Baton Rouge has a semi-tropical climate which makes it ideal for visiting and  exploring the outdoors year round. The weather is very warm in the  summer. In fact, it can be too hot for many travelers with temperatures  in the upper 90s with near 100% humidity. During July, there are  typically a number of days where the ground ozone reaches severe levels,  which may cause health problems for some. This should be taken into  consideration before planning to spend time outdoors during the summer.  Winter is mild and short and there is rarely severe weather. Fall and  spring are both quite nice, with cool nights and warm days. Hurricane  season is from June-November.

The city of Baton Rouge got its name when a french explorer, Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville  discovered a stake stained red with the blood of fish and animals that  divided the native lands of the Houmas and Bayougoula people. From this,  the place was given the name Baton Rouge which means ‘Red Stick’ in French. Throughout history, Baton Rouge has been under several flags including Spain, England, France, the  Confederate States of America and the West Florida Republic. In 1817,  the town was chosen to be the new capital of the state of Louisiana.  The city has been growing in size ever since and today is the state’s second largest city.

Baton Rouge offers tourists a number of fun activities to enrich their stay and  fill their days. The city has a variety of museums and cultural  attractions. For instance, the River Road African American Museum is one of the best places in the South to learn about the heritage and  history of the African Americans who have lived along the MIssissippi  River.  The Audubon State Historic Site is centered around the Oakley House, a former resident of John James Audubon. Meanwhile, the Old Governor’s Mansion provides a chance for visitors to peek into the way of life of those holding Louisiana’s highest office in the middle of the last century.

History and culture are not the only things Baton Rouge has to offer. Football fans will certainly want to see a game at Tiger Stadium, the home of Louisiana State University's college team. Those traveling with kids will appreciate the numerous family-friendly things to do in Baton Rouge. The Baton Rouge Zoo is home to more than 800 exotic and local animals.

Baton Rouge has plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining. Your Baton Rouge Bed and Breakfast is the perfect base for checking out anything from unique boutiques to modern shopping malls. Check out Perkins Rowe for plenty of retail and dining options for the whole family.

Baton Rouge is small city but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a wide variety of things to do. See nature up close at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, take in a football game at Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium, and then  tour the Old Governor’s Mansion to get a good taste of everything the city has to offer. Downtown, the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino boat is docked near the major attractions and offers 24/7 fun and  restaurants with Mississippi River views. After you’ve finished  exploring, relax and enjoy a nice dinner and stroll through the shops at  Perkins Rowe, a modern shopping destination with a nice variety of restaurants.

One of the things that Baton Rouge is best known for is its delicious Cajun and Creole food. This type of cuisine is noted for its unique blend of  spices and use of the abundant local seafood found around Louisiana. Baton Rouge is one of the best places to experience Cajun and Creole food. Oysters are a favorite ingredient, and they feature  prominently in many dishes. You’ll be able to try them raw on the  half-shell or cooked in a variety of ways. Gumbo is another hallmark  dish that you must try while in Baton Rouge.  It’s a stew-like dish that’s made with a combination of vegetables and  other ingredients. Much of the nation’s supply of crawfish is harvested  in Louisiana, and Baton Rouge is one of the best places to try this freshwater variety of lobster.  You'll find them used in soups, gumbos and a variety of other dishes as  well as prepared whole in a classic crawfish boil.

Baton Rouge sits on the eastern bank of the MIssissippi River. Here, the river is  wide as it approaches its mouth into the Gulf of Mexico. The city sits  on a natural bluff, the Istrouma Bluff which, along with a man-made  levee system, largely protects the city from flooding. This region of  Southern Louisiana is largely comprised of low-lying wetlands and bayou. This unique  ecosystem is home to a vast array of plant and animal life. If you’d  like to get out and see it for yourself, swamp tours are available from  various companies around town. Visiting the Bluebonnnet Swamp Nature Center is the perfect way to spend a day learning about the plants and animals that occupy the swamp surrounding Baton Rouge.  The center features a number of indoor exhibits including live animals,  photographs, natural artifacts, vintage waterfowl carvings and more.  There’s also more than a mile of gravel paths and boardwalks outside  which give you an up-close look at the swamp.