Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau
Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

That’s right, there’s a side of Louisiana that you may not be familiar with…one that you have to experience to fully understand.

The northwest part of the state, in and around Shreveport-Bossier City, is a little different than the rest of Louisiana. It’s a mixture of the wide-open Texas spirit and the spicy Cajun attitude. Where cowboy meets Creole. Where spicy Louisiana crawfish meet big Texas t-bone steaks.

Our unique blend of cultures has a tendency to sneak up and surprise you. You come here expecting to explore our vast musical heritage, but it’s not just jazz, it’s country, bluegrass and folk music too. You expect the bright lights and fast action of the casinos, but excellent shopping and family entertainment is all around. If you’re looking for a getaway that’s full of variety and offers a taste for life, you’ve come to the right place.

Louisiana’s other side is a term we use to describe our location in the state and our unique combination of Louisiana Cajun culture and East Texas cowboy heritage. On the surface there are a lot of obvious reasons people are drawn to northwest Louisiana. From the glittering excitement of the casinos, the wonderful array of festivals, the mouth -watering local cuisine, fantastic shopping and numerous outdoor activities, to the museums and attractions – this area has all the necessary ingredients for a memorable getaway. That’s what makes northwest Louisiana a hot destination. But that’s not all there is to “Louisiana’s Other Side.” Browse the website to explore Louisiana’s Other Side as you discover yours.

Shopping

Shopping in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana's Other Side, is an experience full of unexpected surprises because we offer a range of options aimed at helping you find the latest trends of the season as well as the unique options for the shopper who prefers something a bit more offbeat. This is a place where wide open spaces meet wide open shopping, so you know you're in for great choices.

We have an array of shopping options, so you’re sure to return home with a suitcase full of goodies and mementos of your exciting trip. Whether you want to browse on your own or have the assistance of friendly and helpful sales associates and personal shoppers, you'll get what you need. We have boutique, antique, and contemporary stores.

The Louisiana Boardwalk, situated on the Red River in Bossier City, is the largest outlet, lifestyle, dining and entertainment destination in Louisiana. Explore the more than 60 outlet stores and restaurants in the Boardwalk. When you’re finished, wrap up your day with a movie at the on-site theater. (Psst! They premiered Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher’s The Guardian in a red carpet event.)

Mosey on over to the famous Line Avenue shopping district, which has more than 75 specialty shops. This Shreveport-Bossier City shopping area is for the discerning shopper who wants that great conversation piece or signature item. Antique shops and boutiques mean you’ll probably go back home with a bit more in your suitcase than you planned: after all, who can turn down the perfect shirt, dress, or piece of jewelry?

Southeast Shreveport is one of the fastest-growing shopping districts on Louisiana's Other Side! With a spread of retail spaces like Linens-n-Things, Belk, World Market and more, it’s a sure-fire hit for vacationers and meeting planners alike. Be sure to dine at local favorites such as Strawn’s Eat Shop or Fairfield Grocery. The dining options don’t stop there; try the Macaroni Grill, Carrabba’s, Copeland’s and many, many more.

The area’s malls – Mall St. Vincent in Shreveport and Pierre Bossier Mall in Bossier City – open up even more shopping options. Don’t worry – you will be smiling at the end of your trip, all the while unpacking your great, new treasures!

Attractions

Travel to Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana's Other Side when you’re looking for something just for you – whether you come alone or with your family, we have a range of things to keep you busy. Or, we have just enough to help you relax. Take your pick. You can access all your Shreveport-Bossier City tourism information here.

When you’re here, you make the rules. Come on down to our five riverboat casinos and flirt with Lady Luck, or visit the racetrack and check out the horses. Shop for popular items or one-of-a-kind pieces. Put a little sway in your hips at our musical festivals and night spots.

When it comes to food, we have a lot of what you expect and a few surprises, too. We have Cajun and Creole food you’ve not tasted anywhere else, and Southern favorites that are (shh, don’t tell her) even better than your mama’s. We also offer a bit of lagniappe – a little something extra – so you can top dinner off with just the right dessert. Then treat yourself to a special indulgence at one of our spas and relax while trained professionals take care of you. Take in a bit of sporting fun when you get tickets to a hockey, baseball or football game.

There’s something for everyone. Experience a vacation on Louisiana's Other Side today!

Casinos

Shreveport-Bossier City’s five riverboat casinos and horseracing track at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs lend 24-hour excitement to Louisiana's Other Side, where rodeo meets racetrack. No matter when you visit, you'll find something new and unexpected, as our casinos add machines, tables and games all the time. Whether you love a good slot machine or enjoy a good table game such as Black Jack, Big Six or Roulette, you'll find excitement here.

