Louisiana has among the most scenic driving routes in the US, making it an ideal place for a household highway journey. In reality, the Louisiana Byways program, consisting of 19 distinct routes, is crammed with historical past, tradition, eating places, and sights nearly anybody can take pleasure in!
As with most US trails, you’ll be capable to cross between them or minimize them brief. For instance, the Cajun Hall Byway is simply south of Lafayette. You may take a brief drive on I-10 to the Louisiana River Highway, the place you’ll discover Baton Rouge and, finally, the capital metropolis of New Orleans.
In the event you’re touring with kids, think about staying nearer to town. There’s extra to do there, however if you wish to follow your French, it’s extra generally spoken in small cities.
Scenic Louisiana Highway Journeys
Earlier than getting on the highway, ensure you have packed these highway journey necessities. You must also store Louisiana’s automobile insurance coverage firms for the most effective statewide protection. However irrespective of the place you’re ranging from, you’ll take pleasure in these routes.
1. The Cajun Hall Byway
If you wish to strive some traditional Louisiana delicacies, the Cajun Hall Byway will go well with you simply positive. You’ll journey 34 miles alongside Freeway 14, which covers sloping terrain, coastal ridges, and alleys. Remember to watch the shade and oak bushes as you drive by the various farms.
On the best way, you’ll go by Delcambre, well-known for its shrimp, Gueydan, the duck capital of America, and a number of other small cities. In Abbeville and Maurice, the residents communicate French.
Earlier than leaving Cajun nation, strive a bowl of crawfish étouffée (seafood stew), a spicy native sausage referred to as boudin, and a great deal of contemporary fish and seafood. When you have some free time, cease by Acadian Museum in Erath, Palmetto Island State Park in Abbeville, and Le Musee de Kaplan.
2. Zydeco Cajun Prairie Byway
Music lovers will benefit from the Zydeco Cajun Prairie Byway because it pays tribute to the Blues and Rock n Roll. The cities alongside this byway are well-known for his or her festivals and celebrations that honor every little thing in regards to the South. The highway is assorted, so you’ll be able to decide which loops to journey by.
Alongside the byway, you’ll come throughout Mamou, the “Cajun Music Capital of the World.” Whereas there, try Fred’s Lounge, the place you’ll hear Cajun music each Saturday morning.
Throughout the 283-mile journey, there are a number of must-sees. In Eunice, try the Cajun French Music Corridor of Fame and Museum. In Crowley, keep for the Historic Rice Theatre and Rice Interpretive Heart. In Opelousas, dine at The Palace Cafe for some chicken-fried steak.
3. The Louisiana River Highway
Louisiana River Highway, or the “Nice River Highway,” brings in hundreds of vacationers a 12 months, and it isn’t exhausting to see why. This 773-mile stretch parallels the Mississippi River and runs by New Orleans, well-known for its music and golf equipment. Don’t miss out on Baton Rouge metropolis when you’re there.
The path begins at Vicksburg, the place you’ll see traces of Grant’s Canal from the American Civil Warfare. As you progress westward, you’ll get to go to Poverty Level World Heritage Web site at Epps.
In New Orleans, there are tons to see, particularly throughout Mardi Gras. However even in the event you miss out on the celebration, you’ll be able to nonetheless see tons of of museums, eat unbelievable meals, and bask within the distinctive tradition. Earlier than you allow, cease by the French Quarter and the well-known Backyard District.
4. Cane River Nationwide Heritage Path
Historical past buffs will get a kick out of Cane River Nationwide Heritage Path, a scenic byway that stretches 71 miles. This well-known path runs adjoining to the Cane River, which is now an oxbow lake boarded by soybean and corn farms, pecan orchards, and thick batches of sugar cane.
You’ll start at Natchitoches and drive by small cities and wealthy farmland. You see loads of plantation houses, distinctive Creole structure, historic landmarks, vegetation, and bushes.
In Natches, wander by to Cane River Creole Nationwide Historic Park, which encompasses Oakland and Magnolia Plantation. In Melrose, you’ll discover Melrose Plantation, which was constructed by the household of Marie Therese Coincoin, who was as soon as a slave however would go to realize freedom.
5. Bayou Teche Nationwide Scenic Byway
The Bayou Teche Nationwide Scenic Byway is among the longest scenic routes in Louisiana. It takes you thru widely known historic, cultural, and nationwide environments, so there are tons to do. Your driving journey begins in Bayou Teche or the City of Arnaudville within the North.
Bayou Teche is essentially the most well-known bayou within the state and curls its approach by south-central Louisiana. It’ll take you throughout St. Martin, Iberia, and St. Mary, residence of many small cities.
As an vital a part of the Atchafalaya Nationwide Heritage Space, the Bayou Teche Byway tells a compelling story about America’s historical past. It speaks in regards to the Louisiana panorama, the Nationwide Park, and the Indigenous Chitimacha peoples, recognized for his or her woven cane baskets.
6. The Creole Nature Path
Louisiana has some unbelievable and distinctive wildlife, and also you’ll get to see it on the Creole Nature Path. This 207-mile route is taken into account distant terrain, however that’s factor for pure lovers. You’ll undoubtedly see a couple of swamp alligators cross the road and tons of of native hen species.
Go to Sulphur, a city that sits on a significant deposit of the mineral. Then, maintain driving south on Freeway 27 to note a sudden change within the panorama—prairie lands to a coastal marsh.
Maintain driving to see Cameron Parish, residence to 700,000 acres of wetlands, Hackberry, a hub for crab and shrimp, and Sabine Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, a primary gathering sport for waterfowl. As you hit the Gulf of Mexico, try Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, a spot plentiful with life.
Able to Begin Planning Your Journey? Use These Useful Hyperlinks to E-book Your Journey!
- AIRFARE
- ROAD TRIP/CAR RENTAL
- LODGING
- From lodges to personal houses, discover the right lodging with Accommodations.com or reserving.com.
- For tenting and RV campgrounds, discover the perfect location with Campspot.
- PACKING
- Journey in fashion with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or purse from Away and Eagle Creek.
- For packing cubes, we love these from Eagle Creek and these reusable silicon baggage for a 3-1-1 bag from Stasher.
- TRAVEL PLANNING
- ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES
- Want one thing else to plan your good journey? Go to my journey assets web page for extra trusted companions.
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