Road Trip From Houston To New Orleans
The Deep South has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States, and if you want to experience the finest parts of Texas and Louisiana, take a road trip from Houston to New Orleans.
The 350-mile road trip from Houston to New Orleans takes 5 hours and 15 minutes. Notable attractions include the Sam Houston and Kisatchie National Forests, the San Jacinto Battlefield, Oak Alley Plantation, Lake Charles, and Lafayette.
Continue reading for more information about this amazing drive through beautiful lakes, forests, and cities.
How far is New Orleans from Houston, and how long would the road trip take?
| Route | Distance | Travel time |
| Inland Route | 350 miles | 5 hours 15 min |
| Coastal Route | 420 miles | 7 hours 15 min |
The quickest route from Houston to New Orleans takes 5 hours and 15 minutes, covering nearly 350 miles without detours.
As a result, the journey may be completed in a single day; however, if you want to see the sights along the way, consider doing it slowly.
Taking a detour along the Gulf Coast at almost any point throughout your trip will lead you to an exquisite lake or wildlife refuge that is just pleading to be explored.
The interstate journey is quite straightforward and easy, but the fun of rural routes more than compensates for the twists and turns!
An excellent alternative, albeit one that takes you further from the coast, spans 460 miles and takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes to drive – two hours more than going direct.
This route will take you through all four of Texas’ national forests, more than justifying the longer journey time.
Whatever route you take, Baton Rouge may or may not disrupt your plans in terms of time; tight roads and congestion are common in the area, so make an effort to check traffic with an app before driving into town.
The best road trip route from Houston to New Orleans
There is no “best” route from Houston to New Orleans; both itineraries bring something unique to the table. Having said that, the routes complement each other nicely, so you should consider traveling one to New Orleans and returning by the other.
Whether you’re flying into Houston or just don’t have a vehicle in the city, renting a car for your road trip is something you’ll want to take care of right away.
The Inland Route
To get to Livingston, follow Route 59 through Sam Houston National Forest after leaving Houston on Interstate 69. From here, take a detour to Davy Crockett National Forest or continue on Highway 190 via Big Thicket National Forest until you reach Jasper.
From there, follow State Highways 63 and 8 between Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area to the south and Sabine National Forest to the north.
Just outside of Leesville, take Route 28 to Alexandria and explore Kisatchie National Forest. Once finished, continue Highway 71 past Thistlethwaite State Wildlife Management Area, then Highway 190 past Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge to Baton Rouge, where the two routes intersect.
The Coastal Route (Interstate 10)
Leave Houston via Interstate 10, passing Herman Brown Park. Sherman Lake and the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. Mont Belvieu City Park is located further east, shortly before crossing Trinity River and passing by Lost Lake and Lake Charlotte.
After Trinity Bay, you can take a detour to the coast and explore Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, followed by McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge and Sea Rim State Park.
Once you’re finished, travel through Beaumont and into Louisiana. Pass past Lake Charles, then detour to Grand and White Lakes, or continue on the highway to Lafayette.
Before crossing the Mississippi River and entering Baton Rouge, you’ll pass by the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge. Follow the river east across the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area and Lake Pontchartrain before arriving in New Orleans.
Best locations to stop between Houston and New Orleans
Although the road drive from Houston to New Orleans may take 5 to 7 hours, you’ll want to take your time and see everything you can along the route. Consider these resorts when arranging your trip:
Enjoy an unforgettable night out in Lafayette
Lafayette is a great layover if you’re traveling the Coastal Route because it’s around midway through your trip. The city is filled with the top hotels.
Booking a spacious suite on a high floor is guaranteed to make your stay unforgettable; the window view of the city (especially in spring, when everything is in blossom!) is breathtaking, and the rooms themselves are exceptionally comfortable and welcoming.
The hotel’s recreational facilities include a fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. Whether you’re looking for a standard American meal or something a little unusual, the on-site restaurant has you covered, and the bar is a wonderful location to grab a drink and play pool.
You couldn’t ask for a finer location, as it’s only a few kilometers from the city center. Also, the resort is exceptionally reasonably priced for how good it is; if you’re visiting New Orleans during the festival season and don’t want to overpay, this is by far the best option.
Enjoy a luxurious vacation in New Orleans
As a popular tourist destination, it’s no wonder that New Orleans has a plethora of excellent hotels to pick from. If you thought Lafayette’s DoubleTree hotel was amazing, wait till you try the pool at the DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans.
The best word to describe this facility is “white and bright”; the calming color palettes of the rooms will put you at rest as soon as you walk in. If you’re still not tired from your day of exploring, you can work out at the on-site fitness center.
