Louisiana, located in the Deep South, is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Known as the Pelican State, it boasts a distinctive French and Spanish heritage, is organized into parishes rather than counties, and has Baton Rouge as its capital and New Orleans as its largest city. The state offers a wealth of cultural traditions, exciting outdoor swamp activities, exceptional culinary routes, and historical sites from New Orleans to Shreveport Popular attractions include exploring the French Quarter, visiting historic plantations, kayaking through coastal bayous, and enjoying annual music and food festivals