road trip dallas to new orleans

10 Amazing Stops on the Dallas to New Orleans Road Trip

Dallas to New Orleans Road Trip is one of the most popular road trips from North Texas .

New Orleans, located on the banks of the Mississippi River, is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the United States.

There are plenty of things to do and see in both Dallas and New Orleans, so it’s a great trip for those looking for a little bit of everything.

Here is a suggested itinerary for an epic road trip from Dallas to New Orleans.

Also Read: Dallas to Houston Drive

How long is Dallas to New Orleans Drive?

New Orleans is 500 miles away from Dallas, Texas.

Wondering how many hours drive from Dallas to New Orleans, LA?

The drive from Dallas to New Orleans is about 8 hours.

This Dallas to New Orleans drive time assumes no stops for gas, food, or bathroom breaks.

If you plan on making any stops along the way, you should add an extra hour or two to your travel time for this Texas to LA drive.

Have a long weekend?

We recommend the Dallas to New Orleans road trip time of 2 to 3 days to enjoy the road trip stops and have a great time in NOLA before heading back.

Also Read: Dallas to Austin Road Trip

What is the best route from Dallas to New Orleans?

The best route from Dallas to New Orleans is I-20 E.

This interstate highway runs directly from Dallas to Shreveport, Louisiana, which is about 4 hours from New Orleans.

Once you reach Shreveport, you can take I-49 S to get to Baton Rouge.

I-49 S will take you through some smaller towns in Louisiana, such as Natchitoches and Alexandria.

Then continue along I-10 from Baton Rouge to New Orleans through the Cajun Country.

See the impressive pre Civil War era plantations along the Great River Road!

Also Read: Houston to New Orleans Drive

Best Places to Stop on Dallas to New Orleans Drive

Start your road trip in Dallas, Texas, and make your way through East Texas small towns to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Along the way, you will see historic sites and beautiful scenery.

Here are great places to stop on the drive to New Orleans from Dallas.

New to Dallas? Stop and explore some of the great attractions that Dallas has to offer!

Visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, take kids to see the Dallas World Aquarium, and see the dinosaurs at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

Enjoy nightlife in Deep Ellum and dine in the city’s popular restaurants before heading east.

Next, you will be driving through the Piney Woods region of Texas.

Th route will take you close to small towns like Canton, Tyler, Kilgore, Longview, and Marshall.

Things to do include taking a stroll in the small towns, antique shopping at the famous First Mondays Trade Days in Canton…..

…..understanding the oil industry heritage in Kilgore, and off course- seeing the famous Eats Texas gators near Marshall, TX.

Shreveport is a fun stop on the Dallas to Louisiana drive.

Check out the Louisiana Boardwalk, which has a variety of shops and restaurants. Take a walk through the Sci-Port Discovery Center.

Or, if you’re looking for some history and nature, visit the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens or the Shreveport Water Works Museum.

If you’re looking for a fun night out, check out the casinos on the Red River in Shreveport.

Then continue on the Shreveport to New Orleans drive via Baton Rouge.

Next stop on the New Orleans to Dallas road trip is the small Louisiana town of Alexandria.

This town is home to the Alexandria Zoo, Kent Plantation House, and the Alexandria Museum of Art.

There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops in Alexandria.

Optional: Chicot State Park

If you’re looking to get out of the city for a bit, take a detour to Chicot State Park.

This state park is located in the Louisiana swamps and has a variety of trails and activities.

You can go fishing, hiking, biking, or canoeing in the park while driving Dallas to New Orleans.

Optional: Lafayette

Consider a detour to Lafayette.

This city is about two hours from New Orleans.

While this may not be the best route from Dallas to New Orleans, Lafayette is the perfect place to experience Cajun culture.

Visit Vermilionville, a living history museum that shows what life was like in Lafayette during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Acadian Cultural Center is also a great place to learn about the Acadian people who settled in Louisiana as is the historic Alexandre Mouton House museum.

Or, if you’re looking for some music and dancing, head to Lafayette’s Cajun Country Music Hall of Fame.

There are also plenty of great restaurants in Lafayette, and you can hear live Cajun music at many of them.

Optional: Breaux Bridge

Another great stop in Cajun Country on your next trip is Breaux Bridge.

This town is home to the Crawfish Festival, which is held every year in May.

It is one of the great points of interest between Dallas and New Orleans for foodies.

Baton Rouge

As you get closer to New Orleans, make a stop in Baton Rouge – the capital of Louisiana.

This city is known for its Cajun food, music, and culture.

Some popular attractions in Baton Rouge are the Louisiana State Capitol, USS Kidd Naval Museum, and the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.

Stay overnight in the city and take a break from your long road trip on the DFW to New Orleans drive.

Mississippi River Road Plantations

There are several historic plantations along Louisiana’s River Road on the Dallas to Nola drive.

Many of these plantations offer tours and are excellent to learn about antebellum period including plantation life and the impact of slavery.

Some of the most popular plantations are Oak Alley Plantation, Whitney Plantation, Laura Plantation, and Houmas House Plantation.

We recommend taking a day to see the plantations along this scenic route from Dallas to New Orleans.

Then reach NOLA and check in to your NOLA hotel at the end of the day to finish your Dallas to Louisiana road trip.

New Orleans

Finally, you’ve reached your destination – New Orleans !

This city is known for its incredible food, music, and culture.

Some popular attractions in New Orleans are the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and Bourbon Street.

There is also a lot to see and do outside of the French Quarter.

Take a guided tour to admire all the sights and learn about their architecture and history.

Also Read: 3 Days in New Orleans

Take a walk through Audubon Park, visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, or take a swamp tour to see alligators.

Whatever you do, make sure to try the New Orleans food ! Crescent City is known for its Creole and Cajun cuisine.

New Orleans to Dallas drive

On the return New Orleans to DFW road trip, consider driving via Houston and enjoying the attractions of the Bayou City.

Then take the Houston to Dallas drive back to the Big D.

Wondering how far is New Orleans from Dallas, Texas via Houston?

It’s 587 miles and the trip time is 8 hours 41 mins.

Also Read: New Orleans Mardi Gras Guide

Did you like our Dallas to New Orleans road trip planner?

What are your favorite stops on the road trip to New Orleans from Dallas? Let us know in the comments!

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33 Best Stops Between Dallas and New Orleans

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How long is the drive from Dallas to New Orleans?

The direct drive from Dallas to New Orleans is 521 mi (838 km) , and should have a drive time of 7 hrs 43 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Dallas to New Orleans, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Baton Rouge , Tyler , and Lafayette , as well as top places to visit like Louisiana Downs and Kaffie-Frederick Inc., or the ever-popular Captain Ron's Swamp Tours.

Top cities between Dallas and New Orleans

Baton Rouge

Best stops along dallas to new orleans drive, captain ron's swamp tours.

Louisiana Downs

Kaffie-frederick inc., natchitoches historic district, melrose on the cane.

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Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Coushatta Casino Resort

Alexandria zoological park, paragon casino resort, vermilionville historic village, cajun country swamp tours, champagne's swamp tours / with the only facilities and restrooms, store, ect on lake martin, louisiana, the atchafalaya experience, jungle gardens, tabasco factory tours, the myrtles.

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Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site

Louisiana state capitol.

Louisiana's Old State Capitol

Tiger stadium, nottoway resort, houmas house estate and gardens, cajun man's swamp tours and adventures llc, oak alley plantation, laura plantation: louisiana's créole heritage site, whitney plantation.

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Kliebert & Son’s Gator Tours

Global wildlife center, cajun pride swamp tours, airboat tours by arthur, destrehan plantation, top searches in new orleans, other popular road trips from dallas, explore nearby places.

• New Orleans
• Bridge City
• River Ridge
• Belle Chasse
• Braithwaite
• Crown Point
• Saint Bernard
• Des Allemands

All related maps of New Orleans

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New Orleans throughout the year

• New Orleans in January
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• New Orleans in June
• New Orleans in July
• New Orleans in August
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• New Orleans in October
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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in New Orleans?

Get inspired for your trip to New Orleans with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 2-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 3-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 4-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 5-Day New Orleans Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from dallas to new orleans.

Yes! You can drive from Dallas to New Orleans.

How far is New Orleans from Dallas by car?

The drive from Dallas to New Orleans is 521 miles (838 km).

How long does it take to drive from Dallas to New Orleans?

Driving from Dallas to New Orleans should take you 7 hrs 43 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Dallas to New Orleans?

Gas from Dallas to New Orleans would cost around $46 to $107 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Dallas to New Orleans?

You could check out Louisiana Downs and Kaffie-Frederick Inc., or the always popular Captain Ron's Swamp Tours!

What are the best cities to visit between Dallas and New Orleans?

People love visiting Baton Rouge, Tyler, and Lafayette, among others.

What's the weather like in Dallas?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Dallas in January
• Weather in Dallas in February
• Weather in Dallas in March
• Weather in Dallas in April
• Weather in Dallas in May
• Weather in Dallas in June
• Weather in Dallas in July
• Weather in Dallas in August
• Weather in Dallas in September
• Weather in Dallas in October
• Weather in Dallas in November
• Weather in Dallas in December

What are some other road trips from Dallas?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Dallas.

• Dallas to New York City drive
• Dallas to Orlando drive
• Dallas to San Antonio drive
• Dallas to New Orleans drive
• Dallas to Las Vegas drive
• Dallas to Chicago drive
• Dallas to Austin drive
• Dallas to Houston drive
• Dallas to Washington DC drive
• Dallas to San Francisco drive
• Dallas to Branson drive
• Dallas to Nashville drive
• Dallas to Los Angeles drive
• Dallas to Memphis drive
• Dallas to Mexico City drive
• Dallas to San Diego drive
• Dallas to Atlanta drive
• Dallas to Toronto drive
• Dallas to Oklahoma City drive
• Dallas to Saint Louis drive
• Dallas to Gatlinburg drive
• Dallas to Boston drive
• Dallas to Galveston drive
• Dallas to Niagara Falls drive
• Dallas to St. Augustine drive
• Dallas to Savannah drive
• Dallas to Montreal drive
• Dallas to Kansas City drive
• Dallas to Miami Beach drive
• Dallas to Colorado Springs drive

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Dallas to New Orleans Road Trip: Top Attractions And Experiences From The Big D To The Big Easy

Here is your chance to explore all the excitement and memorable experiences awaiting travelers on an unforgettable road trip from Dallas to the cultural mecca of New Orleans.

Your road trip southeast from Dallas to New Orleans promises a wide array of exciting and enjoyable attractions, from important points in presidential history to peaceful plantations. Along the way, you will have opportunities to tour haunted plantations or sample some of the finest Cajun cooking. Read on to discover the journey we’ve prepared for you and to experience an American road trip like you’ve never had before.

1. Dallas 2. Grand Saline, TX 3. Shreveport, LA 4. Alexandria, LA 5. Lafayette, LA 6. New Orleans

Info at a glance

• Type of route: City
• 6 stops along the route
• 551 miles of driving
• Learn about the history of Dallas.
• Get up close and personal with real East Texas gators.
• Experience the mystery of a haunted manor and labyrinth.
• Marvel at the night sky in Louisiana’s Science Center planetarium.
• Tour an authentic Southern plantation.

Getting to the start

This great American road trip will begin in Dallas, the third-largest city in Texas. If you’re flying into town, then Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is conveniently located fewer than 20 miles from downtown. If you live in the region, you can take Interstate 35 from the north or south or I-20 from the east or west. To avoid the city center, use interstates 45 or 635.

CAR RENTAL IN Dallas

When to Visit

There’s no better time than the present to take a road trip from Dallas to New Orleans. If you’re planning on traveling in the summertime, be sure to bring along some sunscreen and a water bottle as it can get hot in this region! In the winter you will want to bring along a jacket and clothing to layer but expect the weather to remain relatively mild. Whenever you choose to make the journey, be prepared to make memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Driving tips

The maximum speed limit in Texas is 80 miles per hour, although some highways have speed limits of 75 mph, so you’ll want to remain aware of the limit where you’re driving. In Louisiana, the maximum speed limit is 75 mph, but limits may be lower on some highways, so be sure to follow posted signage. You may encounter toll roads depending on the route you take on your road trip. There aren’t any special driving laws to be aware of on this journey.

What to know about the route

Your great American road trip will begin in Dallas, Texas, one of the 10 largest cities in the United States. From there, you’ll begin the 520-mile journey by driving east on I-20 into Louisiana, then turning south onto I-49 down to Lafayette. From there, it’s a straight shot east on I-10 right into the Big Easy. As you make your way, there will be many exciting opportunities for side trips and stops along the way, such as seeing the gators in Grand Saline. From the oil fields of East Texas to the plantations and museums of central Louisiana, your ride will be perfect in a sedan. Of course, after experiencing all the sights and flavors of the road, your trip will conclude in the Crescent City itself: New Orleans. There you’ll be able to explore historic districts, music venues and a local cooking style that you must experience firsthand to truly appreciate.

Dallas is positioned at the confluence of interstate highways and railroads and is home to one of the country’s busiest international airports. This massive metropolitan area offers it all, from major live events to stunning cultural heritage sites. It also has a local gastronomic scene as diverse and satisfying as the city itself. There’s something for everyone waiting to be discovered in Dallas.

Points of interest

Explore the history of this amazing city by touring the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, or by taking a selfie with the iconic Cattle Drive Sculptures downtown. If you’re traveling with kids, you can visit the Dallas World Aquarium, or spend a day relaxing at White Rock Lake Park.

Where to eat, drink and sleep

Dallas offers a vast array of dining options, like Bob’s Steak and Chop House and Mia’s Tex-Mex. Grab a drink at Frankie’s Downtown, and if you’re staying the night, the Beeman Hotel is perfectly located near the city arboretum and the North Park Mall.

Sixt Insider Tip

Perhaps the most exciting way to see Dallas is from above. Visitors to the Reunion Tower in downtown can take the elevator up 470 feet to take in this thriving city from the panoramic GeoDeck, which offers both indoor and outdoor bird’s-eye views of the Dallas skyline.

From Dallas to Grand Saline (73 miles)

Driving through the plains of East Texas on your way to Grand Saline is about as peaceful as it gets. Along the way, you will pass quaint towns like Terrell where you can stop and see Sisco, America’s “largest freshwater shark.” Other attractions include Terrell’s Silver Saloon and the BFTS Museum where WWII fighter pilots once trained.

Grand Saline, TX

Grand Saline is a historic town with a history that stretches back to the American Civil War and even further back to indigenous communities long before. Situated just 15 miles north of I-20 on a massive natural salt dome, Grand Saline provides an excellent rest stop on your road trip to New Orleans.

Grand Saline’s salt reserves have been exploited by organized mining from the Cherokee Nation to the modern Morton Salt Company, a long history commemorated by the city’s Salt Palace. Other attractions include the famous bass fishing available at nearby Lake Fork.

Richie’s Bar and Grill is a great place to relax with friends and enjoy a beer in town, while Salt Lickers is a local seafood favorite. Looking for some of the best local barbecue? Then The Feed Hut is sure to please.

Every visitor to Grand Saline will want to explore the East Texas Gators and Wildlife Park. Here you can get up close and personal with alligators, including the local 14-foot celebrity known as Domino, in addition to other zoo residents like armadillos, lemurs and even giraffes.

From Grand Saline to Shreveport (128 miles)

Get back on I-20 for your journey to Shreveport, Louisiana. You’ll pass attractions as the Old Mill Pond Museum, a great spot to take the kids in Lindale. If you pass through in the fall, the Graystone Haunted Manor in Longview is sure to offer a chilling experience.

