The Ultimate Louisiana Road Trip for 2025

Louisiana it one of my favourite states in the USA and I seem to be finding myself wanting to go back time and time again! Why? I hear you ask. Well every time it surprises me with something new, something I wasn’t expecting.

There’s something about the melting pot of cultures and cuisine, the Creole and the Cajun. Or maybe it’s the diverse nature and landscapes. Or it could be some of the sports traditions that I am recently learning about.

But I guess in a nutshell it’s a combination of the complex yes fascinating history, the diverse wildlife there to explore, and of course some of that good old Southern Hospitality. Yes, it really is a thing y’all.

Louisiana Road Trip: Overview

First things first, let’s discuss a few things you should know. Coming up I’ll go through my key stopping points on a Louisiana road trip. Now, there’s never usually enough time, so this one is planned for anywhere from 7 to 14 days. In this example, I’ve used 10 days as the perfect amount of time.

If you have less time, pick the places you want to see from my list below. Later I’ll discuss the budget, car hire, where to start your road trip and all of the tips in between.

Here’s my itinerary for this road trip:

• Stop 1: New Orleans
• Stop 2: Northshore
• Stop 3: Baton Rouge
• Stop 4: Lafayette
• Stop 5: Avery Island
• Stop 6: Lake Charles
• Stop 7: Natchitoches

Where to Start a Road Trip in Louisiana?

New Orleans is the best place to kick things off on Louisiana road trips. It’s got a major airport, plenty of car hire agencies, and lots to see right out off the plane.

Plus, once you’re done in the city (you can never really be done), it’s easy to drive onto any of these spots. You can drive north toward plantations, west into Cajun country, or along the coast if you’re chasing nature and small towns.

I booked a lot of my Louisiana road trip, flights and car hire with America As You Like It and you too can also create a very similar itinerary.

Where to Rent a Car?

The easiest place is at the airport when you land in New Orleans. All the big agencies are there: Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, you name it. I personally use Discover Cars, which are great for comparing who has the best deals at any one time, I recommend you check them out.

Just make sure to book ahead, especially during festival season. You’ll want something comfortable for long drives, and I personally like something the size of an SUV, the roads here are much bigger than the tiny sideroads we’re used to in the UK.

How Much to Budget for a Louisiana Road Trip?

A good budget is $150 to $200 per day. That covers a mid-range hotel, petrol, food, and a couple of activities/entry fees.

If you’re splitting costs or doing shorter drives, you could go lower. Of course, plan more if you want to enjoy fancier meals, live shows, or any guided tours. The more local you go, the more you can stretch your budget.

Louisiana Road Trip Day by Day

Here’s how to make the most of a week on the road in Louisiana. From live music in New Orleans to small-town diners, swamp tours, and Creole history, I’ve mixed in a little bit of everything.

RELATED GUIDE: The Ultimate New Orleans Itinerary

Day 1: New Orleans

There’s no better place to kick off your Louisiana road trip than in New Orleans (or Nola).

The city has a rhythm and style of its own, it’s totally unique to any other city and you’ll feel it as soon as you arrive. After leaving your bags at the hotel, start with a walk through the French Quarter. It’s the most popular place in town with street performers and beautiful architecture.

Right after that, head up to Vue Orleans for a 360-degree view of the city and the Mississippi River. This is a nice way to get your camera rolling for this trip, because the views are stunning. Later, take a ride on the old streetcar out to City Park for a quiet break from the noise.

In the evening, hop on a steamboat jazz cruise and watch the skyline light up from the water. This is an amazing way to start this road trip in Louisiana.

Then grab dinner at Tujague’s. At 160 years old it’s the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans! It’s well known for an authentic experience and a fantastic dining experience. I recommend booking in advance.

End the night in the French Quarter or a cocktail at one of the many bars on Frenchmen Street, one of my favourite spots in New Orleans and an absolute must visit.

Where to Stay in New Orleans?

Here are some great places to stay in New Orleans, including a few right near the French Quarter or just outside it.

