Most Scenic Road Trips in New Orleans, United States
1. Bayou Teche Scenic Byway
A picturesque drive through the heart of Cajun Country, offering glimpses of historic plantation homes, vibrant swamps, and charming small towns.
- Historic Plantations: Visit sites like Oak Alley and Longfellow for a glimpse into the region's history
- Cajun Culture: Experience the unique Cajun culture, food, and music along the way
- Swamp Tours: Stop for a swamp tour to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife
2. Northshore Scenic Byway
A scenic drive from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, showcasing the beauty of Louisiana's river parishes with views of the Mississippi River and its levees.
- River Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the mighty Mississippi River
- Historic Towns: Explore historic towns like St. Francisville and Jackson
- Plantation Tours: Stop at plantations like Oakley House or Audubon State Historic Site
3. Louisiana's River Road
Follow the Great River Road from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, passing plantations, historic towns, and scenic river views.
- Historic Plantations: Visit iconic plantations like San Francisco Plantation and Oak Alley
- Cajun Culture: Experience Cajun culture in towns like LaPlace and Houma
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife along the river
4. Cajun Coast Scenic Byway
A coastal drive from New Orleans to Morgan City, offering views of marshlands, seafood villages, and the Gulf of Mexico.
- Marshland Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of Louisiana's vast marshlands
- Seafood Villages: Experience the vibrant seafood culture in towns like Leeville and Grand Isle
- Gulf of Mexico Views: Take in stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico at various points along the route
5. New Orleans Plantation Country
A scenic drive through plantation country just west of New Orleans, featuring historic homes, gardens, and swamps.
- Historic Plantations: Visit iconic plantations like Nottoway and Laura
- Gardens: Marvel at the beautiful gardens of plantation homes
- Swamp Tours: Explore swamps and spot wildlife on a guided tour
6. Great River Road South
Follow the Great River Road from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, passing plantations, historic towns, and scenic river views.
- Historic Plantations: Visit plantations like Oakley House and Houmas House
- Cajun Culture: Experience Cajun culture in towns like Donaldsonville and White Castle
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife along the river
7. French Quarter Festivals Armstrong Park Route
A drive through the historic French Quarter and Tremé neighborhoods, with stops at jazz clubs, museums, and the beautiful Armstrong Park.
- Jazz Clubs: Experience live jazz music in legendary clubs
- Museums: Visit museums like the National WW2 Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art
- Cultural Landmarks: See iconic landmarks like Louis Armstrong Park and St. Louis Cathedral
8. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
A drive across the world's longest continuous bridge over water, offering stunning views of Lake Pontchartrain and the Louisiana coast.
- Bridge Views: Enjoy views of the engineering marvel that is the Causeway
- Lake Pontchartrain: Take in the sights and sounds of Lake Pontchartrain
- Coastal Scenery: Enjoy scenic views of the Louisiana coast along the route
9. New Orleans City Park Route
A drive through New Orleans' largest park, featuring gardens, lakes, and attractions like the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
- Gardens: Marvel at the beautiful gardens throughout City Park
- Attractions: Visit attractions like the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden
- Lakes and Trails: Enjoy lakeside views, walking trails, and picnic spots
10. Frenchmen Street
A drive through the vibrant neighborhood of Faubourg Marigny, featuring live music venues, bars, and art galleries.
- Live Music Venues: Experience live jazz and other genres at local clubs
- Art Galleries: Visit art galleries showcasing local artists
- Bars and Restaurants: Sample local cuisine and drinks at bars and restaurants
11. Esplanade Avenue
A drive along historic Esplanade Avenue, featuring beautiful homes, gardens, and landmarks like the City Park and St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.
- Historic Homes: See beautifully preserved historic homes
- Gardens: Marvel at the beautiful gardens along Esplanade Avenue
- Landmarks: Visit historic landmarks like City Park and St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
12. St. Charles Avenue
A drive along iconic St. Charles Avenue, featuring historic mansions, streetcars, and the Loyola University campus.
- Historic Mansions: See beautifully preserved historic mansions
- Streetcars: Ride the iconic streetcars along St. Charles Avenue
- Colleges and Universities: Visit Loyola University, Tulane University, and other educational institutions
13. Magazine Street
A drive along Magazine Street, featuring art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and historic homes.
- Art Galleries: Visit art galleries showcasing local artists
- Boutiques: Shop for unique items at local boutiques
- Historic Homes: See beautifully preserved historic homes
14. Garden District
A drive through the beautiful Garden District, featuring historic mansions, gardens, and charming neighborhood streets.
- Historic Mansions: See beautifully preserved historic mansions
- Gardens: Marvel at the beautiful gardens in the Garden District
- Charming Neighborhood Streets: Explore charming, tree-lined neighborhood streets
15. Metairie Road
A drive along Metairie Road, featuring historic cemeteries, churches, and restaurants.
- Historic Cemeteries: Visit historic cemeteries like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
- Churches: See beautifully preserved historic churches
- Restaurants: Sample local cuisine at restaurants along Metairie Road