Why Scenic Drives Matter in Louisiana
When most travelers think of New Orleans, they imagine Bourbon Street’s neon glow, the hypnotic rhythm of jazz floating from Frenchmen Street, and the irresistible smell of beignets dusted in powdered sugar. But what many people forget is that just beyond the city limits lies another world entirely — a Louisiana defined by bayous, plantations, sleepy river villages, and winding scenic highways that seem frozen in time.
Some of my most unforgettable memories weren’t in the French Quarter or at Mardi Gras — they were on the open road, with Spanish moss swaying overhead, the Mississippi River glinting beside me, and a sense of discovery unfolding mile after mile.
I’ll take you through three scenic drives I personally experienced — journeys that left me with goosebumps, laughter, and even a few unexpected adventures. Then, I’ll recommend four more drives that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. I’ll also share practical tips — including route details, costs, booking platforms, and my honest reflections on what was worth it and what wasn’t.
So buckle up — because the road from New Orleans leads to more than just destinations. It leads to a deeper understanding of Louisiana itself.
Drive One: Along the Great River Road – Plantations and History
If there’s one drive I recommend to every first-time visitor to Louisiana, it’s the Great River Road. This historic highway hugs the mighty Mississippi River and passes through some of the most iconic plantation estates in the South.
My Journey
I started my drive early in the morning from downtown New Orleans, renting a small SUV through Expedia (booked in advance for $48/day). The Great River Road runs parallel to the Mississippi, and within just 45 minutes, the skyscrapers of the city gave way to flat fields, levees, and endless rows of sugarcane.
My first stop was Oak Alley Plantation (3645 Highway 18, Vacherie, LA), one of the most photographed places in Louisiana. The entrance fee was $27 for adults, and I booked my ticket online via the Oak Alley official website, which saved me from waiting in line.
Walking up the famous oak-lined path felt surreal — the 300-year-old oak trees formed a living tunnel, leading to the grand Greek Revival mansion. Inside, I joined a 45-minute guided tour where the guide balanced stories of architectural beauty with the sobering history of slavery. The contrast hit me deeply: this beautiful place also carried dark truths.
What I loved most was stepping onto the second-floor balcony, where I could see the Mississippi River glistening in the distance. It felt like stepping into a painting.
My Favorite Stops
• Oak Alley’s “Big House” Balcony View – sweeping vistas that made me feel transported back two centuries.
• Laura Plantation (2247 LA-18, Vacherie, LA) – a Creole-style plantation, more colorful and intimate, with fascinating storytelling about the families who lived there. Ticket price: $25 adults.
• Whitney Plantation (5099 LA-18, Wallace, LA) – unique for its focus on slavery. The memorials and original slave cabins moved me to tears. Admission: $28 adults, worth every penny for the historical depth.
Recommended Stops for Others
• Evergreen Plantation – a filming site for Django Unchained, less polished but authentic.
• Destrehan Plantation – the closest plantation to New Orleans (only 30 minutes away).
Pros & Cons of This Drive
✔️ Easy to reach from New Orleans (within an hour).
✔️ Rich mix of architecture, gardens, and history.
✔️ Perfect for photography lovers.
❌ Can get crowded on weekends — I suggest weekday mornings.
❌ Tours sometimes feel a little rushed if groups are large.
Getting There
From New Orleans, take I-10 West, exit onto LA-310 South, and then follow Highway 18 along the river. Rental car GPS made it easy, and parking was free at each plantation.
Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
If you only have time for one scenic drive from New Orleans, make it the Great River Road. It’s history, beauty, and reflection all wrapped into one.
Drive Two: Into the Wild – Bayou Sauvage and Cajun Country
After immersing myself in the grandeur of plantation homes, I wanted something completely different: raw nature. So my next scenic drive from New Orleans was toward Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, followed by a longer journey deeper into Cajun Country.
