Spanish Town Historic District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Spanish Town Historic District which includes signage
Pink flamingos represent the eclectic and eccentric culture, while historic houses remind us of the early beginnings of this old quarter.

As the oldest neighborhood in Baton Rouge, the Spanish Town Historic District is characterized by its 19th-century house façades. Sweeping across an area of 50 acres (20 hectares), the district is known for hosting the city’s largest Mardi Gras parade. Consider the rich history and varied culture of this zone as you stroll down its charming tree-lined streets.

Reach the Pino House that was constructed in 1823, making it the oldest structure in the district. Admire the wood frame and elegant style of this cottage-like building. A little east along the same street stands the Potts House, which was built in 1846 and showcases a classic revival design. Check out the nearby Stewart-Dougherty House that has also stood on this street since the 1850s.

Sip hot beverages and people-watch in the century-old Spanish Town Market, which plays a key role in the local culture. Here, you have the opportunity to chat with locals and listen to live music.

Bordering the northwestern limits of the historic zone is State Capitol Park, which features landscape gardens and views of the towering State Capitol Building that houses the Louisiana Welcome Center. Learn about local history and culture in the Capitol Park Museum at the southern end of the park. The zone developed in the early 19th century, becoming a hub for Spanish-speaking immigrants.

Plan to visit Baton Rouge in early spring to marvel at the extravagant and satirical floats that pass by in the Mardi Gras parade. Much of the parade centers on crass or adult humor, making it somewhat inappropriate for children, but wildly popular with adult residents and visitors. Notice the array of pink flamingo models, which have become a symbol of the area’s eccentricity.

The Spanish Town Historic District runs across the center of Baton Rouge. Take a bus to one of the many stops across this old quarter or walk here from the coast in just a few minutes. Head south for local landmarks such as the LSU Museum of Art, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol and the Raising Cane’s River Center Arena.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Spanish Town Historic District Hotel Deals

Sleep Inn Baton Rouge East I-12
Sleep Inn Baton Rouge East I-12
2.5 out of 5
10332 Plaza Americana Dr, Baton Rouge, LA
The price is AU$141 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
AU$141
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Baton Rouge. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (914 reviews)
"Desk attendant was very pleasant and was helpful with our questions. Rooms were clean, fresh and comfortable. A great value for the money!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Sleep Inn Baton Rouge East I-12
Hyatt Place Baton Rouge/I-10
Hyatt Place Baton Rouge/I-10
3 out of 5
6080 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA
Fully refundable
The price is AU$184 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
AU$184
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Baton Rouge. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Stayed a week ago and returned on our way back. Same great service."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Hyatt Place Baton Rouge/I-10
Drury Inn & Suites Baton Rouge
Drury Inn & Suites Baton Rouge
3 out of 5
7939 Essen Park, Baton Rouge, LA
The price is AU$190 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$190
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Baton Rouge. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,014 reviews)
"Great stay. The staff was friendly. Loved the freshly popped popcorn, and free happy hour appetizers and drinks. Rooms were clean. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Drury Inn & Suites Baton Rouge
Marriott Baton Rouge
Marriott Baton Rouge
3.5 out of 5
5500 Hilton Ave, Baton Rouge, LA
The price is AU$248 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$248
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Baton Rouge. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Very pleased with my business stay"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Marriott Baton Rouge
Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge Acadian Centre/LSU Area
Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge Acadian Centre/LSU Area
3 out of 5
2421 S Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA
The price is AU$190 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$190
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Baton Rouge. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (832 reviews)
"Great!"

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge Acadian Centre/LSU Area
Origin Baton Rouge, a Wyndham Hotel
Origin Baton Rouge, a Wyndham Hotel
101 ST FERDINAND STREET, Baton Rouge, LA
The price is AU$172 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$172
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Baton Rouge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and valet parking. Popular attractions Raising Cane's River Center and Tiger Stadium are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (54 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Origin Baton Rouge, a Wyndham Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Spanish Town Historic District

Baton Rouge featuring landscape views, a park and hiking or walking

Historic Downtown Baton Rouge

Historic Downtown Baton Rouge is a destination visitors seek out for its abundant dining options, casinos and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like Capitol Park Museum or The Old Governor's Mansion while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Historic Downtown Baton Rouge
The Old Governor\'s Mansion featuring heritage architecture and an administrative building

Beauregard Town Historic District

You'll enjoy the seafood restaurants and theatres in Beauregard Town Historic District. You might want to make time for a stop at The Old Governor's Mansion or Belle of Baton Rouge Casino.

Beauregard Town Historic District
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Roseland Terrace Historic District

Roseland Terrace Historic District is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Baton Rouge area, you might plan a trip to North 14th Street Park or Red Dragon Listening Room.

Roseland Terrace Historic District
Louisiana which includes shopping, signage and street scenes

Mid City North

If you're spending some time in Mid City North, Mississippi River and Delmont Village Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

Mid City North
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Lobdell/Woodale

While visiting Lobdell/Woodale, you might make a stop by sights like Theatre Baton Rouge and Temple Theater.

Lobdell/Woodale
Louisiana which includes shopping, signage and street scenes

Mid City South

While visiting Mid City South, you might make a stop by sights like Corporate Square Mall and Foster Shopping Center.

Mid City South

Spanish Town Historic District Travel Guide

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