Shreveport, LA

Shreveport, named for Captain Henry Miller Shreve, represents your first stop in Louisiana and offers an abundance of activities and attractions. As the state’s third-largest city, Shreveport sits on the Red River (which was first navigated by Capt. Shreve) and is the point along your road trip where you will turn south onto I-49.

Shreveport offers a variety of attractions for all ages, from its aquarium to the lovely Gardens of the American Rose Center. History buffs will marvel at the Barksdale Global Power Museum, while everyone will want to explore the historic Red River District. Looking to cool off? Then you’ll love having fun at Shreveport’s Splash Kingdom Waterpark.

Bella Fresca is a local hotspot for fine dining and wines, while Southern Maid Donuts is famous as the site of an old Elvis Presley commercial. And no visit would be complete without trying the shrimp at Herby K’s. Staying the night? The Eldorado Resort Casino is sure to offer a restful night and a little fun on the side.

The Louisiana Sci-Port Discovery Center is a science museum you won’t want to miss. The center includes an amazing show in its planetarium, as well as a variety of shows in its IMAX dome theater. And don’t forget to experience the Children’s Museum located in the same center.

From Shreveport to Alexandria (125 miles)

Your journey will continue south on I-49 toward Alexandria. Along the way you’ll pass through some of the most beautiful countryside that Louisiana has to offer as well as pass by some amazing attractions, such as Frost Jackson Swamp and the Melrose Historic Home. The Kent Plantation House is a historic side attraction worth stopping at and taking the time to tour.

Alexandria, LA

Alexandria is one of Louisiana’s top 10 cities and is situated almost precisely in the center of the state. This historic town, positioned along the banks of the Red River, is a true “comeback kid,” having grown and flourished after being almost completely burned to the ground during the American Civil War.

Alexandria offers a wealth of relaxing day trips, such as at the city’s Zoological Park or Museum of Art. Young visitors will enjoy exploring the T.R.E.E. House, while the Louisiana History Museum promises an afternoon as educational as it is enjoyable. The Rapides Parish Coliseum is a great place to catch a game in town.

The Bistro on the Bayou is an excellent spot to experience some local flavor, while Robbie G’s Restaurant is a popular location where you can experience true Cajun and Creole cuisine in Alexandria. Looking for some authentic Louisiana crawfish? Then Swamp Daddy’s is sure to please.

Before leaving Alexandria, the Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, located just across the Red River in Pineville, is a National Historical Register site dating to the Civil War. The grounds include peaceful walking trails and exhibits that will both inform and enlighten visitors of all ages.

From Alexandria to Lafayette (90 miles)

Continuing south on I-49, you will pass many small villages and towns with attractions such as the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum or the Creole Heritage Folklife Center in the town of Opelousas. If you’re traveling just before Labor Day, you may also want to experience the annual Zydeco Music Festival held in this town.

Lafayette, LA

Named for the Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette, this city has grown continuously since its founding along the banks of the Vermilion River. One of the state’s largest municipalities, Lafayette is home to a campus of the University of Louisiana as well as a regional airport.

Lafayette is full of historic sites to visit and enjoy, such as the Acadian Village and Vermilionville. The Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market is an excellent place to experience local flavors and cultures, while the Alexandre Mouton House provides unparalleled insight into the area’s history. Don’t forget to catch a show at the Cajundome before leaving.

Some of the most popular restaurants in Lafayette include The French Press and Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro. The Pamplona Tapas Bar offers a fun atmosphere for sharing a drink with friends, while Johnson’s Boucaniere offers the best in local meats and boudin, all based on the original recipes from Johnson’s Grocery in the 1930s.

The Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette provides an invaluable layout of the local Cajun culture and its history, from leaving Nova Scotia in Canada to eventually settling in Louisiana. The center’s exhibits include an hourly film and seasonal ranger-guided boat tours. This is the perfect place to discover Louisiana’s cultural background and origins.

From Lafayette to New Orleans (135 miles)

On this final leg of your journey to New Orleans, you will pass by attractions like Prehistoric Park, a dinosaur-themed park located in Henderson. Other attractions include Baton Rouge, with its Old Governor’s Mansion and Blue Bayou Waterpark. And of course, the New Orleans Plantation Country in La Place is a must-see as you roll into town.

New Orleans

Known as both the Big Easy and Crescent City, New Orleans is a fascinating and colorful city packed to the brim with unique dining experiences, cultural expressions and world-famous festivals and celebrations. Situated on the Mississippi River, New Orleans is Louisiana’s largest city by population and is as deeply historical as it is thoroughly exciting to explore.

Visitors to New Orleans will want to explore the historic Garden District and Jackson Square before wandering the colorful streets of the French Quarter and taking in a jazz concert at the iconic Preservation Hall. The Audubon Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers, while New Orleans City Park will provide a restful opportunity to reconnect with nature after a long road trip.

New Orleans offers an endless array of eating and drinking opportunities, including Jacques Imo’s Café and GW Fins. Mambo’s is a popular bar, while Paladar 511 is a superb pizza joint. Looking for a room? The Old No. 77 and the Eliza Jane are two historic hotels worth considering.

New Orleans is perhaps best known for its Mardi Gras celebrations. If you’re traveling to New Orleans at this time, remember that the main parades do not pass through the French Quarter. It’s a better bet to stay on St. Charles Avenue (to catch the Bacchus Parade, for example).

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Road trip from New Orleans to Dallas

New Orleans is famous for its musical heritage and lively celebrations and if you are looking for something a little different after spending time here, why not head to Texas and explore its rich cowboy heritage? This road trip from New Orleans to Dallas will take you to the heart of the cosmopolitan buzz of the Lone Star State.

The 520-mile road trip from New Orleans to Dallas will take about 8 hours to drive. On the way, you can visit Shreveport, Kilgore, Bossier City, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Pineville, Ville Platte, Waxahachie, Italy, Waco, Houston and Lake Charles.

This drive from New Orleans to Dallas will be full of endless fun around every corner. Read on below to learn more about our recommended routes, best places to stay, top highlights, and the best seasons to make the drive.

How far is Dallas from New Orleans, and how long will the road trip take?

The Direct Route on a road trip from New Orleans to Dallas takes approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes to complete, covering a distance of 520 miles.

Alternatively, the Houston Route stretches over 630 miles and takes about 9 hours and 30 minutes to complete without accounting for any detours.

While it's possible to complete either route in a day, the diverse landscapes and cities along the way offer plenty of reasons to extend the trip. Each route offers unique experiences and attractions, making 3-4 days the perfect time to make the drive.

Best road trip route from New Orleans to Dallas

While both routes from New Orleans to Dallas offer unique landscapes and experiences, the choice ultimately depends on the type of scenery and attractions you prefer.

The Direct Route offers a serene and picturesque journey. As you leave New Orleans, the road takes you past the city's surrounding swamplands and lakes, transitioning into Texas's lush, tree-lined highways.

This route is dotted with quaint ranches and small towns that are easy to drive through. As you travel through Louisiana, the scenery is further enhanced by rivers, bayous, and national forests flanking the highway, creating a continuously captivating backdrop.

You will get to visit the charming cities of Baton Rouge and Shreveport on this route.

In contrast, the Houston Route is a more varied and open landscape. The flat terrain of this area allows for unobstructed views of the expansive, green landscapes.

As you journey through central Louisiana, the route is enriched by the historical beauty lining the Mississippi River, bringing you up close to the region's rich history and culture.

For an urban fix, you can make stops in Lafayette, Houston and Waco if you are following this route.

Along the way, you'll encounter the iconic Texas ranches and the emblematic oil and gas companies that make the state famous before making your way to Dallas.

How to drive from New Orleans to Dallas

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between New Orleans and Dallas. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

Direct Route

Set off on the Direct Route from New Orleans to Dallas on Interstate 10 (I-10) West. Your first stop will be the city of Baton Rouge.

Here, you can explore the Louisiana State Capitol and the Capitol Park Museum. Just a short detour away is the Houmas House Plantation, offering a glimpse into the region's history.

Continuing northwest on I-49, your next major stop is Alexandria, where the Alexandria Zoo awaits. Further along I-49, take a break at the Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area for a serene nature walk.

As you approach Shreveport, consider a detour to the Barksdale Global Power Museum or explore the natural beauty of the Red River National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Bistineau State Park.

From Shreveport, the route shifts to Texas, following I-20 West towards Dallas. Along this stretch, you'll find a variety of attractions like the historic Kilgore College East Texas Oil Museum before you arrive at your destination in Dallas.

Houston Route

The Houston Route from New Orleans to Dallas begins in New Orleans and heads west on I-10 towards Houston. This route initially follows the same path as the route above but the routes diverge past Baton Rouge.

This leg of the trip allows you to experience the bustling energy of Houston, with a must-visit to The Galleria for shopping enthusiasts.

Continuing on I-10, you'll find the San Jacinto Battleground Historic Site, a pivotal location in Texas history. From here, you'll drive north towards Waco.

As you journey towards Waco, consider a visit to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, located just off I-35.

In Waco, you'll find unique attractions like the World's Largest Caterpillar. The route then takes you north towards Dallas on I-35, passing through scenic landscapes and quintessential Texas towns before reaching Dallas.

Best places to stop between New Orleans and Dallas

With so much to see and do along the way, you'll want to stop and rest in one of our recommended destinations below. That way, you'll be ready to explore the region at a leisurely pace.

An evening on a riverboat casino in Shreveport

Shreveport, located approximately 5 hours into the Direct Route from New Orleans to Dallas, is an ideal overnight stop. This city, named for Captain Henry Miller Shreve, features diverse attractions and activities.

Shreveport is not just famous for its dazzling riverboat casinos. It's also a hub of cultural festivities like the annual Film Prize and Music Prize that draws thousands to the city each year.

The Shreveport Aquarium is a must-visit for all ages. The Spring Street Historical Museum is a must for a slice of history.

Nestled in the historical district of Shreveport, we recommend staying at the elegant 2439 Fairfield ‘A Bed and Breakfast' . This charming establishment was built in 1905 and features English rose and herb gardens, a Victorian swing, gazebo, and water fountain.

It offers luxurious amenities like private whirlpool baths and serves a proper English breakfast every morning. Its location is ideal, being conveniently close to local attractions and restaurants.

If you're interested in exploring the vicinity, the Meadows Museum of Art is just 1.3 miles away. Another nearby attraction is The Logan Mansion, located 1.5 miles from the hotel, perfect if you're interested in historic architecture and stories from the past.

Museum hopping in Houston

Houston, approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes into the Houston Route from New Orleans to Dallas, is the perfect city for an overnight stop. This city, celebrated as the most diverse metropolitan area in Texas, is a mosaic of cultures, flavors, and experiences.

The city's connection to space exploration, its famous food scene, energy industry, sports teams, museums, and cultural institutions are just some elements that make Houston so fun to visit.

It annually attracts over seven million visitors to its Museum District alone. Not to be missed are the Art Car Museum, showcasing unique, artistically modified cars, and The Menil Collection, one of the most significant private art collections in the world.

For your stay, the luxurious Blossom Hotel Houston is an impeccable choice . This hotel is known for its personalized service, elegant public spaces, and spacious accommodations filled with thoughtful touches.

Staying here, you can enjoy luxurious services, a rooftop pool offering panoramic city views, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Near the hotel, you'll find Hermann Park, less than a miles away, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic amidst its beautiful green spaces. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, located 2 miles from the hotel, is another must-visit, offering an extensive collection that spans centuries and continents.

Where to stay when you reach Dallas

Dallas, renowned for its blend of world-class museums, a flourishing arts scene, and iconic sports teams, makes it an unforgettable destination.

Begin your time by visiting the Dallas World Aquarium, an aquatic wonderland in the heart of the city, or immerse yourself in the artistic masterpieces at the Dallas Museum of Art.

Another must do is to visit AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys football team. After exploring the city, don't miss indulging in its world-class restaurant and bar scene.

Nestled in this cityscape is the highly-rated Hotel Crescent Court , a property that epitomizes the unique blend of Texan charm and Dallas sophistication. The hotel boasts a year-round outdoor pool and spa center, perfect for relaxation and unwinding after a day of city exploration.

Dining at the Hotel Crescent Court is an experience in itself, with five restaurants to choose from. Nobu serves Japanese fusion cuisine every evening, while The Conservatory is perfect for breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch in a sunroom overlooking the courtyard.

The hotel is close to downtown Dallas' restaurants, bars, and activities. You'll be within walking distance from highlights such as the Arts District and American Airlines Arena.

Things to see on a road trip from New Orleans to Dallas

On your way from New Orleans to Dallas, you'll have an endless amount of things to do and see. To help you plan the ultimate journey, we've created a list of our favorite stops below.

Both Routes

• Cajun Pride Swamp Tours - Offering guided boat tours near LaPlace, Louisiana, where visitors can experience the unique beauty and wildlife of the Louisiana swamps.
• Oak Alley Plantation - A historic plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana, famous for its stunning oak-lined alley and well-preserved antebellum mansion.
• Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area Laplace - A natural preserve near Laplace, Louisiana, offering a tranquil setting for wildlife observation and outdoor recreation.
• Raising Cane's River Center, Baton Rouge - A multipurpose entertainment center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, hosting a variety of events from concerts to conventions.
• Blue Bayou Water Park - A popular water park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, known for its thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions.
• Houmas House Plantation - A historic plantation near Darrow, Louisiana, offering guided tours of its mansion and lush gardens.
• Capital Park Museum, Baton Rouge - This museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, showcases the rich cultural and political history of Louisiana through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
• BREC's Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center - A nature preserve in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, featuring boardwalks and paths through a cypress-tupelo swamp, ideal for birdwatching and nature education.

• Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area - Situated in Ville Platte, Louisiana, this arboretum offers a peaceful natural setting with walking trails among diverse plant species.
• Alexandria Zoo - Located in Alexandria, Louisiana, this zoo features a diverse collection of animals from around the world, set in a family-friendly environment with educational exhibits.
• Red River National Wildlife Refuge - A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, this refuge in Bossier City, Louisiana, offers picturesque trails, birdwatching, and serene natural landscapes.
• Lake Bistineau State Park - Located near Doyline, Louisiana, this state park offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking, amidst scenic lake and forest views.
• Splash Kingdom Paradise Island - A vibrant waterpark in Shreveport, Louisiana, offering a variety of water slides, pools, and family-friendly attractions set in a tropical island theme.
• Barksdale Global Power Museum - Located on Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City, Louisiana, this museum displays aircraft and exhibits related to the history of strategic bombing and the role of the Air Force.
• Gators and Friends - An adventurous wildlife park near Shreveport, Louisiana, where visitors can interact with alligators and other animals, and even zipline over their habitats.
• Lonestar Speedway, Texas - A high-energy dirt track racing venue located near Kilgore, Texas, known for hosting exciting races and motorsport events.
• Kilgore College East Texas Oil Museum - Located in Kilgore, Texas, this museum offers an insightful look into the history and impact of the oil industry in East Texas.
• Tyler Rose Garden - A stunning 14-acre garden in Tyler, Texas, known for its extensive collection of rose varieties and beautifully landscaped grounds.

