THIS POST WAS WRITTEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SHREVEPORT TOURISM BOARD AS PART OF A PRESS TRIP. HOWEVER, ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.
Planning a visit to Shreveport, Louisiana and looking for the best places to stay, eat and play?
You are well on your way to having a memorable visit in this small city full of big charm. As Louisiana’s third largest city, it is an iconic playground full of unique treasures that you can’t find anywhere else. I completely fell in love with this city!
With so much exploration left on my list, I can totally see myself planning another visit real soon. I can picture it now: spending my mornings strolling the boardwalk catching glimpse of the Red River, eating like the locals at some of the most historic diners around and soaking in the lively Louisiana culture.
You may also like: Must-Eat Sweets In Shreveport Louisiana and Beer Lover’s Guide To Shreveport, Louisiana
Keep Reading For A City Guide Of Shreveport’s Best Places To Stay, Eat And Play!
WHERE TO STAY
I had such a great stay at the Courtyard Marriott on the Louisiana Boardwalk! A hotel situated on the Louisiana Boardwalk makes for a great home base while in Shreveport. Staying here will offer a super close proximity to great shops, restaurants and plenty of entertainment. What I loved the most about it, aside from the room was the fact that it’s located just steps away from everything you will ever need.
My favorite option on the Louisiana Boardwalk is the Courtyard Marriott because it is nicely situated and a fantastic affordable choice. The rooms are spacious, the views of the Red River are impeccable, and the service is attentive. Just outside it’s doors lies a mecca of fun for the entire family.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN SHREVEPORT
I love visiting cities that have a ton of free things to do. Here is my list of some free things to do in Shreveport.
- Artspace
- Barksdale Global Power Museum
- Boom or Bust Byway
- East Bank Gallery
- Elvis Presley Statue
- Louisiana State Exhibit Musuem
- Shreveport Water Works Museum
- Redriver National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
- Shreveport Railroad Museum
- Riverview Park
WHAT TO DO
Gators and Friends Adventure Park
Go zip line over alligators at Gators and Friends
This is one epic adventure! There is only one other place in the United States where you can zip line over live alligators so this experience is really unique to the city. This place also offer other fun touches, such as, high speed go-kart racing, a petting zoo, the opportunity to have your photo taking holding a baby alligator, and much more.
I completed the seven line course. This will have your adrenaline pumping from start to finish as they save the best line for last!
Chimp Haven
Go engage with over 260 chimpanzees
Open to the public no more than seven times a year, Chimp Haven is definitely a must-see. As America’s only Chimpanzee sanctuary, this experience is unique to the city of Shreveport. As a result, visitors flock here from all over the world. So, don’t miss your opportunity to witness hundreds of Chimps in their natural habitat. All of the Chimpanzees here have been retired from medical research, the entertainment industry or rescued from illegal sources.
I received a private tour of the grounds and it’s truly amazing to witness the entire process!
Shreveport Aquarium
Go get your hands cleaned by fish
As just one year old, the Shreveport Aquarium is a wonderful addition to the city. This Aquarium is home to more than 3,000 animals representing 270 species. It is perfectly situated along the Red River and is a great place to visit for some unforgettable hands-on experiences. From the time you enter, until the time you leave it is an immersive environment with excitement and the beauty of the ocean at every turn.
WHAT TO SEE
Go catch a glimpse of the Elvis Presley & James Burton Statues
outside the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
Go on a hunt for some of the coolest street art the city has to offer!
You can find these murals at the intersection of Cotton Street & Marshall Street…
Head to The Agora Borealis to check out some of the coolest art pieces
from local’s at this art market!
Go get a better view of the city on the balcony of the Robinson Film Center!
The Robinson Film Center is Shreveport’s home for independent, foreign and classic films…
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
The Cotton Boll
If you’re in the mood for a classic breakfast, then this place is a sure bet. They are known for their huge portions and bottomless cups of coffee. This diner is a small, eighty years old gem. They don’t make diners like this anymore! The food is delicious and the historical decor gives you a true local experience like none other.
Their giant pancakes are giving IHOP a run for their money!
Creole Cafe & Catering
This little hole-in-the-wall will knock your socks off with their cajun cuisine. It’s small and family ran but packs a big punch of flavor! If you want to feel right at home in Shreveport then this is where you will want to be. I love that the owners make every visitor feel like part of the family. Creole Cafe has that down home vibe with a ton of cajun flair.
You have to try their crawfish boudin balls, fried catfish and crawfish etouffee over rice. Amazing!
Southern Maid Donuts
Hot donuts anyone? If you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth then Southern Maid Donuts should be first on your list. On weekdays after 4 PM, you can get piping hot donuts right out the fryer. These donuts will absolutely melt in your mouth! They don’t have to compete for taste. But, you may have to compete with the patrons because people are lined up waiting to grab them a box. You can not eat just one!
