virginia to new orleans road trip

17 Spectacular Southern USA Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

From the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Lowcountry, and from the music of Nashville to the food scene of New Orleans, there is no shortage of wonderful options when looking for the best southern USA road trip itineraries.

I’ve been taking road trips in the south for my entire life, crisscrossing across the southeast USA visiting cities, towns, national parks, beaches, marshes, and beyond.

And yet, even after all that time, there are still plenty of southern road trip routes on my wish list.

In order to give perspectives beyond my own, I asked several other travel bloggers to share their favorite road trips in the south, and the result is a road trip bucket list that would take even the most dedicated road-tripper years to complete!

From weeks-long deep south road trip itineraries to quick weekend getaways, these southeast US road trip ideas cover an enormous variety of landscapes and interests.

No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, we have a southern USA road trip itinerary here for you!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your Southeast USA Road Trip

Deep south usa road trip itinerary ideas, other multi-state southern usa road trip routes, more single-state southeast road trip itineraries.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Ideally, take your southern road trip in the spring or fall.

While you can technically take all of these southern USA road trips year-round, the south’s notoriously brutal summer means that it’s best to avoid the months of June, July, and August if you can (unless you plan to spend most of your time on the beach, of course).

Winter, depending on the location, can be gray and rainy, but can also be a joyous time to visit cities, towns, and mountains that see far less tourism in the winter (but don’t underestimate the possibility of snow in the mountains, either: it may be the south, but the Smokies still get snow!).

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your US south road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your USA road trip.

Browse rental cars  for your southern USA road trip today!

We have offered suggestions for the best hotels in each place but if you are doing this as a true road trip it is really cool to do it in an RV. You can rent incredible RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy, book here for your next road trip!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), if you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

Don’t underestimate the south’s national parks!

The wide-open spaces and epic landscapes of the American West are often the typical images conjured up when imagining the USA’s national parks–but the south has plenty to offer, as well!

In fact, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee is the most-visited national park in the country, and its gorgeous vistas and jaw-dropping waterfalls are well worth exploring.

Other southern national parks to consider adding to your road trip through the south include Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Everglades National Park in South Florida, and Congaree National Park in South Carolina–just to name a few!

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a deep south road trip requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, trying out van life, or something in between.

We recommend taking a look at the suggestions on  our road trip packing list  before you go!

Don’t overextend yourself.

Exploring every nook and cranny of the US south is a project for a lifetime, not one trip!

As tempting as it is to add on additional driving to stop at just one more beach or small town, make sure that you leave enough time to thoroughly explore each destination rather than spending the entirety of your road trip driving from one spot to the next.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Scenic Byway

From Charles of US Gulf Coast Travel

One of the best scenic coastal drives in the United States is the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway (US Highway 90 / Beach Boulevard) in  Coastal Mississippi , where for 11 glorious miles there is nothing between you and the soft sugar sand and Gulf of Mexico water.

The most awe-inspiring section of the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway is from Henderson Point Beach to the Port of Gulfport Mississippi.

Drive this portion, or this entire road trip, in either direction, but we suggest west to east because you are closer to the water.

Start this road trip after an overnight in Bay St Louis or New Orleans (55 miles away).

In Bay St Louis, fuel up at Mockingbird Cafe (try their pulled pork and grits) or Serious Bakery (superb chicken salad).

Drive across the iconic St. Louis Bay Bridge and your senses will activate and heighten with your first Gulf and sand view.

Stop as often as you want because parking is free!

The coastal drive continues through Gulfport and into Biloxi.

Visit the new Mississippi Aquarium, stroll the Biloxi Beach Boardwalk, and eat at White Pillars or The Blind Tiger.

After crossing the Biloxi Bay Bridge, make time to explore the wonderful small town of Ocean Springs.

Stroll the gorgeous oak-lined Washington Avenue, stop at Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and eat at Vestige.

Highway 90 continues through Pascagoula (Jimmy Buffett’s birthplace) and into Mobile, Alabama, where you can turn around and complete this classic deep south road trip again.

Driving Distance

Bay St Louis to Pascagoula is 50 miles. New Orleans to Pascagoula is 107 miles and it is another 35 miles to Mobile, Alabama.

Recommended Road Trip Length

You can drive this coastal scenic drive in a couple of hours but we suggest allowing three or more days to fully experience the spectacular sugar sand, seafood, sunsets, and small beach towns of Coastal Mississippi.

Alabama Black Belt Road Trip

From Lori of Southerner Says

A road trip through the Black Belt region of Alabama is one of the best southern USA road trips around.

Named for the dark fertile soil of the region, the Alabama Black Belt is made up of twenty-three states across central and south Alabama.

This part of Alabama is the place where significant law-changing history was made, where literary giants were born, and is home to some of the best food that can be found in the United States.

For first-time visitors or someone flying in, there’s no better way to start an Alabama southern road trip than by including the capital –  Montgomery.

Plan on visiting important civil rights sites and the renowned Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

Next, drive west approximately fifty miles to Selma, Alabama on Highway 80.

This route is the same route as the important Selma to Montgomery march for voters’ rights that took place in 1965.

See the places that put this small town on the map and made it crucial in the civil rights movement.

Walk the Edmund Pettus Bridge, eat locally caught catfish, and sleep in a hotel that was built in 1837 . 

After saying a farewell to Selma, drive county backroads approximately seventy miles to the literary capital of the south.

As unbelievable as it may seem, Harper Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird and Truman Capote – Breakfast at Tiffany’s were childhood friends in the south.

They both grew up in Monroeville, Alabama – the next stop on this southern road trip. Take a walk around the charming downtown square to spot murals that pay tribute to these well-known books and authors.

From Monroeville, it’s easy to hop on Interstate-65 north to return to Montgomery or take the scenic route for a few more towns and sites on your southern road trip.

Driving Distance 

Recommended road trip length  .

This itinerary would be good for a weekend or long weekend.

Since the Alabama Black Belt is a rather large region there is an abundance of small towns and sites that can be added to a southern road trip.

Visitors could easily spend a week or two in the area.

Mississippi’s Highway 61 (Blues Trail)

From Hannah of HH Lifestyle Travel

A road trip from Memphis to New Orleans down Mississippi’s Highway 61 is rich in music history; and the inevitable river lore that pervades a road trip running parallel to the Mighty Mississippi.

In true road trip style, the road itself is part of the fun of the journey.  

Highway 61 is long and flat and often sits higher than the fields and levees below it.  It is punctuated by quaint southern churches, glimpses of the Mississippi River, and cities rich in blues history. 

Enjoy visiting one of the legendary ‘juke joints’ in  Clarksdale, Mississippi .  

If there is one stop on the road trip to learn about the history of blues music in the area, it’s Clarksdale.  

Visit the Devil’s Crossroads, the Delta Blues Museum, and many more Blues Trail plaques.

Your next stop is Vicksburg.  Brimming with Civil War history, Vicksburg mixes reverence with rejuvenation.  

Pay your respects to meaningful Civil War history, but then enjoy a day spa and quality craft brewpub experience.

Natchez sits on an important bluff on a bend in the Mississippi River with a long history.  

The historic district of Natchez Under-the-Hill has a prime position along the river and was once famous for gambling and river pirates.  

Nowadays it’s a cute place to see the Mighty Mississippi and have lunch in one of the historic buildings.

End your road trip in the vibrant and magnetic city of New Orleans .

Driving Distance  

It takes around 9 hours of non-stop driving time from Memphis to New Orleans, but with time spent in the stops above it would suit a 5–7-day road trip.  

Plan a bit longer if you want to spend time in both Memphis and New Orleans before and after this deep south road trip experience.

Coastal Georgia and South Carolina Road Trip

From Noel of Travel Photo Discovery

One of the fabulous road trips in the southeastern USA travels along the historic coastal corridors of Georgia to South Carolina, finishing in Charleston.

From the Georgia border to Florida, the major artery is Hwy 95, you’ll pass through so many historic and recreational sites along the way to make this a few days or even a longer visit depending on how many places you want to see and experience.

Some of the cool and historic places to visit in Georgia include St. Marys and Cumberland Island, Brunswich and St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island , Tybee Island , and Savannah .

Places to explore around South Carolina’s southern coastline from Savannah include Hilton Head, Beaufort, Edisto Island, and Charleston.

Each of these areas caters to historic sites or recreation getaways that are fun to explore when you have more time to visit each area on this road trip.

Even though you can go directly on Hwy 95 from the Georgia border all the way to South Carolina, it’s the small detour expressways and backcountry roads that will give you a better insight into visiting some of these gems in the region.  

If you only have a few days or longer then the major cities of Savannah and Charleston are memorable cities to prioritize to experience the local lifestyles foods that you’ll enjoy on this southern road trip experience.

Savannah, with its historic squares, fabulous architecture, and historic district that remains intact includes so much to see, do and experience around the historic center of the city.

Charleston on the other hand is more compact and walkable with a tighter historic district to enjoy and explore on your own or with some tour operator sharing the main attractions to see in town.

It’s 107 miles to drive straight from Savannah to Charleston.

If you’re focusing on Savannah and Charleston, 5 days is a comfortable length for this USA southern road trip itinerary.

Add additional days for each city, small town, or island that you’d like to visit.

The Classic Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Route

From Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, is such an unimaginably epic USA road trip, that veterans almost envy people who are experiencing it for the first time.

There are a lot of reasons it’s the #1 most visited unit in the US National Park system (with more than 15 million annual visitors), including 200 jaw-dropping BRP overlooks that offer stunning Blue Ridge Mountain vistas and provide access to the region’s most incredible hiking trails, landmarks, mountain towns, and waterfalls.

Designed as part of FDR’s New Deal to protect American wilderness and provide jobs in the wake of the Great Depression, construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began back in 1935.

Most of the scenic route was completed by 1966, but the popular 8-mile stretch around the iconic Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina (including the engineering marvel known as the Linn Cove Viaduct) wasn’t finished until 1987.

The BRP is the longest linear park in the country, taking travelers through the Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala, and Pisgah National Forests.

So naturally, there are a lot of exciting things to do along the way. 

At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River, with lots of challenging hiking trails and a relatively easy paved path to the observation platform at the summit.

Grandfather Mountain State Park is also home to epic hiking trails (including several with ladders to climb massive boulders), and the neighboring Grandfather Mountain attraction is home to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, a small zoo featuring native North Carolina animals, and myriad picnic areas. 

Virginia’s Mabry Mill is the most photographed spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and one of the region’s many historical attractions.

There’s very little commercial development along the Parkway, with only a few hotels and resorts (including the historic Switzerland Inn in  Little Switzerland NC ,  and the Peaks of Otter Lodge in Bedford VA).

But part of the fun is exploring some of the charming little mountain towns along the way, including Cherokee, Blowing Rock, and Boone in NC, and Bedford, Lexington, and Waynesboro in VA.

You could drive the entire Blue Ridge Parkway in as little as 15-16 hours if you wanted, but that would totally defeat the purpose.

Some people like to break it up into weekend getaways, basing themselves in a local town.

But you could also spend a week or two driving the entire route, spending nights in lots of little towns along the way.

Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina

From Kim of Traveling Swansons

A Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina southeast road trip takes you on a tour of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region.

Chattanooga is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and located along the Tennessee River.

There are many fun things to do here including the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway.

After leaving Chattanooga, your next stop will be Knoxville, Tennessee.

Check out the Sunsphere Tower, which was built for the 1982 World’s Fair.  Walk around Market Square and grab a bite to eat and shop.

After leaving Knoxville, your next stop will be Pigeon Forge. 

Here you find no shortage of attractions including the popular Dollywood. 

Right next to Pigeon Forge, you’ll find the town of Gatlinburg. 

In Gatlinburg, you will also find plenty of attractions including Anakeesta and the Gatlinburg Skybridge. 

Gatlinburg is one of the busiest and most popular gateway towns to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  has many amazing hiking trails, waterfalls, and views. 

Drive the breathtaking scenic Newfound Gap Road to Cherokee, North Carolina. Jump out along the many turnouts along the way and enjoy the scenery. 

Once you reach Cherokee, explore the Oconaluftee Indian Village and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.  Shop for some authentic Cherokee arts and crafts.

The drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina is 191 miles and takes 3 hrs 51 minutes if driving straight through. 

Since there is so much to do on this southern USA road trip, you will want to spend at least 5 days here in order to take in as much as you can along the way.

NOLA to Nashville Southern Road Trip Itinerary

From Agnes of The Van Escape

The southern USA road trip from New Orleans to Nashville is extraordinary.

Why? Nashville and New Orleans are music cities.

New Orleans – the world capital of jazz and Nashville – the capital of American country music – anyone who likes live concerts will appreciate this combination.

And indeed, in both cities, you can listen to music at every turn!

Concerts, music events, live music in almost every restaurant, bar, and even on the streets – Nashville and New Orleans are alive with sounds.

Moreover, there are many great  things to do in Nashville and in New Orleans.

In Nashville visit Jonny Cash Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Grand Ole Opry, reproduction of the Parthenon, and Downtown with famous Broadway Street.

In New Orleans, visit the French Quarter, the Jazz Museum, the Woodoo Museum, the National WWII Museum, explore one of the famous cemeteries, sign up for a swamp tour. Enjoy the best cocktails at the famous Bourbon Street.

Both cities are also known for their excellent cuisine. In New Orleans, you’ll melt at the tastes and smells of Louisiana Creole cuisine, and in Nashville, you’ll delight at the famous juicy BBQ ribs and more.

That’s not all. Both cities are famous for the finest spirits.

New Orleans offers great alcoholic cocktails and in Nashville, you can try classic Tennessee Jack Daniels whiskey , whose distillery is nearby.

The driving time from NOLA to Nashville is about 8 hours, and 4-5 days is perfect for this road trip.

You can cover the distance in one day or split it into two days and spend one night in Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama.

To feel the atmosphere of each city and immerse yourself in its music world, we recommend two nights in New Orleans and two in Nashville.

Virginia Beach, Virginia to Hilton Head, South Carolina

From Alex of Wander With Alex

If you’re planning a road trip from Virginia Beach, VA to Hilton Head, SC, and need a few stops along the way, we’ve got you covered!

While Virginia Beach and Hilton Head are both popular southern beach towns, the experience is very different!

They are both, however, family-friendly vacation destinations with lots of unique things to do and see.

While in Virginia Beach, VA you’ll want to check out the main beach at the Oceanfront.

There are 35 miles of beachfront, an amusement park on Atlantic Ave, and tons of souvenir shops for you to choose from.

If you’re looking for something free to do, check out the Creative ViBE District for murals, sidewalk art, and other creative artwork!

Now that’ll you’ve explored Virginia Beach, it’s time to hit the road!

After being on the road for seven and a half hours, you’ll be nearing Savannah, GA! If you’ve never been to Savannah, consider staying overnight.

You can take a riverboat dinner cruise on the Savannah River or enjoy a low country dinner at one of the best restaurants in Savannah .

And since Hilton Head is only 45-minutes from Savannah, you can stick around for a few hours in the morning and to Tybee Island before heading over to Hilton Head!

Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is a laid-back resort town offering beautiful beaches and tons of golf courses.

Additionally, Hilton Head is incredibly bike-friendly.

Head over to Hilton Head Outfitters, rent bicycles for the whole family, and go exploring!

And if you are a seafood lover, you’ll have tons of waterfront restaurant options!

A road trip from Virginia Beach, VA to  Hilton Head, SC  via Interstate-95 is approximately 589 miles.

If you do not want to stay overnight in Savannah, you can make the trip in seven and a half hours.

However, if you prefer slow travel and wish to explore Savannah, you should consider making this a two-day drive.