• Lafayette Science Museum - Situated in Lafayette, Louisiana, this museum offers interactive exhibits on science and technology, including a planetarium and dinosaur displays.
• LARC'S Acadian Village, Lafayette - This village in Lafayette, Louisiana, is a living history museum showcasing Acadian life in the 19th century with authentic homes and artifacts.
• Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu - Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, this museum showcases the history and costumes of Mardi Gras, with vibrant displays and artifacts.
• World's Largest Caterpillar - An unusual roadside attraction in Italy, Texas, featuring a giant caterpillar sculpture, offering a unique photo opportunity.
• Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum - Located in Waco, Texas, this museum honors the famed Texas Rangers with exhibits on their history and contributions to law enforcement.
• The Munster Mansion - A private residence in Waxahachie, Texas, this house is a faithful replica of the iconic home from the 1960s TV show "The Munsters."
• Bear Creek Pioneers Park - A large park in Houston, Texas, offering a variety of recreational activities, including walking trails, wildlife habitat, and sports facilities.
• San Jacinto Battleground Historic Site - Near Houston, Texas, this historic site commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, a decisive battle in the Texas Revolution, featuring a museum and the towering San Jacinto Monument.
• The Galleria, Houston - A sprawling upscale shopping center in Houston, Texas, featuring an array of shops, restaurants, and an ice rink.
• Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site - Near Navasota, Texas, this significant historical park marks the birthplace of Texas independence, with museums and a replica of the 1836 Independence Hall.

Best time to go on a road trip from New Orleans to Dallas

Dallas, a city celebrated for its big-city culture and famous sports teams, offers a year-round destination with experiences varying by season.

In spring, the city blooms with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, creating ideal conditions for exploring outdoor attractions like the Dallas World Aquarium or the Dallas Museum of Art.

This season also coincides with the Baton Rouge Blues Festival in April on the Direct Route. However, be mindful of heavy traffic in Dallas, especially during rush hours.

Summer in Dallas can be hot, with temperatures soaring between 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This season offers a bustling atmosphere, perfect for those who enjoy the heat.

If traveling along the Houston Route during this time, you might catch the Westfest in June. You can also enjoy the popular Fourth of July festivals throughout the towns and cities on both routes.

Fall, with its mild temperatures of 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, is an excellent time for the road trip. The State Fair of Texas in September-October in Dallas is a must-visit event, adding a unique flair to your journey.

The Wings Over Houston Air Show on the Houston Route in September is another highlight. Driving conditions are comfortable, but the popularity of these events means that booking hotels and event tickets early is a good idea.

Winter brings colder weather to Dallas, with temperatures ranging from 35 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and occasional snow and ice, even in the south. While winter travel requires precautions, the city's festive charm during this season is undeniable.

Winter is also the time for Mardi Gras in New Orleans in February, so make sure to book your accommodation ahead of time because this is one of the biggest celebrations in the USA!

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The best 3 stops on any road trip

Dallas to New Orleans road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops

• David Whitley
• December 14, 2023

The best road trip stops on the Dallas to New Orleans drive are Marshall TX, Natchitoches LA and Baton Rouge. The distance from Dallas to New Orleans by car is 497 miles, with a 7h39m driving time.

Planning a Dallas to New Orleans road trip itinerary

A Dallas to New Orleans road trip takes you from north Texas to the most intoxicating city in Louisiana .

Dallas has plenty of high quality cultural attractions. These include the Nasher Scupture Center, Pioneer Square and the Perot Museum of Science and Nature.

But for many visitors, the main reason to visit Dallas is the JFK assassination. Yes, you can go up to the Book Depository where Lee Harvey Oswald supposedly took his shot from.

Top Dallas experiences include a JFK Assassination and Museum tour , the GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower and a self-guided scavenger hunt .

Top Dallas accommodation choices include the plush Hyatt Regency downtown and the charismatically luxurious Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek .

How to do the JFK sites in Dallas

The best way to combine the JFK sites in Dallas is a special themed tour . This takes in the JFK Memorial, Dealey Plaza and the Grassy Knoll before heading to Lee Harvey Oswald’s rooming house. It finishes in the Sixth Floor Museum of the Texas Book Depository. On the way, expert guides take you through the assassination facts and theories. Find out more here .

New Orleans resolutely refuses to feel like any other American city. From the raucous hedonism of Bourbon Street to the European-influenced charm of the French Quarter, New Orleans is mesmerizingly unusual to hang out in.

Top New Orleans experiences include French Quarter food tours , haunted pub crawls , jazz cruises aboard the steamboat Natchez and cemetery walking tours .

For other attractions, try the National WWII Museum . There’s also the Vue Orleans observation deck and the urban enslavement tours at Hermann Grima House .

Dallas to New Orleans distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Dallas to New Orleans is 497 miles . That makes for a driving time of around seven hours and 39 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-20, I-49 and I-10.

The best stops to add to a Dallas to New Orleans road trip itinerary are Marshall TX, Natchitoches LA and Baton Rouge.

Dallas to New Orleans drive: Marshall, Texas

The main city in wealthy Harrison County, Marshall, has plenty of heritage on display. The Starr Family Home has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, and the Harrison County Historical Museum covers the region’s backstory.

The most interesting section delves into the bizarre period where Marshall became the Confederate capital of… Missouri. The Missouri Confederate leadership decamped here to lead a government in exile during the Civil War.

Accommodation in Marshall is almost entirely motel-style. Hunt here for deals .

Dallas to New Orleans road trip attractions: Natchitoches LA

Natchitoches is the oldest city within the Louisiana Purchase area, with a wealth of well-preserved Creole architecture. The Oakland and Magnolia plantations within the Cane River Creole National Historical Park offer tours that go into the lives of those who lived and worked there.

Less historic but still fairly engrossing is the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame . The Northwest Louisiana History Museum is in the same building.

Best stops between Dallas and New Orleans: Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge’s top attractions include Acadian Village , a recreated 19th-century Cajun village, which plays host to artisans and craftspeople among the historic homes.

Vermilionville is similar, but the living history museum here looks at the cultures of Native American and Creole people as well as the Acadians.

Elsewhere, the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist is famed for its stained glass windows.

Top Baton Rouge experiences include Cajun food tours .

For Lafayette accommodation , the SpringHill Suites and Home2 Suites tend to get the best reviews.

• For more suggestions, read the guide to the Baton Rouge to New Orleans drive .

More Dallas road trips

Abilene TX to Dallas | Dallas to Albuquerque | Dallas to Amarillo | Dallas to Aspen | Dallas to Austin | Dallas to Atlanta | Dallas to Baltimore | Dallas to Baton Rouge | Dallas to Beaumont TX | Dallas to Buffalo | Cincinnati to Dallas | Dallas to Cleveland | Dallas to Colorado Springs | Dallas to Columbus | Conroe TX to Dallas | Dallas to Denver | Dallas to Detroit | Dallas to El Paso | Dallas to Fort Lauderdale | Dallas to Fredericksburg | Dallas to Galveston | Dallas to Hot Springs | Dallas to Houston | Huntsville TX to Dallas | Dallas to Jackson MS | Katy TX to Dallas | Dallas to Knoxville .

Dallas to Lafayette LA | Dallas to Lake Charles | Little Rock to Dallas | Louisville to Dallas | Dallas to Lubbock TX | Dallas to Memphis | Midland to Dallas | Minneapolis to Dallas | Dallas to Nashville | Dallas to New Braunfels | Dallas to New York City | Odessa TX to Dallas | Oklahoma City to Dallas | Dallas to Omaha .

Dallas to Philadelphia | Dallas to Phoenix | Dallas to Pittsburgh | Dallas to Salt Lake City | San Angelo to Dallas | Dallas to San Antonio | Dallas to San Marcos | Dallas to Santa Fe | Shreveport to Dallas | Dallas to St Louis | Dallas to Tampa | Texarkana to Dallas | Dallas to Tucson | Dallas to Washington DC | Weatherford TX to Dallas | Wichita to Dallas .

More New Orleans road trips

Atlanta to New Orleans | Baton Rouge to New Orleans | New Orleans to Biloxi | Chicago to New Orleans | Cincinnati to New Orleans | Cleveland to New Orleans | New Orleans to Destin FL | New Orleans to Galveston | New Orleans to Gulf Shores | Houston to New Orleans | Huntsville to New Orleans | Jackson MS to New Orleans | Kansas City to New Orleans | Memphis to New Orleans | Nashville to New Orleans | New Orleans to Orlando | Panama City to New Orleans | Pensacola to New Orleans | New Orleans to San Antonio | Savannah to New Orleans | Tallahassee to New Orleans | Tulsa to New Orleans .

roadtripfrom.com

New Orleans To Dallas Road Trip: Top 15 Tips

New Orleans to Dallas road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 497 miles of New Orleans to Dallas drive takes around 7 hours and 30 mins without stops.

This article includes 15 tips that turn your New Orleans to Dallas drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from New Orleans to Dallas, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

5 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From New Orleans To Dallas

On the New Orleans to Dallas road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top five hotels on the New Orleans – Dallas route!

1. Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the New Orleans to Dallas road trip. Driving from New Orleans to Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown might take around 1 hour and 19 mins .

Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown is an excellent stop for travelers on a New Orleans to Dallas road trip. The hotel’s location is easily accessible and provides convenient parking options. The facilities are well-maintained and spotless, offering a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests. The bed was fantastic and the room provided a fantastic view of the river. The friendly staff provided excellent service, including providing a great dinner recommendation. The hotel is situated in the heart of the bustling downtown business district, offering easy access to all the excitement of the city. The hotel provides a daily hot breakfast, which is delicious and convenient, making this hotel a great choice for travelers who value a good meal and a great location. The staff at the hotel is always friendly and efficient, ensuring a great stay for guests. The rooms are well-appointed, with an array of complimentary amenities, and the bedding is clean and fresh. Overall, Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown is an excellent choice for travelers who want a great location, great service, and a comfortable stay.

Check the Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown, one of the best hotels in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.

2. Home2 Suites by Hilton Alexandria

Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Dallas from New Orleans is Home2 Suites by Hilton Alexandria. Located in Alexandria, Louisiana, the hotel is 188 miles away from New Orleans, and it would take 3 hours and 12 mins to drive.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Alexandria is a fantastic place to stay on your New Orleans to Dallas road trip. This stylish hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms with all the amenities you need to feel at home. With a fully equipped kitchen and flexible layout options, this hotel is perfect for families or longer business stays. The staff is friendly and helpful, and parking is free and safe. The soundproofing between rooms is excellent, but it could be better between floors. You’ll love the breakfast options at the Inspired Table, with favorites like waffles, eggs, fruit, and cereal. Plus, your furry friend is more than welcome to come along for the trip. With easy access to the interstate and nearby food and gas options, this hotel is a great choice for your road trip.

If you want to learn more about the Home2 Suites by Hilton Alexandria, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .

3. The Remington Suite Hotel & Spa

Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to The Remington Suite Hotel & Spa. The Remington Suite Hotel & Spa is located in Shreveport, Louisiana, and it’s 318 miles away from New Orleans. You can arrive there in 4 hours and 54 mins of non-stop driving.

The Remington Suite Hotel & Spa in Shreveport, Louisiana offers an elegant, upscale experience with all the amenities one could ask for. During your stay, you’ll be welcomed into a Premier Suite with stunning views from floor-to-ceiling windows, beautifully crafted hardwood floors, and charming brick accents that combine to create an unforgettable ambiance. From the moment you step into the hotel, you’ll be surrounded by luxury and comfort, making it difficult to ever leave. The full-service spa is a perfect place to relax after a long day of travel and the traditional yet modern aesthetic of the hotel is sure to make your stay unforgettable. Whether you’re in Shreveport for business or pleasure, The Remington Suite Hotel & Spa is a perfect place to stay and an excellent pit stop on your New Orleans to Dallas road trip.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of The Remington Suite Hotel & Spa, for more information.

4. Best Western Longview

If you are taking the road trip from New Orleans to Dallas, Longview, Texas is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Best Western Longview is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 375 miles from New Orleans, and it would take 5 hours and 46 mins to drive.

Best Western Longview is a great stop on your road trip from New Orleans to Dallas. The hotel offers free parking, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool to help you stay refreshed and relaxed during your stay. The continental breakfast is a nice touch, and guests will appreciate the variety of options available to start the day off right. With all the essential amenities in place, Best Western Longview is a great place to stay for travelers looking for comfort and convenience. Whether you’re in town for work or pleasure, this hotel is sure to provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

If you need more info about the price and availability of Best Western Longview, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

5. The Adolphus, Autograph Collection

Our next hotel is The Adolphus, Autograph Collection, Dallas, Texas. It will take 7 hours and 32 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from New Orleans.

The Adolphus, Autograph Collection in Dallas, Texas is a charming and historic hotel that provides guests with a one-of-a-kind experience. Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel offers guests easy access to some of the city’s most famous attractions. Whether you want to take a stroll around the area or sit down for a delicious meal, The Adolphus has you covered. The hotel features a mouth-watering menu that offers a variety of dishes to suit all tastes, so you’re sure to find something you love. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, The Adolphus, Autograph Collection is the perfect place to stay for a memorable and enjoyable visit to Dallas.

Check The Adolphus, Autograph Collection on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of The Adolphus, Autograph Collection for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five hotels you can stay at on the road trip from New Orleans to Dallas. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take New Orleans to Dallas route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from New Orleans to Dallas. We have five restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

5 Best Restaurants On The New Orleans To Dallas Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your New Orleans to Dallas road trip. This section lists five restaurants to dine at on the road trip from New Orleans to Dallas. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant

We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on New Orleans to Dallas road trip with Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant. Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana , and is 74.9 miles from New Orleans. It would take 1 hour and 15 mins of driving.

Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a must-stop during a New Orleans to Dallas road trip. With its warm and cozy atmosphere, this restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal. The service was fantastic, with servers quickly welcoming us and pointing out the evening specials. The bread and salad were both fantastic, but it was the marinated crab claws that stood out. For the main course, I tried the seared tuna and was blown away by its perfection. And don’t even get me started on the blueberry bread pudding for dessert – it was simply the best I’ve ever had. Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant for seafood and American cuisine with options for vegetarians and gluten-free options.

For more information about Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant, you can visit TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant.

2. Spirits Food & Friends

Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Dallas from New Orleans is Spirits Food & Friends. Located in Alexandria, Louisiana, Spirits Food & Friends is 190 miles from New Orleans and would take 3 hours and 14 mins of driving.

Spirits Food & Friends in Alexandria, Louisiana, is a great stop during a New Orleans to Dallas road trip. With its friendly staff and great atmosphere, this restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal. My Ahi Tuna burger was cooked to perfection, and the variety of beers on tap only added to the overall experience. The service was fantastic and the wait staff helped make great food recommendations. I would visit this restaurant again and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good meal and a pleasant dining experience.

If you want to learn more about Spirits Food & Friends, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

3. Crawdaddy’s Kitchen

Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Crawdaddy’s Kitchen. It will take 4 hours and 53 mins of car drive to take 313 miles from New Orleans to Crawdaddy’s Kitchen, Shreveport, Louisiana.

On our New Orleans to Dallas road trip, we made a pit stop at Crawdaddy’s Kitchen in Shreveport, Louisiana, and boy were we glad we did! It’s no wonder why it’s considered one of the most popular and highly recommended restaurants in the area. From the moment we stepped in, the aroma of freshly-cooked seafood filled the air, making our mouths water. The menu features an array of dishes that cater to everyone’s taste buds, but the standout items for us were the crispy fried catfish and the succulent Angus ribeyes. If you’re looking for a place to satisfy your hunger on the road trip, Crawdaddy’s Kitchen is a must-visit!

You can check Crawdaddy’s Kitchen, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.

4. Pizza King, Longview

Pizza King, Longview deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Longview, Texas.

