Shreveport Motel 6

Flanking the Red River in northwest Louisiana, Shreveport is the third-largest city in the Pelican State. The surrounding area earned the moniker Sportsman's Paradise because of all the sporting opportunities in the abundant lakes, bayous and pine forests. As the cultural center of the region, a stay in Shreveport hotelsOpens in a new window brings you close to several impressive museums, festivals and performing arts venues. The city's authentic Southern hospitality and beautiful antebellum scenery have served as a backdrop for numerous major films and television shows.

Things to see and do

With paddlewheel riverboat casinos summoning images of a bygone era, Shreveport is a mix of modern amenities and natural beauty. The city is a center of outdoor adventures and cultural attractions, as well as an eclectic mix of shopping and dining options.

Outdoor activities

The area's picturesque state parks and nature reserves offer wonderful opportunities to hunt, fish and view wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a range of canoe, kayak and airboat excursions on the area's lakes and bayous. Guests of Shreveport hotels can also play a round of golf on more than a dozen challenging courses in the area. River cruises offer unique panoramic views of the land.

Attractions

Shreveport is home to a range of marvelous museums, with displays and exhibits that feature collections of fine art, as well as the heritage of the intriguing cultures that have influenced the city. A national landmark, the Spring Street Historical Museum is adorned with northwest Louisiana's only extant example of New Orleans cast iron grillwork. The American Rose Center is the country's largest botanical garden dedicated to the rose. Guests will recognize locations that have served as settings from popular movies and television programs while they stroll along the Shreveport-Bossier Film Trail.

Shopping, dining and entertainment

The shops and boutiques of the Line Avenue District are renowned for their remarkable offerings. You can find bargains on the latest fashions, a unique piece of art or a special one-of-a-kind heirloom. The Louisiana Boardwalk is a stylish shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Dining options include traditional Creole and Cajun dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya and crawfish étoufée, as well as international cuisines including Mexican, Italian and Vietnamese. The unique blend of cultures in Shreveport creates a vast number of options for foodies to experience distinctive dishes, both in local sidewalk eateries and romantic riverfront bistros.

The Shreveport music scene traces its origin to bluesman virtuoso Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter. Visitors can enjoy performing arts venues that feature local musical acts as well as major concerts and theatrical performances. Hosting a variety of headline acts, the historic and majestic Strand Theater anchors the city's theater and arts district, better known as the West Edge.

Special events

The Mardi Gras celebration, held in late February, has experienced a major renaissance in recent years as “krewes” create ever more elaborate floats and costumes. Home to the state fairgrounds, Shreveport hosts the annual Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Guests of Shreveport hotels can also enjoy the live music, local art, crafts and cuisine of the Mudbug Madness and Let the Good Times Roll festivals that highlight the spring and summer. Autumn's Red River Revel is the area's largest arts festival.

Best time to visit

Like most of Louisiana, Shreveport experiences hot, sultry summers. The fall and winter months are the most comfortable during the day with highs in the upper 50s and low 60s. While the cooler evenings require a jacket, fall and winter are the time when most of the major special events, like Mardi Gras, occur.

Travel information

Shreveport is accessible by Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV). Located in the southwestern portion of the city, it is the primary aviation gateway to the “Ark-La-Tex” tri-state area that encompasses southwest Arkansas, northwest Louisiana and east Texas. The airport is only four miles from downtown.

Guests of Shreveport hotels can also drive to the “Port City.” The metropolitan area sits astride Interstate 20, a major east-west route connecting Atlanta and Dallas. Interstate 49 from the south terminates in Shreveport. Major thoroughfares like I-220, the LA 3132 loop, and the scenic riverfront Clyde Fant Parkway provide convenient access around town. However and whenever you get there, you are sure to be overwhelmed with the exciting entertainment options and unique culture of Shreveport, Louisiana.