Gulf Coast Beach Road Trip from Alabama to Florida

From Ashlee of The Happiness Function

One of the best-kept secrets in the South are the sugar-white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico from Alabama to the Florida panhandle.

If you have never heard of Dauphin Island, Alabama, it is a must-visit southern destination.

Take the ultimate beach road trip from Dauphin Island, Alabama, to Pensacola, Florida!

Dauphin Island, Alabama, is a beautiful place to visit. The island is home to many different wildlife species, including sea turtles, and the scenery is simply stunning.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, Dauphin Island is the perfect spot. Plan to stay at least two days.

From Dauphin Island, take the ferry across Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan, where visitors can continue the road trip to Gulf Shores.

Be sure to visit Gulf State Park and enjoy the incredible beaches from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach! Plan at least two days in Gulf Shores.

Gulf Islands National Seashore in Fort Pickens is a popular tourist destination offering a variety of activities such as catching some sun on beaches, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and exploring the historic fort.

Camp at the  Fort Pickens Campground  for a few days to enjoy all the island offers.

From Gulf Shores, continue east into the Florida panhandle towards Pensacola.

A road trip along the southern coast of Alabama into the Florida panhandle makes for an incredible beach road trip any time of year.

We recommend taking about a week to enjoy this road trip in the US south.

This way, road trippers can enjoy each destination for two days.

Savannah, Georgia to Clearwater, Florida Road Trip

From Terri of FemaleSoloTrek.com

If you’re looking for beautiful beaches and fun in the sun, plan a short southern road trip route from Savannah to Clearwater.

Plan to start at dawn from Savannah on a Saturday so you can arrive by noon in  Clearwater, Florida .

Google Maps or Waze will offer you the choice of traveling down I-95 toward Orlando and then across to Tampa/St. Pete outposts.

Alternatively, you can drive through Jacksonville and then cut across the state via US-301 S and I-75 S.

The estimated time is 6 hours if you don’t hit bad traffic on I-95.

You will also have time to eat fried grouper at Clearwater Beach for lunch, then hit the Clearwater Aquarium for an afternoon adventure.

Dedicate the evening to drinking margaritas and watching the sunset.

You might want to watch the sunset (while sipping a cocktail) at Pier 60 on Saturday night or delay until Sunday because you will be exhausted from your early morning drive.

Clearwater is also a great place to settle while you plan day trips to Tampa, St. Pete, and Sarasota.

While you can easily make the drive in a day, it’s best to set aside a week for this US south road trip as you will lose two days to travel.

Florida’s Gulf Coast deserves a minimum five-day stay so you can experience different beaches.

Southeast USA Road Trip from Washington DC to Florida

From Keri of Bon Voyage With Kids

One of the best road trips in the southeast US is from Washington, DC to  Anna Maria Island, Florida . 

If you want to break it up with overnights and stops, I recommend going from Washington DC to Raleigh, NC on Day 1.  On Day 2, drive from Raleigh, NC to Savannah, GA.  Then on Day 3, drive from Savannah, GA to Anna Maria Island, FL.

Starting in Washington, DC, where there is much to see from the Capitol to the Washington Monument to the Smithsonian Museums, you can begin heading on the road toward Virginia and the Carolinas. 

In Virginia, the historic college town of Williamsburg is well worth a visit. 

In addition to being a beautiful town, home to William and Mary College, it is also where you can step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg and learn a bit about American history. 

From here, head into North Carolina and stop in Raleigh if you plan to spend the night.

Then head into South Carolina, where a drive-through or stop in Charleston is a great thing to do. 

The historic and lavish architecture is well worth a look, and the southern hospitality and walk on the waterfront are worth it even just for a short visit. 

From here, continue into Georgia, where a stop in Savannah is a must. 

If you have a bit of time to spend in this southern city, the hop on hop off trolley, walking tours, and a 90-minute riverboat sightseeing cruise would be worth doing. 

This beautiful and historic city really is a gem on this road trip, so be sure to build in a bit of time, and even book a bed and breakfast for the night.  

Continue on from Georgia into northern Florida, where if you can stop in Jacksonville for a visit to the University of Florida or in St. Augustine for lunch or a walking tour of this beautiful and historic city. 

There is an old town part of St. Augustine well worth visiting, and depending on the time of day, is a great stop for a lunch. Continue on from St. Augustine to Anna Maria Island, Florida.

You may pass through Orlando and Tampa, which if you have time, may want to stop in one of these cities. 

While Orlando is home to many theme parks and activities, you won’t have time on this drive to do many of those unless you build in another day or two to your drive.

Instead, I suggest stopping in Tampa, where you will get to view this fantastic seaside city, where you can enjoy a cruise, walk around Ybor City, or grab a meal at the famous (and delicious) Columbia Restaurant. 

While you are also right at Clearwater Beach, you may want to save that beach visit for Anna Maria Island, just about an hours drive from Tampa, on the Gulf Coast, and renowned for its teal Caribbean-like water, white soft sand, quieter beaches, and home rentals perfect for a beach getaway. 

It’s the perfect destination to such a cultural and historic road trip, and one of the best road trips in the south USA.

Approximately 945 miles (about 14 hours total) one way.

Approximately 945 miles (about 14 hours total) one way, this road trip is at least a two to three-day drive, depending on how much you would like to stop along the way. 

The Outer Banks of North Carolina Road Trip

From Candice of CS Ginger

One of the best Southern USA road trips is driving through the Outer Banks. There are so many fun things to do in the Outer Banks  and its sweeping coastal scenery is gorgeous.

The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast filled with beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and fun beach towns.

A great historic stop in the Outer Banks is at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

This is where the Wright brothers completed the first controlled flight in December of 1903.

There are a fun visitor’s center, some historical markers, and a replica of the first plane.

The Outer Banks is also home to the tallest brick lighthouse in the world. You can climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. There are 257 steps to the top.

The lighthouse and Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a great place to spend the afternoon. The beaches are beautiful and not crowded.

After spending time at Cape Hatteras, you can take the ferry over to Ocracoke Island.

There is another lighthouse on this smaller island, but it is not open to visitors.

There are, however, beautiful beaches making this island a fun spot to explore.

The distance from the northern town of Corolla through Hatteras, the southern point, is about 95 miles.

If you continue to the ferry to Ocracoke, the mileage is longer.

You can easily fill 4-5 days with fun activities during your Outer Banks road trip, and spend even more time in the area if you want to relax on the beach.

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

From Anna of Stuck On The Go

One of the best road trips in the southern US winds through Shenandoah National Park offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

If you drive Skyline Drive straight through it only takes a little under 3 hours but there are so many hikes, overlooks, and small towns to stop and explore. This is the perfect road trip for outdoorsy people.

You can start at the Front Royal Entrance Station and on your first day hike to Compton Peak where you’ll find a gorgeous view as well as unique geological formations that resemble the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland .

In the afternoon, head out to the town of Luray where you can shop in the boutiques along Main Street and visit the famous Luray Caverns.

If you like to camp then stay the night in Mathews Arm Campground, otherwise rent a room at the Skyland Resort inside the park.

For day two you can fit in two hikes – Stony Man and Hawksbill – which both offer stunning mountain views and are 2 of the best hikes in Shenandoah .

Have lunch at Big Meadows and make sure you get the blackberry ice cream pie for dessert!

In the afternoon you can hike Dark Hollow Falls or just head into Elkton or Sperryville.

Visit Sperryville for wineries and Elkton for breweries. Tonight stay at the Lewis Mountain Cabins & Campground.

On the last day of the road trip, hike Doyles River Falls and Blackrock Summit.

Stop for lunch at Blue Mountain Brewery and check out some of the other Waynesboro breweries. Main Street in Waynesboro is also very quaint.

For many people, 3 days is enough to spend in Shenandoah National Park.

However, if you are very outdoorsy and love to hike and explore small towns then you can spend a week in the Shenandoah Valley.

Northwest Arkansas Road Trip Loop

From Lydia of Lost With Lydia

Arkansas is an underrated state with a lot to offer for outdoor adventurers!

The state has beautiful state parks, incredible mountain biking trails, a uniquely historic national park, and much more.

The northwest portion of Arkansas is where you’ll find the most beautiful natural areas along with some fantastic cities. 

This road trip begins in Bentonville, a city known for mountain biking, modern art, and as the Walmart headquarters.

There are miles of mountain biking trails in parks around the city and trails range from beginner to advanced. 

Continue on from Bentonville to Buffalo National River, a beautiful river with epic canyon walls towering above it.

After the National River, enjoy hiking in the Ozark National Forest (the most famous hike is Whitaker Point) and take in the views at Mount Magazine and Mount Nebo. Mount Magazine is the highest point in the state. 

Be sure to not miss the most iconic state park in Arkansas: Petit Jean. This state park is a favorite of many and is home to a 95-foot waterfall, caves, and several unique rock formations. 

Spend some time in Little Rock for great food and interesting history. 

Things to do in Little Rock include visiting the Little Rock Central High School Museum, exploring the vibrant SOMA neighborhood, and hiking at Pinnacle Mountain. 

Finally, end your road trip with a visit to Arkansas’ only national park: Hot Springs.

Hot Springs National Park was a resort destination in the early 1900s and there are a couple of bathhouses still in operation today.

In addition to the spas, you can visit a brewery inside of a bathhouse and enjoy the views from the observation tower. 

A week is the minimum amount of time you’ll want to fully explore the cities and hiking destinations along the way.

Ideally, take 10 days or more to take your time and enjoy this underrated southern USA road trip itinerary.

Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast Road Trip

From Lori of Travlinmad

If you’re looking for an ideal year-round  road trip destination, Florida’s Gulf Coast  offers dreamy beaches, fantastic food, and some of America’s most (in)famous history!

Begin your road trip in Tampa, where you can spend 2 days exploring the city’s Cuban history in Ybor City and enjoy the amazing cuisine before heading south to Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Spend the next day in Sarasota admiring the mid-century architecture and visiting the Ringling Museum.

Shoppers will no doubt stay longer on St. Armand’s Circle, then head to Siesta Key later in the day to take in the new age vibes of the nightly drumming circle on the beach at sunset.

The next day, drive south to Casperson Beach in Venice and rent a “Florida snow shovel” for a few dollars to dig in the sand for prehistoric megalodon shark teeth.

Millions of them wash ashore every day and you just might find a big one to treasure!

Spend the night at Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, one of Southwest Florida’s most historic towns before heading out the next morning for Fort Myers.

Situated where the Caloosahatchee River meets the Gulf of Mexico, the city of Fort Myers is worth a few days to explore the history and the beautiful beaches on Sanibel and Captiva.

Visit the summer homes of neighbors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, whose mansions are popular tourist attractions today.

The last stop on your road trip is Naples and Marco Island on the southwestern coast. This stunning region is known as the Paradise Coast and it’s easy to see why.

Spend your days on the soft white sand beaches, shopping at the luxury stores and dining downtown, or get out into the Everglades for some adventure.

It is 180 miles from Tampa to Marco Island.

Plan on 7-10 days for this southern road trip route.

There is plenty to see in the major cities of Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, and Marco Island, but you’ll find the real gems in between!

Virginia’s Eastern Shore Drive: Chincoteague to Cape Charles

Recommended by Erin Gifford of Go Hike Virginia

There’s so much to love about  Virginia’s Eastern Shore .

Roll down the windows and breathe in the salt-infused air as you make the 70-mile drive north to south from Chincoteague to Cape Charles.

Get ready to make stops for sandy beaches, ice cream shops, and verdant wetlands just right for a scenic paddle.

Start at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to miles of stroller-friendly hiking and biking trails.

The Chincoteague Lighthouse Trail is a must-visit to ogle the red-and-white striped Assateague Lighthouse.

Take a guided kayak tour or nature cruise across pristine coastal waterways with Assateague Explorer.

Keep your eyes open for wild ponies, as well as native wildlife, like sandhill cranes and eastern mud turtles, that call the wildlife refuge home.

Order up a scoop of Mint Chip or Pony Tracks at Island Creamery.

Spend the night at the Refuge Inn, a mainstay in Chincoteague since 1973. Chincoteague is also home to several camping resorts, including KOA and Jellystone Park.

Continue on to Onancock, a historic waterfront town.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast sandwich at Janet’s Café before strolling the hamlet’s tree-lined streets that wow with Victorian-style homes.

Take a tour of Ker Place, a historic Federal-style home.

On the south end of Virginia’s Eastern Shore is Cape Charles, which is home to gentle beaches and vibrantly-colored sunsets.

Spend the day on the beach at Kiptopeke State Park, then order hush puppies at The Shanty.

Cap off the day with a scoop at Brown Dog Ice Cream and settle in at the Sunset Beach Hotel on the Chesapeake Bay.

70  miles.

This trip is best enjoyed over at least 3 days, including one day in Chincoteague, one day in Onancock, and one day in Cape Charles.

[convertkit form=3386343]

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

The New Orleans Road Trip Planner: Your Louisiana Road Trip

June 15, 2021

A New Orleans road trip combines creole, cajun and the great outdoors, all highlights of a southern USA road trip. Here’s how to plan your fly drive New Orleans and Louisiana road trip. As the locals say, let the good times roll!

Table of Contents

Planning a New Orleans Road Trip

One of the best drives through America’s Deep South has to be a New Orleans road trip.

Starting and finishing in New Orleans works from a practical point of view (it’s easier to fly in and out of the same airport) but there’s a better reason too. Once you’ve driven through the southern state of Louisiana, you’ll see the jazz-fuelled city of New Orleans in a whole new light.

Sure, our New Orleans road trip will always have a special place in my heart, being our first driving holidays as mum, dad and baby. But you don’t need to let my personal circumstances guide your trip.

Whether you’re planning a fly drive New Orleans or plan to link up from elsewhere on the ground, this southern US road trip itinerary will leave you with a completely different perspective.

Check out our road trip planner and handbook and stock up on these road trip essentials .

What to Expect on a New Orleans Road Trip

Imagine driving past white sand beaches, alligator-strewn swamps, the stately curve of the Mississippi and small towns on the bayou, with drive-through sweet shops and mailboxes on sticks.

Follow the history of jazz, experience plantation life on the Great River Road and uncover the history of slavery, Creole, Cajun and Zydeco.

On a Louisiana road trip, live music unfolds every night. Gumbo, grits and crawfish etouffée tell stories through their meals and reflect the diversity of the people who call this place their home.

Other than New Orleans itself, the cities and large towns aren’t well known. But then again, that’s part of the charm of a southern USA road trip. Drive into Louisiana and really get a taste of the Deep South, away from all the tourists.

Southern hospitality is legendary: it really is the kind of place where people stop to chat, to ask where you’re from and invite you to follow the state’s motto: l aissez le bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll.

New Orleans Road Trip Toolkit: At a Glance

Here are the shortcuts:

• Book your travel insurance before you go! Get 5% off Heymondo Travel Insurance here.
• Book your flight to New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport by comparing prices with Skyscanner here.
• Book your vehicle with Hertz here and check out this list of Road Trip Essentials before you book.
• I’ve highlighted individual tours, when appropriate, but you can also find useful New Orleans tours from Get Your Guide here.   Fancy an evening cruise on the Steamboat Natchez? Or how about a voodoo and cemetery tour?
• Stay in  Maison Dupuy  for olde worlde charm in the heart of the French Quarter and a pool to cool off.
• Try  Old No 77  in New Orleans for a hipster buzz and local art. Think bare bricks and utterly cool.
• Don’t miss  Oak Alley Plantation on the Great River Road.  Purpose-built accommodation on the grounds has modern comforts added in. Highly recommended.

New Orleans Road Trip: A 10 Day Southern USA Itinerary

Ten days is just about enough to taste each of the aspects that Louisiana has to offer, as well as leaving time for New Orleans itself.

