Lafayette, LA

Travel Guide

Lafayette showing a bar and night scenes as well as a small group of people
Lafayette which includes a city as well as a small group of people
Photo provided by Philip Gould /Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission
Lafayette showing bird life and a pond
Photo provided by Denny Culbert/Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission

In the heart of Louisiana, visit this scenic French-American city full of historical monuments, churches and cultural activities.

The city of Lafayette lies on the Vermilion River in southern Louisiana. The center of the Acadian region, it has a strong French influence due to the arrival of French colonists several centuries ago. A Frenchman called Jean Mouton established the municipality in 1821. It is named after General Lafayette, who fought in the American Revolutionary War. Many residents speak French as their first language. The area’s intriguing history centers on a former orphan trail. You’ll also find historic monuments and churches scattered around the city.

Stroll through the town center and sample Acadian food specialties, such as crawfish and smothered rabbit. In the Acadian Culture Center, staff dressed in period costume will help you learn about Louisiana’s Francophone culture and history. Watch several short movies for more information.

Visit charming St. Martin de Tours Church near the city center. One of the oldest in Louisiana, the church dates back to 1836. The elegant statue of Evangeline, a tragic character from an Acadian poem, sits in front of the church. Note the majestic chandeliers and columns in the spacious interior.

Drive north of the city to the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum. Learn about the movement that took orphans from the streets of New York to homes in rural regions across the country to enrich their lives. This took place from the 1850s until the late 1920s. Artifacts have been donated by family members of orphans who rode the trains.

A little farther north is the lovely Chicot State Park. Get close to deer and birds. Hike around the picturesque grounds and pause for a picnic.

Explore Lake Martin, an area of swamplands with a great range of wildlife and flora. Look for alligators, snakes, turtles and exotic birds. Choose a scenic trail around the lake or a guided tour of the swamps.

Lafayette is about 150 miles (241 kilometers) west of New Orleans and offers a serene alternative to the busy Big Easy.

Where to stay in Lafayette

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River Ranch

4.5/5(31 area reviews)

While River Ranch might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Topgolf and Acadiana Mall.

River Ranch
Lafayette which includes food

Downtown Lafayette

4.5/5(32 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Lafayette, The Acadiana Center for the Arts and Cathedral of St John are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Lafayette
The last free standing Borden's ice cream shop in the US.

Freetown - Port Rico

While Freetown - Port Rico might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like The Acadiana Center for the Arts and Cathedral of St John.

Freetown - Port Rico
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McComb-Veazey

When in McComb-Veazey, you can plan a visit to Galeries Lafayette Shopping Center and The Acadiana Center for the Arts, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

McComb-Veazey
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Sterling Grove Historic District

Downtown Lafayette's historic district boasts 43 contributing properties, including the Charles H. Mouton House and Saint Genevieve Church. Explore the area's rich history, dating back to 1848, amidst charming residences.

Sterling Grove Historic District
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
4 out of 5
1521 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA
$99 nightly
The price is $114 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$114 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"I had a blast. I enjoyed the warm, welcome the cleans, and the safety of the hotel."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
Drury Inn & Suites Lafayette, LA
Drury Inn & Suites Lafayette, LA
3 out of 5
120 Alcide Dominique, Lafayette, LA
$102 nightly
The price is $117 total per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
$117 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lafayette. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"When I travel one of the things that will bring me back to a place as the staff at the staffing is friendly, nice kind, and number one the cleanliness and the safety where I stay and you guys met that standard thank you"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Drury Inn & Suites Lafayette, LA
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Lafayette North by IHG
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Lafayette North by IHG
3 out of 5
2219 NW Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA
$99 nightly
The price is $114 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$114 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Awesome stay
"We had an awesome stay at Holiday Inn. Every staff member that we encountered was nice smile on their face and always asking if there’s anything we needed. I will stay on this property again. If I am in the area again to the staff, you guys are awesome."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Lafayette North by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
3 Bedroom Saint Street/Downtown, Quiet, near everything
3 Bedroom Saint Street/Downtown, Quiet, near everything
Lafayette
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Youth Park and Blackham Coliseum ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Nice Place
"Great place for our family to stay. Enjoyed the games in living room. Comfy Beds. Location Great"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

3 Bedroom Saint Street/Downtown, Quiet, near everything
LALALAND -2 master suites, king bed,  comfort & location “No chores” at checkout
LALALAND -2 master suites, king bed, comfort & location “No chores” at checkout
Lafayette
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Woodland Village Shopping Center and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
"Everything was great!"

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

LALALAND -2 master suites, king bed, comfort & location “No chores” at checkout
Sleeps 8 (FOUR BEDS): Spacious Home Near Cajundome! Game Room, Fire Pit, BBQ
Sleeps 8 (FOUR BEDS): Spacious Home Near Cajundome! Game Room, Fire Pit, BBQ
Lafayette
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions South College Shopping ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Festival International
"Good stay!"

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2025

Sleeps 8 (FOUR BEDS): Spacious Home Near Cajundome! Game Room, Fire Pit, BBQ
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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