Discover one of the best of southern Texas and Louisiana on this thrilling Houston to New Orleans highway journey itinerary!
Houston and New Orleans are two of essentially the most iconic cities within the US South.
In the event you can’t determine which fabulous metropolis to go to, attempt to take a look at each! The 2 cities are very shut and it solely takes round 5 hours to drive between the 2.
For an much more thrilling journey, attempt a Houston to New Orleans highway journey!
Seize a rental automobile and hit the highway, the place you’ll be able to discover the highlights of southern Texas and Louisiana. There’s a lot tradition, historical past, delicacies, nightlife, structure, and nature to find.
From touring the tallest state capitol constructing within the USA in Baton Rouge, to visiting the well-known House Middle Houston or Minute Maid Park in Houston, to testing a historic web site in Lake Charles, to touring the Mardi Gras Museum and listening to jazz music on Bourbon Road in New Orleans, many wonders await you within the south.
Right here is our full information for a Houston to New Orleans highway journey!
How lengthy is a Houston to New Orleans highway journey?
This Houston to New Orleans drive is finest accomplished over 2-3 days. In the event you have been to drive straight from Houston to New Orleans on essentially the most direct route with no stops, it’s round 5 hours of driving. The entire distance is round 350 miles.
However if you happen to’re going to make the drive, it’s possible you’ll as properly cease at among the wonderful locations on the way in which! Our Houston to New Orleans highway journey consists of a number of stops that stretch the journey to round 425 miles. That is about 8 hours of driving, not together with the time you spend at every location.
If you wish to take your time and revel in every place on the way in which, it’s your decision no less than 2 days for this highway journey. If in case you have time, you’ll be able to prolong it to three days or longer. There’s a lot to see in Southeast Texas and Southern Louisiana!
Hoping to discover extra of Texas? Take a look at these wonderful highway journeys from Houston!
The place to start out your Houston to New Orleans drive
You can begin this highway journey in both Houston or New Orleans simply. Each cities have worldwide airports and loads of automobile rental choices so you’ll be able to plan your highway journey with ease.
This highway journey takes you throughout the landscapes of southeast Texas and thru southern Louisiana. You’ll go historic websites, Gulf Coast seashores, wildlife refuges, small cities of Cajun nation, and massive cities of the Deep South.
Whether or not you begin your highway journey in Houston or New Orleans, you’re sure to fall in love with the historic locations, native wildlife, and tradition in southern Louisiana and Texas.
One of the best ways to get round is to lease a automobile and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Vehicles, which has the biggest vary of automobiles for one of the best worth available on the market.
When is one of the best time of 12 months for a Houston to New Orleans highway journey?
The very best time of 12 months for a Houston to New Orleans highway journey is in the course of the spring, from March to Could. Throughout this era, the climate is pleasantly delicate, with temperatures starting from the mid-60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit. This makes for snug driving situations and pleasing stops alongside the way in which.
Moreover, springtime brings a burst of wildflowers, significantly the Texas bluebonnets, which may make the journey visually beautiful. Roadside sights, out of doors festivals, and cultural occasions are additionally in full swing, offering ample alternatives for exploration and pleasure.
One other perfect time for this highway journey is within the fall, from September to November. Like spring, the autumn presents delicate climate with temperatures usually starting from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The humidity ranges drop, making it extra snug to discover out of doors sights akin to state parks, historic websites, and scenic byways.
Fall additionally marks the start of varied cultural festivals in New Orleans, together with the Voodoo Music + Arts Expertise and the Crescent Metropolis Blues & BBQ Pageant, which may be thrilling endpoints to the highway journey. Moreover, fall foliage, significantly within the areas east of Houston and alongside the Gulf Coast, could make the drive much more beautiful!
Houston To New Orleans Highway Journey Itinerary
Now let’s dive into the Houston to New Orleans highway journey itinerary! Be at liberty to switch this itinerary nevertheless you select so it fits your timeframe and preferences.
We’ll additionally embrace some suggestions for extending the highway journey when you’ve got time. You may take a look at the well-known Battleship Texas in Galveston or spend extra time exploring wildlife refuges. Nonetheless you select to do that itinerary, have a blast driving via the US South!
Houston
Earlier than you drive out to New Orleans, spend a couple of days having fun with the fabulous metropolis of Houston, Texas.
Because the fourth largest metropolis in the US, Houston is a worldwide hub for leisure, science, and tradition. Town’s most well-known attraction is NASA’s Johnson House Middle, additionally known as House Middle Houston. The area heart serves as a focus for human area exploration and is a spotlight of the town.