There are lots of different routes you can take from New Orleans, though most will touch on Lafayette and Baton Rouge eventually.

Travelling with a baby, we didn’t really want to spend any more than 2-3 hours in the car each day: we wanted to be out on the ground, exploring (and, let’s face it, knew we’d need to stop to change nappies, arrange feeds etc.) If you want to skip a few steps, you can just keep on going and spend more hours in the car each day.

But there’s no need. There are plenty of places to stop and wander around. However, you may want to only spend one night in some of the places if you’re trying to cram this into seven days. But with 10, it feels nice and relaxed (and suitable for travel with kids.)

• Recommended reading: how to plan a road trip by yourself

Day 1 – Arrive in New Orleans

Yes, so the great New Orleans road trip doesn’t actually start until day 3 but I’m thinking of two things here. One, if you’re flying as part of a fly drive New Orleans road trip, you’ll be jet-lagged.

If you do fly, you can rent a car or  have a car you own shipped to New Orleans .

And I always think it’s a good idea to get some sleep before getting behind the wheel. Two, even if you’re not, New Orleans is such a fascinating and fun city that you may as well spend a bit of time in it.

Likewise, I’ve created this Louisiana road trip itinerary to include time in New Orleans again at the end. You’ll see the city with new eyes after you’ve seen more of the southern states.

Most things to do in New Orleans don’t need too much planning in advance but I’ve sliced up my suggestions into the following three ideas.

• Things to do when you’re jet-lagged (day one) Things to do when you’ve recovered (day two.) And things to do once you return a seasoned New Orleanian (day ten.)
• Live music can be heard almost everywhere, but Jackson Square in the afternoon makes a good spot to stop and stare, and Frenchmen Street performs well in the early evening.
• The  iconic Cafe du Monde serves sugary beignets all day and all night and a bit of chicory caffeine and a sugar rush can help power you through jet lag. Save the gourmet dinners for when your insides have caught up with the clock, though.

Things to Do in New Orleans When You’re Jet Lagged

The French Quarter is a striking place to wander around on foot whatever the time and whatever the weather (although avoid Bourbon Street at night unless you actually are in the mood to party.) Its architecture is as far away from a modern American city as it is possible to be: wrought-iron balconies, narrow streets, bright colours, faded paintwork, swaying palms.

You can find food and drink 24 hours a day (we were offered Bloody Marys with our 7am breakfast) but it’s not all history, history, history and party, party, party.

New Orleans has a growing art scene, particularly around Royal Street and the Warehouse District, so if you are feeling so tired your head hurts but you just can’t sleep, try browsing your way along there.

Find more suggestions with this three day New Orleans itinerary.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

The french quarter.

We stayed in Maison Dupuy  in the quieter part of the French Quarter but still within easy reach of the key spots. It has old, French-Creole style charm and a small pool, which is something of a rarity in this part of town (but perfect to help you get used to the heat.)

Outside the French Quarter

For a larger, more contemporary place to stay, try  Le Meridien New Orleans on Poydras Street.  It’s just outside the French Quarter but as part of a multi-international brand it carries the pros and cons that come with that as you’d expect.

Day 2 – Exploring New Orleans

While it’s a little optimistic to think that your jet lag will be over by now, hopefully you’ve caught up with some sleep – or at the very least, had some rest.

Try taking the characteristic streetcar to the Garden District, the leafy, elegant part of town. The enormous World War Two Museum deserves a full morning or afternoon (but is probably a bit too realistic for older children.)

A nice street to wander along is Magazine Street (hop off the St Charles Streetcar at Washington Avenue and St Charles Avenue.) You’ll walk with tourists along Washington Avenue, past Commander’s Palace and the Lafayette Cemetery but Magazine Street has a different feel.

Inside Tips

Look out for craft donuts (yes, they’re a thing in America) at District Donuts and art at the Terrance Osborne Gallery. It’s a safe and gorgeous area to wander around yourself but you’ll learn more about the history if you take a walking tour through the Garden District.

If you’re organised enough to have booked a place in advance, spend an afternoon at Langlois cooking school, learning all about roux, gumbo and why those dishes are the way they are. Alternatively, join a Creole and Cajun cooking lesson through Get Your Guide for great value here.

Where to Eat in the Garden District

Joey’K’s Restaurant & Bar on Magazine Street is a fun, colourful place to stop for lunch with staples like red beans & rice and southern fried chicken.

Cavan  makes a wonderfully atmospheric spot for dinner. Its location, in a salvaged mansion that dates back to 1883, brings the old New Orleans to life. Inspired by the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf of Mexico, the menu includes crab noodles and a raw oyster platter.

Day 3 – New Orleans Too Lafayette VIA Vermilionville

At last, the New Orleans road trip gets underway! Although it usually makes sense to pick up your hire car at the airport, you don’t need a car in central New Orleans (the French Quarter and around) and as it’s quite a journey back to the airport, it doesn’t make sense to do that either.

We booked through Hertz, who have a number of pick up points around the city, including within walking distance of the French Quarter (as long as you’re happy to walk. Otherwise, it’s a short taxi ride.) With a baby and all their paraphernalia in tow, it made sense for Mr Travel Lab to pick up the car and then head back and pick us up with our gazilions upon gazilions of pieces of luggage.

I also recommend paying for the SatNav just in case, but we brought our own car seat from the UK so that we could use it in taxis and so on if needs be.

Logistics, over with, zoom up that interstate baby!

Leaving New Orleans

There is an unmistakable thrill to heading out of the city past the superdome and onto the interstate. If anything, America is the land of the motor vehicle and its new cities are designed with this in mind. Cars are big (we booked a towering Nissan Pathfinder and it looked like a toy) and drive-through diners abound.

Despite our lofty plans for gourmet, cultural cuisine, we couldn’t help but pull over for breakfast when we saw The Huddle House. The waitress strutted over with a jug of coffee and iced water in a straight-from-the-movies style.

Besides, it turns out that The Huddle House  is a part of the local culture: it’s a Deep South institution with a legacy that goes back 45 or so years.

Ribeye steak with grits for breakfast, anyone?!

A Louisiana Road Trip Experience: Driving Across the Swamps

Driving along the highway, it takes a few minutes to notice that you’re flying across swampland, dead alligators on the side of the road instead of badgers. Every now and then, the trees clear and the water of the bayous shimmers through, looking ever more beautiful than I thought a swamp could be.

They also look pretty close to the road. Just a few minutes’ drive outside the city of New Orleans and it becomes easy to see why Hurricane Katrina had the devastating effect it did.

But after a while, the road turns towards Vermilionville, the capital of Cajun country.

Cajun Country Heartland: Into the Deep South

Cajun country can be defined in many different ways, but possibly the most interesting is to note that it’s the largest French-speaking area within the United States. The word Cajun comes from the Acadians, people who fled modern day Canada when the British tussled with the French over who should occupy the land.

The exiled Acadians bounced along the East Coast as refugees and were turned away by the mainly protestant British-leaning outposts until they reached the more Catholic area of New Orleans in Louisiana and were given permission to settle.

That’s an oversimplification, of course, but if you want to delve any deeper, there are plenty of places to look, especially in Vermilionville.

The Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center offers plenty of resources, plus a more traditional museum style layout.

But it’s the next door Vermilionville Living History and Folk Life Park that brings the history to life. It spreads over 23 acres and featured restored homes used by the early Acadian/Cajun settlers. Costumed staff explain the architecture and tell tall tales, greeting you in French but explaining things in English as well.

And although there’s a sense of tranquility there, with alligators hiding in the undergrowth only a few feet away, it’s a stark reminder of the reality of southern living.

You can make up for the shock with a hearty plate of jambalaya and sweet potato fries. Another staple of this southern USA road trip experience.

With picking up the car, the drive and taking your time on this Cajun stop, the day is pretty much full.

So it’s time to drive into Lafayette to find a place to stay and a bite to eat, ready for the next day and the next stage of your fly-drive New Orleans road trip.

Where to Stay in Lafayette

We stayed at  Home2 Suites by Hilton Parc Lafayette on Kaliste Saloom Road. 

This is a little out of town, but then, that seems to be the American way. Drive everywhere!

What was amazing about this place was the hybrid self-catered apartment and hotel room approach. Our room divided up through curtains into each section and yet there was a fully staffed reception desk and breakfast available downstairs. Also, coin-operated laundry, a pool, a grocery store! Perfect for travel with a small child.

Where to Eat in Lafayette

I think it was dinner at Randol’s that convinced me that music really is everywhere in Louisiana.

On an unpromising long avenue of tarmac (again, roads everywhere) looking for number 2320 Kaliste Saloom Road seemed a pointless task.

Its unpromising wooden shack and corrugated tin roof look didn’t help much either.

But inside was hospitality galore! Great food, local beer! You can  see more about that on the Lonely Planet broadcast over here.

It turns out that Randol’s has been owned and operated by Frank Randol for more than 40 years and considers itself deeply rooted in Cajun culture. They raise their own crawfish (a staple of this part of the world) and crabs and grow their own herbs.

They also offer up Cajun or Zydeco music nightly (and somewhat curiously, play videos of people doing the same.) Foot tappin’ times even with the young ‘uns.

Day 4 – Avery Island and the Tabasco Factory

Had you told me this time last year that I’d be interested in visiting the place where they make tabasco, I’d have said hell yes. Had you told me I wish I’d spent more time there, I’d have reached for that quizzical emoji. Yet, that’s exactly what I thought when I did get there.

So, yes. Avery Island is the Tabasco factory and it’s just a short drive from the Cajun hub city of Lafayette.

But, and it’s an important but, it’s a place worth visiting in its own right.

It somewhat undersells its subtropical Jungle Gardens, awash with azaleas, camellias and colourful bamboo.

It is a safari made for a DIY road trip: rippling rivers, bayous, flocks of snowy egrets. And live oaks dripping with iridescent moss and barely another vehicle in sight.

Plus, the days are hot out in the sun. A road trip through a garden isn’t really as daft as it sounds.

So. In reality, I’d recommend leaving plenty of time for the Jungle Gardens but also time for Tabasco itself.

The Story of Tabasco

The hot sauce has a hell of a hot story. It’s practically the American story of one man who had a great idea to make his product a household name. Of course, when you dig into the details, as ever, he had money and connections to start with. But still, it’s humbling to see just how much of an impact can be made with an idea and some brilliant marketing (the Guinness story in Dublin also springs to mind.)

Check out the Lonely Planet broadcast over here for more about Tabasco and check back here again soon for more.

To take everything in, I’d recommend spending a day at Avery Island (not really an island but a curiously enormous salt dome.)

But if you find yourself finished before I say so (!) then drive into central Lafayette to check out their collection of downtown museums.

I loved the Leo Touchet exhibition at the Acadiana Centre for the Arts. Also, look out for the Lafayette fountain and city sign: a humble homage to that Hollywood one, just a little more down to earth. Literally.

It’s a lovely, quirky addition to this southern USA itinerary.

Where to Eat

For dinner, I’d highly recommend Dark Roux on Kaliste Saloom, a creative little restaurant with polished wood, green glass and brushed metal and a creative menu to boot. Blue crab carbonara, Grandma’s choc chip cookie with hot milk. Oh, and cocktails. I seem to remember that Girls & Cigars went down well: bourbon, blackberry shrub, lemon and basil. Great taste, despite the non-PC name ;-)

Day 5 – Creole Nature Trail and Lake Charles

It’s worth getting up early today to avoid the full weight of the almost-Texan sun as you walk (and drive!) the Creole Nature Trail – and it’s definitely worth stopping to see the Creole Nature Trail.

I find visitors’ centres for natural landscapes to be more than a little hit and miss but the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point on 2740 Ruth Street is definitely a hit.

No bigger than a church hall, it shines a spotlight onto many of the mysteries of Creole culture and the wildlife of Louisiana. A DIY band shows the difference between Creole, Cajun and Zydeco bands (it’s strangely addictive) while other exhibits introduce recipes, list wildlife and showcase geology.

Plus, the maps are handy and the staff couldn’t be more enthusiastic.

Driving Through Nature on the Creole Nature Trail, Louisiana

As we’re in America, we’re talking about a driving based nature trail but there are plenty of pitstops where you can stop the car and get out and walk.

The sun is fierce, though, so, again, a driving walk makes more sense than you may think if you’re reading this behind the screen in a cooler climate.

We followed the Blue Goose Trail through the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge.

The immaculate boardwalks of the Lake Charles Wetland Walkway reached out into the luminous green freshwater marshes. We took mosquito spray (and a net for the buggy) but I’m not convinced we needed them. They are handy to pack when planning a Louisiana road trip, though.

The Gulf of Mexico

You can drive on to reach Holly Beach on the Gulf of Mexico and see pastel-coloured houses on stilts that overlook white sand and strangely still surf. If this is your thing, you can spend another day here and complete the loop by crossing on the Cameron Ferry and driving up to Lake Charles. 

Alternatively, make a U turn and drive back up towards Sulphur before heading on to Lake Charles.

Whichever you decide as part of your New Orleans fly drive, I’d highly recommend a stop at Le Bleu’s Landing at 202 Henning Drive, Sulphur. It’s a family-owned Cajun restaurant with a gift shop and comedy life-size alligator but despite all that seems highly authentic. Workers in plaid shirts fill the hall at lunch time, chomping down on the Cajun specialty of Boudin, a rice sausage make with ground pork, liver, parsley, onions, salt, black and red pepper and secret inputs from cooks.

In the butchers next door, you can watch boudin being made. In the main hall, you can eat it ;-)

You can also order up the mythical fried green tomatoes (at the Whistle Stop Cafe.) Yay!

Where to Stay in Lake Charles

We stayed at the Isle of Capri, Westlake a massive casino hotel.

However, we heard about a pop-up Zydeco event at The Crying Eagle Brewery so didn’t spend much time there as a result. Ask the concierge (and have a quick google) to see what’s on.

For food, check out the aforementioned Le Bleu’s Landing.

Day 6 – Lake Charles to Baton Rouge

It’s on day six that you start to retrace your steps and head back towards New Orleans. But this time, you’ll be stopping at the state capital Baton Rouge, after a detour to Breaux Bridge. Both are essentials on any Louisiana road trip itinerary.

Breaux Bridge – Crawfish Capital of the World

Breaux Bridge is a fun place to stop, and a small town addition to the big cities en route. With characteristic humility, it calls itself the crawfish capital of the world and announces the fact on the 200-year-old bridge that gives the town its name.

The real joy here is the modern expression of French-Acadian charm. Plenty of antique shops, small cafes, crawfish (!) and chances to see the cool, clear waters of Bayou Teche.

• Watch  the Lonely Planet broadcast on Breaux Bridge here.

Louisiana’s Capital City

Baton Rouge is a curious city. Unimpressive to Americans, dazzling to outsiders.

At least once an hour, someone would get chatting to us and ask where we were from. When they realised we’d flown over ten hours to be here, they answered (in a deep southern drawl…) “so what in the wo-or-rld are you doing in Baton Rouge?”

This is the amazing part of travel. One man’s mystery is another’s mundane.

Downtown Baton Rouge is clean and orderly, spreading itself and its museums along the lazy curve of the Mississippi River.

On arrival day, you may only have time for a short walk along the river and a night out on Third Street (traveling with baby meant we skipped this step.)

Where to Stay in Baton Rouge

We stayed in a suite in downtown Baton Rouge at Hotel Indigo. Suites work well for travel with babies (when baby is asleep, you still have a room to yourself.) The location, within an easy walk of Third Street, the museums and the Mississippi, was perfect.

