Staying in Baton Rouge this summer? It’s hot, yes, but not boring. Whether you want to cool off or sweat it out, the city offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor summer activities.
Active/Nature
The UREC Summer Pass
The UREC summer pass is available to full-time students for $85 plus tax for the months of June, July and August. The pass provides full access to UREC facilities, including the outdoor pool and training facility. Fit in a quick gym session, float a lap around the lazy river or unwind in the sauna. When temperatures rise, go for a run around the indoor track or take a short walk over to the lake for a truly heated workout.
Highland Road Community Park
Highland Road Community Park offers walking and running routes along with other outdoor activities like disc golf and a jungle gym. If you’re looking to get off campus and enjoy some new scenery, the 15–20 minute drive is worth it.
Hilltop Arboretum
If you need a break from campus chaos, Hilltop Arboretum is about as quiet as Baton Rouge gets. Located on Highland Road, the LSU-owned facility is free and open to the public during the day, seven days a week. Its shaded walking paths and lush scenery make for the perfect summer photo-op and a chance to feel like you’re somewhere else for a little while.
Farmer’s Market
The Red Stick Farmers Market, open downtown every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, features some of Baton Rouge’s finest fruits, vegetables, dairy products, soaps, ready-made meals and more. On the first Saturday of every month, an arts market opens alongside the grocery vendors for an even bigger opportunity to support local business owners, artists and farmers.
Restaurants
Playa Bowls
After melting through a Baton Rouge afternoon, Playa Bowls just makes sense. The shop offers açaí bowls, smoothies and other cold treats that satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping the heat at bay. Bases include açaí, pitaya, coconut, green, banana, mango and oatmeal.
Rock-n-Sake
Take your taste buds on a trip to the coast this summer at Rock-n-Sake with fresh sashimi and sushi. Located by the overpass at 3043 Perkins Rd., Rock-n-Sake offers a relaxing ambiance and exceptional flavor for sushi lovers.
BLDG 5
Also located near the overpass, BLDG 5 offers board-style meals that can be shared with the table or ordered individually. Garden-fresh, light grazing boards are served day and night at 2805 Kalurah St. (closed Sundays).
The Vintage
A coffee shop by day, The Vintage is a downtown Baton Rouge staple. Offering specialty drinks and delicious brunch options, including beignets, classic breakfast plates and pressed sandwiches, The Vintage strikes the perfect balance between flavor and a cozy, focused environment for chipping away at summer work.
Craft
Trader Joe’s Bouquet Bar
Want to brighten up your space and make a fun summer craft? Trader Joe’s offers a colorful selection of whatever is in bloom. Pick a handful of hydrangeas, carnations and whatever else catches your eye to rearrange into one huge bouquet, or split the purchase with friends so everyone gets to take something home. You can even grab your Trader Joe’s snack of choice on the way out to enjoy while arranging.
Board Night
For the perfect night in, rent a comfort movie with friends and arrange snack boards to enjoy while watching. Think charcuterie-style, but without limiting yourself to cheese and prosciutto. A sweets board with cookies, a savory chips-and-dip spread or even a movie-themed board can make a casual evening feel a little more creative and intentional.
No matter your mood — energized, tired, studious or crafty — Baton Rouge has a summer activity to match your vibe.
