From Alligator Encounters to Epic Ziplines, You Won’t Want to Miss These Adventurous Activities
If you love going beyond the obvious when you travel, this story is for you. Instead of rattling off the usual “top ten things to see and do in Louisiana,” I’m spotlighting seven adventurous ways to experience the River Parishes and surrounding areas that actually feel like Louisiana—wild, soulful, and unforgettable.
I recently spent ten days exploring the River Parishes, Lafayette, and New Orleans, and several experiences absolutely stole the show. These are the ones that wowed me, made me laugh, scream, and left an impression I’ll remember forever.
Encounter an Alligator (Or Two)
Louisiana’s swamps are famous for their alligators, so naturally, that’s where our adventure began. The best way to see, and even hold, an alligator is on a swamp tour. I joined a Cajun Pride Swamp Tour, located on a privately owned wildlife refuge in LaPlace, about 25 miles from New Orleans—and it was absolutely worth the trip.
©Kathryn Anderson
Our guide, Captain Danny, was a character. A New Orleans native raised in the tiny town of Norco, he’s been immersed in swamp life from an early age. As we cruised the waterways, he entertained us with stories while tossing marshmallows for the alligators, making sure everyone got a close-up view.
Next, Danny brought out baby turtles and a two-year-old alligator for us to hold. While some people were initially frightened, eventually everyone took a turn holding the gator. His scales were soft to the touch, not what I was expecting at all. Being up close and personal with an alligator this size was both exciting and intimidating. When visiting Louisiana, a swamp tour is an absolute must.
Dine On Delicacies
It might seem a strange transition from feeding and holding alligators to eating one, but that’s Louisiana for you. Sampling alligator is a local rite of passage, and I wasn’t about to miss out on an authentic experience.
I kicked things off at Drago’s Seafood Restaurant with their famous chargrilled oysters. I was told these were a must-try, and they were juicy, smoky, and topped with just the right amount of garlic butter.
Next came alligator bites and Gator Tacos, tender and flavorful, a fun way to dive into Louisiana’s more adventurous cuisine. They might sound intimidating, but they were surprisingly approachable.
I was expecting them to taste gamey or spicy, but instead they had a mild taste and texture. Admittedly, I can’t handle a lot of spice, but these tacos packed a lot of flavor with just the right amount of kick, thanks to the drizzle of Cajun aioli dressing.
I followed them with boudin balls—a traditional Cajun dish made with boudin sausage meat, shaped into balls, battered, rolled in breadcrumbs, then fried. And finally, I savored crawfish prepared three ways, each dish showcasing what makes Louisiana’s seafood scene so unforgettable.
Go Fishing on the Bayou
Speaking of seafood, the next morning I was up at the crack of dawn—not just to see where Louisiana’s seafood comes from, but to try my hand at catching some myself.
As the sun rose over Barataria Bay, the heart of the vast Louisiana bayou, I climbed aboard a small fishing boat with four others, including our guide from Bourgeois Fishing Charters. All of us were buzzing with anticipation. The air was cool, and the wind whipped through my hair as we sped through the water, heading to where we hoped the fish would bite.
After a few attempts, I reeled in my first fish. It was a catfish. Unfortunately, it was too small, so I had to throw it back. But perseverance paid off because not long after, I caught not one, but two fish. Both were redfish, and each was bigger than the last.
It was a thrilling reminder of the hands-on adventure that Louisiana’s waterways offer. The second one turned out to be the largest catch of the day. It was extremely tough for me to reel in. I have a new appreciation for fishermen after trying it firsthand.
We didn’t have enough time to cook our own catches, but on my next foodie adventure, I got to try my hand at cooking authentic Cajun food.
Cook Up a Cajun Storm
Cooking might not sound like an adventurous activity, but when you join Spuddy’s Cajun Cooking Experience, it definitely is. Spuddy is a vibrant and engaging man whose enthusiasm for Cajun food is both entertaining and contagious.
At Spuddy’s Cajun Cooking Experience. I learned to make classic Louisiana dishes, including perfectly seasoned jambalaya and hearty gumbo. Guided by Spuddy himself, a local with a wealth of Cajun knowledge and a mischievous sense of humor, my group and I chopped, sautéed, and stirred our way through the evening, tasting as we went.
Spuddy made sure we stayed hydrated with a local beer called Abita. This amber lager is smooth and malty, and has consistently ranked among Louisiana’s best beers.
Sip Team Spirit, aka Purple Vodka
In Louisiana, team spirit isn’t just printed on baseball caps and t-shirts; it’s distilled into spirits—purple ones. Sugarfield Spirits holds the honor of making the official vodka of the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers, whose team color is purple.
Sugarfield’s Vodka gets its striking purple hue from all-natural butterfly pea flower. Its taste is mild, but what it lacks in flavor, it makes up for in its visual appeal.
Sugarfield Spirits uses locally sourced ingredients from Assumption Parish. Their spirits are made with cane sugar and molasses and are ready to showcase team spirit on game day. Go Tigers!
Learn How to Dance the Cajun Swing and Zydeco
To truly understand the vibrant Cajun culture, you have to do more than eat and drink your way through Louisiana. It was time to get my body moving and shaking.
Before I traveled to Lafayette, I had never heard of the Cajun Swing or Zydeco, but by the end of the night, my hips were swaying to both. Not someone who tends to catch onto new, choreographed dances easily, I have to thank our instructor for the evening, Moriah Hargrave from Fleurish Forever.
Moriah’s energy was magnetic, filling the room and ensuring everyone had a fabulous time. Whether we had two left feet or danced like a pro, she encouraged everyone with the same sparkling smile. As I two-stepped my way around the room, twirling and laughing, I felt embraced by the warmth of Cajun culture.
Zip Line Over a Swamp
We started with alligators, so that’s where we are ending our journey. After feeding them, holding them, and eating them, it’s time to zip over them. An adrenaline junkie, I was excited to visit Zip Nola and have the chance to go zip-lining over a swamp.
I have enjoyed zip-lining in a lot of different places, but this was my first time flying high over a swamp full of alligators. The thought gave me a jolt of excitement as I climbed the stairs to the first zip line and looked down.
Zip Nola is the world’s first fully aquatic swamp zip line, giving you a bird’s eye view from the safety of the treetops.
©Kathryn Anderson
Five different zip lines total a half mile through—or rather over—the Maurepas Swamp. There are also two suspension bridges and one spiral cypress tree staircase along the way.
While I didn’t see any alligators beneath me, I did get to hold a baby alligator once I was safely back on solid ground.
And there you have it, seven exciting escapades that showcase the real Louisiana. Adventure, flavor, and culture await at every turn—so pack your curiosity and get ready to explore everything the Pelican State has to offer.
If You Go
Louisiana gets the most attention—and travelers—during Mardi Gras in February, but it’s a year-round destination. There are many advantages to visiting in the off-season, including fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations.
The best way to get to the River Parishes and Lafayette is to fly into either Lafayette Regional Airport or Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. If you fly into Louis Armstrong Airport, Lafayette is a 2-hour drive. Renting a car will be your best option, so you can easily explore the area and all of the activities mentioned here.
Many of these adventures don’t require reservations. Still, if you plan to travel during peak season, I do recommend calling ahead and booking your preferred date and time to avoid disappointment.
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