Travel Spotlights: Southeast Region
Pristine beaches and lush mountains meet comforting cuisine and legendary hospitality in the Southeast, where oak trees line winding back roads and music fills the air.
Louisiana
Louisiana can sometimes feel like one big celebration. Party at Mardi Gras parades across the state and at dozens of smaller – but no less lively – food and music festivals.
Louisiana
Choose your own bayou adventure in Louisiana’s majestic swamps. Board an airboat at McGees Swamp Tour, hold a baby gator or explore the USA’s largest freshwater swamp – the Atchafalaya Basin.
Louisiana
Whether it’s jazz in New Orleans, zydeco in South Louisiana or live rock in a Lafayette dance hall, Louisiana is always moving to the beat and singing along.
Louisiana
Creole, Cajun and French influences fuel the imaginations of Louisiana’s chefs and backyard shrimp-boilers. Sample oysters, crawfish, boudin and muffulettas across the state, and of course have a po’ boy!
Louisiana
Throughout Louisiana’s charming cities and towns, catch dazzling shows, like on the Bakowski Bridge of Lights, enjoy eclectic restaurants and breweries followed by trying your luck in Las Vegas-style resorts.
Louisiana
Rich with sites of cultural significance, Louisiana is home to Oakland Plantation, the Cane River National Heritage Area and other places to learn about the state’s complex and varied history.
Louisiana
Explore Louisiana’s great outdoors at popular birdwatching, hiking, camping and horseback-riding areas like the sprawling Kisatchie National Forest in Alexandria.
Louisiana
Expect the unexpected at places like the Tabasco factory on Avery Island. Learn about the famous hot sauce and stroll the founder’s quirky and scenic Jungle Gardens.
Louisiana
Louisiana takes on another life by water. Kayak, canoe or paddleboard through rivers, lakes and bayous across the state, or relax at countless beaches on the Gulf.
Louisiana
Greek Revival, French Creole and other architectural styles make up the grand and humble dwellings of Louisiana. Don’t miss a tour of estates like the Houmas House and Gardens.
Louisiana
An eclectic and colorful art haven, Louisiana is dotted with public art, sculptures, large-scale street murals, art museums and galleries displaying local and international masterpieces.
Louisiana
With its seemingly endless bodies of water, Louisiana is teeming with places to go fishing, birding and exploring. Cast a line, sit back and relax all day long.
Louisiana
The state’s unique cultural offerings like the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum and The National WWII Museum are sure to raise the interest of anyone who is always curious.
Louisiana
Explore the wonderfully original, under-the-radar, but always memorable treasures that are scattered throughout Louisiana like the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, where Coca-Cola was first bottled.
Louisiana
One of the most quirky, culturally diverse, fun-loving and breathtakingly beautiful states in the USA, Louisiana has a unique and memorable experience in store for all types of travelers. Throughout the state’s vast and hauntingly striking outdoor spaces, view wildlife like birds and alligators from the comfort of your kayak as you paddle through bayous and wetlands. Move to the rhythm of jazz, blues and zydeco music in a Lafayette dance hall or at one of the many Mardi Gras festivals that take place in all corners of Louisiana. Learn about the state’s complex, unique and often embattled history at historical sites like Oakland Plantation in Natchitoches Parish and The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. From backyard shrimp boils to world-class culinary experiences, Creole, Cajun and French influences can be found on almost every Louisiana menu. Don’t miss classic locations like Bourbon Street and Jackson Square, but be sure to venture beyond the most popular tourism hubs to discover true gems. Visit museums and institutions covering every topic under the sun. There’s something for everyone in this charming southern state.
