Things To Do
in Shreveport
Shreveport is a mid-sized city in northwest Louisiana on the Red River with a mix of Southern, Cajun/Creole, and Texan cultural influences. It offers riverfront entertainment, historic neighborhoods, and a growing arts and craft brewery scene. The city is a practical base for exploring nearby bayous, Caddo Lake, and Kisatchie forests while offering affordable dining and festivals year-round.
Visitors will find friendly locals, live music venues, and a laid-back pace compared with larger Gulf Coast metros.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful R.W. Norton Art Gallery, where you can admire the stunning collection of American and European art. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens surrounding the gallery, perfect for some morning reflection. Don't forget to grab a coffee and pastry from a nearby café to fuel your exploration.
In the afternoon, head to the Shreveport Cultural Arts District, where you can explore local galleries and studios showcasing the work of talented artists. Stop by the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region through engaging exhibits. Wrap up your afternoon by visiting the historic Caddo Parish Courthouse, where you can appreciate its stunning architecture and take some memorable photos.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at one of Shreveport's renowned restaurants, perhaps savoring some authentic Cajun cuisine. After dinner, catch a live jazz performance at a local venue, immersing yourself in the city's vibrant music scene. To end the night, take a peaceful walk along the Red River, soaking in the scenic views and reflecting on your day.
Begin your day with a visit to the Red River National Wildlife Refuge, where you can observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Opt for an early morning hike on one of the trails, breathing in the fresh air as you listen to the sounds of nature. Bring your binoculars to spot various bird species that call this refuge home.
After your nature walk, enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the refuge. Spend the afternoon kayaking or canoeing on the Red River, allowing for a unique perspective of the stunning scenery and wildlife. Keep your camera ready, as you might encounter turtles basking on logs and other wildlife along the banks.
As evening approaches, head back to the city for a casual dinner at a riverside restaurant, where you can enjoy the sunset views. Afterward, take a scenic drive through the historic neighborhoods of Shreveport to appreciate the beautiful architecture and charming homes. Conclude your day with a visit to a local brewery for a taste of regional craft beer.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare fare | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-130 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction ticket | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong regional cuisine and affordable dining options
- Proximity to unique bayous, Caddo Lake, and outdoor nature
- Friendly locals and a relaxed Southern atmosphere
- Affordable accommodations and lower overall costs than many metros
- Hot, humid summers and occasional severe weather
- Limited public transportation outside central neighborhoods — car recommended
- Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates; situational awareness needed
- Fewer big-city amenities and international flight options compared with major hubs
Places to Visit in Shreveport
Visit one of these nice places.
Perfect for river shots, sunsets, and capturing riverboat casinos and bridges — lively at golden hour and during events.
Ancient cypress and Spanish moss create moody, atmospheric landscapes ideal for sunrise mist photography and wildlife shots.
Manicured gardens, sculptures, and Spanish-style architecture provide colorful, composed shots year-round.
Tree-lined streets, historic houses, and vintage signage are great for architectural and street photography.
Water vistas, boat launches, and quiet shorelines for reflective sunrise and sunset images.
Food in Shreveport
Shreveport Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, roux-based stew with seafood or sausage and chicken, usually served over rice — find excellent versions at neighborhood cafes and Creole restaurants.
Must-Try!
A thick, spiced shellfish stew served over rice; popular during crawfish season at seafood shacks and special-event boils.
A Cajun sausage made from rice, pork, and seasoning. Sold at local meat markets, gas stations that specialize in Cajun food, and family-run shops.
A classic Louisiana sandwich on French bread stuffed with fried seafood or roast beef — available at delis and lunch spots around town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market featuring local produce, baked goods, and prepared foods — good for tasting local produce, honey, and baked treats.
Pop-up events and regular truck meetups near the riverfront and parks where you can sample diverse street food from tacos to Southern BBQ.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals value politeness and a friendly demeanor — use please and thank you, greet shopkeepers, and be patient in lines.
Dress is generally casual; upscale restaurants or theaters may expect smart-casual attire. Comfortable shoes are advisable for walking around historic districts.
Be respectful at religious sites and community events. Conversations about local sports teams, food, and music are good ice-breakers; avoid assuming everyone shares the same political views.
Safety
Tipping in Shreveport
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or cocktail servers, $2–5 for valets or hotel porters, and 10–15% for taxi/rideshare drivers when service is good. Many service workers rely on tips as part of income.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops; carry some cash for small vendors and tips. Mobile payment options (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly supported. ATMs are common in commercial areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid, and often stormy — temperatures commonly in the high 80s–90s°F (30–35°C). Expect afternoon thunderstorms; stay hydrated, use sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings.
More comfortable temperatures and lower humidity make it an excellent time for festivals, outdoor dining, and exploring parks; occasional warm spells can persist into October.
Mild winters with temperatures usually between the 30s and 50s°F (0–12°C); rare freezes and occasional light ice or snow are possible but uncommon. Bring layers for cool evenings.
Blooming vegetation and warming temperatures; pollen can be heavy for allergy sufferers. Spring also brings festival season and prime crawfish season in the region.
Shreveport at Night
Hiking in Shreveport
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About an hour’s drive from Shreveport: boardwalk trails, paddling routes, and cypress-tupelo swamps with excellent photo ops and wildlife viewing.
Local refuge offering short trails and birdwatching along riverine habitats — good for easy hikes and nature observation.
A longer drive but offers more extensive trails, pine forests, and varied terrain for day hikers seeking a wilderness experience.
Informal walking paths and parkland around Cross Lake for easy lakeside hikes and sunset walks.
Airports
How to reach Shreveport by plane.
The primary commercial airport serving the metro area with regional flights and car rental options; about a 15–20 minute drive from downtown depending on traffic.
A military airfield located in nearby Bossier City; not generally available for commercial passenger flights but notable landmark and regional employer.
About an hour to an hour and a half east by car; offers regional flights and can be a secondary option for reaching northeast Louisiana.
Located to the northwest of Shreveport and useful for some regional connections, roughly an hour to 90 minutes by car depending on route.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large and historically significant segment of the population influencing local culture, cuisine, music, and civic life.
Long-established community members contributing to the region’s combined Southern and Texan cultural mix.
Growing populations that add to the cultural and culinary diversity, visible in businesses and community events.
Barksdale Air Force Base presence contributes a sizable population of service members, veterans, and their families to the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school football is a major community pastime and college football draws local attention; game days are social events with spirited crowds.
Basketball is popular at local schools and community centers, with recreational leagues and college-level play garnering interest.
While not a spectator sport, recreational fishing and boating on Cross Lake and nearby waterways are major pastimes and part of regional culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shreveport.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available at restaurants and cafes, though many traditional dishes are meat- or seafood-heavy. Ask for rice- or vegetable-based versions of étouffée or gumbo (some places can prepare a vegetarian gumbo), and seek out salad-focused cafes, vegetarian-friendly gastropubs, and national chains in shopping centers.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are present but limited outside of major chains. Call ahead to restaurants for ingredient details and look for health-food cafes or menus at breweries that note GF or vegan options. Farmers markets are a good source for fresh, naturally gluten-free produce.
Seafood is central to many dishes; if you have shellfish or seafood allergies, notify staff clearly. Many kitchens handle multiple proteins, so cross-contamination can occur — specify your needs and consider dining at allergy-aware establishments or chains when in doubt.