11 Best Road Trips From New Orleans, Louisiana

road trips from new orleans
Stephen
Stephen 
Updated
| 6 min read

Sitting on the Mississippi River, is New Orleans, a vibrant city in the state of Louisiana full of endless possibilities. Due to its exuberant lifestyle, the city has been nicknamed the Big Easy. Tourists from all the four corners of the world trickle down to this romantic city to have a taste of lively nightlife and enjoy the superstar experience. If that’s not enough to attract you, this multicultural city also boasts a host of wonderful attractions, beautiful cultures, and excellent restaurants that awaits you to come and explore. If you’re planning to visit Louisiana, check out our list of best road trips from New Orleans that will excite you.

1. Meadville, MS (from USD 99)

Meadville, Mississippi, may be a small and quiet town, but it’s filled with fascinating spots worth exploring. If Meadville is a pitstop on your road trip, you should book a stay in one of Getaway’s cabins.

Catering to all kinds of travelers, provides cabins of either one or two queen-size beds. All cabins have a private bathroom with a hot shower, and an air conditioning and heating system. There’s also a kitchenette area with a two-burner stove, basic cooking utensils, and a mini-fridge. Your dogs are also free to accompany you here. The cabin comes with dog bowls and treats that your pups can enjoy.

When you step outside your cabin, you’ll see a picnic table and a fire pit. This is the perfect place to make s'mores while enjoying the scenery and fresh air.

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Meadville, MS
36.91 km (23.0 mi) from Natchez State Park
outpost

2. Nashville, TN

Natchez Trace Parkway - Curve by Reservoir Aera (41644694122)
Source: Photo by user formulanone used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Dive into the Deep South as you embark on a roughly nine-hour exciting road trip from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Nashville, Tennessee. From classics and vibrant nightlife to extraordinary attractions, there is so much for you to explore on this tour. Begin your expedition by listening to jazz music right at its birthplace. As you pass through Tupelo, Mississippi, you get to learn about Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll.” Step back in time at the Shiloh National Battlefield as you learn about the Civil War. Before you realize it, you will be enjoying some country music as you wind up your trip.

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3. West Palm Beach, FL

Lake Worth lagoon - part of the Intracoastal Waterway, West Palm Beach, Florida - panoramio (4)
Source: Photo by user David Broad used under CC BY 3.0

After weeks and weeks of working and dealing with the chaotic city life, there’s no better way to enjoy a vacation than on pristine sandy beaches. Yes, that’s where this adventure is taking you – West Palm Beach, Florida. Pack your travel bags and brace yourself for 800.5 miles (1,288.28 km) of sightseeing and pure fun. Don’t pass through Mississippi without stopping at the Mississippi Welcome Center to explore the spectacular Lunar Lander Exhibit. Get a brief insight into US Naval history at the magnificent port city of Mobile, Alabama. Finally, when you get to your much-awaited destination, you get to enjoy a vibrant coastal mood. Sample local cuisines as you relax on a beach.

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4. Pine Bluff, AR

Pine Bluff AR - main street and courthouse
Source: Photo by user Roland Klose used under CC BY 2.0

Explore the hidden gems of the Southeast as you tour from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Pine Bluff in Arkansas – a scintillating 381.5-mile (613.96 km) journey with endless possibilities. Before you begin your tour, make sure to enjoy the wonderful food and jazz music that New Orleans has to offer. Marvel at the jaw-dropping beauty of flora and fauna in Baton Rouge. St. Francisville is the home to amazing architecture, which needs to be explored. Step back in time at Pineville as you explore the different cultural influences since the 18th Century. End your exploration with memories of cotton cultivation, steam engines, and the Civil War in Pine Bluff.

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5. Atlanta, GA

Atlanta
Source: Pixabay

The 469.1 miles (754.94 km) journey from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Atlanta, Georgia may seem like a tall order, but it is an adventure worth the effort. What makes this trip interesting is the prospect of discovering amazing features and wonders along the way. Learn about military history at the Vicksburg National Military Park. You definitely have to stop and explore the charm that Chattanooga has to offer. Learn what difficulties seemed to slow down the Civil Rights Movement in the mid-1900s at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. By saving the best for last, finish your exploration at that Georgia Aquarium exploring the mysteries of aquatic life.