Town’s Museum District is a cultural epicenter, that includes famend establishments such because the Museum of Fantastic Arts Houston, the Houston Museum of Pure Science, and the Up to date Arts Museum Houston. Anybody in search of an interesting science or artwork museum will likely be spoilt for alternative in Houston.
Houston can also be celebrated for its culinary range, with a meals scene that spans international cuisines, reflective of its multicultural inhabitants. Neighborhoods like Montrose and The Heights are identified for his or her eclectic mixture of artwork galleries, boutique retailers, and energetic leisure venues.
These hoping to discover the outside can take a look at Buffalo Bayou Park for a stunning stroll, or catch a baseball sport at Minute Maid Park. So earlier than you embark in your highway journey, benefit from the vibrant vitality of Houston!
The place to remain in Houston
In your keep in Houston, listed below are some top-rated lodging that go well with all budgets.
Funds – Membership Quarters Lodge Downtown
Houston doesn’t have many low cost resorts, however Membership Quarters Lodge Downtown is likely one of the least expensive choices for funds vacationers. You’ll nonetheless be proper within the metropolis heart and have very nice facilities, so it’s fairly a steal!
Mid Vary – Cambra Lodge Houston Downtown Conference Middle
For an upscale keep that gained’t break the financial institution, think about the Cambria Lodge in downtown Houston. This inexpensive, 4-star lodge is non-smoking and has wonderful opinions from previous visitors.
Luxurious – Marriott Marquis
Marriott Marquis is likely one of the finest resorts in Houston! This fabulous 4-star lodge, positioned proper within the metropolis heart, has premium facilities and luxurious furnishings so you’ll be able to loosen up in fashion.
San Jacinto Monument
The San Jacinto Monument is a towering tribute to the decisive Battle of San Jacinto, which occurred on April 21, 1836. This battle was a pivotal second within the Texas Revolution, resulting in Texas’ independence from Mexico.
Positioned within the small metropolis of La Porte, Texas, the monument is a state historic web site that rises 567 toes tall. It’s the world’s tallest masonry column, surpassing even the Washington Monument!
Designed by architect Alfred C. Finn, it encompasses a 220-ton star at its peak, symbolizing the Lone Star State. Surrounding the monument is the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Web site, a 1,200-acre park in La Porte that provides a glimpse into the historic significance of the realm.
Contained in the state historic web site, guests can discover the San Jacinto Museum of Historical past, which homes artifacts, paperwork, and displays that chronicle the wealthy historical past of Texas from its early days via the Texas Revolution and past.
The museum’s assortment consists of the whole lot from historic artifacts to early settler relics, offering a complete view of the area’s previous. An elevator trip to the statement deck presents panoramic views of the Houston Ship Channel, the battleground, and the encompassing panorama.
San Jacinto Monument is likely one of the most iconic historic websites in Texas and is a must-see for these occupied with Texas historical past.
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Port Arthur
From La Porte, proceed east in the direction of Port Arthur. This metropolis is positioned proper on the Texas-Louisiana border and has plenty of cool historic websites and landmarks to take a look at.
The Museum of the Gulf Coast is a spotlight of Port Arthur. The museum presents fascinating displays on the area’s historical past, together with its music heritage that celebrates hometown legends akin to Janis Joplin and the Huge Bopper.
Port Arthur additionally boasts various pure and leisure sights that enchantment to each residents and guests. The Sabine Lake and Sea Rim State Park present ample alternatives for out of doors actions like fishing, boating, bird-watching, and climbing. Sea Rim State Park is a well-liked native spot that showcases the area’s wealthy biodiversity.
Port Arthur additionally celebrates its cultural range via quite a few festivals and occasions, such because the Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas, which displays the town’s vibrant group spirit. With its mix of commercial energy, historic significance, and pure magnificence, Port Arthur is a singular and dynamic metropolis on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Subsequent, proceed in your highway journey and make your method throughout the Louisiana border to Lake Charles!
Lake Charles
When you get to Lake Charles, you’re virtually midway via the Houston to New Orleans highway journey. This vibrant metropolis in southwest Louisiana is a good place to spend the night time as there are such a lot of issues to do in Lake Charles.
The downtown space of Lake Charles encompasses a charming mix of historic structure, native boutiques, and a wide range of eating places serving up Cajun and Creole delicacies, providing guests and residents alike a style of the area’s distinctive culinary traditions.
Lake Charles can also be a haven for out of doors fans and nature lovers. Town is surrounded by an array of parks, bayous, and wildlife refuges, offering ample alternatives for fishing, boating, bird-watching, and climbing. Prien Lake Park and the Creole Nature Path are two common locations to discover the character of Louisiana.