Baton Rouge has a great range of eateries. A good downtown place to start is the eclectic Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar where almost every flavour on earth comes served on an oyster (well, 50 different flavours, but who’s counting?) Also, the Love Actually  fantasy  Schlittz & Giggles satisfies any pizza-and-a-bottle-of-Bud All-American cravings.

How Far is Baton Rouge from New Orleans?

How far apart are Baton Rouge and New Orleans? It’s around 82 miles or 130 km between the two cities. Driving on the fastest roads available without stopping at all, you can drive between New Orleans and Baton Rouge in around 1 hour and twenty minutes. However, with so many great things to see and do on this Deep South Road Trip, why would you rush?

Day 7 – Overnight Baton Rouge

Tomorrow requires an early start to get going and make the most of Plantation Country so think of today as your only day in Baton Rouge. As befits a state capital, there are plenty of things to do, more than you can comfortably fit into a single day.

But also, it isn’t a city with as many must-sees as, say, New York or Boston, so don’t feel pressured. Choose a few things to do and make your peace with it. As with any southern USA road trip itinerary, the secret is to take your time.

Flavours of  Baton Rouge

If you haven’t noticed already, breakfast is a big deal around here. Order a virgin Cajun bloody Mary at Another Broken Egg,  another Louisiana franchise, and then spend the rest of the morning browsing the Red Stick Farmer’s & Arts Market , a short walk from the downtown area.

The market provides a daytime chance to catch some live Cajun music, as well as munch on some artisanal snacks like smoked meats and pecan pie. One friendly farmer told us the story of the white aubergine. Apparently, French settlers found the traditional purple one went bitter in the heat and humidity so they trialled different types until the white one took hold.

Either that or he just spun us a good yarn.

The Pirate of the Pacific

In the afternoon, we squeezed ourselves into the mighty USS KIDD (DD-661), the Pirate of the Pacific, that sits with some prominence on the riverbank. But for less sombre pursuits, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Old State Capitol and Louisana State Museum await just across the road (and down a bit.)

Chilling in Baton Rouge

Visits to the relaxed Tin Roof Brewery and Cane Land Rum Distillery can double up for culture and a live music hit as owners tell tall tales about floating whisky and the Mississippi journey to New Orleans. Catch the Lonely Planet broadcast from the distillery over here.

Where to Eat in Baton Rouge

Breakfast at Another Broken Egg and lunch at the market.

Then for dinner, visit Cocha on North 6th Street. Sip cocktails like the Worm’s Big Adventure (Sazerac Rye, Cocchi Americano, Green chartreuse and lime) beneath Mardi Gras beads and feast on lavender lamb chops.

Day 8 – Baton Rouge to Plantation Country (The Great River Road)

Today’s the day to hit the most iconic stretch of the trip: the Great River Road.

Ironically, the drive itself isn’t all that interesting, but it’s the places you can stop off and visit that make this stretch a road trip to remember.

First up, is a swamp tour, which is decidedly nicer than it sounds.

Taking a Swamp Tour on the Great River Road

Although swamps sound grim, they’re actually peaceful, cool, beautiful places with far fewer mosquitoes visible than Hollywood would have you believe.

We joined the  Cajun Pride Swamp Tours in Frenier  and took to the Manchac swamp. I’d wondered whether this would be suitable for a baby but no-one else seemed bothered. Our Cajun captain welcomed us aboard and, as the boat’s in the shade and the journey’s steadier and slower than an airport travelator, I needn’t have worried. I even ended up breastfeeding on the bayou, while other passengers looked at the alligators.

In truth, I wish we’d had longer on the water. Gliding past wild hibiscus rose mallow and marshmallow while listening to the history of the region through a thick Cajun accent amid the moss-draped cypress trees seemed, well, impossibly tranquil. There’s also an interesting exhibit on the Native American people who lived in Louisiana prior to the arrival of the Europeans.

• Find out the difference between a swamp and a bayou here

Lunch at The Creole House, Paulina. Quick n hot gumbo beneath whirring fans, stars n stripes and floor to ceiling wood and sports TV.

Stand in Awe at Oak Alley Plantation

Wham, bam, thank you ma’am, does this place have a grand entrance. A quarter of a mile of centuries-old oak trees lead up to the white columns of the Oak Alley Plantation, an icon in the Deep South and a plantation home that has seen Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Beyonce strut their stuff here using the place as a backdrop.

I could just stand and look at the place for hours, as could everyone else in town, which is why they make access to the house contingent on booking a tour.

In fact, it’s a little jolting after the rest of the New Orleans road trip to rejoin the world of tourists but the shock can be smoothed over by staying the night on the plantation itself.

As the day trippers disappear, the place seems all the more impressive, and all the more haunting and historic.

Accommodation is in cottages on the grounds of the plantation but not in the Big House itself (which, actually, is a blessing as it was built in 1829 and lacks a lot of modern amenities.) You can see more about the stay in the Oak Alley plantation cottage on this Lonely Planet broadcast here. This is definitely something to book in advance.

Oak Alley has a restaurant on site but a nice thing to do is to have dinner brought to your room before you arrive.

There’s something special about sitting on your own front porch, listening to the crickets and watching the clouds roll by overhead. Magnificent for those with or without babies.

Day 9 – Plantation Country to New Orleans (The Great River Road)

Make the most of the morning in the cottage and on the grounds of the plantation. Check out the cabins that talk about the Civil War, slavery and sugar production if you missed them yesterday and make time for that all important meal of breakfast.

Early morning is also the time for photos, if you’re into that kind of thing, snapping away at the live oaks before the New Orleans day trippers begin to arrive.

The Whitney Plantation and Slavery

Next up is a short drive to a different kind of plantation: the Whitney.

On our trip, we combined the swamp tour, Oak Alley and the Whitney in a single day, which was probably a bit much.

Enjoy the splendour of plantation life first; then visit the Whitney and confront how all this wealth was possible and how many human lives were ruined. It’s a powerful, powerful place. You can read more about my thoughts about the Whitney and the Great River Road over here. I think it’s one of the most important places to visit on any southern USA road trip itinerary and certainly the most important of all the plantation homes.

I loved the Old No 77 Hotel on 535 Tschoupitoulas Street in the Warehouse District. It’s a bit of a walk from the French Quarter, Treme and a tram ride out to the Garden District but it’s a fascinating place in an area awash with art. The hotel itself features art from local artists and has a relaxed hipster vibe, which can be an enjoyable move back to the present after a week spent revisiting the past. Watch the broadcast for Lonely Planet over here.

Day 10 – Overnight New Orleans

Ach, well, you don’t have to spend the last day in New Orleans, of course. But it’s such a fascinating place, why wouldn’t you?

With a taste of Louisiana under your belt, now is the time to visit the Hurricane Katrina exhibit at the Presbytere, to saunter through the French Market and take a bike tour out through Louis Armstrong Park, Treme and the cemeteries.(That last suggestion is not baby friendly, by the way.  I did that as a solo traveller a few years ago.)

The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the US Mint on Esplanade Avenue doubles as an interesting look at the city in the early 20th century as well as, of course, focusing on jazz.

Fortify yourself with eggs at a New Orleans institution: Breakfast at Brennan’s (look out for the flaming option and the book on breakfast eggs.)

One of the best things about a trip to New Orleans is the character of the food and the character of the places that serve it. So, while I’m recommending more places than you need for a single day, it’s because I don’t want you to miss something that works for you. Most of these picks are in or close to the French Quarter but I’m also including a few slightly further out in Magazine Street if you fancy a change of scene.

Where to Eat in the French Quarter

Napoleon House, Chartres Street  – So named because the then mayor of New Orleans invited Napoleon to stay here back in the 1800s. If shabby chic and history is your thing then head here for a Muffuletta (pastrami, salami, Swiss cheese sandwich famous in these parts) or red beans and rice.

Cafe Amelie  – Gorgeous little eatery in a leafy courtyard off Royal Street.

Angeline – High quality flavour and presentation in a low key setting in the French Quarter. A mediterranean twist on Louisiana fare.

Johnny’s Po-Boys  – A new Orleans story in a sandwich, the Po-Boy of a white baguette, slippery roast beef or fried crawfish, excels in its simplicity. And Johnny’s rounds that up with counter service, bright lights and great taste.

Where to Eat on Magazine Street

La Petite Grocery – atmospheric eatery with modern takes on Louisiana classics, like turtle bolognese and blue crab beignets.

Return to New Orleans: End of the New Orleans Road Trip

It’s now a short drive back to New Orleans to drop off the hire car and check in to a new hotel. Your New Orleans fly drive is over. If you stayed in the French Quarter on arrival, it makes sense to stay somewhere else now to get a different flavour of the city.

Want more? Check out our guide to planning a San Francisco to Santa Barbara road trip here.

Travel Tips For a Southern USA Road Trip

Booking flights for your new orleans road trip.

• If you’re flying from the UK, there’s good news! British Airways now flies direct to New Orleans from London Heathrow, which avoids the kinda hellish transfer in Atlanta late at night. The flight lasts 10 hours and the airport (MSY) is small on an international scale and pretty easy to navigate.
• We booked our flights through Flight Centre, a company I’ve used since I was a student (and one that incidentally features Oak Alley Planation on its web page for flights to New Orleans ;-) )

Family Travel to New Orleans

• Flying long haul with a baby  was nowhere near as traumatic as people made out; in fact it was actually quite nice. You get let on first, have help and don’t have to cook and clean up all by yourself. Aeroplane toilets are larger these days, with changing facilities, and you can take the buggy right up to the gate.
• Read more about travel tips for flying with a baby over here.
• One thing to note, perhaps, is that British Airways Business Class doesn’t have space for bassinets. We were upgraded (after I helped in a medical emergency, long story) and while staff are happy to let babies sleep on parents’ laps, you will have to wake them for meals and turbulence and so on.
• Read more about flying Business Class with British Airways over here.

How to Plan an Orlando to New Orleans Road Trip

Driving direct from Orlando to New Orleans takes between nine and ten hours. So, if you’re thinking about flying into Orlando and then driving to New Orleans to take advantage of a better flight fare, it’s probably not worth the hassle.

However, Orlando and the west coast of Florida have some great spots as well. So, it would work to combine a driving itinerary through west Florida with a road trip to New Orleans.

Keen to travel further afield but unsure where to go? Check out our guide to choosing between Los Angeles and Miami .

More About New Orleans

To add more to your Louisiana road trip, you could venture into some of Louisiana’s State Parks like these. Or choose to spend more time in New Orleans. Here’s a selection of articles to help you plan and enjoy your fly drive New Orleans even more:

• 3 days in New Orleans itinerary
• The surprising story behind Louis Armstrong’s hit It’s a Wonderful World
• What you need to know about the beignets of Café du Monde
• What the Great River Road can teach us about the American Dream
• Why the Tabasco factory is Louisiana’s hottest attraction
• The difference between a swamp and a bayou
• The best things to do in New Orleans with children

And for other fly drive holidays in North America, check out our New England route and west coast Florida routes. Road trips are among my favourite kind of holiday types and navigating car rental in the States is pretty straightforward. You can buy a fly drive package from a tour operator or arrange the flights and car rental independently. Both options are just as good as each other, but if opting for a package, make sure to check the booking conditions as to whether they are including flights.

How to Put Together the Perfect Road Trip

You’re in road trip heaven here. We love road trips and have everything for them. Check out…

• The road trip essentials you need to know about
• The Ultimate Road Trip Planner  with printables and handbook
• 101 fun road trip questions for your next drive
• Inspiring road trip quotes for your instagram caption ideas.

Disclosure – I travelled to Louisiana with assistance from Visit New Orleans, Louisiana Travel, Hertz UK and Flight Centre. However, I remained free to write what I like and to choose what went into this road trip itinerary. I’m only recommending things I would gladly do again myself, not everything that was on the itinerary. Note that ff you book or buy through any of the links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Now, go have fun y’all!

8 thoughts on “The New Orleans Road Trip Planner: Your Louisiana Road Trip”

Because of reading this great article, I have to plan to go down there this December with my wife from Boston, MA. Thank you very much,

I hope you both have a fantastic time! Have a beignet for me and enjoy. New Orleans and Louisiana are fascinating (though I have a soft spot for Boston as well.)

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

New Orleans

Home / The Great River Road / Louisiana / New Orleans

Assuming you resisted the industrial-strength charms of US-61 and opted to take the I-10 freeway into town, stay on it until you reach downtown, then get off and park the car as soon as you can, and get out and walk. New Orleans rivals Boston for the discomfort it causes drivers, and there are no driving routes that let you see anything you can’t see better on foot—or from the St. Charles trolley. Parking in and around the French Quarter is a nightmare, and the small print on the signs can set you up for a ticket or a tow, so play it safe and park in one of the many nearby lots, which typically charge anything from $7 to $21 a day (if you can get an early bird rate) to up $12 an hour (if you can’t).

Visiting New Orleans

New Orleans has long been famous for its easygoing, live-and-let-live personality, and for placing a high value on the good things in life—food, drink, and music, to name a few.

With deep roots going back to the earliest days of European settlement in North America, New Orleans is very proud of its multicultural heritage: Its people, its ornate buildings, and especially its food all reflect a uniquely diverse and resilient culture. The focus of New Orleans, for visitors and locals alike, is the Vieux Carré, in the French Quarter, which sits on the highest ground in the city and thus escaped the worst of Katrina’s floods. Centering on Bourbon Street, lined with tacky souvenir stalls and strip clubs catering to conventioneers, this square mile is full of wrought-iron balconies on picturesque brick buildings.

Yes, it’s a huge tourist attraction, but it’s also the heart of old New Orleans. At the center of the quarter is Jackson Square, where a statue of the victor of the Battle of New Orleans, Andrew Jackson, stands in front of St. Louis Cathedral, which was rebuilt in 1850 on top of an original foundation dating back to 1724. The nearby Old U.S. Mint, now the New Orleans Jazz Museum (400 Esplanade, 504/568-6968, closed Mon., $5), holds excellent collections tracing the history of two New Orleans institutions: jazz and Mardi Gras.

After dark, there’s live music aplenty in all styles and modes, but one stop you have to make is Preservation Hall (726 St. Peter St., 504/522-2841, nightly 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10pm, $20), for the redolent ambience and the live traditional Dixieland jazz, still going strong after 50 years.

Where to Eat and Stay in New Orleans

New Orleans has some of the best and most enjoyable places to eat in the world, so plan to take the time to enjoy yourself here. In the French Quarter, the informal Acme Oyster House (724 Iberville St., 504/522-5973) is the place to go for the freshest bivalves, but it closes early by New Orleans standards—around 10pm on weeknights and 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

Another world-famous place that merits a meal or two is NOLA (534 St. Louis St., 504/522-6652), a comparatively casual setting for celebrated chef Emeril Lagasse’s finely crafted Creole fare.

For a taste of local character and Cajun comfort food, ride the St. Charles street car west to friendly Jacques-Imo’s Café (8324 Oak St., 504/861-0886).

No visit to New Orleans is complete without a stop for coffee and beignets (and some serious people-watching) at busy Café du Monde (800 Decatur St., 504/525-4544), open 24 hours (except on Christmas) on the river side of Jackson Square.

Except during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or Superdome football games, places to stay in New Orleans aren’t all that expensive. In the French Quarter, the characterful Olivier House (828 Toulouse St., 504/525-8456, $139 and up) is a quirky, family-run hotel filling a pair of French Quarter townhouses. In the Marigny neighborhood, the historic Hotel Peter & Paul (2317 Burgundy St., 504/356-5200, $119 and up) has a range of comfortable rooms in a restored church and rectory.