My Journey
I set out just after sunrise, grabbing a quick coffee and a warm beignet from Café du Monde to keep me company on the road. Within only 20 minutes of leaving the French Quarter on I-10 East, I arrived at Bayou Sauvage (20876 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA) — one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the United States.
It’s almost surreal: one minute you’re in city traffic, and the next, you’re surrounded by wetlands, herons, and even the occasional alligator basking on the banks. The best part? Admission is free.
I parked at the Ridge Trail Boardwalk entrance, slipped on my sneakers, and spent about an hour strolling along the wooden pathway. The still water reflected the cypress trees like a mirror, and the silence was broken only by bird calls. It was such a peaceful contrast to the jazz-filled chaos of Bourbon Street.
From Bayou Sauvage, I drove another 2 hours west into Lafayette — the heart of Cajun Country. This region feels like Louisiana’s soul, where French is still spoken casually, zydeco music pours from dance halls, and food is almost a religion.
My Favorite Stops
• Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail – a simple 1.5-mile loop, but I spotted egrets and even a baby alligator. It reminded me of how close wilderness is to the city.
• Vermilionville (300 Fisher Road, Lafayette, LA) – a living history museum where I learned about Cajun and Creole traditions. Ticket price: $10 adults. The musicians playing accordion and fiddle under the oak trees made me feel like I had stepped back into the 19th century.
• Atchafalaya Basin – I joined a swamp tour from McGee’s Landing (1337 Henderson Levee Rd, Henderson, LA). The boat ticket was $25 adults, and within minutes, we were gliding through cypress groves dripping with moss. Seeing the wide-open expanse of the basin at sunset was one of those “pinch me” moments.
Recommended Stops for Others
• Breaux Bridge – known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World.” I stopped for lunch at Café des Amis (140 E Bridge St) and had crawfish étouffée for about $16 — rich, spicy, and unforgettable.
• Evangeline State Park – a great spot if you want a picnic surrounded by bayou scenery. Admission is $6 adults.
• Cajun Food Tours (Lafayette) – If you’re short on time, book this food tour (around $55/person) to sample everything from boudin to pralines.
Pros & Cons of This Drive
✔️ Incredible mix of urban wildlife and Cajun culture.
✔️ Budget-friendly (many activities under $30).
✔️ Authentic Louisiana — fewer tourists than plantations.
❌ Longer drive (2+ hours each way for Lafayette).
❌ Swamp tours depend on weather; heavy rain can cancel departures.
Getting There
• From New Orleans to Bayou Sauvage: Just 20 minutes east via I-10. Parking is free.
• From Bayou Sauvage to Lafayette: Take I-10 West for about 2 hours (135 miles). I recommend booking a rental car with unlimited mileage.
• Nearest Gas Stops: Easy access along the highway — but fill up before heading into the Atchafalaya Basin.
Recommendation Index: ★★★★☆
For me, this drive was a perfect balance of natural beauty and cultural depth. If you’ve already seen the plantations, heading into Cajun Country shows you another side of Louisiana — one that’s earthy, flavorful, and proudly authentic.
Drive Three: The Northshore & Hidden Villages – Covington, Abita Springs, and Scenic Bayou Roads
After the lush wetlands and the heart of Cajun Country, I decided to explore the Northshore region of Lake Pontchartrain. This area is quieter than the French Quarter, offering charming small towns, artisan shops, and bayou-lined scenic roads. For me, it felt like peeling back another layer of Louisiana — one that’s cozy, picturesque, and slower-paced.
My Journey
I left New Orleans mid-morning and took US-11 North, crossing the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, which at nearly 24 miles is one of the longest bridges in the world. The view of the lake stretching endlessly to the horizon is breathtaking, especially with early morning fog lifting off the water.
My first stop was Covington (Covington Trailhead: 609 N Columbia St, Covington, LA). This small town has a lively downtown area filled with boutique shops, cafés, and art galleries. I wandered along Lee Lane, popping into Gallery 214 to admire local art and Sugar Moon Bakery for a fresh croissant and a cup of coffee.
