.

• Louie'sA traditional diner right at LSU's North Gate.

• Parrain'sAlthough it is only a recent entry to the Baton Rouge eatery scene, Parrain's has already established itself as one of the best places to experience traditional Louisiana cuisine, most notably its fried seafood.

• The PastimeA half-century old pizza parlor and bar serving easily the best pizza in the city. Also the home of "Boudin Pizza", a unique South Louisiana concoction representing the collision of Acadian and Italian cultures.

• Piccadilly RestaurantsHeadquartered in Baton Rouge, the Piccadilly chain has been serving traditional, home-style meals since 1944 at affordable prices. Southern favorites include: Fried Chicken, Crawfish Etouffee, Carrot Souffle and Pecan Pie. Meals include entree, two sides and bread. $5-10.

• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

  phone: +1 225 408-1658
  address: 14929 Market St
  Home-grown chain of fast-food restaurants that serve only chicken finger meals, and have proven so adept at doing it that they have successfully expanded to other markets in the South and increasingly beyond. Side items available include crinkle-cut fries, Texas Toast, cole slaw, and the mysterious-yet-addictive special dipping sauce.

• Sporting News Grill

  phone: +1 225 636-5347
  address: 4848 Constitution Ave
  Sporting News Grill's casual upscale atmosphere encourages everyone to relax and have a great time while catching sports action on high definition flat screen TVs placed strategically throughout the restaurant.

• TJ Ribs

  phone: +1 225 383-7427
  address: 2324 S Acadian Thrwy
  The de facto standard for barbecue by which all other local BBQ restaurants are judged. Famous for pork and beef ribs, but also accommodates diners with other eating habits. LSU legend Billy Cannon's Heisman Trophy is on display here, as he exchanged it for lifetime eating privileges.

• TsunamiA sushi restaurant perched high above the city on the roof of the Shaw Center. The establishment has one of the best views in the entire city.

• Zeeland Street MarketLocated in the Garden District just north of the LSU Campus, it is one of the best places in town to get soul food. Locally famous for their delicious heaping plate lunches, Zeeland Street Market is a favorite for college students with a hankering for a home cooked meal. The plate lunch menu rotates daily and all of the ingredients are fresh from local markets. Take special note that Zeeland's is only open for breakfast and lunch.

• Bystro ByronzTwo locations: Mid-City on Government Street and Willow Grove off of Perkins Road near Perkins Rowe. A neighborhood restaurant known for burgers and other bistro-inspired dishes.

The Baton Rouge Metro Council recently outlawed many drink specials in establishments classified as bars, so if you're looking to save a buck, you should stick with drinking in restaurants. However, if you're looking for that bar atmosphere, there are several places to choose from. Baton Rouge's blue laws were repealed in October 2007, but restrictions on drink specials are still in effect.

• Port Royal

  phone: +1 225 201-9900
  address: 2363 College Dr
  The best pirate-themed bar (located next to a Waffle House) in all of Baton Rouge. A service industry hangout with an alt-rock leaning clientele.

• Chimes Restaurant and Oyster Bar

  phone: +1 225 383-1754
  address: 3357 Highland Rd
  The largest selection of beer, both bottled and on tap, in the Capitol City area and maybe the entire state. They serve practically anything you can think of. Be sure to ask about "Drinking around the world". There are several reports of bottled beer being served past its prime, but anything on draft seems fine.

• The Chimes East

  phone: +1 225 296-4981
  address: 10870 Coursey Blvd
  A newer sister store of the Chimes Restaurant.

• Mellow Mushroom

  phone: +1 225 490-6355
  address: 4250 Burbank Dr
  A pizza place with a very funky, hippie-influenced decor.

• Churchill's

  phone: +1 225 927-4211
  address: 7949 Jefferson Hwy Ste C
  "Premium Cigars & Elixirs", also frequently has live music and tastings.

• Happy's Irish Pub

  address: 136 Third St
  A low-key downtown bar with an eclectic mix of college kids, professionals and everyone in between.

• Tigerland

  address: Bob Pettit Blvd
  A group of bars just south of LSU for those really into the college bar scene; with student favorites such as Freds, Tiger Bar, JL's Place, etc. This is also a place fraught with druken bar fights.

• Bulldog

  phone: +1 225 303-9400
  address: 4385 Perkins Rd
  Great place to socialize with friends and drink a lot of different beers. They have passable food and cocktails as well. Make sure to have valid ID as they will card.

• Best Western Chateau Louisianne Suite Hotel

  phone: +1 225 924-5000
  address: 710 N Lobdell Ave

• DoubleTree Baton Rouge

  phone: +1 225-925-1005
  address: 4964 Constitution Ave
  Offers 127 guest suites, complimentary WiFi, and delicious regional cuisine at the 4964 Restaurant.

• Comfort Suites University

  address: 3045 Valley Creek Rd

• Courtyard Baton Rouge Siegen Lane

  phone: +1 225 293-7200
  address: 10307 N Mall Dr

• Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge

  phone: +1 225 925-2244
  address: 4728 Constitution Ave

• Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

  phone: +1 225 344-5866
  address: 201 Lafayette St
  The Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center is a historic building and hotel in downtown Baton Rouge. AAA 4-Diamond rated hotel, offering 290 guest rooms, complimentary airport shuttle, and an on-site Viking Cooking School.

• Holiday Inn

  phone: +1 225 293-6880
  address: 10455 Reiger Rd

• Holiday Inn College Drive

  phone: +1 225 448-2030
  address: 4848 Constitution Ave

• Motel 6 Baton Rouge East

  phone: +1 225 924-2130
  address: 9901 Gwen Adele Ave

• Quality Inn Bluebonnet Center

  address: 9138 Bluebonnet Centre Blvd

• Ramada Inn Baton Rouge

  phone: +1 225 706-5500
  address: 10045 Gwenadele Dr

• Red Lion Baton Rouge

  phone: +1 225-293-6880
  address: 10455 Reiger Rd

• SpringHill Suites Baton Rouge South

  phone: +1 225 766-5252
  address: 7979 Essen Park Ave

• Sheraton Baton Rouge Convention Center

  phone: +1 225 242-2600
  address: 102 France St

• TownePlace Suites Baton Rouge South

  phone: +1 225 819-2112
  address: 8735 Summa Blvd

• Residence Inn Baton Rouge Towne Center at Cedar Lodge

  phone: +1-225-925-9100
  address: 7061 Commerce Circle

• East Baton Rouge Parish Library

• New Orleans
• Plantation houses along River Road between Baton Rouge and New Orleans
• St. Tammany Parish is east on I-12