Our list of fun spots includes: Horseshoe Hotel & Casino, Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino, Diamond Jack’s Casino Resort, Eldorado Casino Resort, Boomtown Casino, and Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, a horse track and casino. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling game of blackjack, an exciting round at the slot machines, world-class entertainment, or the perfect steak, these Shreveport-Bossier City casinos alone are reason enough to spend the night on Louisiana's Other Side. Spend your time at just one, or do a casino hop: either way, you just may win.

Dining

Shreveport-Bossier City is the place where steak sauce meets hot sauce! We dish up Texas-sized portions with just the right touch of Louisiana spice. We serve you warmth and hospitality, all cooked up in our own Southern style. Don’t miss our fried catfish, seafood gumbo or down-home cooking. But that's not all. You can also get a taste of Asian, Mediterranean, Indian and Italian fare here. We serve up what you expect – stick-to-your ribs Southern favorites – and what you don't expect: top-notch international cuisine. That's right, when you visit Louisiana's Other Side, you are in for great surprises.

From single desserts to whole restaurants, we’ve made a name for ourselves. And this isn't just us bragging: Internationally known experts on the good life have featured us – maybe you've seen Shreveport-Bossier City profiled in national magazines like Southern Living and on the popular Food Network. We do food. And we do it well.

We have melt-in-your mouth doughnuts at Southern Maid Donuts, served hot and just the way you crave. Our Creole- and Cajun-style cooking attracts masses of people, with Shreveport-Bossier City restaurants dishing up exotic foods like alligator or home-style favorites like country fried steak and potatoes. Louisiana's Other Side is about culinary enjoyment.

We wouldn’t let you finish your meal without giving you something sweet. Our desserts are some of the best you’ll find anywhere. The strawberry and chocolate pies at Strawn’s Eat Shops taste, well, better than your mama’s. For a bit of the colorful and artsy, check out mainstays like Noble Savage Tavern, where you can enjoy music by up-and-coming artists, while devouring a signature burger and all the beer you can chug.

Want to impress your date or business associate? We know just the place. Enjoy a quiet, elegant meal at Texas Street Tavern or take your time over a good steak at Anthony’s Steak and Seafood.

Maybe you’re in the mood for a bit of international style. Heat things up with Indian food at India’s Restaurant. Maybe you wouldn't expect good international food here, but give it a try. You'll find we do it well. Want a bit of sushi or hibachi? Well, then head on over to Shogun, Kobe or Ichiban.

Superior Bar & Grill is a Mexican-style restaurant, but it has a Shreveport flavor – go there almost any day of the week and you’re sure to find a bit of lagniappe: a little something extra. Here, you'll get great food, but served up with laughs, fun, and lots of people. Catch up on the latest gossip, get a great stock tip, meet a new friend, and enjoy their famous margaritas.

When you visit Louisiana's Other Side, bring your appetite. We'll give you what you expect and a touch of the unexpected, too, all served in a way you love.

Sports

Louisiana's Other Side is full of chances to take in live sporting events. For indoor football enthusiasts, the Bossier City Battle Wings light up the CenturyTel Center having made the af2 playoff the past two seasons, including coming one game away from the af2 championship in 2007. The Battle Wings are now part of the newly formed Arena Football 1. The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs hockey team offers the opportunity for spirited family fun, especially when it plays on home ice at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City. Or if you are in the mood for some outdoor excitement, check out the Shreveport-Bossier Captains baseball team, and scream yourself hoarse.

So no matter whether your sporting interest is hockey or baseball, football or fishing, we treat you to it all.

Outdoor Recreation

Louisiana's Other Side is an interesting mix of modern convenience and natural beauty, so you get a chance to enjoy outdoor fun without having to stray too far. Louisiana is a sportsman’s paradise, and Shreveport-Bossier City is the hub of exciting outdoor adventures. Our convenient location straddling the Red River means water sports are plentiful during warm months, while Cross Lake offers a postcard-perfect vision of romance, fun, and relaxation for an afternoon on its shores.

Gather family and friends for a cookout at Cypress Lake, or take a dreamy stroll along the Red River. Climb aboard a river cruise and take a lazy ride on the river – come with your favorite pals or your special someone. You’ll be entertained as well as educated about the local area. Take an outdoor workshop at Bass Pro Shops and learn the latest tricks, or just pack your things and head out for some of the best fishing you'll find anywhere.

Slather on the sunscreen and grab your clubs, because we've got excellent golf courses. Try Hal Sutton’s signature course, Olde Oaks Golf Club, Fred Couples’ signature course, The Golf Club at StoneBridge or any of our other fine courses. When you're on Louisiana's Other Side, you're never far off course.