Hwy‑23: To the Gulf

From downtown New Orleans, if you really, really want to follow the Mississippi River all the way to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico, you can. (Well, almost.) From the Superdome, take the US-90 bridge south across the river to Gretna, where you can join the Belle Chasse Highway (Hwy-23), which follows alongside the river for about 75 mi (121 km), ending up at Venice, still 12 mi (19.3 km) from the gulf, on the fringes of the Delta National Wildlife Refuge. Apart from swamps and giant freighters, the main sight along the route is old Fort Jackson, (8 mi (12.9 km) northeast of Venice. Built following the War of 1812 to help protect the river from invasion, Fort Jackson was flooded and badly damaged by the Hurricane Katrina storm surge.

Travel Map of the Great River Road through Louisiana

Related Travel Guides

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Richmond Virginia to New Orleans Louisiana - Road Trips Forum

• Tripadvisor Forums    
• Road Trips Forums

Richmond Virginia to New Orleans Louisiana

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Road Trips forum

we (me,spouse,adult daughter) will be driving August 23 and 24 to New Orleans. Can't leave Richmond until noon because of my work. we can check in our hotel at 4 on the 24th. we use waze, but I'm looking for recommendations on any preferred route, place to stay overnight, thinking somewhere in Alabama maybe?

thanks for any suggestions.

How far into the night do you want to drive that first day leaving at noon? Atlanta is over 8 hours with no stops. Just get on I-85 to Montgomery, AL, then I-65 to I-10 into NOLA. Auburn, AL would be a good stop, but too far if leaving at noon. Try to get somewhere on the other side of Atlanta for sure. You don't want to deal with Atlanta morning rush hour.

Just south of Atlanta on I 85 is Newnan. It is a historic town with hotels and both local and chain restaurants. Sprayberry BBQ is a great local restaurant.

thanks! love good bbq!

we leave Thursday, bumping for any other suggestions

Agreed with all posts above - considering Atlanta is more or less your halfway point it’s a good place to stop. You’ll be coming in at a decent time of evening, and for what it’s worth I really love driving in on I-85 at night - considering the interstate skirts every one of its major cities (Durham, Charlotte, Greenville SC) it’s quite striking to be amidst lit-up skyscrapers after hours of monotonous scenery. Newnan is a great place to stop but anywhere south of downtown (such as the airport area) will work as far as traffic the next day is concerned.

Be forewarned that it’s a pretty dull drive to NOLA for the most part the next day, particularly I-65 from Montgomery to Mobile. My favorite food stop along the way is an Alabama seafood chain called the Shrimp Basket in Greenville, though more carnivorous friends of mine love the quirky Bates House Of Turkey at the same exit - not much else between the two cities to be honest.

And US-90 in Mississippi parallels I-10, so if you don’t mind stretching your time a little it’s a nice scenic drive along the beach from Biloxi westward up to the Louisiana line if you do choose - otherwise you can just stay on the interstate - for me it’s always a hard slog to Mobile but once I’m on I-10 I can hear the jazz calling me home.

I 2nd the US Hwy 90 option in MS.

The quaint town of Ocean Springs, MS is a nice stop.

From Biloxi to Long Beach is a nice drive along the beach. It is much slower than I 10 but plenty of areas to park and walk along the sidewalks or the beach.

thanks for the recommendations! US 90 sounds like a great scenic route, we will definitely take that for a while. All 3 of us can take turns driving, and we are looking forward to a fun road trip!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• travel to Leland, NC from NJ 6:30 pm
• Lubbock TX to Grand Canyon Nov/Dec 6:27 pm
• Trip Report - Campervan from Iowa to Anchorage 5:18 pm
• My review of TURO (the "airbnb' car rental company) 3:46 pm
• Two weeks vacation in Nevada and Arizona 10:04 am
• Live Trip Report: Fake Tour Guiding My Way Through NM/CO 9:39 am
• Focus northwest, Yellowstone and Yosemite 9:36 am
• Summer road trip from Seatle (31 days) 9:31 am
• Best Route To Drive From Miami, FL to NYC in 1 Night 9:24 am
• Chicago to billings Montana 7:30 am
• Best offline map app for NM and CO today
• 7 day Road Trip from Portland to San Fran yesterday
• Did you know discovercars.com is a scam? yesterday
• Road trip from Maryland to Asheville, NC yesterday
• Planning a road trip
• Tips for driving in the USA
• Tips for foreigners: Renting or buying a vehicle in the USA?
• Suggestions for a South West USA road trip
• Suggestions for an East Coast USA Road Trip
• Suggestions for a West Coast USA Road Trip
• Suggestions for a 'Deep South' road trip
• What are safety concerns and precautions when experiencing nature in North America?
• What should I pack for a road trip in the USA.?
• Do I need to book hotels ahead or can I book hotels as I travel?
• Should I rent an RV to save money on a road trip?
• Route 66 - how long do I need and where should I stop?
• Planning a road trip- lodging in the national parks
• Thinking of a long, family road trip in the west? Read this trip report for ideas
• Road trip ideas from Memphis down thru MS to New Orleans
• ***Visiting Canada From the USA***
• Cannabis - Entering Canada
• Campervan Tips for a Road Trip

• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• United Kingdom
• United States

LET’S GO ON A ROAD TRIP! From Washington DC to New Orleans in 2 weeks

• by lilistravelplans
• 25th November 2015 20th August 2018
• 55 Comments

I have to be honest: the US was never on my travel wish list. Like not even at the bottom of it. I thought it wouldn’t be different enough from home, that all Americans were superficial and that the country didn’t have much to offer from a cultural point of view. BOY WAS I WRONG!

My boyfriend had been wanting to visit the US and in a relationship sometimes you have to find a compromise. So we booked 2 tickets to New York and even though it wasn’t my dream destination, I got excited about our trip really fast. Traveling is always an adventure, so the destination isn’t really the most important part for me. The next thing we had to do was decide where exactly we wanted to go in the US. We had a whole list of things we wanted to see all over the country and it was clear we weren’t going to squeeze all that into a four weeks’ trip. So we had to choose and rather than to visit all the highlights in the whole country, we decided to pick 1 region and leave the rest for another trip. See, at first I didn’t want to go and there I was already thinking of going back! 🙂

So we decided to begin with the East and South and started with a week of city tripping in New York and Washington DC. The cheapest option was to travel from NYC to Washington DC by train rather than to rent the car a few days earlier and leave it at the hotel in Washington DC for 3 days, so that’s what we did. When it was finally time to start our road trip, we headed to Reagan national airport, armed with my great homemade road trip CD and ready for the adventure!

We picked up the car and drove to Arlington National Cemetery, which is only a few miles from the airport. I dind’t find any songs about Washington DC so we left the airport singing New York New York. We did visit New York a few days before, so it was only a little bit weird 😉 After a short visit to the cemetery, we exchanged the city for the countryside and started our trip through Virginia. We drove to Front Royal through the never-ending horse pastures of ‘Horse Country’ and stopped in picturesque towns like Middleburg, Warrenton and Little Washington.

“Take me home, country roads, to the place I belooooong…”

OK that’s actually a song about West-Virginia but we sang along cheerfully anyway. Well actualy I sang along cheerfully, my boyfriend was already starting to get a headache :p

We entered the park around 9am, did a 4 miles’ hike around noon, stopped at many of the overlooks and left the park again around 6 or 7 pm. If you want to do more hiking, I’d definitely recommend staying longer and sleeping in the park.

Our next stop was Charlottesville, about 30 miles further, where we went to learn about the beginning of the US at Monticello, Jefferson’s home. The house and gardens – that are completely designed by Jefferson himself – are beautiful and the guided tour taught us quite a lot about Jefferson’s life. Too bad not much was said about the lives of the slaves that lived and worked at Monticello and that the few things our guide did say were almost hypocritical.

He talked about the huge influence Jefferson had on civil rights and education, about how well-traveled he was and about how he was interested in things like architecture and literature. He spent 20 minutes explaining where the Declaration of Independence was written and pronounced the most famous passages in a stately manner and with big gestures.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

Don’t get me wrong, I can understand and appreciate that when you’re in a former president’s house, a word or 2 is said about his achievements – especially when one of those achievements is the Declaration of Independence. But what about the 300 slaves Jefferson owned in his life? Apart from the fact that he had 3 children with one of them after the death of his wife, not a word was said about the slaves.

It seems to me terms like equality, liberty and happiness don’t rhyme with slavery in any possible way.

When asked, he only answered things like “but Jefferson respected his slaves so it wasn’t that bad” and “it wasn’t the time to stop slavery, it was too soon, so he left it for the future generations”. I don’t know what it was like in those days so I won’t judge, I only wished the tour would have given a little bit more attention to the less flattering ‘behind the scenes’ part of this particular part of history.

After our visit to Monticello, we stopped at the University of Virginia, also designed by Jefferson, for a nice walk and then drove on to our motel in Williamsburg.

The next day we visited the battlefield of Petersburg, but were a bit disappointed. There was not a lot to see, so we only visited part of it and decided to drive on.

So we drove 400 miles south on Interstate 95, to Charleston, South-Carolina. Enought time to listen to the whole CD 6 times! Needless to say we were half deaf when we arrived, so luckily we stayed a couple of days.

We stopped for waffles along the way and that was the first time we saw this…

I must admit it was kind of strange for us Europeans… We did get 3 free fill-ups of coffee without asking for it, just like in the movies, and thought it was so great! OK I can imagine you had to be there to find it as great as I did but anyway… 🙂

We fell in love with Charleston’s picturesque city center and the plantations nearby, such as Magnolia Plantation with its superb gardens or Boone Hall Plantation with its magnificent Oak Alley. We also saw the reverse side of all this beauty when we visited the slave’s cabins and heard their stories. We were in Charleston for the 4th of July and were really looking forward to participating in all the activities that were planned, but unfortunately they were cancelled because of a big storm… so we went to eat burgers in a super typical diner instead.

Because what’s more American than that?!?

After 4 days in Charleston, it was time to get ‘Georgia on my mind’. We headed to Savannah, and stopped in Beaufort, South-Carolina on the way, to look (oh who am I kidding – stare with our mouths wide open, almost drooling) at the magnificent houses and streets filled with Spanish moss draped live oaks.

From there it was only a 2 hours’ drive to Savannah, another lovely city we adored and where we stayed 1,5 days, just wandering around in the picturesque streets.

Next, it was time for a 700 miles and 1,5 day drive through Georgia, (sweet home) Alabama and Miiiiiiiiiiihiiiiiiississiiiiiippiiiiiii (you’ll be oooon my miiiind) to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

We only spent the night in Baton Rouge and drove to New Orleans along River Road the next day for a glimpse of the Mississippi river plantations. We visited Nottoway Plantation and Laura Plantation. and had clearly saved the best for last. Nottoway is without any doubt the most beautiful plantation we saw and Laura the most touching one, with the most honest stories about the plantation owners and their slaves. On the way from the plantation to New Orleans, I turned off the radio. There wasn’t a song on my CD good enough to accompany my tears…

Before bringing back the car and discovering New Orleans, it was time for some ‘big fun on the bayou’, so on the last day of our road trip we did a swamp tour at Honey Island swamp, at about an hour from New Orleans. The mysterious realm of cypress trees rising up out of the muddy water and the alligators luring in the distance have something magical an were a perfect ending of our trip.

Two weeks and 2100 miles after the start of our trip, we arrived in New Orleans, where we dropped off our rental car and stayed another 3 days to visit this extraordinary city. We had such a great time on this road trip. We saw and did plenty of things, the drive itself was fantastic and the people… the people were just soooooo great, warm and kind! We felt welcome everywhere we went! I’ll write a seperate post about this because there’s so much to tell, it definitely deserves its own story!!! Let me give you some facts and figures about this road trip:

• Distance: 2100 miles
• Duration: 14 days
• 8 different motels
• 7 states crossed: Virginia, North- & South-Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
• Check out this post for my travel budget for this trip (including a week of city tripping in NYC and Washington DC and 3 days in New Orleans)

For the full itinerary of my US-trip, click here. Check out my USA-page for more articles and information about the different destinations I visited and read this post for tips about saving money on rental cars.

If you want to keep on driving some more, go to The Daily Adventure of Me’s Ultimate Road Trip Guide for more road trip inspiration from other travel bloggers.

(More articles about my visits are comming soon, so please come back later if you want to read all about it or subscribe to my newsletter to get updates in your mailbox!)

You might want to read next...

55 thoughts on “let’s go on a road trip from washington dc to new orleans in 2 weeks”.

Pingback:  CITY GUIDE: How to spend 2,5 days in Washington DC - Lili's Travel Plans - Travel Blog

First off, the photos look astoundingly surreal and out of this world! It’s like the sceneries were only captured to be viewed on a movie screen! The beautiful art of nature plus great photography equals these masterpieces! Thank you for sharing these beautiful places with us even though it’s only through virtual but you made us inspired and motivated to work our asses off to even just visit these places!

How difficult is to get there from a foreing country? I am planning a trip by car and this place looks amazing

Thanks for work. sharing the article. It is really valuable Information and I am impressed by your article. Keep doing such great Top Gun Leather Jacket For Sale

thanks for sharing this article. it is very useful for me keep it up. justice league merchandise

In this type of trip enjoying.. in on other level. I wish i have a trip like this. i mention on my bucket list. thanks for this post keep it up such a grate work. Michael J Ferguson Jacket

such a grate post thanks. it is very useful for me. your article play movie in mind that is very good. comic con costumes for sale

Excellent article plus its information and I positively bookmark to this site because here I always get an amazing knowledge as I expect. Want to convert your operating system into the legal window? Then Download KMSPico into your system, It’s free and safe.

Great article, You guys also try it Kitchen Cabinets Services Baltimore

thanks for sharing great information….

Hi This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing this great Information That is a very interesting smile. I love reading and I am always searching for informative information like this You are bookmarked.

USA can be so crazy and hard to deal with at times. Thank you for the lovely advice. Makes things look more interesting and attractive.

All these roads are very neet and clean because I have already visited here and Washington DC is a very beautiful area where many rich people come here for watching its beauty. Thanks for sharing some basic news about the USA areas.

The norm of impact can be controlled in different circles of life and is habitually utilized in cash to convey the connection among responsibility and worth. Use the norm of impact, particularly self-progress, Wanda maximoff brown jacket to raise yourself to the supporting level if you have any desire to be heard in the ongoing tumultuous world since you can’t clinician to significance.

Amazing post and knowledge, and I will definitely save this site since I usually obtain fantastic information here, as I hope. do you want to grab the cool and classic outerwear, then I consider the new and stylish Bullet Train Ladybug Green Jacket . This sophisticated attire is one of the best trench coats. the Brown color give the look more attractive and beautiful.

Thanks For This Amazing Article. It’s a lot of fun. I’ve Never Before Seen This Valuable Information and now I’m glad to tell you about the new and cozy Bullet Train Ladybug Green Jacket . this green jacket is best for everyone and now it is in trend. that’s why every one want to buy this jacket

This is excellent article, thank you for the share! This is what I am looking for, hope in future you will continue sharing such an superb work. John Dutton Quilted Jacket

solar led light

solar lights in abu dhabi

your blog is very informative. Internet users today are more connected than ever. This has created opportunities for businesses, but also threats. People can now easily learn personal information about others, including their addresses, social media usernames, and more. keep private your online identity with a VPN

love the content of this blog and the positive you have. Thanks! B3 Men Shearling Aviator Bomber Leather Jackets

love the content of this blog and the positive intent you have. Thanks! Men Studded Jackets

Such a great content. Very positive and informative. Custom Velcro Patches

I appreciate this blog your blog very helps full for me i really enjoyed this stuff dude.

it was really a good post Glad you shared it.