The restaurant serves up some seriously delicious pizza, with a menu that showcases unique toppings and ingredients. The atmosphere is fun and casual, with great wall decor featuring the car and 50’s music memorabilia. The staff is friendly and always happy to keep your glass full, and the prices are reasonable, with large pizzas costing around 20 dollars. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a place to hang out with friends, Pizza King is a great stop on your New Orleans to Dallas road trip. With cold beer on tap and a commitment to practicing social distancing guidelines, it’s a place where you can enjoy some great pizza and a relaxed atmosphere. Regenerate response

Pizza King, Longview is 374 miles from New Orleans, and it would take 5 hours and 44 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Pizza King, Longview, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

5. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Dallas

If you enjoy dining, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Dallas, would be an excellent choice in Dallas, Texas. It’s 507 miles from New Orleans and would take 7 hours and 40 mins of car driving.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas is a must-stop for any road trip from New Orleans to Dallas. The dining experience at this venue is simply outstanding, with friendly service that will make you feel right at home. The wine and fireplace rooms create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a special night out. The menu boasts an array of delicious options, but some standout dishes include the succulent shrimp cocktail, perfectly dressed Caesar salad, juicy prime ribeye, succulent lobster, flaky salmon, tender lamb chops, and mouthwatering crab cakes. These dishes promise to deliver a truly memorable dining experience, making Pappas Bros. Steakhouse a must-visit for any steak lover.

If you want to learn more about Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Dallas you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations for your road trip from New Orleans to Dallas. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 497 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Dallas road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from New Orleans to Dallas. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The New Orleans To Dallas Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Dallas. However, there are also some unique destinations like Baton Rouge, Louisiana on your road trip. We want to explain the top five destinations we recommend on the Dallas route.

1. Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your New Orleans to Dallas road trip. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is 81.3 miles away from New Orleans, and it would take 1 hour and 20 mins to drive.

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is a must-visit landmark on your New Orleans to Dallas road trip. This beautiful castle-like fortress sits atop a hill overlooking the Mississippi River and offers a glimpse into the history and resiliency of Louisiana and its people. The dome, with its stained glass, is a sight to behold, and the interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations are both educational and engaging. The audio tours, available in multiple languages, take visitors on a journey through the building’s history, from the historic House Chamber where Louisiana seceded from the Union in 1861 to the impeachment proceedings of Governor Huey P. Long. Admission is free, and visitors can learn about the importance of voting and being a good citizen, as well as the colorful past governors. Whether you’re interested in history or just looking for a unique and memorable experience, Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is the perfect stop on your road trip.

If you want to learn more about Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

2. Alexandria Zoological Park

Alexandria Zoological Park, Alexandria, Louisiana is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the New Orleans to Dallas route. It’s 189 miles from New Orleans, and it’ll take about 3 hours and 14 mins of driving.

The Alexandria Zoological Park is a must-visit for animal lovers on a road trip from New Orleans to Dallas. This zoo offers a close-up look at over 500 creatures from all over the world. From the majestic lions to the playful otters, the animals are well-cared for and offer plenty of photo opportunities. The zoo is a wonderful place to spend a few hours, surrounded by beautiful trees and greenery, and with plenty of shady spots to escape the heat. The only downside to our visit was the unfriendly train conductor. However, the rest of our experience was fantastic and we highly recommend a stop at this zoo. It has been a popular attraction for generations and has been continuously accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums since 1986.

If you want to learn more about Alexandria Zoological Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .

3. Sci-Port Discovery Center

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from New Orleans to Dallas is Shreveport, Louisiana. And if you visit Shreveport, Louisiana, we suggest you visit Sci-Port Discovery Center. You can arrive at Sci-Port Discovery Center after 4 hours and 54 mins of driving.

Sci-Port Discovery Center is an impressive 92,000 sq. ft. science and entertainment center that has something for everyone in the family. This interactive center is home to over 200 hands-on exhibits and programs, including the Sawyer Space Dome Planetarium. Whether you’re young or old, there’s something for you here. The exhibits are engaging and offer a fun way to learn about science. The center is also budget-friendly, making it a top attraction for families visiting Shreveport. So, if you’re on a New Orleans to Dallas road trip and looking for a fun and educational stop, Sci-Port Discovery Center is worth a visit.

You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Sci-Port Discovery Center for more information.

4. Paul Boorman Trail

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Paul Boorman Trail, Longview, Texas on the New Orleans to Dallas road trip. Paul Boorman Trail is 377 miles from New Orleans, and you can arrive there after the 5 hours and 52 mins of drive.

Paul Boorman Trail is a lovely place for a nature-filled excursion while on your New Orleans to Dallas road trip. This trail boasts a wide path, making it suitable for walking, jogging, cycling, or even a friendly chat with fellow trail-goers. You’ll come across exercise stations along the way and even picnic tables to take a break and relax. This trail caters to everyone, whether you want to bring your furry friend to the dog park, or let your kids enjoy the adjacent park. During our visit, we got to witness a diverse array of flora and fauna. We only explored a small part of the trail, but it was enough to leave us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The city of Longview should be commended for creating this wonderful series of trails that offers a taste of wilderness so close to the city.

In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Paul Boorman Trail before going there.

5. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Located in Dallas, Texas, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from New Orleans to Dallas. You must take 7 hours and 33 mins of driving to arrive at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a must-visit for those who have an interest in history, especially that of President John F. Kennedy. This museum provides a fascinating look into the life and legacy of one of America’s most famous presidents. The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged to give you an idea of what the space looked like during the 1960s. The museum takes you on a journey through Kennedy’s life and the events leading up to his tragic death, presenting a well-rounded and informative look at a significant chapter in American history. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a unique way to learn about JFK, the Sixth Floor Museum is a great addition to any road trip itinerary.

If you want to learn more about The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From New Orleans to Dallas

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the New Orleans to Dallas drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From New Orleans To Dallas?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the New Orleans to Dallas road trip takes approximately 7 hours and 30 mins to drive. The driving distance between New Orleans to Dallas is 497 miles.
• If you want to make the New Orleans to Dallas road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be 1 day 19 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the New Orleans-Dallas route, then you will have to walk for 7 days and 9 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From New Orleans To Dallas?

There are many beautiful pits stops along the way to Dallas. You can visit Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Alexandria, Louisiana; Shreveport, Louisiana; Longview, Texas; Dallas, Texas; on the road. Here we list five places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the New Orleans to Dallas journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The New Orleans To Dallas Road Trip.

• Louisiana’s Old State Capitol: 81.3 miles / 1 hour and 20 mins to drive from New Orleans | 418 miles / 6 hours and 17 mins of driving to Dallas.
• Alexandria Zoological Park: 189 miles / 3 hours and 14 mins to drive from New Orleans | 305 miles / 4 hours and 28 mins of driving to Dallas.
• Sci-Port Discovery Center: 318 miles / 4 hours and 54 mins to drive from New Orleans | 187 miles / 2 hours and 47 mins of driving to Dallas.
• Paul Boorman Trail: 377 miles / 5 hours and 52 mins to drive from New Orleans | 129 miles / 1 hour and 59 mins of driving to Dallas.
• The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: 499 miles / 7 hours and 33 mins to drive from New Orleans | 1.1 miles / 6 mins of driving to Dallas.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From New Orleans To Dallas?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from New Orleans to Dallas. We have selected five hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Dallas From New Orleans section.

• Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown: 81.6 miles / 1 hour and 19 mins to drive from New Orleans | 418 miles / 6 hours and 18 mins of driving to Dallas.
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Alexandria: 188 miles / 3 hours and 12 mins to drive from New Orleans | 306 miles / 4 hours and 28 mins of driving to Dallas.
• The Remington Suite Hotel & Spa: 318 miles / 4 hours and 54 mins to drive from New Orleans | 187 miles / 2 hours and 45 mins of driving to Dallas.
• Best Western Longview: 375 miles / 5 hours and 46 mins to drive from New Orleans | 131 miles / 2 hours of driving to Dallas.
• The Adolphus, Autograph Collection: 498 miles / 7 hours and 32 mins to drive from New Orleans | 1.0 miles / 5 mins of driving to Dallas.

Where To Eat Between New Orleans to Dallas?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your New Orleans to Dallas drive, you can consider the five restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 5 Best Restaurants On The New Orleans To Dallas Road Trip .

• Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant: 74.9 miles / 1 hour and 15 mins to drive from New Orleans | 426 miles / 6 hours and 27 mins of driving to Dallas.
• Spirits Food & Friends: 190 miles / 3 hours and 14 mins to drive from New Orleans | 305 miles / 4 hours and 25 mins of driving to Dallas.
• Crawdaddy’s Kitchen: 313 miles / 4 hours and 53 mins to drive from New Orleans | 185 miles / 2 hours and 45 mins of driving to Dallas.
• Pizza King, Longview: 374 miles / 5 hours and 44 mins to drive from New Orleans | 128 miles / 1 hour and 57 mins of driving to Dallas.
• Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Dallas: 507 miles / 7 hours and 40 mins to drive from New Orleans | 10.9 miles / 15 mins of driving to Dallas.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from New Orleans to Dallas. We have listed five hotels, five restaurants, and five places to visit on the New Orleans to Dallas drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from New Orleans to Dallas as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the New Orleans to Dallas road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want to have the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from New Orleans to Dallas and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Dallas Road Trip – Travel Guide

In this video, you will find key tips to maximize the joy of your Dallas road trip.

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The New Orleans Road Trip Planner: Your Louisiana Road Trip

June 15, 2021

A New Orleans road trip combines creole, cajun and the great outdoors, all highlights of a southern USA road trip. Here’s how to plan your fly drive New Orleans and Louisiana road trip. As the locals say, let the good times roll!

Table of Contents

Planning a New Orleans Road Trip

One of the best drives through America’s Deep South has to be a New Orleans road trip.

Starting and finishing in New Orleans works from a practical point of view (it’s easier to fly in and out of the same airport) but there’s a better reason too. Once you’ve driven through the southern state of Louisiana, you’ll see the jazz-fuelled city of New Orleans in a whole new light.

Sure, our New Orleans road trip will always have a special place in my heart, being our first driving holidays as mum, dad and baby. But you don’t need to let my personal circumstances guide your trip.

Whether you’re planning a fly drive New Orleans or plan to link up from elsewhere on the ground, this southern US road trip itinerary will leave you with a completely different perspective.

Check out our road trip planner and handbook and stock up on these road trip essentials .

What to Expect on a New Orleans Road Trip

Imagine driving past white sand beaches, alligator-strewn swamps, the stately curve of the Mississippi and small towns on the bayou, with drive-through sweet shops and mailboxes on sticks.

Follow the history of jazz, experience plantation life on the Great River Road and uncover the history of slavery, Creole, Cajun and Zydeco.

On a Louisiana road trip, live music unfolds every night. Gumbo, grits and crawfish etouffée tell stories through their meals and reflect the diversity of the people who call this place their home.

Other than New Orleans itself, the cities and large towns aren’t well known. But then again, that’s part of the charm of a southern USA road trip. Drive into Louisiana and really get a taste of the Deep South, away from all the tourists.

Southern hospitality is legendary: it really is the kind of place where people stop to chat, to ask where you’re from and invite you to follow the state’s motto: l aissez le bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll.

New Orleans Road Trip Toolkit: At a Glance

Here are the shortcuts:

• Book your travel insurance before you go! Get 5% off Heymondo Travel Insurance here.
• Book your flight to New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport by comparing prices with Skyscanner here.
• Book your vehicle with Hertz here and check out this list of Road Trip Essentials before you book.
• I’ve highlighted individual tours, when appropriate, but you can also find useful New Orleans tours from Get Your Guide here.   Fancy an evening cruise on the Steamboat Natchez? Or how about a voodoo and cemetery tour?
• Stay in  Maison Dupuy  for olde worlde charm in the heart of the French Quarter and a pool to cool off.
• Try  Old No 77  in New Orleans for a hipster buzz and local art. Think bare bricks and utterly cool.
• Don’t miss  Oak Alley Plantation on the Great River Road.  Purpose-built accommodation on the grounds has modern comforts added in. Highly recommended.

New Orleans Road Trip: A 10 Day Southern USA Itinerary

Ten days is just about enough to taste each of the aspects that Louisiana has to offer, as well as leaving time for New Orleans itself.

There are lots of different routes you can take from New Orleans, though most will touch on Lafayette and Baton Rouge eventually.

Travelling with a baby, we didn’t really want to spend any more than 2-3 hours in the car each day: we wanted to be out on the ground, exploring (and, let’s face it, knew we’d need to stop to change nappies, arrange feeds etc.) If you want to skip a few steps, you can just keep on going and spend more hours in the car each day.

But there’s no need. There are plenty of places to stop and wander around. However, you may want to only spend one night in some of the places if you’re trying to cram this into seven days. But with 10, it feels nice and relaxed (and suitable for travel with kids.)

• Recommended reading: how to plan a road trip by yourself

Day 1 – Arrive in New Orleans

Yes, so the great New Orleans road trip doesn’t actually start until day 3 but I’m thinking of two things here. One, if you’re flying as part of a fly drive New Orleans road trip, you’ll be jet-lagged.

If you do fly, you can rent a car or  have a car you own shipped to New Orleans .

And I always think it’s a good idea to get some sleep before getting behind the wheel. Two, even if you’re not, New Orleans is such a fascinating and fun city that you may as well spend a bit of time in it.

Likewise, I’ve created this Louisiana road trip itinerary to include time in New Orleans again at the end. You’ll see the city with new eyes after you’ve seen more of the southern states.

Most things to do in New Orleans don’t need too much planning in advance but I’ve sliced up my suggestions into the following three ideas.

• Things to do when you’re jet-lagged (day one) Things to do when you’ve recovered (day two.) And things to do once you return a seasoned New Orleanian (day ten.)
• Live music can be heard almost everywhere, but Jackson Square in the afternoon makes a good spot to stop and stare, and Frenchmen Street performs well in the early evening.
• The  iconic Cafe du Monde serves sugary beignets all day and all night and a bit of chicory caffeine and a sugar rush can help power you through jet lag. Save the gourmet dinners for when your insides have caught up with the clock, though.

Things to Do in New Orleans When You’re Jet Lagged

The French Quarter is a striking place to wander around on foot whatever the time and whatever the weather (although avoid Bourbon Street at night unless you actually are in the mood to party.) Its architecture is as far away from a modern American city as it is possible to be: wrought-iron balconies, narrow streets, bright colours, faded paintwork, swaying palms.

You can find food and drink 24 hours a day (we were offered Bloody Marys with our 7am breakfast) but it’s not all history, history, history and party, party, party.

New Orleans has a growing art scene, particularly around Royal Street and the Warehouse District, so if you are feeling so tired your head hurts but you just can’t sleep, try browsing your way along there.

Find more suggestions with this three day New Orleans itinerary.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

The french quarter.

We stayed in Maison Dupuy  in the quieter part of the French Quarter but still within easy reach of the key spots. It has old, French-Creole style charm and a small pool, which is something of a rarity in this part of town (but perfect to help you get used to the heat.)

Outside the French Quarter

For a larger, more contemporary place to stay, try  Le Meridien New Orleans on Poydras Street.  It’s just outside the French Quarter but as part of a multi-international brand it carries the pros and cons that come with that as you’d expect.

Day 2 – Exploring New Orleans

While it’s a little optimistic to think that your jet lag will be over by now, hopefully you’ve caught up with some sleep – or at the very least, had some rest.

Try taking the characteristic streetcar to the Garden District, the leafy, elegant part of town. The enormous World War Two Museum deserves a full morning or afternoon (but is probably a bit too realistic for older children.)

A nice street to wander along is Magazine Street (hop off the St Charles Streetcar at Washington Avenue and St Charles Avenue.) You’ll walk with tourists along Washington Avenue, past Commander’s Palace and the Lafayette Cemetery but Magazine Street has a different feel.

