Overview
Alexandria is a historic city, rich in Louisiana history. Civil War historic sites along with easy access to numerous historic locations and Kisatchie National Forest sites make it a city ideal for history enthusiasts and sportsmen.
6 sights · 3 things to do · 5 places to eat · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Alexandria
Kent Plantation House
One of the oldest surviving plantations in Louisiana.
Alexandria Zoological Park
Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site
Civil War sites, including the Bailey Dam area where Union naval admiral David Porter was able to retreat in safety after the Battle of Mansfield had given the Confederates the victory.
Alexandria Museum of Art
Housed in the historic Rapides Bank and Trust Company Building that was built in 1898, this museum has various permanent and transitory exhibitions of paintings, sculpture, etc, plus classes.
Louisiana History Museum
Kind of a low-key state history museum.
Arna Bontemps African-American
Museum about a Harlem Renaissance poet, located in his childhood home.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 93°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Mar and Dec. (climate data from nearby Mansfield)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- AEX Alexandria International Airport, Alexandria — 6 mi away. Directions
- LFT Lafayette Regional Airport, Lafayette — 80 mi away. Directions
- MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans — 158 mi away (major hub). Directions
Interstate 49 runs through the center of Alexandria, linking the city with Shreveport to the northwest (125 miles) and Lafayette to the south (90 miles).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $7–$7 a night (typical $36), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$50, mid-range ~$110, comfortable ~$170.
Options are grouped as Campground in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Alexandria Zoological Park, Louisiana History Museum, Arna Bontemps African-American
- Lunch The Cottage Restaurant
- Afternoon Alexandria Museum of Art, Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site
- Dinner Tunk's Cypress Inn
Day 2
- Morning Kent Plantation House, Mardi Gras
- Lunch Hana Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
- Afternoon Rapides Regional Medical Center
- Dinner The Diamond Grill
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Some local restaurants include:
There is also a wide variety of chain restaurants in Alexandria.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Interstate 49 runs through the center of Alexandria, linking the city with Shreveport to the northwest (125 miles) and Lafayette to the south (90 miles).
By plane
By bus
Greyhound / Flixbus bus service. 5570 Old Boyce Road, Boyce, LA. (I-49 Exit 94 Rapides Station).
Get around
MacArthur Drive, which intersects with I-49 on both the north and south ends of the city, is one of the main roads. Many of the retail establishments in Alexandria are located near the intersection of MacArthur and Masonic Drives near the Alexandria Mall.
ATRANS provides local bus service, including to and from Pineville.
See
Do
Do Mardi Gras
College cheerleaders and classic cars parade takes place on Friday afternoon in Downtown. Children's parade takes place on Saturday morning in Downtown. The Krewe's parade takes place on Sunday afternoon with a route from Texas Ave to the Alexandria Mall. The Krewe of Provine parade on Tuesday runs down Coliseum Blvd.
Buy
Eat
Some local restaurants include:
Eat Tunk's Cypress Inn
Specializes in steaks, alligator, crawfish, oysters, and seafood.
Eat The Cottage Restaurant
American restaurant.
Eat Hana Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Eat The Diamond Grill
Upscale downtown restaurant. Serves prime steaks, fresh seafood, and local produce. Walk-ins are welcome and take out is available. Largest party accepted in dining room is 12. No parties larger than 8 on Fridays or Saturdays.
Eat Lou & Laura's
New Orleans-style po' boys and broasted chicken
There is also a wide variety of chain restaurants in Alexandria.
Crawfish boils are popular among locals when crawfish is in season during spring.
Sleep
Campground
Stay healthy
Alexandria is served by .
Go next
- Pineville, Alexandria's sister city, is directly across the Red River.
- Natchitoches is about an hour to the northwest down I-49.
- Marksville, home of Paragon Casino, is about 45 minutes to the southeast down Highway 1.
- A number of lakes can be found in the surrounding area a short drive from Alexandria, such as Kincaid, Cotile, and Indian Creek.
Nearby
Woodworth
City / town · 4 listings · 10 mi away
Lecompte
City / town · 2 listings · 14 mi away
Marksville
City / town · 6 listings · 26 mi away
Natchez
City / town · 4 listings · 43 mi away
Simmesport
City / town · 2 listings · 44 mi away
Winnfield
City / town · 7 listings · 45 mi away
Natchitoches
City / town · 19 listings · 49 mi away
Eunice
City / town · 7 listings · 55 mi away
My experience
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