Great post, I really liked it. Great respect for the author. It is very interesting. Website Maintenance Dubai

I found this post very exciting. I am also sending it to my friends to enjoy this blog. Men Biker Jackets

Your information is very helpfull… Thanks for sharing…. Plus Size Overbust Corset

This is obviously one great post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here.

Fantastic post with really emotional and enlightening content. Please keep it up.

Thanks a lot for sharing. I love this post and hope you can write more informative blogs later. I will pay close attention to your update. Beth Dutton Pendleton Jacket

Your research has been thorough, informative and well written. I look forward to following your future posts. b3 aviator brown leather jacket

Amazing study and wonderful benefits to getting the sort of thorough evaluation

Hi nice blog I recently found this amazing platform for those who want to work in the b2b market just click the link b2b portal in usa

Your words have sparked my curiosity and left me yearning for more. I can’t wait to discover the secrets you’ve hinted at Farnsworth Lantern Test This longitudinal assessment aids in the management of certain conditions or side effects of medications, facilitating personalized treatment plans and optimizing patient care.

love the content of this blog and the positive intent you have. Thanks! Mens gothic coat

Unlock the full potential of your social media presence with SMM Panel One, the all-in-one SMM Panel designed to elevate your online influence to new heights. Whether you’re a business owner, influencer, or content creator, our cutting-edge platform empowers you to effortlessly manage, optimize, and supercharge your social media accounts. With a diverse range of services, real-time analytics, and unparalleled customer support, SMM Panel One is the secret weapon you need to gain more followers, boost engagement, and drive unprecedented growth across all major social platforms. Maximize your online impact and outshine the competition with SMM Panel One today!

Black Water Mountain is one of the top rock bands in Orlando, FL. With their high-energy performances and catchy tunes, they have quickly become a favorite among music fans in the area. The band is known for their unique blend of classic rock and modern alternative, which sets them apart from other local bands. Their passion for music and dedication to their craft is evident in every song they play, and their fans can’t get enough. Whether you’re a die-hard rock fan or just looking for a fun night out, Black Water Mountain is a must-see band that you won’t want to miss!

Awesome article, Your information is very helpfull… Thanks for sharing….

love the content of this blog and the positive you have. Thanks! Cheap Website Design Company In Bangalore

The natural beauty of the United States is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The country is blessed with a diverse range of landscapes that captivate the senses. The towering majesty of the Rocky Mountains stretches across the western part of the country, Our website you can also check this.

The mention of your homemade road trip CD adds a personal touch to your journey. Singing “New York, New York” as you left the airport is a fun detail. Exploring Arlington National Cemetery and then transitioning from the city to the countryside in Virginia makes for an interesting change of scenery.Overall, it sounds like you’re off to a memorable adventure, and your writing conveys your excitement and willingness to embrace the journey. Enjoy the rest of your trip through Virginia! If you ever need help with discussion post writing services or anything else related to your travels, feel free to reach out.

PRGMD offers top-tier Gastroenterology Billing Services tailored to the unique needs of gastroenterology practices. Our dedicated team of billing experts understands the complexities of gastroenterology billing, ensuring accurate claims processing and timely reimbursements.

This clear explanation of New York divorce expenses is innovative! Thank you for demystifying this difficult subject so that anyone who is encountering this obstacle will find it easier. Many people will surely benefit greatly from your insightful advice as they navigate the financial ramifications of divorce. Wonderful job! ¿Cuánto Divorcio Cuesta Nueva York?

When it comes to making a statement at formal events, the traditional black or navy tuxedo may seem too commonplace. Enter the bright pink tuxedo – a bold and unconventional choice that can add a vibrant and energetic touch to any occasion.

Laundry Bangkok offers a wide range of professional cleaning services for both residential and commercial customers. Trust us to handle all your laundry needs.

Laundry Bangkok

I recently purchased the Green Bay Packers Bomber Jacket , and I couldn’t be more thrilled with my purchase. As a die-hard Packers fan, this jacket exceeded my expectations in both style and functionality.

The design is a perfect blend of classic bomber style with the iconic Packers colors and logo, making it a standout piece for any fan. The attention to detail is impressive, from the embroidered team logo to the high-quality stitching throughout the jacket.

Discover the epitome of style and durability with our exquisite cowhide bags. Crafted from premium-quality cowhide, these Cowhide Bag seamlessly blend fashion and function. Embrace timeless elegance with unique patterns and textures that make each bag a statement piece. Explore our collection to find the perfect cowhide bag that effortlessly complements your style, offering both sophistication and practicality for any occasion.

I enjoy the content of this blog and the optimistic attitude you have. Thanks criminal lawyers in prince william county va

Excellent article. The writing style which you have used in this article is very good and it made the article of better quality. visit my website

Beth Dutton by wearing Yellowstone S04 Beth Dutton Fur Coat, which she wears in the recently released fourth season of the Yellowstone series. yellowstone beth dutton fur coat The brown color with leopard prints is easy to find but a leopard print with an attractive white color like this is really hard to find easily. And its shawl lapel-style collars are completely enough for protection from the cold breezes. Beth Dutton Fur Coat has a front open look which means not any type of closure is present on the front side.

I had visited your webpage. It is both intriguing and stunning. Your essay is quite fascinating to read Happy wheels .

What a delightful find! This treasure radiates joy and optimism. Grateful for the online community for introducing me to Core ball , it’s been a delightful find.

Beth Dutton’s purse by Yellowstone JacketCo is the epitome of cowgirl glam! It’s the perfect blend of rugged charm and urban chic, making it a standout accessory for any occasion

Wonderful article. This blog is impressive, and I’ve been checking it frequently. Very helpful knowledge, especially the end section where the wheel spinner forced me absorb a lot of information. This knowledge has been on my wish list for a while. Greetings and best of luck! moto x3m

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

40 Best Stops Between Williamsburg and New Orleans

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

How long is the drive from Williamsburg to New Orleans?

The direct drive from Williamsburg to New Orleans is 1,043 mi (1,678 km) , and should have a drive time of 15 hrs 38 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Williamsburg to New Orleans, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Atlanta , Gatlinburg , Pigeon Forge , Asheville , Charlotte , Richmond , Charlottesville , Raleigh , Pensacola , and Biloxi , as well as top places to visit like Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and Maymont, or the ever-popular Kings Dominion.

Top cities between Williamsburg and New Orleans

Charlottesville.

Pigeon Forge

Best stops along Williamsburg to New Orleans drive

Kings dominion.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

James Madison's Montpelier

Appomattox court house national historical park, national d-day memorial, french broad adventures, sliding rock, rafting in the smokies, raft outdoor adventures, wheels through time motorcycle museum, forbidden caverns, tennessee homemade wines, ole smoky distillery "the holler".

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Tuckaleechee caverns, tallulah gorge state park, tail of the dragon rentals, anna ruby falls, harrah's cherokee valley river, consolidated gold mine, mercier orchards, amicalola falls state park, gibbs gardens, stone mountain, piedmont park.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Top searches in new orleans, other popular road trips from williamsburg, explore nearby places.

• New Orleans
• Bridge City
• River Ridge
• Belle Chasse
• Braithwaite
• Crown Point
• Saint Bernard
• Des Allemands

All related maps of New Orleans

• Map of New Orleans
• Map of Gretna
• Map of Harvey
• Map of Marrero
• Map of Terrytown
• Map of Arabi
• Map of Metairie
• Map of Westwego
• Map of Bridge City
• Map of Chalmette
• Map of Elmwood
• Map of Harahan
• Map of Avondale
• Map of River Ridge
• Map of Belle Chasse
• Map of Braithwaite
• Map of Kenner
• Map of Crown Point
• Map of Saint Bernard
• Map of Barataria
• Map of Luling
• Map of Jefferson
• Map of Lafitte
• Map of Destrehan
• Map of Hahnville
• Map of Norco
• Map of Des Allemands
• Map of LaPlace
• Map of Lacombe
• Map of Slidell
• Map of Mandeville

New Orleans throughout the year

• New Orleans in January
• New Orleans in February
• New Orleans in March
• New Orleans in April
• New Orleans in May
• New Orleans in June
• New Orleans in July
• New Orleans in August
• New Orleans in September
• New Orleans in October
• New Orleans in November
• New Orleans in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in New Orleans?

Get inspired for your trip to New Orleans with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 2-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 3-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 4-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 5-Day New Orleans Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from williamsburg to new orleans.

Yes! You can drive from Williamsburg to New Orleans.

How far is New Orleans from Williamsburg by car?

The drive from Williamsburg to New Orleans is 1,043 miles (1,678 km).

How long does it take to drive from Williamsburg to New Orleans?

Driving from Williamsburg to New Orleans should take you 15 hrs 38 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Williamsburg to New Orleans?

Gas from Williamsburg to New Orleans would cost around $91 to $213 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Williamsburg to New Orleans?

You could check out Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and Maymont, or the always popular Kings Dominion!

What are the best cities to visit between Williamsburg and New Orleans?

People love visiting Atlanta, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge, among others.

What's the weather like in Williamsburg?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Williamsburg in January
• Weather in Williamsburg in February
• Weather in Williamsburg in March
• Weather in Williamsburg in April
• Weather in Williamsburg in May
• Weather in Williamsburg in June
• Weather in Williamsburg in July
• Weather in Williamsburg in August
• Weather in Williamsburg in September
• Weather in Williamsburg in October
• Weather in Williamsburg in November
• Weather in Williamsburg in December

What are some other road trips from Williamsburg?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Williamsburg.

• Williamsburg to New York City drive
• Williamsburg to Washington DC drive
• Williamsburg to Orlando drive
• Williamsburg to Baltimore drive
• Williamsburg to Philadelphia drive
• Williamsburg to Chicago drive
• Williamsburg to Boston drive
• Williamsburg to Toronto drive
• Williamsburg to New Orleans drive
• Williamsburg to Niagara Falls drive
• Williamsburg to Nashville drive
• Williamsburg to Gatlinburg drive
• Williamsburg to Atlanta drive
• Williamsburg to Savannah drive
• Williamsburg to Montreal drive
• Williamsburg to Charleston drive
• Williamsburg to Myrtle Beach drive
• Williamsburg to Gettysburg drive
• Williamsburg to St. Augustine drive
• Williamsburg to Pittsburgh drive
• Williamsburg to Charlottesville drive
• Williamsburg to Cleveland drive
• Williamsburg to Miami Beach drive
• Williamsburg to Memphis drive
• Williamsburg to Ocean City drive
• Williamsburg to Saint Louis drive
• Williamsburg to Atlantic City drive
• Williamsburg to Louisville drive
• Williamsburg to Tampa drive
• Williamsburg to Branson drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

The ultimate road trip itinerary across America's Deep South

A 10-day tour from New Orleans to Nashville, via Memphis

A road trip across America’s south was the honeymoon adventure my husband Zak and I had been looking for. Stopping at New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville, we were immersed in the origins of jazz, blues and country music, with late nights spent exploring streets that pulsed with the thrum of live bands, tasting Creole, Cajun and Appalachian flavours along the way that showcase the rich mix of cultures that characterise each state. After spending 10 days driving across Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, our spirits were full of song, we had stories for days and enough powdered sugar in our veins to fuel a marathon or two. Here is our itinerary for the ultimate journey…

Days one to four: New Orleans

The early-morning chorus of accordion-like bellows from passing trains, music still playing in bars from the night before and gaggles of geese honking somewhere far away roused us at six am. In search of breakfast, we wandered through the French Quarter to reach the open-air Café du Monde on the banks of the Mississippi River, where a queue was already forming up the street for its freshly made pillowy beignets.

One afternoon, we ventured over to the north shore to explore the Honey Island Swamp by boat, spotting the glimmer of alligator eyes among the foliage and racoons clambering up the trees hung with Spanish moss. On another, we joined a city food tour, sampling alligator and seafood gumbo at the Red Fish Grill, and a delicious muffuletta sandwich with chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya at Napoleon House (where the French plotted to bring Napoleon over from captivity in Corsica). We also stopped at the beautiful hidden courtyard at Dickie Brennan’s Tableau (the bar adjoined to the hotel where Tennessee Williams wrote Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ) for potent French 75s and Sazeracs.

At night, the French Quarter came alive, with something surprising inside each dive: along Bourbon Street we passed a crowd doing the cha-cha slide in perfect synchronicity, next door to which two men were engaged in an intense game of chess. A show at Preservation Hall, just off Royal Street, was the hottest ticket in town. New Orleans legends such as Emma Barrett have performed at this 40-seat venue, where today New Orleans’ finest musicians play a mix of marching tunes and jazz standards.

Where to dine? For brunch, the Ruby Slipper Café provides all the very best southern fixings, such as biscuits, gravy and grits with sweet ice-tea. Come dinnertime, the Criollo at Hotel Monteleone is a delicious fine-dining option.

Bring home… frosted pecans and astonishingly moreish bacon brittle from the family-run Leah’s Pralines sweet shop on St Louis Street.

Road trip tip: make your next stop the city of Natchez, Mississippi, and book in a private class with the acclaimed chef Regina Charboneau at her cooking school. She is famous across the US for her buttery biscuits, and has served up dishes for stars such as Mick Jagger and Bruce Springsteen.

Days five to seven: Memphis

Our Elvis Presley pilgrimage began on the way into Memphis, when we made a detour to the singer’s home city of Tupelo, parking up at Johnnie’s, his favourite burger joint. Intrigued to try their famous doughburgers – an unlikely delicacy created during the Great Depression where flour is mixed into the patty to bulk out the meat – we both ordered one and the singer’s preferred RC cola in tribute. They were surprisingly fluffy, perfectly flavoured with mustard and pickles – and so moreish we shared another. As part of a tour with the Elvis Birthplace Museum, we also visited the modest 400-square-foot house in which he was born (and where his identical twin brother Jessie was tragically stillborn), and also took a moment to sit in the church he attended as a child.

It was an hour and a half before we reached the neon glow of downtown Memphis, driving past buzzy Beale Street – the home of the blues, where artists such as BB King used to play – and Sun Studio, a place that tops the bucket lists of 1950s-music fans. This was where the DJ Sam Phillips helped launch the careers of some of the world’s most legendary musicians: Elvis made his first hit ‘That’s Alright Mama’ here at the age of 19; Johnny Cash recorded ‘Cry, Cry, Cry’; and Jerry Lee Lewis ‘Great Balls of Fire’.

The city has had an overwhelming impact on modern music-making; to its south is Stax Records, which produced some of the most emblematic soul songs of 1960s and 1970s, including ‘I’ll Take You There’ by the Staple Singers and Otis Redding’s ‘The Dock of the Bay’. Just 10 minutes from the centre is Graceland, Elvis’ beloved home. The house is exactly as he left it, a time capsule of his eccentric Seventies extravagance, with outlandish interiors that include a shag-pile-clad jungle-room with an indoor waterfall.

Where to stay? The Peabody Hotel , a Memphis institution, whose five resident Mallard ducks march daily through the grand lobby.

Where to dine? Book in at Amelia Gene for an unbeatable cheesecake; for hearty Italian dishes, try Catherine and Mary’s.

Bring home… memorabilia from Sun Studios and Graceland.

Road trip tip: forgo the interstate roads and take the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs for 444 miles from Louisiana to Tennessee through a picturesque national park.

Days eight to ten: Nashville

While New Orleans and Memphis are clearly strong contenders, Tennessee’s capital clinches the title of ‘Music City’. Although it’s known as the heartland of country, Nashville is home to many genres – bluegrass, jazz, gospel, rock ’n’ roll… The best place to immerse yourself is in one of the intimate venues where songwriters debut their newest melodies, such as the Bluebird or the Listening Room Café.