Inside Tips

Look out for craft donuts (yes, they’re a thing in America) at District Donuts and art at the Terrance Osborne Gallery. It’s a safe and gorgeous area to wander around yourself but you’ll learn more about the history if you take a walking tour through the Garden District.

If you’re organised enough to have booked a place in advance, spend an afternoon at Langlois cooking school, learning all about roux, gumbo and why those dishes are the way they are. Alternatively, join a Creole and Cajun cooking lesson through Get Your Guide for great value here.

Where to Eat in the Garden District

Joey’K’s Restaurant & Bar on Magazine Street is a fun, colourful place to stop for lunch with staples like red beans & rice and southern fried chicken.

Cavan  makes a wonderfully atmospheric spot for dinner. Its location, in a salvaged mansion that dates back to 1883, brings the old New Orleans to life. Inspired by the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf of Mexico, the menu includes crab noodles and a raw oyster platter.

Day 3 – New Orleans Too Lafayette VIA Vermilionville

At last, the New Orleans road trip gets underway! Although it usually makes sense to pick up your hire car at the airport, you don’t need a car in central New Orleans (the French Quarter and around) and as it’s quite a journey back to the airport, it doesn’t make sense to do that either.

We booked through Hertz, who have a number of pick up points around the city, including within walking distance of the French Quarter (as long as you’re happy to walk. Otherwise, it’s a short taxi ride.) With a baby and all their paraphernalia in tow, it made sense for Mr Travel Lab to pick up the car and then head back and pick us up with our gazilions upon gazilions of pieces of luggage.

I also recommend paying for the SatNav just in case, but we brought our own car seat from the UK so that we could use it in taxis and so on if needs be.

Logistics, over with, zoom up that interstate baby!

Leaving New Orleans

There is an unmistakable thrill to heading out of the city past the superdome and onto the interstate. If anything, America is the land of the motor vehicle and its new cities are designed with this in mind. Cars are big (we booked a towering Nissan Pathfinder and it looked like a toy) and drive-through diners abound.

Despite our lofty plans for gourmet, cultural cuisine, we couldn’t help but pull over for breakfast when we saw The Huddle House. The waitress strutted over with a jug of coffee and iced water in a straight-from-the-movies style.

Besides, it turns out that The Huddle House  is a part of the local culture: it’s a Deep South institution with a legacy that goes back 45 or so years.

Ribeye steak with grits for breakfast, anyone?!

A Louisiana Road Trip Experience: Driving Across the Swamps

Driving along the highway, it takes a few minutes to notice that you’re flying across swampland, dead alligators on the side of the road instead of badgers. Every now and then, the trees clear and the water of the bayous shimmers through, looking ever more beautiful than I thought a swamp could be.

They also look pretty close to the road. Just a few minutes’ drive outside the city of New Orleans and it becomes easy to see why Hurricane Katrina had the devastating effect it did.

But after a while, the road turns towards Vermilionville, the capital of Cajun country.

Cajun Country Heartland: Into the Deep South

Cajun country can be defined in many different ways, but possibly the most interesting is to note that it’s the largest French-speaking area within the United States. The word Cajun comes from the Acadians, people who fled modern day Canada when the British tussled with the French over who should occupy the land.

The exiled Acadians bounced along the East Coast as refugees and were turned away by the mainly protestant British-leaning outposts until they reached the more Catholic area of New Orleans in Louisiana and were given permission to settle.

That’s an oversimplification, of course, but if you want to delve any deeper, there are plenty of places to look, especially in Vermilionville.

The Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center offers plenty of resources, plus a more traditional museum style layout.

But it’s the next door Vermilionville Living History and Folk Life Park that brings the history to life. It spreads over 23 acres and featured restored homes used by the early Acadian/Cajun settlers. Costumed staff explain the architecture and tell tall tales, greeting you in French but explaining things in English as well.

And although there’s a sense of tranquility there, with alligators hiding in the undergrowth only a few feet away, it’s a stark reminder of the reality of southern living.

You can make up for the shock with a hearty plate of jambalaya and sweet potato fries. Another staple of this southern USA road trip experience.

With picking up the car, the drive and taking your time on this Cajun stop, the day is pretty much full.

So it’s time to drive into Lafayette to find a place to stay and a bite to eat, ready for the next day and the next stage of your fly-drive New Orleans road trip.

Where to Stay in Lafayette

We stayed at  Home2 Suites by Hilton Parc Lafayette on Kaliste Saloom Road. 

This is a little out of town, but then, that seems to be the American way. Drive everywhere!

What was amazing about this place was the hybrid self-catered apartment and hotel room approach. Our room divided up through curtains into each section and yet there was a fully staffed reception desk and breakfast available downstairs. Also, coin-operated laundry, a pool, a grocery store! Perfect for travel with a small child.

Where to Eat in Lafayette

I think it was dinner at Randol’s that convinced me that music really is everywhere in Louisiana.

On an unpromising long avenue of tarmac (again, roads everywhere) looking for number 2320 Kaliste Saloom Road seemed a pointless task.

Its unpromising wooden shack and corrugated tin roof look didn’t help much either.

But inside was hospitality galore! Great food, local beer! You can  see more about that on the Lonely Planet broadcast over here.

It turns out that Randol’s has been owned and operated by Frank Randol for more than 40 years and considers itself deeply rooted in Cajun culture. They raise their own crawfish (a staple of this part of the world) and crabs and grow their own herbs.

They also offer up Cajun or Zydeco music nightly (and somewhat curiously, play videos of people doing the same.) Foot tappin’ times even with the young ‘uns.

Day 4 – Avery Island and the Tabasco Factory

Had you told me this time last year that I’d be interested in visiting the place where they make tabasco, I’d have said hell yes. Had you told me I wish I’d spent more time there, I’d have reached for that quizzical emoji. Yet, that’s exactly what I thought when I did get there.

So, yes. Avery Island is the Tabasco factory and it’s just a short drive from the Cajun hub city of Lafayette.

But, and it’s an important but, it’s a place worth visiting in its own right.

It somewhat undersells its subtropical Jungle Gardens, awash with azaleas, camellias and colourful bamboo.

It is a safari made for a DIY road trip: rippling rivers, bayous, flocks of snowy egrets. And live oaks dripping with iridescent moss and barely another vehicle in sight.

Plus, the days are hot out in the sun. A road trip through a garden isn’t really as daft as it sounds.

So. In reality, I’d recommend leaving plenty of time for the Jungle Gardens but also time for Tabasco itself.

The Story of Tabasco

The hot sauce has a hell of a hot story. It’s practically the American story of one man who had a great idea to make his product a household name. Of course, when you dig into the details, as ever, he had money and connections to start with. But still, it’s humbling to see just how much of an impact can be made with an idea and some brilliant marketing (the Guinness story in Dublin also springs to mind.)

Check out the Lonely Planet broadcast over here for more about Tabasco and check back here again soon for more.

To take everything in, I’d recommend spending a day at Avery Island (not really an island but a curiously enormous salt dome.)

But if you find yourself finished before I say so (!) then drive into central Lafayette to check out their collection of downtown museums.

I loved the Leo Touchet exhibition at the Acadiana Centre for the Arts. Also, look out for the Lafayette fountain and city sign: a humble homage to that Hollywood one, just a little more down to earth. Literally.

It’s a lovely, quirky addition to this southern USA itinerary.

Where to Eat

For dinner, I’d highly recommend Dark Roux on Kaliste Saloom, a creative little restaurant with polished wood, green glass and brushed metal and a creative menu to boot. Blue crab carbonara, Grandma’s choc chip cookie with hot milk. Oh, and cocktails. I seem to remember that Girls & Cigars went down well: bourbon, blackberry shrub, lemon and basil. Great taste, despite the non-PC name ;-)

Day 5 – Creole Nature Trail and Lake Charles

It’s worth getting up early today to avoid the full weight of the almost-Texan sun as you walk (and drive!) the Creole Nature Trail – and it’s definitely worth stopping to see the Creole Nature Trail.

I find visitors’ centres for natural landscapes to be more than a little hit and miss but the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point on 2740 Ruth Street is definitely a hit.

No bigger than a church hall, it shines a spotlight onto many of the mysteries of Creole culture and the wildlife of Louisiana. A DIY band shows the difference between Creole, Cajun and Zydeco bands (it’s strangely addictive) while other exhibits introduce recipes, list wildlife and showcase geology.

Plus, the maps are handy and the staff couldn’t be more enthusiastic.

Driving Through Nature on the Creole Nature Trail, Louisiana

As we’re in America, we’re talking about a driving based nature trail but there are plenty of pitstops where you can stop the car and get out and walk.

The sun is fierce, though, so, again, a driving walk makes more sense than you may think if you’re reading this behind the screen in a cooler climate.

We followed the Blue Goose Trail through the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge.

The immaculate boardwalks of the Lake Charles Wetland Walkway reached out into the luminous green freshwater marshes. We took mosquito spray (and a net for the buggy) but I’m not convinced we needed them. They are handy to pack when planning a Louisiana road trip, though.

The Gulf of Mexico

You can drive on to reach Holly Beach on the Gulf of Mexico and see pastel-coloured houses on stilts that overlook white sand and strangely still surf. If this is your thing, you can spend another day here and complete the loop by crossing on the Cameron Ferry and driving up to Lake Charles. 

Alternatively, make a U turn and drive back up towards Sulphur before heading on to Lake Charles.

Whichever you decide as part of your New Orleans fly drive, I’d highly recommend a stop at Le Bleu’s Landing at 202 Henning Drive, Sulphur. It’s a family-owned Cajun restaurant with a gift shop and comedy life-size alligator but despite all that seems highly authentic. Workers in plaid shirts fill the hall at lunch time, chomping down on the Cajun specialty of Boudin, a rice sausage make with ground pork, liver, parsley, onions, salt, black and red pepper and secret inputs from cooks.

In the butchers next door, you can watch boudin being made. In the main hall, you can eat it ;-)

You can also order up the mythical fried green tomatoes (at the Whistle Stop Cafe.) Yay!

Where to Stay in Lake Charles

We stayed at the Isle of Capri, Westlake a massive casino hotel.

However, we heard about a pop-up Zydeco event at The Crying Eagle Brewery so didn’t spend much time there as a result. Ask the concierge (and have a quick google) to see what’s on.

For food, check out the aforementioned Le Bleu’s Landing.

Day 6 – Lake Charles to Baton Rouge

It’s on day six that you start to retrace your steps and head back towards New Orleans. But this time, you’ll be stopping at the state capital Baton Rouge, after a detour to Breaux Bridge. Both are essentials on any Louisiana road trip itinerary.

Breaux Bridge – Crawfish Capital of the World

Breaux Bridge is a fun place to stop, and a small town addition to the big cities en route. With characteristic humility, it calls itself the crawfish capital of the world and announces the fact on the 200-year-old bridge that gives the town its name.

The real joy here is the modern expression of French-Acadian charm. Plenty of antique shops, small cafes, crawfish (!) and chances to see the cool, clear waters of Bayou Teche.

• Watch  the Lonely Planet broadcast on Breaux Bridge here.

Louisiana’s Capital City

Baton Rouge is a curious city. Unimpressive to Americans, dazzling to outsiders.

At least once an hour, someone would get chatting to us and ask where we were from. When they realised we’d flown over ten hours to be here, they answered (in a deep southern drawl…) “so what in the wo-or-rld are you doing in Baton Rouge?”

This is the amazing part of travel. One man’s mystery is another’s mundane.

Downtown Baton Rouge is clean and orderly, spreading itself and its museums along the lazy curve of the Mississippi River.

On arrival day, you may only have time for a short walk along the river and a night out on Third Street (traveling with baby meant we skipped this step.)

Where to Stay in Baton Rouge

We stayed in a suite in downtown Baton Rouge at Hotel Indigo. Suites work well for travel with babies (when baby is asleep, you still have a room to yourself.) The location, within an easy walk of Third Street, the museums and the Mississippi, was perfect.

Baton Rouge has a great range of eateries. A good downtown place to start is the eclectic Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar where almost every flavour on earth comes served on an oyster (well, 50 different flavours, but who’s counting?) Also, the Love Actually  fantasy  Schlittz & Giggles satisfies any pizza-and-a-bottle-of-Bud All-American cravings.

How Far is Baton Rouge from New Orleans?

How far apart are Baton Rouge and New Orleans? It’s around 82 miles or 130 km between the two cities. Driving on the fastest roads available without stopping at all, you can drive between New Orleans and Baton Rouge in around 1 hour and twenty minutes. However, with so many great things to see and do on this Deep South Road Trip, why would you rush?

Day 7 – Overnight Baton Rouge

Tomorrow requires an early start to get going and make the most of Plantation Country so think of today as your only day in Baton Rouge. As befits a state capital, there are plenty of things to do, more than you can comfortably fit into a single day.

But also, it isn’t a city with as many must-sees as, say, New York or Boston, so don’t feel pressured. Choose a few things to do and make your peace with it. As with any southern USA road trip itinerary, the secret is to take your time.

Flavours of  Baton Rouge

If you haven’t noticed already, breakfast is a big deal around here. Order a virgin Cajun bloody Mary at Another Broken Egg,  another Louisiana franchise, and then spend the rest of the morning browsing the Red Stick Farmer’s & Arts Market , a short walk from the downtown area.

The market provides a daytime chance to catch some live Cajun music, as well as munch on some artisanal snacks like smoked meats and pecan pie. One friendly farmer told us the story of the white aubergine. Apparently, French settlers found the traditional purple one went bitter in the heat and humidity so they trialled different types until the white one took hold.

Either that or he just spun us a good yarn.

The Pirate of the Pacific

In the afternoon, we squeezed ourselves into the mighty USS KIDD (DD-661), the Pirate of the Pacific, that sits with some prominence on the riverbank. But for less sombre pursuits, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Old State Capitol and Louisana State Museum await just across the road (and down a bit.)

Chilling in Baton Rouge

Visits to the relaxed Tin Roof Brewery and Cane Land Rum Distillery can double up for culture and a live music hit as owners tell tall tales about floating whisky and the Mississippi journey to New Orleans. Catch the Lonely Planet broadcast from the distillery over here.

Where to Eat in Baton Rouge

Breakfast at Another Broken Egg and lunch at the market.

Then for dinner, visit Cocha on North 6th Street. Sip cocktails like the Worm’s Big Adventure (Sazerac Rye, Cocchi Americano, Green chartreuse and lime) beneath Mardi Gras beads and feast on lavender lamb chops.

Day 8 – Baton Rouge to Plantation Country (The Great River Road)

Today’s the day to hit the most iconic stretch of the trip: the Great River Road.

Ironically, the drive itself isn’t all that interesting, but it’s the places you can stop off and visit that make this stretch a road trip to remember.

First up, is a swamp tour, which is decidedly nicer than it sounds.

Taking a Swamp Tour on the Great River Road

Although swamps sound grim, they’re actually peaceful, cool, beautiful places with far fewer mosquitoes visible than Hollywood would have you believe.

We joined the  Cajun Pride Swamp Tours in Frenier  and took to the Manchac swamp. I’d wondered whether this would be suitable for a baby but no-one else seemed bothered. Our Cajun captain welcomed us aboard and, as the boat’s in the shade and the journey’s steadier and slower than an airport travelator, I needn’t have worried. I even ended up breastfeeding on the bayou, while other passengers looked at the alligators.

In truth, I wish we’d had longer on the water. Gliding past wild hibiscus rose mallow and marshmallow while listening to the history of the region through a thick Cajun accent amid the moss-draped cypress trees seemed, well, impossibly tranquil. There’s also an interesting exhibit on the Native American people who lived in Louisiana prior to the arrival of the Europeans.