More about Louisiana
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Enjoy the view from the 27th-floor observation deck of the Louisiana State Capitol – the tallest capitol building in the USA. Louisiana’s Old State Capitol also features spectacular architecture and is even said to house a ghost. Learn more
Photo: Jordan Hefler
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is home to the inspiring and family-friendly USS KIDD Veterans Museum, a World War II Fletcher-class destroyer turned floating museum. Step back in time at the LSU Rural Life Museum, acting as a time capsule that explores the lives of Louisiana’s rural people. Learn more
Photo: Jordan Hefler
More about Louisiana
Lafayette, Louisiana
Explore Lafayette’s hauntingly beautiful swamps, rivers and bayous teeming with wildlife and cypress trees. It’s the perfect backdrop for spotting some of the region’s over 240 bird species and experiencing an epic guided adventure. Learn more
Photo: LafayetteTravel.com
Lafayette, Louisiana
This lively city is a music-lover’s dream. Regardless of when you visit, there’s bound to be a celebration in progress. The area hosts Creole music festivals, nightly live music and, of course, can’t-miss Mardi Gras celebrations. Learn more
Photo: Megan Bergeron
Orlando, Florida
Get ready for magical fun and epic adventure at Orlando’s world-famous theme parks like Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort.
Orlando, Florida
International Drive has numerous activity-filled spots like ICON Park. Take in sweeping views of Orlando atop The Wheel, then head down the street for mini-golf or go-kart racing.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando offers a variety of shopping options for all budgets. Browse luxury labels at The Mall at Millenia, large department stores at The Florida Mall or designer discounts at Orlando Premium Outlets.
Orlando, Florida
Enjoy the Orlando area’s outdoor adventures like boat tours, leisurely excursions through crystal-clear waters or by navigating obstacle courses at Nona Adventure Park.
Orlando, Florida
In downtown Orlando, rent a swan boat at Lake Eola Park, dine alfresco at sidewalk cafés and enjoy concerts and performances at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Orlando, Florida
From boutique shopping in surprising suburbs like Winter Park to breweries and large-scale murals in hip neighborhoods like Mills 50, Orlando has colorful and eclectic escapes offering something for everyone.
Orlando, Florida
Sports fans can catch professional teams like the Orlando Magic and Orlando Pride take on opponents and choose between over 150 golf courses in and around Orlando.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando supplies the water fun away from the coast. Cool off with waterslides, lazy rivers, splash pads, wave pools and aquatic playgrounds at multiple water parks in the area.
Orlando, Florida
A world of wonder awaits outside of Orlando’s large theme parks. Enjoy over 100 attractions like the mind-bending interactive exhibits at WonderWorks and an alligator-wrangling show at Gatorland.
Orlando, Florida
A variety of lush ecosystems lie just outside of Orlando’s tourism hubs. Take an eco-tour, swim in refreshing springs or kayak in the wildlife-filled waters of the area.
Orlando, Florida
MICHELIN dining, chef-driven cuisine, family-friendly restaurants, futuristic dishes, or a dinner with a lively, colorful show. When it comes to memorable dining experiences, Orlando has lots to offer.
Orlando, Florida
See your favorite underwater creatures at SeaWorld Orlando or SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. Hands on exhibits and shows educate while entertaining the whole family.
Orlando, Florida
Set a course for adventure with natural excursions in and around Orlando. Paddle through mangroves, take on kilometers and kilometers of multi-use trails or enjoy a guided alligator-watching airboat tour.
Orlando, Florida
Get dressed up and step out into the night to experience Orlando’s fine culinary offerings at high-end, James Beard-honored and celebrity-inspired restaurants with local and global flair.
Orlando, Florida
Known widely for its epic theme parks and family-friendly attractions, Orlando is also home to world-class MICHELIN dining experiences, cultural landmarks, eclectic art museums and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Of course, no trip to Orlando would be complete without some time spent at world famous theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. When you’re ready to experience another side of the city, explore the lush ecosystems that lie just outside of Orlando’s tourism hubs. View birds, alligators and other wildlife on a sunset airboat tour, paddle through mangrove-lined estuaries and stroll along the laidback streets of charming neighborhoods like Mills 50 and Winter Park. Fine dining, nightlife and culture? Thought you’d never ask. Orlando is home to MICHELIN and James Beard-nominated restaurants, lively dinner-and-a-show venues and popular breweries next to large-scale street murals and public art. In downtown, catch a concert or ballet performance at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts or a home game of the Orlando Magic, Orlando Pride or Orlando City SC.
Whether you prefer your holidays adventurous, relaxed, culture-rich or anywhere in between, Orlando has something to please every traveler’s palette.