Celebrate this Independence Day near your vacation rental in Louisiana by entering a hot dog eating contest, watching a patriotic boat parade, viewing a historic battleship, or running a four-mile race. Here are Tripping.com’s 10 best Fourth of July family vacations in Louisiana.
1. New Orleans
On July 3rd there will be patriotic music performed live by the Marine Corps Band at 7 pm in City Park. Concessions, such as lemonade and corn dogs, begin at 5 pm and the fireworks show begins at 9 pm. On July 4th you can watch the 6th annual boat parade in New Orleans, which goes down Bayou St. John.
2. Baton Rouge
Spend your Fourth of July in a uniquely historic military setting! Baton Rouge is home to the battleship USS KIDD, which is on the Mississippi River. There is an annual Freedom Festival held at the ship that has face painting, obstacles courses, concessions, and more.
3. Lake Claiborne
If you’re staying in a vacation rental in the northwestern part of Louisiana, head over to Lake Claiborne to see the annual boat parade and beautiful fireworks show. Both events will be on Monday, July 3rd, 2017. The parade begins at 7 pm and the fireworks begin 30 minutes after it gets dark.
4. Lake Charles
Lake Charles, Louisiana has an annual race called the 4 Miler on the Fourth, which is a four-mile course along Lakeshore Drive. After the race, you can enjoy Gatorade, hot dogs, and beer at the post race party. That night you can relax and watch a patriotic concert at the Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheater, which includes a salute to armed forces.
5. Monroe
As the home of the biggest fireworks show in Northeast Louisiana, Monroe is a great place to go for the Fourth. Head over to Forsythe Park for a hot dog eating contest, arts, and craft vendors, and kids activities.
6. Natchitoches
Celebrate this Fourth of July in Natchitoches, which has festivities along the Cane River Lake. The event on July 4th, 2017 is free to the public and includes live music, fireworks, face painting, and food vendors.
7. Shreveport
Shreveport has an annual celebration downtown in Festival Plaza, which is at 101 Crockett Street. The community comes together for fireworks, live music, and food. This year’s event is from 2:30 pm to 10 pm on July 4th, 2017.
8. Mandeville
Attend the 1st Annual Mande Independence Day Walking Parade! The parade will highlight American patriotism with the theme of “Red, White, and Mande Blue”. The parade is at 2 pm on July 4th, 2017.
9. New Iberia
To see a traditional Honor Guard ceremony, hear patriotic music, and see a parade, check out New Iberia’s Fourth of July celebration. The event will be held in the historic downtown area on July 4th, 2017 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
10. Lafayette
Enjoy Cajun food, live music from local bands, and a large fireworks show after sunset in Lafayette, Louisiana. Lafayette is the biggest city in the Arcadiana. The day-long event is being held on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017.
Ready to plan your trip? Check out more vacation rentals in Louisiana.