If you were to judge Louisiana solely by the events on True Detective, it probably wouldn't be a place you’d want to visit. Fortunately, however, there’s more to the state than occult murders, spaghetti monsters, and existential dread. With the aim of highlighting the lighter side of the Pelican State, here are some of the best attractions Louisiana has to offer. (None of them reveal who the Yellow King is. To find that out, you’ll have to watch the season finale tonight.)
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Take a swamp boat tour.
Website: neworleansonline.com
RIYL: Nature, mosquitos, adventure
Taking a tour via fanboat (a.k.a. an airboat or swamp boat) is the absolute best way to see the deep bayou. In fact, considering the inhospitable terrain of much of the Louisiana coast, it's often the only way. There are a ton of good companies out there that give tours, so just find one that's close to where you happen to be staying—many are within half an hour or so of New Orleans.
See some Jazz at Preservation Hall.
Website: preservationhall.com
RIYL: Good music in an amazing venue
Preservation Hall is one of the great music venues in America. Opened back in 1961 to promote the New Orleans jazz scene, the venue has been a preeminent location for jazz greats to play for more than fifty years. While we can't imagine Marty or Rust listening to Dixieland, taking in some music at this historic locale is a must during any trip to the Big Easy.
Greet some gators.
Website: alligatorpark.net
RIYL: Large reptiles, living dangerously
Hanging out with gators may sound dangerous, but they're a fact of life when you leave the city. Places like Alligator Park in Natchitoches let you see them up close and personal and have a funky vibe. (Don't expect a big budget, just lots of alligators.) You can also catch them out in the wild on a bayou tour.
Take a walk through Audubon Park New Orleans.
Website: auduboninstitute.org
RIYL: Well-manicured, natural environments
An airboat is the best way to get out in nature and experience the real thing first hand. Audubon Park New Orleans, on the other hand, is for people who would rather have scary things like alligators taken out of the equation. Even so, it's a trip that's well worth your time. Bordered by the Mississippi River and located conveniently in the Uptown neighborhood, Audubon Park provides a great place to take a nice little stroll...
Peep some fish at the Aquarium of the Americas.
Website: auduboninstitute.org
RIYL: Fish, things that are soothing
Unlike zoos, aquariums are relaxing. The Aquarium of the Americas didn't make an appearance on True Detective, but Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans—a similarly dark look at Louisiana policework—did film an iconic scene there. There's just something about staring at fish that soothes even the most dark and disturbed minds.
Party at Mardis Gras.
Website: mardigrasneworleans.com
RIYL: Drinking, parades, public nudity
OK, Mardi Gras is more Tremé than True Detective, but it's still an indelible part of the Louisiana spirit. And if you think Fat Tuesday is all tourists on Bourbon Street, you're mistaken—there's a lot more to the event than college students who have had too much to drink. Look into it a little more: what you don't know may surprise you. 
Chow down on some authentic Cajun cooking.
Website: Jacques-Imo's
RIYL: Food, things that are delicious
Exactly where to get the best Cajun food is a topic of hot debate, but there's really no going wrong. Cajun cuisine, especially a traditional crawfish boil, complete with newspaper and all, is about the most fun you can have in Louisiana. Hit up classics like Jacques-Imo's or just ask around—you'll find a spot to grab some food in just about any neighborhood.
Visit Oak Alley plantation.
Website: oakalleyplantation.com
RIYL: History, reliving humanity's most horrific moments
Obviously visiting a plantation isn't the most fun experience considering the gruesome history of slavery in America. That said, it is an important part of Louisiana history that both visitors and residents should aware of. Of all the large plantations still intact, Oak Alley has some of the most informative tours.
Check out the National WWII Museum.
Website: nationalww2museum.org
RIYL: Museums, war, big machines
This may sound pretty dry, but The National WWII Museum is one the country's best looks at the second world war. They have a giant hanger with a C-47 on display and a bunch of other cool tanks and aircraft. It's not for everyone, but it's certainly worth a visit for the history buffs out there.