If you stay in the Central Business District, you’ll be close to most things. Just a short walk or quick streetcar ride away. The Warehouse District is another good choice. It’s just south of the French Quarter and has lots of restaurants, bars, and art galleries.

Luxury: Virgin Hotels New Orleans

Mid-Range: Old No 77

Budget: India House Hostel

Day 2: New Orleans

Now that you’ve had a taste of New Orleans, it’s time to explore more. I recommend starting the day with a visit to Mardi Gras World.

You’ll walk among the giant floats and see how the parades come to life. After all, if there’s one reason to visit New Orleans, it’s Mardi Gras!

From there, head over to the Sazerac House. You’re treated to a quick (and free) tour of New Orleans’ cocktail history, and maybe even a cheeky sample. You can even try whisky tasting at Sazerac house.

After that, join the Doctor Gumbo Food & Cocktail Tour for a mix of bites and drinks without falling into tourist trap territory. It was a great way to learn about the amazing history of the food and cocktails here in New Orleans, brilliant fun.

You’ve probably eaten plenty on the tour! But if not then my best restaurants in New Orleans are

• Cochon – mouth-watering and traditional Cajun dishes
• Devil Moon – Cajun smokehouse and BBQ with an onsite brewery
• Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar – unbelievably fresh Creole inspired seafood and oysters
• Tujague’s – as mentioned above a high end dining experience and one of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans
  

Finally head to watch some live jazz music! You really are spoiled for choice here. I recommend Preservation Hall, the Peacock Room or somewhere along Frenchman Street such as The Spotted Cat Music Club.

Do you have more time?

If you have more time available for this road trip, consider staying a little longer to visit one of the historic plantations. You can either take a plantation tour from New Orleans or book a guided tour and get there on your own. Both are good options.

Whitney Plantation and Oak Alley are two of the most well-known. Please, do give yourself an extra hour or two if you plan to stop so you can actually learn about the history of Louisiana.

READ THE GUIDE NOW: The Best Things to Do in New Orleans

Day 3: Northshore (Covington and Mandeville)

Time to leave New Orleans! Frankly speaking, I was both excited but also sad because I loved New Orleans (so many reasons to visit!), but I was so ready to see more of Louisiana.

First up, you’ll drive across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, a massive bridge that stretches straight over water for nearly 24 miles. It connects New Orleans to the Northshore and takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

The first activity is a tour through Honey Island Swamp. You’ll ride a small, flat-bottomed boat through cypress groves and spot gators, raccoons, birds, and more.

The guides are locals who know the area inside out, sharing stories and facts as you go. It’s peaceful, wild, and worth the early start for sure.

Next I recommend lunch or brunch at Palmettos on the Bayou. It’s a waterfront spot in Slidell known for its Creole dishes and relaxed setting. Definitely the right place to stop on this road trip. Don’t miss the fried alligator (if you dare!).

After lunch, spend the afternoon kayaking or canoeing on the scenic Cane Bayou. It’s a slow, quiet ride through natural Louisiana. We did it with Canoe and Trail Adventures. All gear is provided, just wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen. This is one of the best way to enjoy the bayou.

Next? No better way than to relax with a beer at this laid-back German-style beer garden. I’m talking about The Barley Oak in Mandeville. 150+ beers, sausage boards, and views over Lake Pontchartrain.

I suggest staying the night in Covington (I stayed at the Southern Hotel, and you’ll want to check it out). Grab a nightcap at the Cypress Bar (located inside the hotel). They have creative cocktails, elegant décor, and a cosy courtyard with a fireplace.

But first, have dinner at Tavi, their food is to die for! Tavi is an imaginative blend of North African, Middle Eastern, Turkish and Greek food with a “Southern flair”. It’s rich and delicious, and you must try the fried chicken hummus. Don’t ask just trust me!

MUST-READ GUIDE: Is New Orleans Worth Visiting? Ultimate Guide

Here are some great options to continue the night:

• Live Music at Columbia Street Tap Room
• Live Music at Ruby’s Roadhouse
• Live Music at Donz on the Lake

Where to Stay in Covington?