For these occupied with gaming and leisure, Lake Charles is house to a number of casinos and resorts, together with the L’Auberge On line casino Resort and the Golden Nugget, which provide not solely gaming but in addition luxurious lodging, golf programs, and reside leisure.
Lake Charles is a good place to incorporate in your Houston to New Orleans highway journey, particularly if you wish to immerse your self within the tradition and historical past of Louisiana’s Cajun nation.
Discover extra enjoyable actions with our listing of the finest issues to do in Lake Charles!
The place to remain in Lake Charles
In case you are in search of a spot to interrupt up your Houston to New Orleans drive, Lake Charles is a handy place to cease. There are some inexpensive and opulent lodging in Lake Charles, and listed below are some top-rated choices.
Funds – Tremendous 8 By Wyndham Lake Charles
Lake Charles is an inexpensive place to remain in southwest Louisiana, so it’s a straightforward pit cease in your drive to New Orleans. Tremendous 8 by Wyndham Lake Charles has nice costs and all of the facilities you want for a snug keep.
Mid Vary – Greatest Western Plus Prien Lake Lodge & Suites
You could find some beautiful and inexpensive locations to remain in Lake Charles such because the Greatest Western Plus Prien Lake Lodge and Suites. Full with air-con, a health heart, an indoor swimming pool, free parking, and extra, you’ll be able to loosen up in consolation throughout your journey from Houston to New Orleans.
Luxurious – The Golden Nugget
The Golden Nugget is essentially the most iconic lodge and on line casino in Lake Charles. Folks come right here simply to hang around for the day, so if you happen to’re capable of spend the night time at this attractive lodge, undoubtedly go for it.
Lafayette
About an hour east of Lake Charles lies Lafayette, Louisiana, sometimes called the “Coronary heart of Acadiana”. This metropolis is widely known for its vibrant Cajun and Creole tradition and was based within the early Nineteenth century.
Lafayette has grown right into a cultural hub identified for its wealthy historical past, energetic music scene, and delectable delicacies. Town hosts quite a few festivals all year long, together with Pageant Worldwide de Louisiane, the biggest free Francophone pageant in the US, and the annual Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, which showcases conventional music, dance, and meals.
Lafayette’s downtown space is bustling with exercise, that includes a mixture of historic buildings, native boutiques, artwork galleries, and a wide range of eating places that supply genuine Cajun and Creole dishes.
For a little bit of Louisiana historical past, head to the Acadian Village in Lafayette, a historic web site and attraction that transports guests again to the Nineteenth century. This reconstructed village options genuine, restored buildings, together with houses, a chapel, and a blacksmith store, all set inside a picturesque 32-acre panorama.
Or take a look at the Acadian Cultural Middle. The fascinating cultural heart showcases a wide range of packages together with guided excursions, movie screenings, and cultural demonstrations akin to conventional music and dance performances.
Vermilionville is one other dwelling historical past museum just like the Acadian Village offers an interesting glimpse into the area’s previous, with restored buildings and costumed interpreters depicting life within the 18th and Nineteenth centuries.
When you’ve taken in all of the historic websites in Lafayette, proceed in your drive from Houston to New Orleans.
Take a look at our full information to the finest Lafayette sights!
Atchafalaya Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
From Lafayette, head east into the wilderness of the Mississippi Delta. About 20 minutes from the town yow will discover Atchafalaya Nationwide Wildlife Refuge which is a good place to attach with nature.
The ecosystem spans over 15,000 acres throughout the bigger 850,000-acre Atchafalaya Basin, the biggest river swamp in the US.
Established in 1984, the Atchafalaya Nationwide Wildlife Refuge performs a essential position in preserving the area’s distinctive wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, and waterways, which give very important habitats for a wide selection of wildlife.
The refuge is a sanctuary for quite a few species, together with the endangered Louisiana black bear, alligators, white-tailed deer, and a wealthy number of migratory birds.
Guests to Atchafalaya Nationwide Wildlife Refuge can immerse themselves within the pure magnificence and tranquillity of the realm via fishing, bird-watching, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife images alongside its scenic trails and waterways.
After exploring nature, head again into the town for a go to to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is a vibrant metropolis to go to in your Houston to New Orleans highway journey. Baton Rouge boasts a wealthy historic heritage mirrored in its structure and museums.
One of many prime sights in Baton Rouge is the Louisiana State Capitol constructing, an Artwork Deco masterpiece and the tallest capitol constructing in the US. You may tour the constructing or head to the statement deck of the Louisiana State Capitol constructing for panoramic views of Baton Rouge.