• Find out the difference between a swamp and a bayou here

Lunch at The Creole House, Paulina. Quick n hot gumbo beneath whirring fans, stars n stripes and floor to ceiling wood and sports TV.

Stand in Awe at Oak Alley Plantation

Wham, bam, thank you ma’am, does this place have a grand entrance. A quarter of a mile of centuries-old oak trees lead up to the white columns of the Oak Alley Plantation, an icon in the Deep South and a plantation home that has seen Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Beyonce strut their stuff here using the place as a backdrop.

I could just stand and look at the place for hours, as could everyone else in town, which is why they make access to the house contingent on booking a tour.

In fact, it’s a little jolting after the rest of the New Orleans road trip to rejoin the world of tourists but the shock can be smoothed over by staying the night on the plantation itself.

As the day trippers disappear, the place seems all the more impressive, and all the more haunting and historic.

Accommodation is in cottages on the grounds of the plantation but not in the Big House itself (which, actually, is a blessing as it was built in 1829 and lacks a lot of modern amenities.) You can see more about the stay in the Oak Alley plantation cottage on this Lonely Planet broadcast here. This is definitely something to book in advance.

Oak Alley has a restaurant on site but a nice thing to do is to have dinner brought to your room before you arrive.

There’s something special about sitting on your own front porch, listening to the crickets and watching the clouds roll by overhead. Magnificent for those with or without babies.

Day 9 – Plantation Country to New Orleans (The Great River Road)

Make the most of the morning in the cottage and on the grounds of the plantation. Check out the cabins that talk about the Civil War, slavery and sugar production if you missed them yesterday and make time for that all important meal of breakfast.

Early morning is also the time for photos, if you’re into that kind of thing, snapping away at the live oaks before the New Orleans day trippers begin to arrive.

The Whitney Plantation and Slavery

Next up is a short drive to a different kind of plantation: the Whitney.

On our trip, we combined the swamp tour, Oak Alley and the Whitney in a single day, which was probably a bit much.

Enjoy the splendour of plantation life first; then visit the Whitney and confront how all this wealth was possible and how many human lives were ruined. It’s a powerful, powerful place. You can read more about my thoughts about the Whitney and the Great River Road over here. I think it’s one of the most important places to visit on any southern USA road trip itinerary and certainly the most important of all the plantation homes.

I loved the Old No 77 Hotel on 535 Tschoupitoulas Street in the Warehouse District. It’s a bit of a walk from the French Quarter, Treme and a tram ride out to the Garden District but it’s a fascinating place in an area awash with art. The hotel itself features art from local artists and has a relaxed hipster vibe, which can be an enjoyable move back to the present after a week spent revisiting the past. Watch the broadcast for Lonely Planet over here.

Day 10 – Overnight New Orleans

Ach, well, you don’t have to spend the last day in New Orleans, of course. But it’s such a fascinating place, why wouldn’t you?

With a taste of Louisiana under your belt, now is the time to visit the Hurricane Katrina exhibit at the Presbytere, to saunter through the French Market and take a bike tour out through Louis Armstrong Park, Treme and the cemeteries.(That last suggestion is not baby friendly, by the way.  I did that as a solo traveller a few years ago.)

The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the US Mint on Esplanade Avenue doubles as an interesting look at the city in the early 20th century as well as, of course, focusing on jazz.

Fortify yourself with eggs at a New Orleans institution: Breakfast at Brennan’s (look out for the flaming option and the book on breakfast eggs.)

One of the best things about a trip to New Orleans is the character of the food and the character of the places that serve it. So, while I’m recommending more places than you need for a single day, it’s because I don’t want you to miss something that works for you. Most of these picks are in or close to the French Quarter but I’m also including a few slightly further out in Magazine Street if you fancy a change of scene.

Where to Eat in the French Quarter

Napoleon House, Chartres Street  – So named because the then mayor of New Orleans invited Napoleon to stay here back in the 1800s. If shabby chic and history is your thing then head here for a Muffuletta (pastrami, salami, Swiss cheese sandwich famous in these parts) or red beans and rice.

Cafe Amelie  – Gorgeous little eatery in a leafy courtyard off Royal Street.

Angeline – High quality flavour and presentation in a low key setting in the French Quarter. A mediterranean twist on Louisiana fare.

Johnny’s Po-Boys  – A new Orleans story in a sandwich, the Po-Boy of a white baguette, slippery roast beef or fried crawfish, excels in its simplicity. And Johnny’s rounds that up with counter service, bright lights and great taste.

Where to Eat on Magazine Street

La Petite Grocery – atmospheric eatery with modern takes on Louisiana classics, like turtle bolognese and blue crab beignets.

Return to New Orleans: End of the New Orleans Road Trip

It’s now a short drive back to New Orleans to drop off the hire car and check in to a new hotel. Your New Orleans fly drive is over. If you stayed in the French Quarter on arrival, it makes sense to stay somewhere else now to get a different flavour of the city.

Want more? Check out our guide to planning a San Francisco to Santa Barbara road trip here.

Travel Tips For a Southern USA Road Trip

Booking flights for your new orleans road trip.

• If you’re flying from the UK, there’s good news! British Airways now flies direct to New Orleans from London Heathrow, which avoids the kinda hellish transfer in Atlanta late at night. The flight lasts 10 hours and the airport (MSY) is small on an international scale and pretty easy to navigate.
• We booked our flights through Flight Centre, a company I’ve used since I was a student (and one that incidentally features Oak Alley Planation on its web page for flights to New Orleans ;-) )

Family Travel to New Orleans

• Flying long haul with a baby  was nowhere near as traumatic as people made out; in fact it was actually quite nice. You get let on first, have help and don’t have to cook and clean up all by yourself. Aeroplane toilets are larger these days, with changing facilities, and you can take the buggy right up to the gate.
• Read more about travel tips for flying with a baby over here.
• One thing to note, perhaps, is that British Airways Business Class doesn’t have space for bassinets. We were upgraded (after I helped in a medical emergency, long story) and while staff are happy to let babies sleep on parents’ laps, you will have to wake them for meals and turbulence and so on.
• Read more about flying Business Class with British Airways over here.

How to Plan an Orlando to New Orleans Road Trip

Driving direct from Orlando to New Orleans takes between nine and ten hours. So, if you’re thinking about flying into Orlando and then driving to New Orleans to take advantage of a better flight fare, it’s probably not worth the hassle.

However, Orlando and the west coast of Florida have some great spots as well. So, it would work to combine a driving itinerary through west Florida with a road trip to New Orleans.

Keen to travel further afield but unsure where to go? Check out our guide to choosing between Los Angeles and Miami .

More About New Orleans

To add more to your Louisiana road trip, you could venture into some of Louisiana’s State Parks like these. Or choose to spend more time in New Orleans. Here’s a selection of articles to help you plan and enjoy your fly drive New Orleans even more:

• 3 days in New Orleans itinerary
• The surprising story behind Louis Armstrong’s hit It’s a Wonderful World
• What you need to know about the beignets of Café du Monde
• What the Great River Road can teach us about the American Dream
• Why the Tabasco factory is Louisiana’s hottest attraction
• The difference between a swamp and a bayou
• The best things to do in New Orleans with children

And for other fly drive holidays in North America, check out our New England route and west coast Florida routes. Road trips are among my favourite kind of holiday types and navigating car rental in the States is pretty straightforward. You can buy a fly drive package from a tour operator or arrange the flights and car rental independently. Both options are just as good as each other, but if opting for a package, make sure to check the booking conditions as to whether they are including flights.

How to Put Together the Perfect Road Trip

You’re in road trip heaven here. We love road trips and have everything for them. Check out…

• The road trip essentials you need to know about
• The Ultimate Road Trip Planner  with printables and handbook
• 101 fun road trip questions for your next drive
• Inspiring road trip quotes for your instagram caption ideas.

Disclosure – I travelled to Louisiana with assistance from Visit New Orleans, Louisiana Travel, Hertz UK and Flight Centre. However, I remained free to write what I like and to choose what went into this road trip itinerary. I’m only recommending things I would gladly do again myself, not everything that was on the itinerary. Note that ff you book or buy through any of the links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Now, go have fun y’all!

8 thoughts on “The New Orleans Road Trip Planner: Your Louisiana Road Trip”

Because of reading this great article, I have to plan to go down there this December with my wife from Boston, MA. Thank you very much,

I hope you both have a fantastic time! Have a beignet for me and enjoy. New Orleans and Louisiana are fascinating (though I have a soft spot for Boston as well.)

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Dallas to New Orleans Road Trip

The best things to see and do between Dallas and New Orleans

• Featured Trip Guides

Created by BrendaStringer123 - June 20th 2021

Dallas, Texas, United States

9515 Fm 1255, Grand Saline, TX, US

East Texas Gators

6251 Westport Ave, Shreveport, LA, US

Cracker Barrel

5549 Hwy 119, Derry, LA, US

Magnolia Plantation

Alexandria, LA, United States

2207 Nw Evangeline Trwy, Lafayette, LA, US

Best Western Lafayette Inn

Click to discover a great deal!

1337 Henderson Levee Rd, Breaux Bridge, LA, US

McGee's Landing - Atchafalaya Basin Swamp Tours

4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA, US

Rural Life Museum

3645 LA Highway 18, South Vacherie, LA, US

Oak Alley Plantation

8801 Oak St, New Orleans, LA, US

6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA, US

Audubon Zoo

945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA, US

The National WWII Museum

1400 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA, US

Lafayette Cemetery No.1

346 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA, US

Fairfield Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown/French Quarter

Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA, US

Bourbon Street

425 Basin St, New Orleans, LA, US

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

227 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA, US

Museum of Death

726 Saint Peter St, New Orleans, LA, US

Preservation Hall

514 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA, US

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA, US

Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream - Aquarium of the Americas

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Home & renters insurance, car repair estimates, read car content, jerry data & research, dallas to new orleans road trip.

Key trip details

• Natchitoches, LA
• New Orleans, LA

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• Dallas, TX—1 to 2 days
• Natchitoches, LA—One half to 1 day
• New Orleans, LA—2 days

Start—Dallas, Texas

What to do in dallas.

Where to eat and drink in Dallas

• Bubba’s Cooks Country ($$): A morning of quiet, historical reflection creates quite an appetite—satiate that hunger at a classic Dallas fried chicken joint that’s been making mouths water since 1981. Once inside, steel yourself for juicy fried chicken, fluffy mashed potatoes, scrumptious green peas, and soft rolls , hot out of the kitchen. And in case you weren’t full, gobble down a piece of apricot fried pie for dessert.
• The Mansion at Turtle Creek ($$$$): Fresh off an afternoon of "being with nature," continue your sophisticated Dallas tour with dinner at The Mansion , serving classic American fare with an opulent, French twist, and created with fresh, local ingredients. The Mansion is known as one of Dallas’ finest restaurants. What? You’re on vacation!
• The Grapevine Bar ($$): After dinner, take a five-minute walk to The Grapevine Bar. Slum it with a cross-section of locals at this famous neighborhood dive bar. Kick back with a Tangarita , a Margarita made with Tang , the classic orange drink mix that astronaut John Glenn took to space in 1962.

Where to stay in Dallas

• The Statler Hotel : You’ve had quite the Dallas day-and-night—kick off your boots and rest your weary bones at The Statler Hotel , a recently renovated, mid-century knockout that reopened in 2017 after being closed for two decades. Back in the day, famous guests from Elvis to Tina Turner stayed here. The Statler features two restaurants, a coffee shop, a speakeasy (yes), and a rooftop bar . Easy now. And enjoy your stay under the (Lone) stars. Cost per night: from $250

Leg 1—Dallas, Texas to Natchitoches, Louisiana

What to do in natchitoches.

Where to eat in Natchitoches

• Lasyone’s Restaurant ($$): Grab lunch at Lasyone’s , a no-frills Southern eatery that’s been slinging meat pies, crawfish pies, dirty rice, and other Southern favorites since 1967. This family-owned joint has been written up in Southern Living and The New Yorker, amongst other foodie or foodie-friendly publications. So, if Lasyone’s meat pies are good enough for them, they’re certainly good enough for us… and for you!

Where to stay in Natchitoches

Leg 3—natchitoches to new orleans, louisiana, what to do in new orleans.

What to eat in New Orleans

• Liuzza’s By The Track ($$): You might have noticed a pattern on this road trip— drive-eat-walk-eat-do-sleep—which continues in New Orleans, where you’ll start by chowing down on some classic ‘Nawlins’ dishes at Liuzza’s By The Track . Feast on mouth-watering fare—try the Cajun Gumbo , filled with chicken, okra, and sausage—but don’t forget the piping hot barbecue po’boy sandwiches , sizzling catfish plates , and much more.

Where to stay in New Orleans

• Pontchartrain Hotel : Walk back towards the Quarter from Tipitina’s for a night’s stay at the Pontchartrain Hotel, a 1940’s throwback that perfectly captures the elegance of the period. There’s a bustling restaurant, The Jack Rose , where you’ll find authentic New Orleans dishes with European touches, as well as Hot Tin , the Pontchartrain's rooftop bar , popular with both tourists and locals alike. A perfect place for a nightcap under a crescent moon. Cost per night: from $220

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The Bazaar Guide to New Orleans

Just in time for Jazz Fest

Even if you can’t make it to Jazz Fest, the city’s busy cultural calendar means there’s really never a bad time to plan a trip to the Crescent City. Ahead, Harper’s Bazaar shares our favorite spots to eat, drink, dance, and shop in New Orleans. Laissez les bon temps rouler —let the good times roll!

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One of the greatest things about New Orleans is that there’s no shortage of gorgeous hotels to host you. A personal favorite of mine is Hotel Saint Vincent —a former orphanage turned mod-inspired abode (and also where I happened to get married)—tucked away in the quiet Lower Garden District and home to one of the best pools in the city. Those who want to be closer the action (i.e., the reckless abandon of Bourbon Street) can opt for lodging closer to the French Quarter, where Expedia-approved properties such as the Eliza Jane , the Kimpton , and the newly renovated Four Seasons New Orleans provide not only top-tier hospitality, but also the ultimate convenience: being able to step out the door and join any party that’s passing by. New Orleans has a subtle duality that one notices once they get to know the city better—and part of its beauty is being able to switch between the lavish celebrations and the more laid-back, slow-to-start Southern mornings.

WHERE TO DRINK

There’s no such thing as a bad drink in New Orleans. Whether you’re looking for an artisanal cocktail or a glass of funky natural wine, anywhere you stumble into will likely have the libation you’re looking for. For those who want to spend the day with a bottle and the best damn charcuterie plate you’ll ever have, head to Bachannal in the city’s hipster haunt of Bywater. If it’s time for happy hour, Luke’s downtown has a perfect French 75 (with cognac! the NOLA way!) paired with a dozen fresh oysters, and there’s Peychaud’s or Columns Bar for dirty martinis done right. Paradise Lounge at Hotel Saint Vincent also makes a mean Italian margarita and rosemary spritz, and the roof of the Ace Hotel is the perfect spot for a nightcap (and makes a top-shelf espresso martini).

WHERE TO EAT

Don’t tell New York, but to me, New Orleans is America’s best food city. While on a macro level the town is known for the obvious contenders (beignets! gumbo! po’boys!), it also has so many hidden gems from local chefs aiming to reinvent how the world sees Creole cuisine. Be sure to visit Acme’s Oyster House for traditional New Orleans eats, (get a dozen chargrilled, add hot sauce, and ask for extra bread), Elizabeth’s in Bywater for a perfect Southern breakfast (praline bacon: Don’t ask, just do!), and Cafe Sbisa for chicken and (sweet potato!) waffles and sinfully good shrimp and grits. For chef-driven sandwiches bigger than your head, head to Turkey & the Wolf ; or for a gorgeous weekend brunch in a dreamy garden, opt for Cafe Amelie . Satsuma is great for vegetarians or anyone hoping for bit of lighter fare, and Dakar has been highlighted nationwide for its take on Senegalese cuisine. Cafe du Monde and its pillowy-soft beignets are, of course, nonnegotiable.