Fun fact: Elvis did the only commercial of his life for the iconic Southern Maid Donuts! He sang their jingle. “You can get ’em piping hot after four PM, you can get ’em piping hot.”
Longwood General Store
Go for steak night, huge steaks for a great price! This quirky eatery is located inside a convenience store. You may not find this concept anywhere else in Louisiana! It’s a charming rural dining experience with a juicy steak to match. They serve the biggest onion loaf I have ever seen. A slight dip into ranch dressing will have you rethinking life.
Whisk
I’m convinced this is one of the trendiest places in town. You couldn’t guess that every dessert is made from scratch until you sink your teeth into the richness and taste the quality ingredients and integrity in each bite. They have something for every palate and with some gluten free and dairy free options they are really setting the bar high.
Everything I tasted was amazing! The hot chocolate is delicious, the Bouchons and Tigre Amandes were superb and their infamous Whiskuits are a game changer. I love that they serve your eats on porcelain dishes. This element adds a pinch of sophistication! So grab a seat in one of the high top seats that align the window seal and let the moment last forever.
Flying Heart Brewing
Flying Heart Brewery is known for their dedication to craft beer and vast pizza selections. With six beer options served year-round and a rotating variety of seasonal brews, they are extremely dedicated to serving local beer that will please any palate. They have a really laid back, family friendly atmosphere. From cool murals and an array of events to trendy outdoor patios, its sure to peak the interest of locals and visitor’s alike.
Walking into Flying Heart, gave me more of a restaurant vibe. There were families scattered about indulging on the awesome pizza. The bar was nice and quaint and it was a really casual atmosphere. They also have an onsite gift shop with some cool gear in it. Their simple, yet inviting concept is enough to bring me back.
Herby K’s
Open since 1936, Herby K’s is one of Shreveport’s most iconic restaurants. They are known for their open-faced shrimp po’boy known as the Shrimp Buster. However, i’m convinced that they have the coldest beer in all of Shreveport. Chilled beer, from the tap, can or bottle is poured into over sized frozen glasses for your pleasure. One sip is a total thirst quencher and its absolutely hard to resist the chilled brew on a warm day. Pair it with their delicious etouffee covered crab cake, oysters or crawfish french fries to soak up the good time and you’re well on your way!
They have been named as “One of the Best Louisiana Restaurants Not in New Orleans” by media. Surely, visitors flock to this popular seafood joint and bar in droves. So go grab you a cold one, some good eats and enjoy the vintage atmosphere.
2 Johns Steak & Seafood
If you are looking to get dressed up for an elegant night on the town, then head straight to 2 Johns! This dimly lit jewel has a classy atmosphere with fantastic food and live entertainment to match. The service is superb! The ambiance is on point and the prices are on trend for this type of restaurant.
My fried green tomato salad pictured above was amazing! Their cocktails are fresh and well crafted. The desserts are sweet and delightful.
Great Raft Brewery
Established in 2013, Great Raft Brewing is a great addition to Shreveport’s craft beer community. Visitor’s praise the fun, lively atmosphere here that includes games like Cornhole, and cool themed events. If you choose, pair your craft brew with good eats from local food trucks that are always on site. You can even opt for one of the free tours that take place on Saturday’s.
The team, Andrew, Lindsay and Harvey are passionate and knowledgeable about craft beer and the authenticity at which they serve their community. From apparel and other paraphernalia for purchase that boasts your love for their beer culture to specialized events that make drinking craft beer fun. They are growing by leaps and bounds and I don’t see them stopping no time soon.
The Jump Off
Grabbing a drive-through daiquiri from The Jump Off is a must! Don’t worry, this is perfectly legal in the state of Louisiana. A nice selection of frozen daiquiri options await you. The best part is that they are super affordable and you can get them mixed anyway you like. The staff is great with allowing you to sample some before you build your own. My favorite is the premium Henny Colada! Thank me later…
Marilynn’s Place
Your go to for Sunday Brunch! Marilynn’s Place has a really Sunday Funday vibe. A huge outdoor patio, jazzy music, unlimited drink options, and a dog friendly atmosphere awaits you. Combine this with the delicious menu and you are in for a real treat. The menu consists of a fun cajun and creole mix with a North Louisiana flair. They are surely doing comfort food right!
I opted for the mexican breakfast pictured above, some beignets and the unlimited drink wrist band and I left full and happy! I’ve never had a Beignet like theirs before. They have them down to a science! A warm crispy outside with a flaky center like nothing I have ever tasted before. One dip in the sweet jam it’s paired with and your palate will be screaming for more.
Until My Next Adventure…
What are you waiting for!?! GO OWN YOUR FANCY!!!
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