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 Acadiana Mall and Blackham Coliseum.

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,222 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$3,222
NT$3,705 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Staff was friendly. Weekend breakfast was good. Lots to choose from. The bartender was amazing! Will definitely stay again if we are on the area."

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lafayette Oil Center

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lafayette Oil Center

3 out of 5
1321 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA
The price is NT$2,328 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$2,328
NT$2,678 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Was a great place. Very clean and friendly staff. Quite and safe."

Reviewed on 2025/7/29

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lafayette Oil Center
Wingate by Wyndham Lafayette Airport

Wingate by Wyndham Lafayette Airport

2.5 out of 5
702 E Kaliste Saloom Rd, Lafayette, LA
The price is NT$2,596 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
NT$2,596
NT$3,017 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
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 and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Great Two Day Stay
"Overall the stay was good, with the one exception of roaches around the bathroom toilet. The other areas of the room was fine. The breakfast service was great and the server was very friendly and the food she prepared was delicious(on Tuesday 07/29)."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Wingate by Wyndham Lafayette Airport
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 A in Lafayette

Evangeline A in Lafayette

2 out of 5
Lafayette
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Children's Museum of Acadiana and Parc de Lafayette are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Such a cute little gem, right outside of downtown Lafayette. The house was lovely inside and out. The recent renovations and layout of the house makes it feel so much bigger than it is. The vaulted ceilings, and beautiful attention to details in the interior design made this a new place to stay when ..."

Reviewed on 2025/5/12

Evangeline A in Lafayette
Steps From Downtown Minutes to the Airport

Steps From Downtown Minutes to the Airport

2 out of 5
Lafayette
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Cajundome and City Park are located nearby.
Steps From Downtown Minutes to the Airport
Evangeline B in Lafayette

Evangeline B in Lafayette

2 out of 5
112 Northwest Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette Louisiana 70501 United States, Lafayette, LA
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Children's Museum of Acadiana and Parc de Lafayette are located nearby.
Evangeline B in 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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