Louisiana Road Trips: Travel Through the Land of Unforgettable Places

While the iconic French Quarter is perhaps the most well-known of New Orleans’ eclectic neighborhoods, each district offers its own take on the city’s signature panache. Explore the funky art galleries of Marigny and Bywater, the diverse heritage sites of Treme, the oak-lined streets of the Garden District and beyond. With so many distinct places to see, there’s something for everyone in New Orleans, whether you’re seeking historic treasures, live music or exciting nightlife.

New Orleans’ food scene is world-famous, and for good reason. Many of the city's most beloved eateries have been serving top-notch seafood, Cajun and Creole dishes, and more for nearly a century. Stop by Café du Monde to chow down on beignets, traditional pastries piled high with delectable mountains of powdered sugar, and take in views of legendary Jackson Square. Find hip fusion cuisines and cosmopolitan flavors in the trendy Mid-City and Arts and Warehouse District neighborhoods.

Just east of the border of Louisiana and Texas, the waterfront playground of Lake Charles offers cosmopolitan thrills in a small-town setting. Hop on a bike to explore the downtown streets, where you’ll hear live bands entertaining in Cajun restaurants and see colorful murals decorating historic buildings. Pick up a souvenir in a local boutique, then venture just outside the city center to take advantage of Lake Charles’ incredible gaming scene at luxury casino resorts.

What’s a road trip without a view? Cruise beautiful beaches and paddle lakes and marshlands along the Creole Nature Trail, a nationally designated scenic byway spanning 290 kilometers of picturesque South Louisiana. Lake Charles makes the perfect gateway for a journey through this untouched wilderness. Whet your appetite for adventure with paddling excursions on Prien Lake or the Calcasieu River, then get ready to enjoy fishing, seashell collecting and animal-spotting in the untouched wilderness.

Two-step your way to the town of Lafayette to delight in world-class exhibitions of Zydeco music and savor tantalizing Cajun and Creole cuisine. For five days each spring, downtown Lafayette plays host to the Festival International de Louisiane. It’s a celebration of all things Louisiana, paying homage to the diverse cultural influences of the region. If you miss the Festival International, never fear: Local events take place in Lafayette’s streets nearly every week of the year.

Take a road trip to visit the colorful cities and towns within driving distance of Lafayette. Named for the state’s Acadian (or Cajun) people, the Acadiana region of Southeastern Louisiana is a prime destination for exploring the food, music and heritage of this influential culture. Visit sites like Vermilionville Living History Museum & Historic Village, then hit the road in any direction to explore the small-town gems just a short drive away from the city. Enjoy live music and fresh crawfish in Breaux Bridge, ride an airboat through the swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin in Henderson, take a walking tour of historic downtown Abbeville and find Cajun charm in every community in between.