Just a short hop from the honky-tonks of Broadway is the Country Music Hall of Fame, where I almost lost my guitarist husband among its extensive collection of memorabilia (especially exciting was Les Paul’s Log – the first-ever modern electric guitar dating from 1939). From there, you can also jump on a bus to visit another historic studio – RCA Studio B – where Dolly Parton recorded both ‘I Will Always Love You’ and ‘Jolene’.

Of course, a trip to Nashville is incomplete without a visit to the historic live-radio hall, the Grand Ole Opry. We ended our final evening with a backstage tour, mingling with the musicians in the green-room as they waited to go on and watching the triple Grammy Award-winner Steve Earle perform from the side of the stage.

Where to stay? The Hermitage Hotel – Tennessee’s first five-star hotel, which has hosted everyone from Patsy Cline to Amelia Earhart since opening in 1910. Designed in the Beaux Arts style, it is impressively grand, with polished marble, ornate plasterwork and an intricate stained-glass ceiling in the lobby.

Where to dine? Audrey, the flagship of the acclaimed chef Sean Brock. Dishes are inspired by his Appalachian roots and the comforting recipes cooked by his grandmother (the restaurant’s namesake), such as chicken and dumplings, and warm sesame and citrus cake.

Bring home… denim from the Nashville label Imogene + Willie in the 12 South neighbourhood. While you’re in the area, pick up some pastries at the Butter Milk Ranch (a dulce de leche cookie is a must) to enjoy on the flight home.

The most stylish Amalfi Coast hotels for 2024

The Bazaar team's favourite hotels

4 luxury bucket list destinations for 2024

The wellness benefits of going on a cruise

12 spectacular destinations in Italy to visit

London's most luxurious hotels

Where to go in Thailand

The most spectacular hotels on Koh Samui

The most luxurious hotels in Phuket

The best hotels in St Tropez

Gwyneth Paltrow's New York guide

The driving time from Virginia (VA) to New Orleans, Louisiana is:

14 hours, 31 minutes.

Average driving speed: 68.5 mph Kilometers per hour: 110.3 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

• Where to stay in New Orleans?

Change your driving speed:

mph     km/h    

Map of driving directions from Virginia to New Orleans, LA

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest .

More trip calculations

• Driving Distance
• Cost To Drive
• Reverse Driving Time
• Places To Stop
• Hotels near New Orleans, LA
• Flight Duration
• Distance To Fly
• airports near New Orleans, LA
• airlines flying to New Orleans, LA
• Direct Flight
• Time Zone Change

Driving time from Virginia to New Orleans, LA

How long is the drive from Virginia to New Orleans, LA? The total driving time is 14 hours, 31 minutes .

Your trip begins in the state of Virginia. It ends in New Orleans, Louisiana.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Virginia to New Orleans, LA .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from Virginia to New Orleans, LA based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between Virginia and New Orleans, LA .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Virginia to New Orleans, LA.

Virginia (VA)

Related links.

• airports in Virginia
• cities in Virginia

New Orleans, Louisiana

• airlines serving New Orleans, LA
• hotels near New Orleans, LA
• cities near New Orleans, LA

Driving time calculator

Travelmath helps you find the driving time based on actual directions for your road trip. You can find out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes. This can also help you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Compare the results with the flight time calculator to see how much longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. You can also print out pages with a travel map.

Home  ·  About  ·  Terms  ·  Privacy

Road Trip from Nashville to New Orleans

If you're a fan of historic cultural sites, deep green parks and close encounters with wildlife, the road trip from Nashville to New Orleans is one you wouldn't want to miss out on. You'll have two beautiful routes to choose from, so you're in for an unforgettable adventure whichever way you go.

The 530-mile road trip from Nashville to New Orleans takes 8 hours to drive. Along the two routes, stops include Memphis, Birmingham and Baton Rouge, Paul B. Johnson and Fontainebleau State Parks, as well as Oak Valley, Whitney and Laura Plantations.

Keep reading on for our top tips on the best route, where to stop along the way, the best things to see and do, and the ideal time to go.

How far is New Orleans from Nashville and how long will the road trip take?

By picking the shortest route, the road trip from Nashville to New Orleans will take around 8 hours of driving and will cover around 530 miles. There are countless opportunities for a detour and plenty of things to see, so consider extending the trip in order to make the most out of it.

While the road trip from Nashville to New Orleans can easily be completed in a day, you can easily extend it to at least a few days. The drive is fairly straightforward, but taking things slow is a great way to see some southern scenery before pulling into Louisiana.

If you have some more time on your hands, you can extend the drive to 10 hours by driving through Memphis, Jackson, Natchez and Baton Rouge. The 680-mile drive is significantly more urban, so you can expect a fair bit of traffic near the major cities.

Best road trip route from Nashville to New Orleans

There are two routes you could take on your road trip from Nashville to New Orleans (Eastern and Western), and both are exciting and memorable.

The Western route goes through Memphis, Jackson, Natchez and Baton Rouge and is filled with sites, serving as historic monuments. The Eastern, on the other hand, takes you around Huntsville, through Birmingham, and past plenty of exciting and fun attractions.

How to drive from Nashville to New Orleans

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between Nashville and New Orleans. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

The Eastern Route

While departing from Nashville hop on Interstate 65 and drive around Franklin. Make your way around Spring Hill and continue further south until you reach the exit to Huntsville. You can either pass here for a fun detour or drive forward until you reach the Tennessee River.

After crossing you consider a stop at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, otherwise hold on to the Interstate towards Birmingham.

Spend some time exploring Birmingham before heading towards New Orleans. Take Interstate 20 and drive around Tuscaloosa and follow the road until you reach Meridian. Then you can detour to either Bienville National Forest or further west to Jackson, Mississippi.

Carry on towards Hattiesburg by Interstate 59 where you will have the option to detour to some great attractions like DeSoto Caverns and National Park or Paul B. Johnson State Park. If you wish you can also visit the Hattiesburg Zoo before driving off towards Lake Pontchartrain and Borgne.

Before getting on the I-10 Twin Span Bridge, consider visiting Fontainebleau State Park in the northern coast of Lake Pontchartrain or detouring to John C. Stennis Space Center where you can find the INFINITY Science Center.

Soon after crossing the bridge you might run into some congestion, so consider stopping at Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge or continue a bit further south to reach your final destination – New Orleans.

The Western Route

On your way out of Nashville take Interstate 40 and drive westward towards Dickson. Once you are close a solid option would be to detour to Montgomery Bell State Park. Otherwise, continue driving toward Jackson where you can detour to Tennessee Safari Park.

Next follow the route to Memphis where you might want to take a break and visit some of the popular attractions nearby. Afterwards, switch to Interstate 55 and cross over to Jackson or detour to Vicksburg in the west or Bienville National Park eastward.

Take exit 61 to merge onto MS-28 west and drive perpendicularly to the Mississippi River until you drive by Port Gibson and into Natchez. You might want to take a break at St. Francisville where you can visit The Myrtles Plantation before entering Baton Rouge.

When you arrive at Baton Rouge, a wise decision would be to take some time and drive to some of the attractions in and around the city. Sites such as the BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo, USS KIDD Veterans Museum, Mike the Tiger's Habitat allow for a memorable afternoon.

Take Interstate 10 and consider taking a drive near the beautiful Mississippi coast so you can some of the historical sites on the River Road. A great place to start would be the Oak Valley plantation and down the stream towards Whitney, Houmas and the Laura Plantations.

Right before ending your trip at your final destination – New Orleans, consider detouring to Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area and Cajun Pride Swamp Tours where you can sail for a few hours.

Best places to stop between Nashville and New Orleans

The road trip from Nashville to New Orleans is action-packed and will take you through multiple cities, where you can find countless hotel options. Here are some of the premium resorts the route has to offer:

Enjoy a luxurious stay at Jackson, Mississippi

If you decide to choose our Western Route, a great option to stop is Jackson. Just 186 miles from our destination, the capital city of Mississippi has plenty of attractions and amenities to enjoy.

Jackson has a number of historical sites worth a visit, thanks to its links to the civil rights movement. Consider paying some of the many museums a visit and take in the Mississippi State Capitol building.

Get back to nature at the leafy LeFleur's Bluff State Park where you can enjoy trails, views of forests and hillsides or discover the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and aquarium.

There are lots of options of places to stay in Jackson, but if you're after colorful interiors, traditionally styled rooms and a beautiful outlook, then the Fairview Inn is a great option.

The hotel features an outdoor fireplace and sun terrace and after a long drive, a perfect antidote is a relax at the the spa and wellness center.

Despite being the highest rated hotel in Jackson, prices are affordable. Couple that with an amazing, quiet location and excellent service, the Fairview Inn becomes the obvious choice.

Experience tranquility in Birmingham

If you want to stop halfway on the Eastern Route, your best option is to take a rest at Birmingham. Known as the "Magic City" due to its soil containing all three elements to make iron, Birmingham combines tranquility with great options for dining out.

Top attractions include Birmingham Museum of Art and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. There's also a zoo to visit and the dramatic Oak Mountain State Park, amongst other things.

If location and ambience are important to you, a stay at The Valley Hotel Homewood is ideally suited. Combining stylish rooms with luxurious lounge areas, this is a beautiful place to catch your breath before getting back on the road.

Less than a mile from Vulcan Park and Museum, The Valley Hotel Homewood offers private parking and has a superb onsite restaurant. We'd suggest you put in a request for breakfast in bed and welcome the sunrise from your very own balcony.

Even though the hotel is rated as one of the finest in Birmingham, the prices are more than fair given its tasteful decor and exceptional service.

Relax in style in New Orleans

After a long drive, you might just want an overnight rest in New Orleans before exploring all that this fabulous city has to offer.

If you want rooms that exude effortless charm and a relaxing atmosphere, The Ritz-Carlton provides the best possible experience in New Orleans . Decorated with marble floors, shiny chandeliers and fabulous furniture, this resort will make you feel like royalty.

The amazing location of this resort allows for a long and fulfilling day of sightseeing in-between the relaxation. Located at the edge of the French Quarter, the hotel is less than a mile away from the shops at Canal Place and the Aquarium of the Americas.

Equipped with a modern wellness center, indoor swimming pool, a staggering number of beauty services, spa treatments and multitude of massages, this resort will make you want to stay forever.

The amenities, luxury and comfort that the Ritz-Carlton provides will make your stay in New Orleans unforgettable. It's definitely a pricy option, but worth every penny and an experience in its own right.

Things to see on a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans

Given New Orleans' reputation as a place to cut loose and party, you might be tempted to keep your road trip calm and uneventful. In our humble opinion, this would equate to a whole host of missed opportunities.

With so much to do and see along the way, your road trip from Nashville to New Orleans demands at least a few days' added time to allow for a few scenic detours and well timed pit-stops. Here are a few of our top tips to make the most of your time en route.

• Montgomery Bell State Park – Just minutes away from the Interstate, Montgomery Bell State Park is a perfect place to disconnect from the city noise.
• Tennessee Safari Park – Enjoy a walk or a drive through Tennessee Safari Park at your own pace while petting and feeding exotic animals cruising out and about.
• Memphis – Full to the brim with festivals, celebrations and concerts, this beautiful city becomes a great place for cultural education and exploration. When it comes to art and music there is no place quite like Memphis.
• Elvis Presley Birthplace – Visit the birthplace of the legend Elvis Presley and learn about his upbringing as well as his early childhood experiences.
• Bienville National Park – Bienville National Park is a lovely place for adventurous hiking and biking with trails suitable for children and adults alike.
• Vicksburg, Mississippi – Tourists and history buffs alike can learn about the long and at times violent history of this great city and its Civil War.
• The Myrtles Plantation – Rumored to be on top of an ancient Tunica Indian burial ground, the Myrtles Plantation is a place of unsolved mysteries and supernatural occurrences.
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Visit Baton Rouge and enjoy a real Louisiana experience in the downtown area where you will run into culinary creativity, loud music and a great range of attractions.
• Houmas House of Gardens – Experience the life on a sugarcane plantation as a guest of the Houmas House of Gardens. Guided tours will walk you through the 250-year history of for this grand estate.
• Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management – Serving as a stopping area for millions of migratory birds, Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management is peaceful place for hiking and even camping.
• Cajun Pride Swamp Tours – Enjoy a narrated tour on a high-speed airboat at the Cajun Pride Swamp Tours while admiring the thriving wildlife in the area.
• Laura, Whitney, Oak Valley and Destrehan Plantations – These plantations along the River Road will teach you about the complicated history of the American South.
• Huntsville, Alabama – Visit the Botanical Garden and Monte Sano State Park at Huntsville if sightseeing is what you are after. Otherwise, for an exciting and educating tour you might want to visit U.S Space and Rocket Center.
• Wheeler National Refuge – Depending on which season you decide to visit you can expect to see all different kinds of avian species.
• De Soto Caverns – Home to over 15 unique attractions, De Soto Caverns is an exciting place where you can book a guide and learn about its history and the formations hidden inside.
• Birmingham, Alabama – Stroll down Birmingham's Botanical Gardens, visit the zoo or hike through some of the many parks the city has to offer.
• Bienville National Forest – Bienville National Forest is a perfect place for nature lovers where you can enjoy its lush greenery.
• Hattiesburg Zoo – There is a whole lot to do and see at Hattiesburg Zoo, including spending some quality time alone with a family of sloths.
• Paul B. Johnson State Park – Paul. B Johnson State Park is a relaxing place with beautiful scenery where you can swim, paddle or take a hike.
• Infinity Science Center – Infinity Science Center is a great destination for space and science themed galleries, exhibits and educational programs.
• Fontainebleau State Park – The unforgettable nature trail of Fontainebleau State Park will undoubtedly please any nature lovers.

Best time to go on a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans

Whether you are a fan of festivals and big crowds or you enjoy the peace and quiet, the road trip from Nashville to New Orleans can be enjoyed throughout the year. On average, temperatures tend to remain high throughout most of the year.

The best time to visit New Orleans would be from February to May, when the weather is pleasant and comfortably cool. Temperatures range from low 70s to mid-80 degrees Fahrenheit, but steer clear if you want to avoid flocks of crowds. Hotel rates also rise around Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festivals.

In the summer around June and August, temperatures can get uncomfortably high at times, averaging around the low 90s. For this reason, you won't see a lot of tourists, but fortunately if sightseeing is a priority for you, almost all local attractions are open for business.

Hotel rates are still low around September and November and weather is pleasant, averaging 75 degrees. Keep tabs on the weather report around late August to late September when hurricane season begins and the climate becomes sometimes unpredictable.

Around December the city cools off and the holiday decorations start shining. Winter attracts less tourists, and if you are in search for a bargain on hotel rates and some peace and quiet, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Join our email list!

By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Your email will not be provided to third parties.

Related posts

Advertisement

Supported by

Read Your Way Through New Orleans

New Orleans is a thriving hub for festivals, music and Creole cuisine. Here, the novelist Maurice Carlos Ruffin shares books that capture its many cultural influences.

• Share full article

By Maurice Carlos Ruffin

Read Your Way Around the World is a series exploring the globe through books.

New Orleans is a tourist destination frequented as much for its local dishes (gumbo, jambalaya, among others) as for the spectacle that is Mardi Gras — where you may run into drunk college students on spring break, but could also bump into the Grammy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste. By some counts, it’s one of the most festive cities in America, with a party or two happening almost every week.

Behind all the festivities, though, is a rich and dark history. The city is an eclectic mix of Caribbean, French, Spanish and Native American cultures, and, depending on which neighborhood you encounter, you may feel a sense of disorientation. Historically, enslaved people from other states were sometimes sent to New Orleans as punishment, but the city also served as a home base for many Haitians seeking a new life after their country gained independence in 1804.

