Spring break is just around the corner and while many students are opting for the beach, just as many are choosing to stay in Baton Rouge. Whether you’re catching up on assignments or just taking a much needed break, here are a few ways to have a great ‘staycation’ in Baton Rouge. 
Start off your spring break by participating in Milford Wampold Memorial Park’s annual Sunset Paddle. Participants can reserve a paddle boat or kayak for the April 7 event. Enjoy the sunset while floating on University Lake, or treat yourself to a walk around the park. 
Grab your friends and head to Mango’s for a friendly beach volleyball tournament. On Saturdays and Sundays, Mango’s is reserved for league tournaments and special events, but they’re open most week nights for regular play. If participating isn’t your thing, hang out and watch the University beach volleyball team in home games on April 14 and 15.  
For less than $10, you can visit the Baton Rouge Zoo and surround yourself with the diverse collection of animals from nearly all continents. 
For over 50 years, the zoo has been committed to education and conservation programs. Along with other zoos, they’re involved with 30 Species Survival Plan Programs for critically endangered animals. The Baton Rouge Zoo is committed to reintroducing species in order to strengthen the world’s endangered wildlife.  
The Baton Rouge Blues Festival, one of the oldest blues fests in the world, hosts a line-up of world-class musicians on April 8 and 9. The festival was first held in 1981 and continues to celebrate home-grown Louisiana jazz musicians like Kenny Neal and the Neal Family Band, Larry Garner and Erica Falls. 
Discover the history of Louisiana with one of the capital city’s many museums. 
The LSU Rural Life Museum is an open air experience of Louisiana’s past. With the largest collection of Louisiana vernacular architecture and an extensive collection of artifacts dating back to the 18th century, this museum will give students an idea of what life was like for Louisianians back in the day. 
Take in the distinct history of the naval destroyer USS Kidd. The USS Kidd Veterans Museum offers tours and hosts special events including Warrior Yoga on Saturday, April 8. The USS Kidd is the only destroyer to remain in its World War II appearance, making the museum a particularly special experience. 
Treat yourself to a few delicious meals this spring break by heading to a few of Baton Rouge’s tastiest restaurants. 
For the best barbeque Baton Rouge has to offer, head to City Pork. For lunch, head to the Kitchen and Pie location on Exchequer Drive, or for dinner, try the Deli and Charcuterie location on Hollydale Avenue. The most authentic Mexican food in Baton Rouge can be found at the Taco De Paco food truck. 

Gallery • 4 Photos

Whitney Williston

Milford Wampold Memorial Park sits on Stanford Avenue on April 3, 2017, in Baton Rouge.