One other historic constructing to go to in Baton Rouge is the Previous State Capitol constructing. This can be a nationwide historic landmark in Baton Rouge and is a must-see whereas touring the town. The hanging Gothic Revival construction served because the statehouse from the mid-Nineteenth century. Now the Previous State Capitol Constructing is a museum that showcases the town’s political historical past.
Baton Rouge’s downtown space is a energetic district that includes the Shaw Middle for the Arts and a wide range of eating places and retailers, making it a cultural and social epicenter.
These in search of an artwork museum can take a look at the LSU Museum of Artwork or the Louisiana Artwork & Science Museum, each of that are highlights of Baton Rouge. Magnolia Mound Plantation is one other cool landmark in Baton Rouge. The well-preserved instance of a French Creole plantation home showcases 18th-century structure and heritage.
Past its historic and cultural significance, Baton Rouge is thought for its scenic magnificence and out of doors actions. Town is nestled alongside the jap financial institution of the Mississippi River, offering picturesque views and alternatives for boating, fishing, and waterfront eating.
Baton Rouge additionally options quite a few parks and inexperienced areas, such because the expansive Metropolis Park and the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Middle, which provide trails, gardens, and wildlife statement areas.
Town’s wealthy culinary scene, deeply rooted in Creole and Cajun traditions, presents a gastronomic journey with its native eating places serving dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. There’s a lot to do in Baton Rouge, Louisiana!
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Oak Alley Plantation
Simply an hour outdoors of Baton Rouge lies Oak Alley Plantation, one other cool place to take a look at throughout your Houston to New Orleans highway journey.
Oak Alley Plantation, positioned on the Mississippi River in Vacherie, Louisiana, is likely one of the most iconic and visually beautiful antebellum plantations in the US.
Established in 1837, Oak Alley Plantation is famend for its breathtaking cover of 28 evenly spaced reside oak timber that line the walkway main as much as the grand Greek Revival mansion. These majestic oaks, believed to be planted within the early 1700s, create a picturesque setting that has made Oak Alley Plantation a preferred location for movies and images.
The mansion itself, with its grand columns and stylish structure, presents a glimpse into the opulent life-style of the plantation’s authentic homeowners, the Roman household, and their position within the area’s sugarcane business.
Oak Alley Plantation is a crucial academic web site that delves into the complicated historical past of the South, significantly the lives of the enslaved individuals who labored there. The plantation’s displays and guided excursions present a complete narrative that features the tough realities of slavery and the contributions of the enslaved group to the plantation’s operations and success.
By combining its beautiful aesthetics with a dedication to historic accuracy and schooling, Oak Alley Plantation presents guests a robust and multifaceted expertise of American historical past. From the plantation it’s only a one hour drive alongside the Mississippi River till you attain New Orleans!
New Orleans
You’ve completed your Houston to New Orleans highway journey! It’s time to spend a couple of days having fun with the tradition, nightlife, structure, music, and delicacies of New Orleans.
Also referred to as the Crescent Metropolis, New Orleans is famend for its vibrant tradition, wealthy historical past, and distinctive mix of French, Spanish, Creole, and African influences. Based in 1718 by French colonists, New Orleans is widely known for its distinctive structure, significantly within the historic French Quarter.
You might simply spend all your New Orleans journey within the French Quarter. Because the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, the French Quarter is the center of New Orleans’ nightlife and leisure. The well-known Bourbon Road presents a nonstop array of bars, reside music venues, and eating places.
The French Quarter can also be house to historic landmarks akin to Jackson Sq., the St. Louis Cathedral, and the French Market, the place guests can expertise native artwork, delicacies, and crafts.
Wealthy in historical past and brimming with life, the French Quarter encapsulates the distinctive attraction and spirit of New Orleans, making it a must-visit vacation spot for anybody exploring the town.
Different attracts to New Orleans embrace annual occasions akin to Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Pageant. Even if you happen to can’t make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, the Mardi Gras Museum is a good place to study in regards to the iconic pageant.
Ghost excursions, airboat excursions of the Louisiana and Mississippi delta swamps, cemetery excursions, and steamboat jazz cruises are extra methods to get in contact with the character, historical past, and tradition of New Orleans throughout your keep.
The place to remain in New Orleans
From listening to jazz music within the French Quarter, to partying on Bourbon Road, to venturing out on a ship into the center of gator nation, there are such a lot of issues to do in New Orleans!
Listed below are some suggestions for the place to remain throughout your journey to the Crescent Metropolis.