The literature of New Orleans is an important supplement to your experience of the city. These books are both a compass to guide you through its many different influences and a celebration of the free spirit that has made the city a haven for itinerant artists, writers and travelers in search of a new perspective.

What should I read before I pack my bags?

“Economy Hall: The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood ,” by Fatima Shaik, provides a fascinating look at the city from the slavery era through the Jazz Age. Using primary documents that her father rescued from a trash hauler’s pickup truck, Shaik builds a nonfiction narrative that’s both illuminating and compulsively readable.

“New Orleans Griot: The Tom Dent Reader ,” a collection of Dent’s writings edited by Kalamu ya Salaam, covers the life of an important literary figure. These pieces provide an insider’s view of the city’s legendary Mardi Gras Indians , as well as Mississippi’s Free Southern Theater during the Black Arts movement. In many ways, modern New Orleans writers are descendants of Dent and his cohort.

Also consider a Pulitzer Prize-winning cult classic: John Kennedy Toole’s “A Confederacy of Dunces.” It is somewhat of a riff on Don Quixote and captures the cockeyed whimsy that helps natives live in a city that is below sea level and perpetually threatened with destruction by the forces of nature.

What books or authors should I bring along with me?

“Unfathomable City: A New Orleans Atlas ,” by Rebecca Solnit and Rebecca Snedeker, is a collection of essays that touches on almost every neighborhood in the city. Published in 2013, several years after the catastrophic damage caused during Hurricane Katrina and the government’s response , these snapshots will help orient the reader as they travel from place to place. One essay, for example, traces the connection between the city’s vibrant marching band culture and how those young members go on to become professional musicians.

Definitely read Sarah M. Broom’s memoir, “ The Yellow House ,” the 2019 winner of the National Book Award for nonfiction. This book deftly weaves the history of one family with the development of a neighborhood called New Orleans East, depicting life outside of the tourist districts where many working-class locals live. It’s about the dreams we have and the way those dreams do and don’t come true.

If I have no time for day trips, what books could take me farther afield instead?

Do a double header of Ernest J. Gaines classics, “Bloodline” and “A Lesson Before Dying.” Both books focus on the rural Black community in Pointe Coupée Parish, La., where he was raised. His ability to compellingly render that community, which was otherwise ignored by history, is one of the many reasons he earned fellowships from the MacArthur Foundation and the Guggenheim Foundation, among other accolades.

Before Hurricane Katrina, there was another natural disaster that redefined New Orleans: the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 . John M. Barry’s “Rising Tide” examines, in enthralling prose, the flood’s consequences for the people who lived in the rural parts of Louisiana that lacked levee protection. The book is a tale of government mismanagement and neglect that foreshadowed the arrival of Katrina many decades later.

What books can take me behind closed doors?

Jarvis DeBerry was an opinion columnist for The Times-Picayune and NOLA.com for 21 years. His excellent collection of essays, “I Feel to Believe: Collected Columns , ” covers virtually every topic that was important to the life of the city between 1998 and 2019. Fearless in DeBerry’s explorations of race, policing, education, politics and the quirkiness of New Orleans, this book is a must read.

“1 Dead in Attic: After Katrina,” by Chris Rose, is often called the definitive book about life in the city at the time of Katrina. With gallows humor and a keen eye, Rose gives the ultimate local’s perspective. For many residents who lost loved ones or property and felt abandoned by the government, this book offered catharsis.

Also, Mona Lisa Saloy has a wonderful book of poetry called “Black Creole Chronicles” that captures so much of the linguistic cadence and rhythm of locals who are heavily influenced by both African American and Francophile culture. She preserves the voices of 20th century New Orleans like no one else.

What writer is everyone in town talking about?

Karisma Price’s debut poetry collection, “ I’m Always So Serious ,” has set New Orleans buzzing with the deftness of her vision and her attention to the kind of details that show the city in a fresh way. Also, Jami Attenberg, who moved to the city about a decade ago, has become a central and supportive figure in the local literary community. She has not one but two books out this year: “ 1,000 Words: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round” and the forthcoming “A Reason to See You Again.” The first is a craft book centered around Attenberg’s popular writing program ; the latter, a novel, follows a troubled mother and her two daughters over four decades.

What literary landmarks and bookstores should I visit?

Baldwin & Co. a short walk from Jackson Square — the centerpiece of New Orleans for centuries — has become a community hub in its three years. Classic bookstores with local owners like Community Book Center and Octavia Books , which just finished an extensive renovation, are great places to learn about the city’s literary history. Also, some of New Orleans’s streetcar lines are still operational and worth a ride — especially for fans of the Tennessee Williams play “A Streetcar Named Desire.” While the Desire line no longer exists, the other lines offer great views of the city at a leisurely pace.

What else should I consider?

New Orleans has beautiful parks and public venues. Go for a walk in Crescent Park, which has gorgeous views of the downtown skyline and places to sit and read. Audubon Riverview Park, known to locals as “The Fly,” and Audubon Park proper are great places to lay out a blanket with one’s book of choice.

A trip to New Orleans must also include beignets at Cafe Du Monde . For a classic New Orleans lunch, stop by Neyow’s , Parkway Bakery or Commander’s Palace and O’Delice or Sucré for dessert. Walk through the French Quarter, take a ride on the St. Charles streetcar line and visit the New Orleans Museum of Art . When you’re ready for dinner, consider Dooky Chase , Morrow’s or Herbsaint before nightcapping at the Maple Leaf Bar or Blue Nile while listening to live music. And remember: Tip the performers — it’s good etiquette.

Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s New Orleans Reading List

“Economy Hall: The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood,” Fatima Shaik

“New Orleans Griot: The Tom Dent Reader,” Tom Dent, edited by Kalamu ya Salaam

“A Confederacy of Dunces,” John Kennedy Toole

“Unfathomable City: A New Orleans Atlas ,” Rebecca Solnit and Rebecca Snedeker

“The Yellow House,” Sarah M. Broom

“Bloodline” and “A Lesson Before Dying,” Ernest J. Gaines

“Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America,” John M. Barry

“ I Feel to Believe: Collected Columns,” Jarvis DeBerry

“1 Dead in Attic: After Katrina,” Chris Rose

“Black Creole Chronicles,” Mona Lisa Saloy

“I’m Always So Serious,” Karisma Price

“1,000 Words: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round” and “A Reason to See You Again,” Jami Attenberg

“A Streetcar Named Desire,” Tennessee Williams

Maurice Carlos Ruffin, who grew up in New Orleans, is the author of “ The American Daughters ” and “ The Ones Who Don’t Say They Love You .”

An earlier version of this article misstated where the bookstore Baldwin & Co. is located. The bookstore is not in Jackson Square, but a short walk from Jackson Square.

An earlier version of this article provided an incorrect title for Chris Rose’s book about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The book is titled “1 Dead in Attic,” not “1 Dead in the Attic.”

How we handle corrections

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

New Orleans is a thriving hub for festivals, music and Creole cuisine. The novelist Maurice Carlos Ruffin shared books that capture the city’s many cultural influences .

Joseph O’Neill’s fiction incorporates his real-world interests in ways that can surprise even him. His latest novel, “Godwin,” is about an adrift hero searching for a soccer superstar .

Keila Shaheen’s self-published best seller book, “The Shadow Work Journal,” shows how radically book sales and marketing have been changed by TikTok .

John S. Jacobs was a fugitive, an abolitionist — and the brother of the canonical author Harriet Jacobs. Now, his own fierce autobiography has re-emerged .

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

The Ultimate Houston to New Orleans Road Trip Itinerary (2024)

Want to take the ultimate houston to new orleans road trip we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.

The ultimate Houston to New Orleans road trip itinerary takes you through popular towns like Lake Charles and Baton Rouge along the way.

The drive from Houston to New Orleans is about 350 miles , depending on your exact start and end point.

This drive takes about 5 hours as long as there are no major traffic backups or inclement weather.

The longest it has ever taken us to drive straight through from Houston to New Orleans was a little over 7 hours because a semi truck jackknifed on the highway and was blocking one lane of traffic.

You can watch our full experience driving from Houston to New Orleans in this video on our YouTube Channel .

Planning A Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources Below!

??  Accommodations

??  Tours/Experiences

??  Flights

??  Car Rentals

The Ultimate Houston To New Orleans Road Trip

If you want to take your time on your drive and spread it out over a couple of days, there are some great places you can stop and explore along the way.

With Houston as your starting point, you may or may not actually do any sightseeing here, but if you do, you’ll definitely want to visit the Houston Space Center .

Renowned as the Space City, Houston is famously home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where you can explore fascinating exhibits, experience astronaut training simulations, and even meet real astronauts.

?? Click Here To Book Your Houston Space Center Admission Today!

Beyond its stellar reputation in space exploration, Houston offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Art enthusiasts can wander through the Museum District , housing world-class institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Contemporary Arts Museum .

Nature lovers will find solace in the city’s sprawling parks, including the picturesque Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou Park , perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides.

For those seeking culinary delights, Houston’s diverse culinary scene offers a treasure trove of flavors, from mouthwatering Tex-Mex to sizzling barbecues .

Where To Eat In Houston: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is a popular regional chain with dozens of locations.

They are all throughout Texas, plus a couple locations in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Illinois.

It’s a colorful, beautiful restaurant that is great for large parties, special occasions, or a date night.

For dinner, we started with their complimentary bread service and we shared an Andouille Sausage and Seafood Gumbo .

We typically share meals when we go out to eat, but JP really wanted Crawfish Etouffee , which I didn’t want because it’s too spicy for me.

So he ordered that and I had the Shrimp and Grits .

We ordered a Turtle Fudge Brownie dessert too, but took it to go because we were way too full.

Where To Stay In Houston: Homewood Suites Houston IAH Airport Beltway 8

I love seeing how different properties change the room layout and decor.

However, it was very similar to a couple others we stayed at during this trip.

See a full walk-through of our standard King room at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Houston IAH Beltway in this video on our YouTube Channel .

?? Click Here To Book Your Homewood Suites Houston IAH Airport Beltway 8 Stay Today!

Lake Charles

The first interesting spot of the drive is crossing the state line into Louisiana.

This part is about an hour and 45 minutes or so into the drive.

We really enjoyed driving through this area because we were surrounded by water a lot and there were a lot of bridges and elevated highways.

The first city to stop in is Lake Charles, Louisiana .

It’s about 145 miles from Houston, depending on you exact starting and ending point and takes a little over 2 hours to get to assuming there’s no major traffic.

Lake Charles is known as the Festival Capital of Louisiana.

If you’re the outdoorsy type, you can enjoy boating, fishing, and serene lakeside strolls.

History enthusiasts can explore the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road , a scenic byway renowned for its wildlife refuges, marshes, and ancient oak trees.

The city is also home to several world-class casinos , attracting those seeking thrilling gaming and entertainment options.

With its fusion of Cajun and Creole influences, Lake Charles offers delectable cuisine, from mouthwatering seafood boils to flavorsome jambalaya.

Baton Rouge

Another 125 miles down the road is Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

It takes about 2 hours to get here from Lake Charles depending on traffic.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s vibrant capital city, is a captivating stop on the ultimate Houston to New Orleans road trip itinerary.

Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and warm Southern hospitality, Baton Rouge offers a plethora of attractions and experiences.

The best way to see the city is a self guided audio tour .

?? Click Here To Download Your Baton Rouge Historic Downtown Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour Today!

The city is known for the iconic Louisiana State Capitol building , a stunning example of Gothic architecture and the tallest state capitol building in the United States.

History buffs can delve into the past at the USS Kidd Veterans Museum , where a World War II destroyer ship is docked, or explore the Louisiana State Museum , showcasing the state’s fascinating heritage.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the beauty of the Baton Rouge lakes and riverfront, perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.

Additionally, Baton Rouge is a haven for food lovers, offering an enticing culinary scene with delectable Cajun and Creole flavors.

Visitors can savor authentic Louisiana cuisine, from sumptuous gumbo to mouthwatering po’ boys.

New Orleans

The final stop on the ultimate Houston to New Orleans road trip is obviously New Orleans.

From Baton Rouge, New Orleans is a little over 100 miles and take anywhere from about an hour to an hour and a half when you’re driving.

Of course this depends on traffic and weather.

Once you get to New Orleans there are so many great things to see and do.

We have a blog post sharing all the best things to do in New Orleans and a blog post about all the best things to do in the surrounding area .

If the French Quarter is of a particular interest to you, which it should be, then check out our post on the best wine and beer tours in the French Quarter .

Where To Stay In New Orleans: Club Wyndham Avenue Plaza

We absolutely love staying here when we’re in New Orleans.

It’s located in the Garden District and is a short trolley ride to the French Quarter.

The rooms are complete with a kitchen, dining area, separate bedroom, and work space.

You can see a full walk-through of our room here in this video on our YouTube Channel .

Click Here To Book Your Club Wyndham Avenue Plaza Stay Today!

Conclusion: The Ultimate Houston to New Orleans Road Trip

The ultimate Houston and New Orleans road trip itinerary takes as little as 5 hours or you can stop at each destination each day for however long you choose.

It’s sure to scenic and it’s one of our favorite driving stretches in the US.

The post The Ultimate Houston to New Orleans Road Trip Itinerary (2024) appeared first on Discovering Hidden Gems .

• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
• Find an Airport
• Where to Stay
• All Questions

Marlinton (West Virginia) to New Orleans drive

Marlinton (west virginia) to new orleans road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Marlinton (West Virginia) to New Orleans. If you're planning a road trip to New Orleans, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Marlinton (West Virginia) drive for about 2 hours

11:47 am   Beckley stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:47 pm drive for about 3 hours

3:38 pm   Johnson City (Tennessee) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:38 pm drive for about 2 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 6.5 hours

10:00 am  leave from Gatlinburg drive for about 3 hours

12:49 pm   Chattanooga stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:49 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 5 hours

10:00 am  leave from Birmingham (Alabama) drive for about 2.5 hours

12:17 pm   Meridian stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:17 pm drive for about 2 hours

3:21 pm   Wiggins stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:21 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

6:02 pm  arrive in New Orleans eat at Café du Monde stay at Hotel Monteleone

day 3 driving ≈ 6 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Beckley   (8 answers)     questions about Beckley:         Want pet friendly hotel Johnson City (Tennessee)   (7 answers)     questions about Johnson City (Tennessee):         Places to eat in Johnson City         Best hotels in Johnson City Gatlinburg   (35 answers)     Great Smoky Mountain National Park   (8 mentions)     Great Smoky Mountains   (2 mentions) Chattanooga   (41 answers)     Ruby Falls   (5 mentions)     Rock City   (3 mentions)     Tennessee Aquarium   (2 mentions)     Creative Discovery Museum   (2 mentions)     Lookout Mountain   (2 mentions)     questions about Chattanooga:         Is April a good month to visit Chattanooga?         Activities in Chattanooga for families with active kids Birmingham (Alabama)   (60 answers)     questions about Birmingham (Alabama):         locate a good breakfast or coffee shop on the west side of Birmingham Meridian   (3 answers) Wiggins

Where's the best place to stay in New Orleans?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in New Orleans .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Hotel Monteleone , which was mentioned 11 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in New Orleans? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in New Orleans?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Café du Monde , which was mentioned 62 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in New Orleans? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in New Orleans?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about New Orleans. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to New Orleans.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a New Orleans to Marlinton (West Virginia) drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Marlinton (West Virginia) to New Orleans . Or get a full Marlinton (West Virginia) to New Orleans flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Marlinton (West Virginia) well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Marlinton (West Virginia)!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Marlinton to New Orleans

places to eat

cost to drive

cities along the way

flattest route

alternate routes

Google driving directions