If the bar and eating spaces do not wow you with their beautiful design, the swimming pool on the terrace with its outstanding city view will. There is no better spot in town to get a tan!
Despite being part of one of the best hotel brands in the area, this resort is relatively affordable. Most importantly, there are other interesting locations nearby, such as Harrah’s Casino and St Louis Cathedral.
Places to see on a road trip from Houston to New Orleans
Despite the short journey time, there is enough to see on a road trip from Houston to New Orleans. Spread out your vacation across at least a couple of days to see as many of the following places as possible:
1. San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site – This area is home to the USS Texas, and visiting is essential for understanding Texas’ history.
2. Sea Rim State Park – This park brilliantly reflects the essence of Texas, with lovely shores and endless chances for bird-watching and canoeing.
3. Beaumont – No tour across southeastern Texas would be complete without visiting one of the region’s larger cities.
4.Big Thicket National Preserve –Given the wide range of plant and animal species native to this area, it’s no surprise that the preserve is one of Texas’ top natural attractions.
5.Lake Charles – Lake Charles, an important hub for both students and tourists, is most known for the numerous lakes that surround it.
6.Lafayette – This city, a vital role in Louisiana’s oil sector and the birthplace of Cajun culture, is an excellent site to prepare for the celebrations of New Orleans.
7.Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge – Overall, one of the best sites to learn about the local fauna, especially alligators and other reptiles.
8.Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge – A beautiful, large marsh and wetlands habitat for several water birds and other animal species.
9.Baton Rouge – Louisiana’s capital, with its gorgeous antebellum architecture and location along the Mississippi River, is a must-see destination on either route.
10.Oak Alley Plantation – This old structure is most renowned for its beautiful garden area and the unique oak tree-decorated walkway.
11.Fontainebleau State Park – A magnificent park near to Lake Pontchartrain with a variety of campsites and picturesque beaches.
12.Sam Houston National Forest – This is one of Texas’ only four national forests, and it’s ideal for hiking, camping, and appreciating the animals.
13.Sabine National Forest – This lovely forest is well-known for its majestic oak and hardwood trees, and it is home to one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States, which attracts many campers and fishermen.
14.Kisatchie National Forest – Louisiana’s lone national forest is distinguished by its towering longleaf pines.
15.Jackson Square –Although it’s difficult to pick a single highlight when it comes to New Orleans, this historic square is undoubtedly the city’s most famous monument.
Best time for a road journey from Houston to New Orleans
If you’re taking a road trip from Houston to New Orleans, you’re probably going to visit some of Crescent City’s famous seasonal festivals. With that in mind, certain periods of the year are more appropriate for the trip than others.
Spring and fall visits are strongly suggested because the temperatures are most comfortable and the majority of New Orleans’ festivals take place during these seasons. Needless to say, the crowds drive up hotel prices, and it won’t be easy to secure a place unless you reserve ahead of time.
If you know one thing about New Orleans’ annual festivals, it’s most likely Mardi Gras, which takes place in February or March each year. The city becomes rather hectic during this celebration, so reserve a room well in advance if you want to attend.
Although it may seem paradoxical if you’re not from the South, summer is one of the best times to visit if you’re on a tight budget. The scorching summers don’t lend themselves to outdoor activities, so there are fewer tourists, and hotel rooms are less expensive.
Winter travels to New Orleans, on the other hand, are significantly less expensive. Visiting between December and February is probably the greatest opportunity to see a quieter side of the city, although there are few to no events or festivals worth attending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stop driving from Houston to New Orleans?
1. Sam Houston National Forest, New Waverly, Texas 2. Buffalo Bayou Park, Houston, Texas 3. Discovery Green, Houston, Texas 4. Museum District, Downtown Houston, Texas 5. Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas 6. Spindletop Hill Salt Dome, Beaumont, Texas.
What’s between Houston and New Orleans?
Lafayette, Louisiana, is an intriguing stop from New Orleans to Houston. This location will give you a taste of Cajun culture. You may go on a swamp tour, see the Avery Island bird sanctuary, experience zydeco music, and eat some delicious Cajun food.
What is the best month to visit New Orleans?
The greatest time to visit New Orleans is between February and May, when the weather is cool and the festivities are full.
What is the #1 attraction in New Orleans?
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting The Big Easy for the first time, there’s something for everyone’s taste and preference. French Quarter Phantoms has been named #1 in New Orleans and America’s Top Ten for more than 8 years running, so we know a thing or two about our city!
For more details on New Orleans you can visit http://www.nps.gov
For visit to New Orleans from Atlanta, https://travelingwhispers.com/road-trip-from-atlanta-to-new-orleans/