Funds – Vacation Inn Categorical
For an inexpensive keep in New Orleans, Vacation Inn Categorical has you lined. It’s only a quick drive outdoors downtown, so it’s good for vacationers on a highway journey who need someplace quiet and inexpensive to remain.
Mid Vary – Virgin Resorts New Orleans
Keep within the coronary heart of New Orleans at Virgin Resorts, a good looking 4-star lodge with a solar terrace, rooftop pool, and unimaginable scores from previous visitors.
Luxurious – The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
If you wish to splurge on the finish of your Houston to New Orleans highway journey, take a look at the Royal Sonesta. This 5-star lodge exudes class and luxurious, and it’s positioned proper within the French Quarter.
Lengthen your Houston to New Orleans highway journey
This itinerary for a Houston to New Orleans highway journey may be very environment friendly and most of those locations are proper on the way in which.
If in case you have extra time to your drive, you’ll be able to enterprise to extra close by sights and locations which are barely out of the way in which. Listed below are some concepts for extending your highway journey to discover extra of Texas and Louisiana.
Galveston, Texas
Discover Galveston initially of your highway journey because it’s about an hour south of Houston.
The coastal metropolis is a hotspot for out of doors sights! With miles of sandy seashores and the attractive Galveston Island State Park, there are many alternatives for bird-watching, swimming, kayaking, and climbing.
Boat excursions take visitors round Galveston Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico the place you’ll be able to spot dolphins and admire the beautiful coastal magnificence.
Town additionally boasts family-friendly sights just like the Schlitterbahn Waterpark and the Pleasure Pier, an amusement park with rides and video games extending over the Gulf of Mexico.
An interesting historic web site to go to in Galveston is the Battleship Texas, often known as the USS Texas (BB-35). Battleship Texas is presently present process intensive restoration in Galveston after being relocated from its long-time berth on the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Web site.
This iconic Battleship Texas is a veteran of each World Wars. As soon as the restoration is full, Battleship Texas will as soon as once more function a floating museum, providing a singular glimpse into the previous and honoring the legacy of those that served on this exceptional vessel.
Beaumont, Texas
About 25 minutes north of Port Arthur, Texas, is Beaumont. This metropolis is wealthy in historical past, business, and cultural range.
Town’s historic significance is mirrored in landmarks such because the Spindletop-Gladys Metropolis Boomtown Museum, which commemorates the well-known Spindletop oil discovery that sparked the Texas oil growth. You can even see the Spindletop Hill salt dome which is the positioning of the 1901 oil discovery.
Beaumont additionally presents cultural sights such because the Artwork Museum of Southeast Texas and the Beaumont Botanical Gardens, offering residents and guests with alternatives to discover artwork, nature, and native historical past.
One other spotlight of the town is Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk. This tranquil spot is the proper place to go for a stroll, stretch your legs, observe various wildlife, and admire the expansive wetlands.
Avery Island, Louisiana
Avery Island, positioned in southern Louisiana, is a geological salt dome identified for its pure magnificence and cultural significance. The island is maybe finest generally known as the birthplace of Tabasco sauce, produced by the McIlhenny Firm because the 1860s.
Guests to Avery Island can tour the Tabasco manufacturing facility to study in regards to the sauce-making course of and discover the Tabasco museum, which showcases the historical past and international impression of this iconic condiment.
The island’s lush panorama can also be house to the Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre botanical backyard. Jungle Gardens has unimaginable wildlife, birdlife, azaleas, bamboo forests, and majestic oak timber adorned with Spanish moss.
Avery Island is a well-liked vacation spot for day journeys from close by cities like Lafayette, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge. So you’ll be able to simply embrace it in your highway journey itinerary if you happen to’re keen to stray from the course for a cool journey.
Take a look at these wonderful day journeys from New Orleans for extra concepts.
Sabine Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana
Nature lovers who’ve a bit of additional time on their highway journey can spend a while at Sabine Nationwide Wildlife Refuge.
Located in southwestern Louisiana close to the Gulf of Mexico, this sprawling sanctuary of various coastal habitats can match into the highway journey after Port Arthur and earlier than Lake Charles.
Established in 1937, the refuge is essential for shielding and preserving the area’s wetlands, marshes, and freshwater ponds, which function very important habitats for migratory birds and different plant and animal life.
Guests to Sabine Nationwide Wildlife Refuge can discover the refuge’s community of trails and boardwalks, providing alternatives for birdwatching, wildlife statement, and images. The refuge can also be common for fishing and crabbing alongside its waterways, offering leisure actions amidst its scenic landscapes.
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