WHERE TO DANCE

Technically, the party can be wherever you want it to be in New Orleans, but for the sake of brevity, the best place to find live music in the city would be anywhere on Frenchman Street. Nightlife staples include DBA New Orleans , the Spotted Cat Music Club , the Rabbit Hole , and Treme Hideaway , among many others .

WHERE TO SHOP

New Orleans is a city for music lovers and eccentric dressers. Any vinyl fan will have a field day sorting through vintage LPs at NOLA Mix Records in the Lower Garden District, while independent boutiques like Lekha , Elysian by Emily Morrison , and Saint Claude Social Club provide provide eclectic pieces for your home and wardrobe. Nestled inside of Hotel Saint Vincent, ByGeorge is perfect for any luxury lover: The mini boutique sells resortwear and accessories from brands like Loewe, Dries Van Noten, Christopher John Rogers, and Rabanne.

Bianca Betancourt is the culture editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com , where she covers all things film, TV, music, and more. When she's not writing, she loves impulsively baking a batch of cookies, re-listening to the same early-2000s pop playlist, and stalking Mariah Carey's Twitter feed. 

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Most interesting route between Marathon and Bandera - Texas Forum

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On november 15th we will travel from Marathon to Bandera. We know it will be a long drive (5+ hours without any stops) and therefore we won't have to much time for sightseeing. But of course we hope to make a few stops along the way anyway, just to stretch our legs, to do some sightseeing and have something to eat. Google Maps suggests two different routes, one following I 10 and the other Highway 90 for most of the way.

As there is almost no difference in travelling time between the two we were wondering, which of the two routes we should take and why? Is one more scenic than the other? Are there any attractions, parks or interesting towns we should not miss along the way?

To give you an impression of what we plan to see the rest of our trip, here is our itinerary:

10/29: Houston ( Space Center )

10/30: Houston - Lockhart (Brazos Bend and Palmetto SP)

10/31: Lockhart - Round Rock (visit Austin on the way)

11/1: Round Rock - Dallas

11/2: Dallas (6th Floor Museum and visiting a friend of ours)

11/3: Dallas - Wichita Falls (visit Fort Worth on the way)

11/4: Wichita Falls - Amarillo (Caprock Canyon SP)

11/5: Amarillo (Palo Duro Canyon SP)

11/6: Amarillo - Alamogordo (White Sands NP)

11/7: Alamogordo- Carlsbad (White Sands NP)

11/8: Carlsbad (Carlsbad Caverns NP)

11/9: Carlsbad - Van Horn (Guadalupe Mountains NP)

11/10: Van Horn - Fort Davis (Davis Mountains SP)

11/11: Fort Davis - Terlingua ( Big Bend Ranch SP)

11/12: Terlingua - Chisos Mountains Lodge or Terlingua (Big Bend NP)

11/13: Chisos Mountains Lodge or Terlingua (Big Bend NP)

11/14: Chisos Mountains Lodge or Terlingua - Marathon (Big Bend NP)

11/15: Marathon - Bandera

11/16: Bandera - San Antonio (The Missions)

11/17: San Antonio (River Walk , The Alamo )

11/18: San Antonio - Fredericksburg

11/19: Fredericksburg (Enchanted Rock SP)

11/20: Fredericksburg (Pedernales Falls SP)

11/21: Fredericksburg - Houston ( San Marcos outlet stores)

11/22: return rental car and flight out of Houston

11/23: arrival Amsterdam and train home

As for our interests: we love nature and light hiking, spotting wildlife, visit historic sites and a museum every now and then. We love to have a good local meal every now and then, but nothing too fancy and too expensive.

With this in mind I hope you can help us find the perfect route between Marathon and Bandera, as well as a few interesting places to stop along the way. All suggestions are very much appreciated. Thank you!

6 replies to this topic

Between Marathon and Bandera, take US90. There are a lot of places to stop and sightsee along that route: Pecos River High Bridge overlook, Langtry, Seminole Canyon SP, Whitehead Memorial Museum.

You're also completely skipping Fort Worth . Many visitors really love the Fort Worth Stockyards, and seeing the rodeo there on Friday and Saturday nights.

Thanks ChristieP! I guess we will take US90 then. I'll have a closer look at all the places you suggested above.

Cutting down on covered miles is not really an option, as we really want to see Palo Duro and Caprock Canyons.

As for the one-night-stops I don't think 10 one-nighters out of a total of 26 nights is a lot. Actually there were two more multi-night-stops in our original itinerary, one in Austin and one in Ft. Davis, but I had to change that, because I couldn't find any affordable accommodation.

Finally we actually do have Fort Worth included in the itinerary, but it will be a rather short visit on our way from Dallas to Wichita Falls . We hope to see the Stockyards then. The reason for staying in Dallas instead of Fort Worth is, that we have a friend living there we want to visit.

From White Sands, you could hike at Aguirre Springs in the Organ Mountains. Look for the Pine Tree Loop. We found it more to our liking than White Sands (which you really need to see at sunrise or sunset and not midday).

Mesilla was a good stop for us to walk around and get a meal.

And then driving toward Ft Davis, be sure to get off the highway and drive through the mountains along 118. It's a nice drive.

Thanks a lot to both of you!

@ ChristieP: we will certainly have a look at the caverns in the Hill Country and try, if we can fit one into our itinerary. Skipping Carlsbad altogether is not an option though, as we really want to visit Guadalupe Mountains NP on our way down to Van Horn.

Caverns in the Hill Country:

https://visitlonghorncavern.com/

https://innerspacecavern.com/

https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/

https://www.cavewithoutaname.com/

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New Orleans to Dallas drive in 1 day

New orleans to dallas road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from New Orleans to Dallas. If you're planning a road trip to Dallas, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

8:00 am  start in New Orleans drive for about 1 hour

9:14 am   Baton Rouge stay for about 1 hour and leave at 10:14 am drive for about 1.5 hours

11:58 am   Mamou stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:58 pm drive for about 1 hour

2:05 pm   Pineville (Louisiana) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:05 pm drive for about 60 minutes

4:04 pm   Natchitoches stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:04 pm drive for about 1 hour

6:13 pm   Shreveport stay for about 1 hour and leave at 7:13 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

8:41 pm   Tyler stay for about 1 hour and leave at 9:41 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

11:12 pm  arrive in Dallas stay at Hotel Zaza Dallas

driving ≈ 9 hours

New Orleans to Dallas questions

Where should I stop along the way?

Baton Rouge   (29 answers)     Chelsea's Cafe   (4 mentions)     The Varsity Theatre   (3 mentions)     questions about Baton Rouge:         Great music spots in Baton Rouge?         What is your favorite restaurant in Baton Rouge?         Must Eats in Baton Rouge? Mamou Pineville (Louisiana)   (2 answers) Natchitoches Shreveport   (20 answers)     R.W. Norton Art Gallery   (2 mentions)     questions about Shreveport:         Best free things to do in Shreveport? Tyler   (4 answers)

Where's the best place to stay in Dallas?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Dallas .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Hotel Zaza Dallas , which was mentioned 4 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Dallas? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Dallas?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Pecan Lodge , which was mentioned 9 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Dallas? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Dallas?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Dallas. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Dallas.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Dallas to New Orleans drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from New Orleans to Dallas . Or get a full New Orleans to Dallas flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know New Orleans well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about New Orleans!

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How did OKC Thunder sweep Pelicans in NBA playoffs? Depth and relentless defense

NEW ORLEANS — Moments removed from the Thunder’s first playoff series win in eight seasons, OKC coach Mark Daigneault sat upon the postgame platform in the Smoothie King Center’s cafeteria turned visiting media room, taking questions while droplets of water trickled from his hair. 

Being drenched by his players in cold water was a tolerable reality considering what led to it, a 97-89 Game 4 win and sweep of the Pelicans . And that same bath was a fitting reality, soaked the way college coaches are after an NCAA Tournament win. Most of his team is young enough to still be in college. 

“Our players are idiots,” he said jokingly. 

Perhaps the young Thunder is foolish, though, in a sense of naivete. Not knowing what was waiting for it on the other side of a 57-win season. Oklahoma City was young. Inexperienced. Oblivious to the ways the postseason forces teams to shapeshift. 

None of which seemingly mattered during its first-round series.

The Thunder became the youngest team to win a playoff series in NBA history.

More: Mussatto: Can OKC Thunder repeat its NBA playoff history after first sweep since 2012?

Now OKC awaits the winner of the Mavericks-Clippers series — currently tied at two games — with Game 1 set for Sunday or next Tuesday at Paycom Center.

By the end of OKC's postseason run, its biggest mistake might be not trademarking the phrase “youngest to.” 

Its youth has been endlessly linked to it — by pundits, by critics, by NBA history. Seemingly everyone but the team itself.

“We don’t see it as youth or being young,” forward Jalen Williams said. “We haven’t used that excuse all year. We didn’t use it last year. … It’s been brought up, it’s just something that everybody needs to talk about, and we kinda just leave it out there.” 

Monday’s win marked Oklahoma City’s first playoff series win since the 2015-16 season, perhaps the last time Thunder fans were brimming with this level of hope. With dreams of contention. 

That’s eight seasons, five trips to the postseason, three eras of Thunder basketball, a kiss goodbye to the rough pair of rebuilding seasons that jump-started this team, and one arrival — not appearance — that general manager Sam Presti was hoping for.

A mark of where this young Thunder squad stands, it did it without an overwhelming performance from its MVP candidate.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who tweaked his ankle near the end of the first quarter after seemingly stepping on a pair of teammates’ ankles, had his least efficient output of the series. He shot just 8 for 21 from the field and missed six free throws, adding 24 points. 

In possibly the ugliest game of the series (and Game 1 happened), it was Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams who delivered with shotmaking. Giddey, who scored 14 points and made four 3-pointers, hasn’t been short on confidence since March. Each of his three fourth-quarter 3s were gutsy and necessary.  

Williams tallied 24 points on 17 shots, following Giddey with a couple daring shots that all but sealed New Orleans’ fate.

More: Why OKC Thunder players 'show love' to Bally Sports sideline reporter Nick Gallo

Ugliness aside, the Pelicans appeared like a team with the desperation that comes with playing in a season-ending game. Jose Alvarado’s on-court theft was more apparent than any game. Naji Marshall aimed to be a hero, drilling four 3s. Jonas Valanciunas spent most of the night in the post, playing 14 more minutes than he did in Game 3. 

But ugly is ugly. There wasn’t any capable makeup to dress up the 37.6% shooting OKC held New Orleans to from the field, or the 8 for 34 (23.5%) mark on 3s. The Pelicans never scored more than 92 points in the series. 

The Thunder is young. It hasn’t run from that. Chet Holmgren admittedly doesn’t know who Bruce Springsteen is. Players jumped and howled through the Smoothie King halls like kids awake past their bedtime, bringing life to the hallway leading to the locker room that’d been left silent otherwise. 

The wisdom to complete Sunday’s feat is institutional. Nick Collison was on the floor pregame and standing right before the hall that Thunder players frolicked in. Other former players like Eric Maynor and D.J. White are present, scattered throughout the organization. 

Even before it knew what the postseason felt like — the heightened thrill behind a sea of fans, the sensation of cold water — this Thunder team had crutches everywhere.

“More so than explicit advice, I think it’s just the presence of everybody in their job that creates a very consistent environment,” Daigneault said. 

As an organization, it’s known who it’s been even before the season began. As a team, it had the resources to figure out who it was early. The youngest first-round winners in NBA history, turning its head at the sight of its credentials being checked. 

More: How to buy OKC Thunder home tickets for second round of 2024 NBA playoffs

Historical clamps

If you felt like the scoring for some of the Pelicans and Thunder series was a call back to the 2000s and early 2010s, you were right. Just maybe for the wrong reasons. 

The low scores — provided more often by New Orleans — went beyond the recent changes in officiating and the nature of postseason basketball. The Pelicans delivered a 93.5 offensive rating through the four games, the worst offensive rating from a playoff team since the 2015-16 Memphis Grizzlies.

Being offensively linked to a team coined the “Grit and Grind” Grizzlies probably isn’t ideal in 2024. It gets deeper, though. 

Per ESPN’s tracking data, New Orleans shot just 9 for 35 (25.7%) on shots within 5 feet of the rim and contested by Holmgren throughout the series. The Pelicans shot higher than 38.5% in just one of the four games. They only shot 28.2% or lower from 3 each game. 

Pels forward Brandon Ingram, banished to a life sentence in the most public display of the Dorture Chamber yet, was defended by Thunder guard Lu Dort for 35:09 across the series. Dort held him to 28 points on 11-for-33 shooting with four turnovers. Monday was Ingram's worst night yet, making just two of his 14 attempts. 

CJ McCollum, also thrust higher on the totem pole with Zion Williamson’s injury-related absence, similarly struggled. With Williams defending him, he made just 40% of his 20 shots. Holmgren, via switch on the perimeter or around the rim, limited him to 37.5% on 16 attempts. 

The young Thunder grinded the Pelicans to an offensively-challenged pulp.

More: Who is the OKC Thunder projected to face in the second round of the NBA playoffs?

OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans playoff series schedule

• Game 1: OKC 94, New Orleans 92
• Game 2: OKC 124, New Orleans 92
• Game 3: OKC 106, New Orleans 85
• Game 4: OKC 97, New Orleans 89

Dallas to Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

See the best of West Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona as you hit the open road on this Dallas to Arizona road trip itinerary!

Straight through from Dallas to Flagstaff in the middle of Arizona is 14 hours driving time on I-40.

But that’s no fun.

I love a good road trip, and if I have a long trip to complete, you know I’m going to be researching different places to stop along the way.

Below, you’ll find just that for each step of your journey from the heart of Texas into the Grand Canyon State.

I’ve also shared ways to extend your trip into various areas of Arizona.

In short, prepare for an epic road trip into the Southwest filled with national parks visits, roadside attractions, and vintage Americana!

Dallas to Arizona Road Trip Itinerary: Stop-by-Stop

NOTE: If you’re looking for a place to camp while you’re in the Dallas area, I highly recommend the Vineyards campground in Grapevine, Texas .

Not only is this one of the prettiest campgrounds we’ve stayed at, but it also has huge lots, water sports rentals, a private beach, and daily activities. It’s like summer camp without the counselors!

Stop 1: Abilene, Texas

Begin your road trip by heading out of Dallas towards New Mexico.

Pick up I-20 on the western side of Fort Worth and follow it 150 miles to our first stop in Abilene.

NOTE: About 75 miles west of Fort Worth, you can stop at Palo Pinto State Park , Texas’ newest state park. While it isn’t fully completed yet, the state park will eventually have hiking, camping, fishing, and non-motorized boating. If you’re planning to visit this area in 2025 and beyond, check to see which of the park’s planned recreational activities has been completed.

Next, we need to stop in Abilene, Texas , where you’ll find plenty of Texas history and arts-themed activities.

The Grace Museum is excellent for the entire family with kid-friendly exhibits, history areas, photography gallery, and more across 5 different sections.

For even more American history, step into yesteryear at Frontier Texas!, an interactive history museum tracing the steps of both the Native Americans and the pioneers during Westward Expansion.