Luxury: The Southern Hotel

Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Covington

Budget: Super 8 by Wyndham Covington

Day 4: Northshore and Baton Rouge

Start your day in Covington’s old town, which has an authentic Southern charm. It’s easy to walk around, and there’s free parking in the Ox Lots. Check out the local shops, art galleries, and the old-school H.J. Smith & Sons General Store & Museum (free entry).

Keep an eye out for the big Visit The Northshore mural on the Art Association building!

If you’re hungry and fancy a cuppa (cup of tea), then look no further than The English Tea Room. Yes English tea, in Louisiana!! They serve British comfort food like Shepherd’s Pie and offer proper High Tea, plus a huge selection of teas. Over 200 options on the list.

You’ll be blown away by the very British feel, the collectors items, the Alice in Wonderland room and the cardboard cut-out of King Charles. Brilliant.

As if we hadn’t had enough tea for the day on route to Baton Rouge you can stop at Fleur de Lis Tea Company. This is the only tea farm in Louisiana. You can take a short tour, try some fresh green tea, and check out the grounds. They also sell tea plants if you’re into that. Great place for wedding photos and birthdays too.

Baton Rouge

Finally, we reach Baton Rouge, somewhere on my Louisiana hit list for quite some time! You can chose to either visit the LSU Rural Life Museum, drop in on Mike the Tiger (the LSU mascot) or explore the city at your own pace.

My next stop was rum tasting at the Oxbow Rum Distillery.

Family-run since 1859, they grow their own sugarcane on land shaped by a sharp bend in the Mississippi River. Their small-batch rum is made from 100% Louisiana sugarcane molasses. No additives, no sweeteners. Tours and tastings are available of course.

And after checking into your hotel in Baton Rouge (Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center is recommended), we had three things planned:

• Dinner at The Chimes on Highland at LSU for dinner
• Grab a drive through Daquiri (yes, you read that right!)
• Attend an LSU Baseball Game

If you can tie your visit in with any LSU game (baseball or football) you won’t be disappointed.

Where to Stay in Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge makes a great overnight stop on a Louisiana road trip. Whether you want something fancy, laid-back, or just a clean place to sleep, here are three good picks.

Luxury: Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Budget: Days Inn by Wyndham Baton Rouge I-10

Day 5: Baton Rouge to Lafayette

After breakfast, head out kayaking on the Bayou Manchac. We did our tour with PaddleBR who are a passionate non-profit organisation, you’ll be in safe hands here. It’s calm, green, and full of local wildlife. The meeting point is Bayou Manchac Park, and it caters for all levels.

Once you’re off the water, grab some lunch at a local hotspot; the Perkins Overpass. There are plenty of options, but anything with seafood or Southern comfort food is a safe bet.

My final stop in Baton Rouge before driving to Lake Charles was the impressive Louisiana Old State Capitol. The building looks like a castle and it located close to the Mississippi River. You can stroll along the riverfront and explore downtown too.

But allow some time to see the Louisiana Old State Capitol, what a structure. It’s full of history, but the showstopper has to be the grand winding staircase which leads to the stunning stain glass window doom shaped roof. Unreal.

Atchafalaya Basin

On route to Lafayette I recommend a swamp tour at The Atchafalaya Basin. Think airboats, cypress trees, and gators in the wild. That’s the real Louisiana for you!

You can book this tour online, which is the most convenient way and it lasts about 2 hours, it’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon (or morning), and you’ll be blown away by the beauty of the cypress trees.

Then, head to Lafayette. Once you get into town, start by exploring downtown. It’s packed with over 40 restaurants and bars, so you won’t go hungry. If you’re after something sweet, try Sunday’s Soda Fountain for some amazing ice cream.

Into fashion? Pop into The Cajun Hatter. They make one-of-a-kind custom hats and, randomly, have a solid rum collection too.

If your timing’s right, check out Rhythms on the River, a free outdoor concert held every Thursday evening in River Ranch. They have great music, food trucks, and room to dance. What more do you need?

