Louisiana State University is Located in the heart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s Capital City. Cheering on the LSU Tigers isn’t just a Saturday tradition in the fall, it’s a way of life that brings our city together year round. Baton Rouge is not your typical “college town,” it’s a place for students to grow outside of their studies and immerse themselves in a region rich in culture and  history – it’s no wonder that so many choose to make it their permanent home. Our small businesses and city residents warmly welcome LSU students and their families to come and experience our great city, and TSG Baton Rouge is eager to help you live like a local during your visit! Continue reading to see where we recommend visitors eat, play and stay in Baton Rouge, as well as some helpful tips to navigate Game Day. 

LSU TAILGATING TIPS:

LSU’s entire athletic department is recognized as leaders in their respective categories, but the LSU football team in particular is known to draw enormous crowds year after year. On game day eve, private tailgaters and local establishments begin setting up their areas all around LSU’s campus to create one of the most unique and well-sourced tailgate experiences offered in the world of college athletics. 

LSU’s tickets can only be purchased digitally, and we recommend getting yours well in advance if possible. You can purchase tickets here, and to get up to speed on general game day information, like parking and rules for tailgating, here.  

Even if you’re not operating your own tailgate or attending someone else’s, we recommend arriving a few hours ahead of the game to soak up all the sights and game day traditions. You can meet Mike the Tiger (LSU’s mascot and actual tiger) who lives in a beautifully designed habitat on campus located on North Stadium Drive (visitors are allowed every day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.). “Victory Hill March” is another must-do on game day. A couple of hours prior to game time, fans will crowd around the barricades in preparation of this pregame tradition. Beginning at the Greek Amphitheater, fans cheer on LSU’s Golden Band, Golden Girls, football team, and the coaches and staff as they all march down Victory Hill.

For a unique experience and opportunity to see more of LSU’s beautiful campus, we recommend booking a PedalPub Game Day tour. A certified pilot will guide you around campus while you pedal, sing and dance along the way with up to 16 friends. More info HERE. 

WHERE TO STAY

Lod Cook. This boutique hotel is located on the edge of the LSU campus on the scenic University Lake. It is Baton Rouge’s only independently owned and operated hotel and conference center and the only one wholly owned and operated by an alumni association. 

Watermark. The Watermark Hotel offers beautiful views of the Mighty Mississippi River and is conveniently located in the heart of downtown near several bars and restaurants. This historic building previously operated as a bank and now functions as Baton Rouge’s most luxurious hotel. 

The Renaissance Hotel. Seamlessly blending Southern hospitality, upscale decor, and plenty of amenities, The Renaissance Hotel is a fantastic hotel with easy access to anywhere in and around Baton Rouge. 

The St. Francisville Inn. If you have time to do a little venturing out, we highly recommend visiting St. Francisville. Located about 40 minutes outside of Baton Rouge, this quaint town offers a one-of-a-kind experience. The St. Francisville Inn is a boutique hotel that exudes southern charm. Whether your party is taking a day-trip or staying the night, we definitely recommend visiting the Inn to enjoy a drink or sit-down meal at The Saint, their delicious restaurant & bar located inside the main house. 

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Coffee / Breakfast

Highland Coffee. Located on the edge of LSU’s campus, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while hearing the Memorial Tower chime. 

The Vintage. Located downtown just a couple blocks from the Watermark, the vibes at The Vintage are just right. Start with mimosas or coffee (or both!) and an order of beignets is a must. 

Louie’s Cafe. Located just one block from campus, Louie’s offers a full breakfast menu and a killer Bloody Mary. This classic diner has been an LSU tradition since 1941!

Lunch / Dinner

The Chimes. This restaurant and tap room has been a Baton Rouge and LSU tradition for over 25 years. When the weather is nice, we love sitting outside on their newly constructed patio upstairs. 

DiGiulio Brothers Italian Cafe. A Baton Rouge staple since 1987, Digiulio Brothers is everything you want in a local, family-owned establishment. From Incredible Italian fare to the quaint ambiance, we can’t recommend this restaurant enough! 

Superior Bar & Grill. Superior Grill has consistently been rated as one of Louisiana’s best Mexican restaurants since 1983. Famous for their sizzling fajitas and Superior margaritas, you’ll find many locals dining and drinking here for both home and away games. 

Supper Club. If you’re looking for a unique, upscale dining experience, Supper Club is unlike anything else in town. The cocktails, dishes, and swanky environment will blow you away!   Reservations are required, so be sure to book in advance. 

WHERE TO SHOP

No trip is ever complete without local shopping, and Baton Rouge is filled to the brim with excellent boutiques. Located near campus on the corner of Perkins and Acadian you’ll find two of our favorite shops: The Keeping Room and Edit by LBP. The Keeping Room offers stationery, home decor, party necessities, gifts, etc., and right next door you’ll find Edit by LBP – a women’s clothing boutique carrying some of our favorite brands like Rhode, Loeffler Randall, Veronica Beard, ALC, Cult Gaia and more. Corporate Blvd. is another area we highly recommend visiting for some of the best shopping in town. These shops are all within minutes of each other and offer something for everyone. Women’s clothing boutiques: Aria, LOVE, NK 

 The Queen Bee is an interior/gift shop offering novelty items, fine paper products and more. For the guys, Carriages Fine Clothier has LSU apparel popular brands like Peter Millar, Citizen, Stenstroms, Martin Dingman and more. Checkout our Baton Rouge Shopping Guide for a full list of Baton Rouge’s best boutiques!

NOTABLE EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES

St. Francisville. Located just 30 min. outside of Baton Rouge, St. Francisville is a small, picturesque town with many local shops and boutiques to explore. The St. Francisville Inn is a Boutique Bed & Breakfast located in the heart of downtown, and an absolute must-stop destination when visiting St. Francisville. If time allows, we suggest booking a room so you can fully immerse yourself in the slow, southern lifestyle of this charming region. Located inside the main house of The Inn is their restaurant + bar The Saint, rated one of the best dining experiences in all of Louisiana and recently named as one of America’s top 100 restaurants. There are several boutiques in the downtown area worth exploring, Sage Hill, NK St. Francisville, The Corbel and Barlow Fashion are a few of our favorites! There is even a free trolly available for visitors to utilize in order to easily bounce around from shop to shop.

Bites and Boards. A locally owned business dedicated to perfecting the art of cheese! Schedule your own private experience or join one of their weekly offered classes and learn how to make beautiful grazing boards.

The Tipsy Librarian. A private cocktail experience where you learn to make elevated craft cocktails from a former librarian who now specializes in the art of mixology. This bespoke cocktail class can accommodate up to 20 people.

GEAUX & ENJOY

LSU helps provide for the city in numerous ways with the places it has to offer on and off campus. For our nature lovers there is the Burden Garden Center, an extension of the LSU Agriculture Center, which houses brilliant flowers, wildlife, and birds. The LSU Observatory is a place where you can enjoy a movie under the stars or take a look at the constellations through a telescope. To beat the Louisiana heat, take a stroll through the LSU Art Museum downtown.