From Covington, I drove a short 15-minute jaunt to Abita Springs, famous for its natural springs and the Abita Brewing Company (22174 Hwy 36, Abita Springs, LA). The brewery tour (around $10) gave me a behind-the-scenes look at Louisiana’s craft beer scene, and sampling their flagship Abita Amber Lager was a refreshing break. Don’t miss their root beer, which is naturally sweet and made from the same spring water that feeds the town.
My Favorite Stops
• Covington Downtown Historic District – filled with 19th-century architecture, unique shops, and cafés. Walking here felt like stepping into a storybook town.
• Abita Springs Visitor Center & Artisan Shops – I picked up handmade soaps, Louisiana honey, and local art. Prices ranged from $5–$30, and the friendly staff shared tips on exploring hidden creeks and bayous nearby.
• Northshore Scenic Byways (Hwy 190 & Hwy 59) – I drove along winding roads flanked by oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Stopping at small pull-offs, I could watch pelicans glide over the water or take photos of the bayou at golden hour.
Recommended Stops for Others
• Fontainebleau State Park (14940 Hwy 190, Mandeville, LA) – A perfect picnic spot by Lake Pontchartrain with walking trails. Admission: $3 per vehicle.
• Tammany Trace – A 31-mile multi-use trail for biking or walking. Rental bikes are available in Covington.
• Local Farmer’s Markets – Covington and Abita Springs both have small weekend markets where you can find artisan bread, local jams, and fresh produce.
• Hickory Bayou Paddle Tours – For a small fee (~$35/person), explore the quiet bayous in a kayak, watching herons and turtles in their natural habitat.
Pros & Cons of This Drive
✔️ Quiet, scenic roads with plenty of small-town charm.
✔️ Perfect mix of outdoor adventure, shopping, and cultural immersion.
✔️ Family-friendly activities and artisan experiences.
❌ Less nightlife or dining variety compared to New Orleans.
❌ Some attractions are seasonal (e.g., farmers markets and paddle tours).
Getting There
• From New Orleans to Covington: About 45 minutes via US-11 North or I-12 North.
• From Covington to Abita Springs: Short 15–20 minute drive via LA-36.
• Parking: Free in both towns; just be mindful of small downtown streets during peak weekends.
Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
For me, this drive captured the serene, hidden side of Louisiana. Between charming streets, artisan shops, and scenic bayous, it’s a refreshing break from the crowds of New Orleans. It’s perfect for a full-day outing or a relaxed weekend adventure, with plenty of stops for nature, shopping, and photography.
Experiencing Louisiana Beyond the Beaten Path
Reflecting on these scenic drives from New Orleans, I realize how much the region has to offer beyond the well-trodden streets of the French Quarter. From the mysterious bayous of Cajun Country to the tranquil towns of the Northshore, every turn of the road brought a new adventure, a new flavor, or a new perspective.
What I loved most is that each drive allowed me to connect deeply with the landscape and culture. The Louisiana wetlands taught me patience and awe, the plantations reminded me of history’s complex layers, and the Northshore villages showed me the warmth of small-town life. These experiences weren’t just about sightseeing—they were about feeling the rhythm of the state, savoring local flavors, and meeting people whose passion for their home was infectious.
For anyone planning a trip, my advice is simple: slow down, plan a flexible itinerary, and leave room for spontaneous stops. The hidden gems—the small cafés, artisan shops, quiet bayou pull-offs—are often the most memorable parts of a journey.
Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, a nature explorer, or simply someone who enjoys a beautiful drive, Louisiana’s scenic roads will captivate your heart. Each mile is an invitation to explore, reflect, and fall in love with the South all over again.
So, buckle up, roll down the windows, and let the charm, color, and soul of Louisiana guide your adventure—you’ll return with more than memories; you’ll return with stories that stay with you long after the drive ends.