If you’re into beer like myself, I recommend Adopted Dog Brewing. This is a great spot with all kinds of beer (and yes, they do beer flights). Pair your pint with a burger or flatbread and you’re sorted. And as the name suggests, they support adopting dogs and rehoming them from shelters, an amazing cause.

Where to Stay in Lafayette?

Lafayette is a great stop between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles. Whether you want something fancy, laid-back, or just a clean place to sleep, here are three good picks.

Luxury: DoubleTree by Hilton Lafayette

Mid-Range: Hilton Garden Inn Lafayette/Cajundome

Budget: Smart Stay Lafayette

Day 6: Avery Island

Avery Island is only a 40-minute drive from Lafayette, and it’s an easy half-day trip, or even longer if you’re taking it slow. That was one of my favourite things to do near New Orleans.

First stop: the Tabasco Factory. It’s a self-guided tour, so you can do the 10 stops at your own pace. You’ll see how the sauce is made, get a bit of spicy history, and (of course) check the gift shop.

If you’re hungry, grab a bite at Restaurant 1868. They serve proper Cajun food, and just about everything has got some heat.

After that, head to Jungle Gardens. This is a peaceful 170-acre spot with wildlife, bayous, a bamboo forest, and even a Buddha statue tucked away in the trees. Keep your eyes out for gators, birds, raccoons, and the occasional deer.

Go back to Lafayette for the night and get ready for the next stop, which is the famous Lake Charles!

Day 7: Lafayette to Lake Charles

After that, we continue this Louisiana road trip to Lake Charles, which is about 1.5 hours away. You can either do the swamp tour this morning, or explore more of by Lafayette. For lunch check out Chicken On The Bayou & Boudin Shop. It’s a nice little eatery right near the Basin and they serve amazing Cajun food.

I arrived at Lake Charles in the afternoon and checked in to L’Auberge Casino Resort, a huge Vegas-style resort with a casino, onsite restaurants and a lazy river. You guessed it, that’s my afternoon sorted.

My dinner suggestion is Ember, which is part of L’Auberge Casino Resort. It’s a little pricey, but trust me when I say it’s worth every penny. There are other alternatives dining options within L’Auberge.

Where to Stay in Lake Charles?

If you’re stopping in Lake Charles for food, nature, or a bit of casino time, there’s no shortage of places to stay. Here are three options to fit different budgets.

Luxury: L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles

Mid-Range: Horseshoe Lake Charles

Budget: Red Roof Inn & Suites Lake Charles

Day 8: Lake Charles to Natchitoches

Day 8 kicks off with some incredible wildlife and nature, all within easy reach of Lake Charles. After breakfast, get in the car and drive along the Creole Nature Trail, with your first real stop at Pintail Wildlife Drive.

There’s a short boardwalk where you can walk into the marsh and spot alligators, herons, and insects you’ve never seen before. The chances of spotting birdlife are very high in this part of Louisiana!

You’ll spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at the Wildlife Drive. Please note, I recommend bringing the following with you:

• Light, breathable clothing
• Sunglasses and a hat
• A reusable water bottle
• Insect repellent & sunscreen
• A pair of comfortable walking shoes
• A few snacks for the road, in case you’re not a morning eater.

After that, head to Rutherford Beach and drive along the beach. It’s quiet, open, and a nice place to slow down for a bit. It’s only 20 minutes away from Pintail, so that’s a convenient stop. A great place for a picnic, a walk or a swim.

But don’t eat too much as I haven’t told you about a locals favourite Chesson’s Grocery, which is amazing for lunch. Try the po’boys or boudin if you’re going, and don’t skip the soft serve!

We went back to Lake Charles for a quick pitstop before taking the three-hour drive north to Natchitoches, as it’s on the way back.

Hello Natchitoches

“Hard to say, easy to love” so the locals say. Speaking of which, let me give you a tip you’ll want to remember. Natchitoches is pronounced Nak-A-Tish. I know, it makes no sense, just trust me on this one!

I was staying at the Sweet Cane Inn so checked in as soon as I arrived. It’s a cosy bed and breakfast in a historic Victorian house and I highly recommend it.

