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

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
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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 Acadiana Mall and The Boulevard Shopping Center.

River Ranch
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
The price is ¥14,994 per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
¥14,994
¥17,243 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
includes taxes & 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Clean room, although a little outdated. No complaints."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
Sonesta ES Suites Lafayette Airport

Sonesta ES Suites Lafayette Airport

2.5 out of 5
807 Hugh Wallis Rd S, Lafayette, LA
The price is ¥10,801 per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
¥10,801
¥12,421 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lafayette. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
"None"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Sonesta ES Suites Lafayette Airport
Tru by Hilton Lafayette River Ranch

Tru by Hilton Lafayette River Ranch

2.5 out of 5
1310 Camellia Blvd, Lafayette, LA
The price is ¥14,656 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥14,656
¥16,854 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lafayette. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Cajundome ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (987 reviews)
"We found trash in the chair and a dirt wash cloth in the bathroom."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

Tru by Hilton Lafayette River Ranch
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.
Evangeline House! Beautifully remodeled & Super Close to Downtown

Evangeline House! Beautifully remodeled & Super Close to Downtown

Lafayette
Stay at this cottage in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Cajundome and Cathedral of St John are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"The house was a perfect place to feel at home during our time in Lafayette."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Evangeline House! Beautifully remodeled & Super Close to Downtown
PALM SPRINGS- 2Master Suites, Style & Location! “No chores” at checkout!

PALM SPRINGS- 2Master Suites, Style & Location! “No chores” at checkout!

Lafayette
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cajundome and Woodland Village Shopping ...
9/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
"Very nice! Enjoyed the stay."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

PALM SPRINGS- 2Master Suites, Style & Location! “No chores” at checkout!
Cozy, Modern Waterfront Cottage + 2.5 acres on Bayou in the Heart of Lafayette

Cozy, Modern Waterfront Cottage + 2.5 acres on Bayou in the Heart of Lafayette

Lafayette
Stay at this cottage in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Cajundome and Acadian Village Shopping Center are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
"Absolute perfection, just what we were looking for. From the location to the amenities. This adorable cottage is stocked well & so comfortable. Rachel & Reed are so easy to work with & very responsive. I am so glad that we have found our Lafayette home away from home. We will be returning whenever ..."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Cozy, Modern Waterfront Cottage + 2.5 acres on Bayou in the Heart of Lafayette
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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