Louisiana is a state full of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling city of New Orleans to the tranquil bayous of the south, there’s something for everyone in Louisiana. And what better way to experience all that the state has to offer than on a road trip? Here are some of the best things to see and do on a Louisiana road trip.
Before you head out
Before you hit the open road, there are a few things you should do to prepare your car.
- First, make sure you have a full tank of gas and enough oil for the journey ahead.
- It’s also a good idea to check your tires, brakes and lights to ensure that everything is in good working order.
- If you’re planning on doing any off-road driving, it’s essential to have a reliable jacking system and spare tire.
- It’s important to check your insurance coverage to make sure that you’re covered for roadside assistance and have the cheapest car insurance Louisiana has to offer.
- Finally, pack an emergency kit with water, food, tools and clothes in case you run into trouble along the way. By taking these simple precautions, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable road trip for everyone involved.
1. Take a Swamp Tour in New Orleans
A swamp tour is the perfect way to get up close and personal with some of Louisiana’s most iconic wildlife. And there’s no better place to take a swamp tour than in New Orleans. Board an airboat and zip through the bayous, keeping an eye out for alligators, turtles, and wading birds.
Or take a walking tour through one of the city’s many wetlands areas and learn about the plants and animals that call it home. Either way, you’re sure to have a fun and exciting experience that you’ll never forget. So why not add a swamp tour to your next New Orleans itinerary? You won’t regret it.
2. Visit an Authentic Cajun Village in Lafayette
For a taste of authentic Cajun culture, head to Vermilionville in Lafayette. This living history museum and folk life park offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience life in a 19th-century Cajun village.
You can explore the Acadian village, try your hand at traditional crafts like weaving and woodworking, and enjoy some delicious Cajun cuisine. Be sure to catch a performance by one of the local musicians while you’re there!
3. Drive Along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road
For some of the best views in Louisiana, hit the road along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. This 180-mile scenic byway winds its way through southwest Louisiana, taking you through marshes, bayous, forests, and prairies.
Along the way, you’ll have ample opportunities to spot wildlife like alligators, bald eagles, and even whooping cranes. So be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
4. Take a Plantation Tour in Baton Rouge
Louisiana’s plantation country is located just north of Baton Rouge along Highway 61. Here you’ll find several plantations that are open for tours, including Magnolia Mound Plantation and The Myrtles Plantation. These tours offer insight into what life was like for both slaves and slave owners during the antebellum period.
And they’re also incredibly fascinating (not to mention morbidly fascinating). So if you’re interested in learning more about this dark period in American history, be sure to add a plantation tour to your itinerary.
5. Go Stargazing at Kisatchie National Forest
Imagine lying on your back on a clear summer night, gazing up at the stars. The Milky Way appears as a hazy band stretching across the sky, and you can pick out the constellations of Orion, Leo, and Gemini. As you gaze upward, a shooting star streaks across the sky, leaving behind a trail of shimmering light. If this sounds like your idea of a perfect evening, then head to Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana.
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, Kisatchie offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the southern United States. The park is free to enter, and there are no artificial lights to spoil the view. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply enjoy looking at the stars, Kisatchie National Forest is the perfect place to go stargazing.
6. Attend a Festival in Natchitoches
Natchitoches is a small city located in central Louisiana, and it’s known for its many festivals. Throughout the year, the city hosts festivals celebrating everything from food and wine to music and film. The Natchitoches Jazz and R&B Festival is one of the most popular, drawing in big-name performers from all over the country.
Other notable festivals include the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival, the Louisiana Swagger Festival, and the Natchitoches Christmas Festival. So if you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend getaway, be sure to check out one of Natchitoches’ many festivals.
There’s no shortage of things to see and do on a Louisiana road trip! From swamp tours and plantation visits to driving along scenic byways and stargazing In national forests, you’ll never be bored on your journey through this diverse state. So gas up your car and hit the open road—Louisiana awaits!
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have young children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.