Dinner tonight was at Mayeaux’s, a local steak and seafood spot right by the river. If you’re not too tired, stick around the historic district for a drink or an easy walk along Front Street.

Where to Stay in Natchitoches?

Natchitoches is small but full of charm, and it’s a great place to spend the night. From cosy B&Bs to simple spots near the river, here are a few places to consider.

Luxury: Sweet Cane Inn

Mid-Range: Chateau Saint Denis Hotel

Budget: Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Natchitoches

Day 9: Explore Natchitoches

Day 9 of this epic Louisiana road trip, and this is our final stop, Natchitoches!

Start the morning with a lovely breakfast at Sweet Cane Inn and then it’s off to Briarwood Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve. This is a nature preserve that feels more like a secret garden tucked away in the forest.

It’s about 45 minutes away and feels like a mix between a forest and a botanical garden. Caroline Dormon was a botanist and the first woman hired by the U.S. Forest Service. The guided tour is brilliant to see native Louisiana plants, forest trails, and a quiet pond. It lasts about 2 hours and it’s super interesting.

Back in town, have lunch at Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen. This Cajun restaurant is known for meat pies (the clue is in the title), and they live up to the hype! The sides are Southern staples: red beans, rice, and cornbread. It’s right in the downtown area, so you can explore whilst you’re at it.

That being said, for some fun stop at Natchitoches’ latest attraction, Buccaneer Bayou Mini Golf at Darkwood’s Adventure Park. It’s casual and lots of fun, and will bring out your competitive side, like it did with me. But thankfully I won, so that’s all good!

Darkwood’s Adventure Park also has kayak rental and a gem mining experience.

Then drive to Melrose Plantation, also called Melrose on the Cane. You’ll learn about the Metoyer family, Creole history, and see artwork by Clementine Hunter. Her murals are still in the African House. It’s not a long tour; it took us just a little over 1 hour, but very interesting.

For dinner we are back in Natchitoches at Cane River Commissary. It’s just about 10 minutes from the plantation. Be warned, the portions are big, the dishes are local, the setting is laid-back, and the local beer is good!

Before ending the day, take a one-hour cruise on the Cane River Queen. It’s a slow ride past the historic homes and riverbanks. And if you still have some energy left, you can try the Pioneer Pub. They’re open until 11pm, so that leaves enough time to chill before heading back to New Orleans the next day.

Day 10: Natchitoches back to New Orleans (or on to Vicksburg)

This road trip around Louisiana is almost finished, but not without a couple more stops.

First, before leaving town, you’ll visit Fort St. Jean Baptiste. It’s a full-scale reconstruction of an 18th-century French fort. The layout, the walls, and even the wooden barracks. Everything’s been recreated like in the 1700s based on old documents.

You walk and visit the wooden buildings, see the setup, and get a feel for how life worked back when this was the edge of French territory. You can take a tour (highly recommended) and the guide explains how they tried to keep the Spanish expansion from the west.

New Orleans or Mississippi?

At this stage, you can either return to New Orleans and complete a loop, it takes around 3 hours. Or, why not tag extend this trip into a Mississippi Road Trip? You could also chose to head north to Shreveport, just over one hour away.

At this point for me, I went to Vicksburg to explore the Mississippi Blues Trail, finishing in Memphis.

If you’re heading to New Orleans or Vicksburg, I recommend passing through the Kisatchie National Forest. This is Louisiana’s only national forest, and it’s nothing like the swamps and bayous you’ve seen all week.

It’s about 4.5 hours from Natchitoches to New Orleans, so you can make it for late afternoon or early evening. I’d even suggest another couple of days in New Orleans, as it’s a city that just keeps on giving.

Louisiana Road Trip Conclusion

If you’ve got this far, thank you and well done! I put a lot of effort into making this guide as comprehensive as possible. I can’t fit the whole state in, but I am interested to hear any gems to add to my next visit.

This trip was supported by Explore Louisiana, but as always the views, photos and thoughts are my own. And this is a state I love coming back to time and time again!