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6. Dallas, TX

Dallas skyline daytime
Source: Photo by user Alan Botting used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Are you a traveling enthusiast but you can’t seem to find which way to go searching for adventure from New Orleans? Don’t worry; we’ve got an intriguing option for you - an informative road trip to Dallas, Texas. It is a journey that might take you slightly over seven hours, but you’re bound to discover new gems by the end of it. First, stop at the picturesque Oak Alley Plantation for sightseeing. Explore rare species of plants and animals at Louisiana State Arboretum. Admire and take pictures of reptiles at East Texas Gators and Wildlife Park. Conclude your tour by enjoying the exuberant Texan vibe in Dallas.

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7. Charleston, SC

The Pineapple Fountain -- Charleston (SC) Waterfront Park 2012
Source: Photo by user Ron Cogswell used under CC BY 2.0

The Southern part of the country has always been famed for its breathtaking beauty, but also an old Southern culture that is worth exploring. After having memorable moments in New Orleans, it is time to head towards Charleston, South Carolina. Explore the wonderful architecture of the State Capitol building and its breathtaking beauty at Baton Rouge. Learn about Carnival celebrations and how they started in the magical city of Mobile. If you need a small break, make a stop at Atlanta and enjoy that relaxed, laid-back vibe. Get to the climax of your adventure at Charleston by visiting Fort Sumter – where the American Civil War began.

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8. Chattahoochee National Forest

Panther Creek Trail
Source: Photo by user Jeff Gunn used under CC BY 2.0

Prepare for this epic journey of about 542.3 miles (872.75 km) from New Orleans to Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia that is full of amazing attractions. Once you’re ready to explore the south, start your adventure from Gulf State Park in Alabama and explore the scenic beach oasis and the beehive activities taking place there. Next, learn about the popular beverage Coca-Cola at the World of Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta. You may grab some to quench your thirst for the rest of the journey. Finish this amazing drive at the beautiful forest. From picnic areas and hiking trails to campgrounds, there’s a lot that you can do here.

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9. Miami, FL

South Beach, Miami, FL
Source: Photo by user James Willamor used under CC BY-SA 2.0

With pristine beaches and gorgeous attractions such as Ocean Drive, which is full of vibrant nightlife and art, to Bayside Marketplace, where you can do shopping, Miami definitely boasts a sea of possibilities. ON your way to this city, feel the positive beach vibe in Panama City which is a paradise for picnic enthusiasts. If you’re crazy about water sports, you make stop at Jacksonville, near the confluence of St. John’s River and the Atlantic Ocean. Shop at Ocean Walk Shops in Daytona Beach as you enjoy magical views of the ocean. Once you get to Miami, look for a beach where you can relax and enjoy the romantic vibe.

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10. Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, NC
Source: Pixabay

The cities of Charlotte in North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana may be more than 10 hours apart, but if you want to discover the mysteries of the south, it is a trip that you have to take. As you drive towards your destination learn the history of tourism at the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum in Meridian. Find out about the first trip to the moon at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center located in Huntsville, Alabama. If time allows, visit the site of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta – Centennial Olympic Park. To wind up your trip, enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure at U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte.

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11. St. Louis, MO

St Louis night expblend
Source: Photo by user Daniel Schwen used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Enjoy barbeque and fine wine as you traverse the land from New Orleans to St. Louis, Missouri. Begin your journey by exploring the collection of antebellum mansions nestled among romantic plantations. Before you realize it, you will be enjoying soothing blues music and learning the history of music in Leland. If you want to catch a bite, you should make a brief stop at Clarksdale. This is a barbeque heaven. Admire the picturesque scenery as you cross the Mississippi. As you get to St. Louis, you’ll be greeted by a charming sight of beautiful wineries. It’s time to enjoy a sandwich and wine after your trip.

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Dive deep into the South

Discover what the South has to offer during your vacation to Texas. Explore the breathtaking features, wonderful cultures, and the vibrant mood that attracts many tourists to this area. These trips will take you across romantic plantations, pristine beaches, and even teach you a brief history of the American Civil War.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Stephen is an avid content writer with a passion for adventure. He enjoys traveling and has visited several countries around the world. So far, South Africa stands out as his most exciting...Read more

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