Your childhood literary favorites are larger than life along the storybook trail through downtown Abilene, where you can find sculptures of Horton (from Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who ), Charlotte and Wilbur (from E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web ), and so many more. See the entire route on the storybook sculpture map here .

Abilene Zoo boasts more than 250 species across 8 areas of the park. In addition to viewing the animals, kids can go gem mining, ride a train, go fishing in Tittle Lake, and go on behind the scenes tours.

Stop 2: Carlsbad, New Mexico

Today, we’re visiting the oil fields of West Texas on our way to Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Keep on I-20 until you get to Big Spring, and then take Texas Highway 176 from Big Spring to New Mexico Highway 62. Highway 62 will take you directly into Carlsbad.

Once you leave Big Spring and Interstate I-20, the area becomes very remote very quickly, and you will likely go miles without seeing anything but oil rigs bobbing up and down.

As someone who’s from a place without any oil production, I found this area fascinating, but I also freely admit that it is rough and tumble, and not the place that I’d like to have car trouble.

Fill up and eat before you leave the interstate because the gas stations and food options between Big Spring and Carlsbad are sparse at best.

Once you get to Carlsbad, you’ve got plenty to do, see, and eat as it’s easily the largest city in the southeastern corner of New Mexico.

Here, you can pick up supplies from Walmart, dine out at one of the area’s many restaurants, and explore 2 different national parks.

Start with 2 days at Carlsbad Caverns , one of the most incredible cave systems we’ve visited so far.

Don’t forget to book the ranger-led King’s Palace Tour for extra time exploring a less-traveled section of the caverns. There is a small fee associated with the tour, but it’s worth it!

Just 30 minutes south of Carlsbad Caverns is the less-visited but still amazing Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Located on the border of New Mexico and Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts 8 of the 10 highest peaks in Texas.

The park’s development has been an emphasis on hiking in the park, as many of the most spectacular overlooks are accessible only on foot. (This is in direct opposition to other national parks, like Shenandoah National Park , which are organized around a roadway.)

You’ll want to bring a good pair of hiking boots, a day pack, and plenty of water to see the Salt Basin sand dunes, Frijole Ranch, McKittrick Canyon, and more.

If you’re not sure what you need for this adventure, check out my gear guides:

Best Hiking Clothes for Women

Best Hiking Gear for Kids + Printable Checklist

Best Toddler Hiking Shoes

Suggested place to camp near Carlsbad, New Mexico : Lake Brantley State Park, which I think is one of New Mexico’s best campgrounds . This inexpensive campground has areas for RV and primitive camping. While it feels remote, the campground is just minutes from Carlsbad on Highway 285.

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Stop 3: Roswell, New Mexico

Yes, it is weird, and that’s just the way that Roswell likes it.

This little town’s claim to fame occurred back in 1947 when a rancher about 80 miles away claimed to have found pieces of a flying saucer . The military quickly got involved, but the plot just thickens from there.

Was it a weather balloon prototype? Some sort of secret military craft? Or something truly alien?

Whatever was going on all those decades ago still has the world enraptured as Roswell sees visitors from all corners of the globe (including the Camping Kiddos since I can’t resist a weird locale!).

From the UFO-shaped streetlights to the massive alien-themed murals, you quickly get the idea that this town loves the hype.

If you’d like to dive into the strangeness that started all of it, head into the International UFO Museum and Research Center . Here, you’ll get detailed accounts of what happened back in 1947 and beyond, including video and audio interview clips, newspaper articles, and other ephemera.

Even if you’re not a believer, the kitschy alien displays (with moving UFO!) and the extensive library are worth a stop.

Stop 4: Alamogordo, New Mexico

Add in your second national park of this trip when you visit Alamogordo.

Here, you can explore the incredible White Sands National Park, which only became a national park in 2020 after decades of being a national monument.

See how you can effectively spend one day in White Sands with hikes, the Junior Ranger program, ranger-led events, and more.

You’ll absolutely want to spend part of your day sand sledding, so check out my complete guide to White Sands sledding tips !

Extend your trip with even more incredible places to visit near White Sands and Alamogordo , ranging from space history museums to mountain hikes.

You really need at least 2 or 3 days here to fully explore everything. Don’t forget to try the pistachio ice cream at Pistachioland, a working pistachio farm just north of Alamogordo.

Suggested place to camp near Alamogordo : We stayed at the Alamogordo/ White Sands KOA in Alamogordo, and it was wonderful. The owners are incredibly nice, offering up free coffee and hot chocolate in the mornings, a huge game room, and a movie library.

Stop 5: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Take Highway 54 out of Alamogordo and then follow it out of Tularosa.

You’ll pick up New Mexico 3, which is a very rural road, at Duran. Follow New Mexico 3 to Encino, then hop onto 285 North towards Santa Fe. While 285 is a bigger road than New Mexico 3, there are still very, very few gas stations and food options along the way.

Stop at Clines Corners, which is has been serving customers since historic Route 66 came through here. (Nearby I-40 is now overlaid on Route 66 in this part of the state.)

Cline Corners is huge with multiple gas pumps, RV parking, a convenience store, and a gift shop.

You’re less than an hour to Santa Fe from here, so keep on Highway 285 and you’ll run straight into Santa Fe.

Stop 6: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Did you know that Santa Fe was established in 1607, the same year that the English colony of Jamestown was settled?

Unlike Jamestown, Santa Fe has thrived since its first days, and it is now a hub of art and culture in the Southwest.

You cannot visit Santa Fe without spending some time exploring the historic downtown area. You’re walking in the footsteps of Native American traders, Spanish monks, and early European explorers who traveled the Old Santa Fe Trail.

Visit the Museum of New Mexico History to get a grasp on the major events that have happened in the state. As part of this experience, you’ll be able to walk into the original Governor’s Palace, which is the oldest public building in the United States.

The Plaza outside of the Palace is a great place to eat lunch while listening to one of the live musicians that are often set up here.

After lunch, explore some of the other historic spots within walking distance, including the Loretto Chapel and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

Elsewhere in Santa Fe, you can’t miss Meow Wolf: House of Eternal Return , which is a mind-bending interactive art project.

Suggested place to camp in Santa Fe : We enjoyed our time at the Santa Fe KOA, which had on-site gem mining, a game room with arcade games, and a playground. The sites were small but level and shaded. There were lots of kids around, which my children appreciated.

Stop 7: Grants, New Mexico

As you set out from Albuquerque, the landscape outside of your car will be filled with rolling red deserts, sagebrush, and craggy cliffs.

However, as you approach Grants, New Mexico, that landscape begins to resemble the surface of the moon.

Huge chunks of a matte black substance push their way past the grass on either side of the road, and you might be left wondering if an asphalt truck blew up on this section of the highway.

But the answer is one that’s far more exciting than a malfunctioning piece of road machinery.

You’re seeing the results of volcanic activity that reshaped this part of western New Mexico between 700,000 and just 3,900 years ago.

You can explore more of this incredible natural wonder at the 2 main sites near Grants, New Mexico.

El Malpais National Monument

This NPS sites allows you to hike through and learn about the lava flows.

You’ll see how the unique geological formations here provided shelter to generations of Native Americans, particularly the Zuni and Acoma tribes, as well as Spanish explorers, the Navajo nation, and pioneers.

There are a variety of surface trails that allow you to access the different lava flow areas. More adventurous visitors can take a self-guided tour into one of the many lava tubes, but you’ll want to bring the appropriate safety gear.

The national monument is open year round, although some of the caves are off limits to the public during the winter to protect resident bats.

Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano

A privately owned site, the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano is another great way to explore this fascinating landscape.

It’s not as large as the nearby NPS site, but it’s still worth a visit.

Included in the admission cost is a museum filled with Native American artifacts and 2 self-guided hikes. The Ice Cave stays chilly year round with naturally occurring sheets of ice on the walls.

It does close in the winter from November 1-March 1.

Stop 8: Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

The next major stop on I-40 West is going to be the exit for the Painted Desert Visitors Center at Petrified Forest National Park.

At the visitors center, you can grab a map of the park, pick up a souvenir, watch the park’s history movie, or have a picnic.

There’s also a gas station here. It’s really expensive, but convenient. There’s no other gas at this exit or anywhere in the park for another 25-30 miles.

Once you’re in the park, you’ll be able to see the southern end of the Painted Desert, which has red, orange, grey, blue, purple, and yellow layers in the worn away rock.

For a larger national park, it’s surprisingly easy to tour Petrified Forest National Park in one day . By sticking to the main park road and touring north to south, you’ll be able to see the park’s highlights in a relatively short period of time.

The best way to see the park is to complete a couple of the easy hikes in Petrified Forest , which will allow you to get into the heart of the petrified wood fields, the Painted Desert, Blue Mesa, and more.

On the end of the park closest to Holbrook, you’ll be able to see fields of petrified trees from the forest that once stood here more than 250 million years ago.

Suggested place to camp near Petrified Forest : Holbrook/ Petrified Forest KOA, which I think is the best camping near Petrified Forest National Park . You can’t RV camp inside the park, so the closest place to leave your rig is at this KOA. We loved the daily breakfast and dinner options, heated pool, and large playground.

Stop 8: Route 66 Towns

There are 2 towns on the original Route 66 that are worth stopping at during your road trip from Dallas to Arizona.

First, Holbrook, Arizona, is home to several fun spots, including the inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars . We stayed in one of the sister locations of the Wigwam Villages while in Cave City, Kentucky !

Holbrook also has a couple of shops that sell petrified wood and other minerals. It’s illegal to take wood from the national park, so this is a good alternative if you’d like a souvenir.

Winslow, Arizona, is about 30 minutes west, and it’s bigger than Holbrook with even more reasons to stop.

For fans of ‘70s rock, you won’t want to miss Standin’ on a Corner Park in the heart of downtown Winslow, Arizona.

This little town was immortalized in the second verse of The Eagles’ 1972 hit, “Take It Easy.” Winslow is noted in the song and was inspired by a road trip that the members took as they were trying to finish their debut album.

>> Check out more things to do in Winslow, Arizona on Route 66 here! <<

Another interesting stop near Winslow is Homolovi Ruins State Park, where you can hike to a Mormon pioneer cemetery and see 2 Native American living areas dating from 1000-1300 CE.

Bring a picnic to eat under one of the covered shelters. Several have incredible views of the desert. You might even see some of the native donkeys that roam the park.

Stop 9: Meteor Crater

If you’ve ever wanted to feel small, Meteor Crater is an excellent place to do so.

Created by a meteor about 50,000 years ago, this massive site is so much more than just a big hole in the ground.

Of course, the crater itself is a highlight—and you must make time for the 45-minute tour of the crater rim (included in the cost of admission).

You can also see and touch a piece of the meteor, walk through multiple interactive museum areas, experience a 4D ride about space and the crater, and shop for space-themed souvenirs.

Kids should complete the scavenger hunt booklets to receive a free science ranger patch.

Meteor Crater was one of my kids’ favorite things to do—and they still talk about visiting here regularly. It’s SO much more than just a hole in the ground!

Final Stop: Flagstaff (and Beyond)

While I’m ending the road trip itinerary here in Flagstaff, this doesn’t really mean goodbye.

Flagstaff is the central Arizona, so you’re set up for ending your road trip here, or continuing to explore the Grand Canyon State.

There are several other incredible places to visit in Arizona depending on where you’d like to your end destination to be!

You could head south to Sedona, Phoenix, and Saguaro National Park.

Or, you could continue on west to Kingman, additional Route 66 towns, and, ultimately Las Vegas.

To add a third national park to your trip, you can head north from Flagstaff to visit the Grand Canyon. Check out our guides to make sure your visit is great:

Guide to the Grand Canyon with Kids

1 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary

7 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary

Visiting Monument Valley with kids is a guaranteed amazing family vacation!

Located on the border of Arizona and Utah, this stretch of land is one of the most beautiful parts of Arizona that we’ve visited.

Here, you can explore the Navajo Nation’s incredible site, where you’ll learn about unique geological features, see where dozens of Westerns were filmed, and drive the scenic loop around the valley.

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TikTok Food Critic Keith Lee Is Back in His Hometown of Detroit and Ready to Eat

The self-proclaimed TikTok critic is looking to visit local restaurants that could use his magic touch — though he didn’t realize the city was hosting the NFL Draft

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Guess who’s back in Detroit? Keith Lee, one of the most viral names in online food reviewing and a native son of the Motor City, raised in the Joy Road and Evergreen area on the westside, has arrived in the city and is ready to eat. The TikTok personality returned with his family for a visit this week and is asking for recommendations of local restaurants that want to be reviewed.

It’s a busy time to go check out restaurants in Detroit, as Lee pointed out in a post published Thursday, April 25. There’s the NFL Draft taking place downtown (which is already breaking attendance records with a whopping 275,000 visitors who descended upon the central business district on Day One of the Draft). Helping to kick off the football festivities, another Detroit native, Big Sean, delighted fans Thursday with a quick performance on the Draft stage.

In light of the chaos overtaking much of the city’s hospitality industry during the Draft, Lee says he’s not treating this trip as a “full food tour,” but is rather taking this time to revisit some of his beloved childhood favorites, like coneys, corned beef egg rolls, and Better Made chips.

Lee wasted no time with the taste-testing, first stopping by Hart Plaza — the NFL Draft Experience area site, where dozens of local restaurants, food trucks, and cafes are set up for the festivities. He appreciated the fact that many of the food vendors were Black-owned. He offered a sneak peek of what he’s getting into food-wise during this current visit by checking out a tray of wings from Good Vibes Lounge . He reported that the East English Village establishment had just gotten hit (presumably by a car) and that the ownership was feeling “defeated.”

“God willingly, she got a space here at the NFL Draft,” Lee says, before he displays a screenshot of Good Vibe Lounge’s Instagram account to let viewers know how to find the neighborhood bar and restaurant.

“God don’t make no mistakes,” added Lee, who is known for his spiritual take on his so-called “ Keith Lee effect .” Eater has reached out to Lee via email about his visit and will report any updates when they become available.

Lee has become a household fixture among the food-obsessed for his food tours in cities across the United States, including San Francisco , New Orleans , Dallas , Chicago , and Atlanta — a destination that went viral for its many dramatic instances of bad experiences. A native Detroiter, who now lives in Las Vegas, Lee has more than 16 million followers and makes it a point to visit smaller mom-and-pop establishments — often that are BIPOC-owned — that may have impressive menus, but that might be lacking in online presence. His visits are unannounced and are primarily takeout. He often sends in a family member to fetch the food when it’s ready so as not to attract attention. He rates each place 1 to 10 for customer service and the quality of the food, and makes sure to note his personal preferences whenever he scores. When he first started, he focused on Vegas-area restaurants and did his reviews while sitting in a tiny children’s-sized Paw Patrol chair, and now he most often films his reviews in his car.

The “Keith Lee effect” that his reviews have on small businesses is profound. Janel Prator, owner of the Puddery , a Houston-area dessert business featuring Prator’s creamy banana pudding, told Eater in a December 2023 report that her shop was struggling to take off before a review Lee did his did of her place in November. His influence was immediate business took off, with customers lined up from the front door eager to try her desserts.

The last time Lee paid a visit to his hometown was in September when he reviewed several beloved local food businesses, including the Spot food truck, which, according to Lee’s review, had contacted him on social media to invite him to check out its food. He ordered a steak crunchwrap supreme with Hot Cheetos (on the side) and gave the truck a rave review for its service, house-made “Turbo” sauce, and commented that the meat was seasoned to perfection. Similar to Prator’s experience, the Spot also reported traffic snaked around its truck in the days after Lee’s review went live.

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