Houston - New Orleans

Experience the heart and soul of Louisiana on this unforgettable road trip from Houston to New Orleans. This journey takes you through Southwest Louisiana, Cajun Country, and the scenic bayou region, offering a rich blend of culture, cuisine, wildlife, and history. Along the way, explore charming towns, wildlife refuges, swamps, plantations, and legendary food destinations including the Boudin Trail, Tabasco Factory, and iconic Cajun and Creole restaurants. The adventure concludes in vibrant New Orleans, where music, architecture, and world-famous cuisine create the perfect finale to your Louisiana experience.

Day 1 – Houston, Texas to Lake Charles, Louisiana (143 miles / 230 km)

After enjoying the excitement of Houston, Texas, the fourth-largest city in the USA and the energy capital of the world, drive two hours east to begin your Louisiana adventure.

Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail.
Sample Louisiana’s favorite snack by following the trail http://www.visitlakecharles.org/restaurants/swla-boudin-trail/

Visit the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point Visitor Center, Sulphur LA, Exit 20
Begin your journey into “America’s Outback” at this informative and fun visitor center with interactive exhibits.

Tour the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu

Drive through the Historic Charpentier District and the Lakefront in Lake Charles.

Check into your hotel in Lake Charles, home of Las Vegas-style large casino hotels and all national hotel brands.

Enjoy a hands-on Louisiana seafood feast at a local Lake Charles restaurant. Order a bowl of gumbo, or a platter of crabs, crawfish, or shrimp and eat like a local.

Day 2 – Lake Charles LA to Lafayette LA (70 miles / 112 km)

Drive south toward the Gulf of Mexico on the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. 
Stop at any of five different wildlife refuges and walkways to enjoy a wilderness full of migrating birds, alligators, wildflowers, and natural beaches. Download the app for guided tours in seven languages.

Tour Bayou Rum Distillery
Take a free tour and taste rum made from Louisiana sugar cane.                        
Enjoy a light lunch at a local diner in Lafayette.
Visit Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Acadian Cultural Center
Visit Vermilionville Historic Village in Lafayette LA
Living history museum with restored 18th- to 19th-century homes, plus a restaurant & live music.
Speak with local artisans demonstrating authentic crafts.
Check into Lafayette hotel or bed & breakfast
Enjoy an authentic Cajun meal with live Cajun or Zydeco music, and dancing with locals.

Day 3 – Lafayette LA to Houma LA (102 miles / 164 km)

Enjoy unique kayaking through a beautiful swamp in Lake Martin, LA
Tour the world’s only Tabasco Pepper Sauce Factory and General Store.
Enjoy Lunch at Tabasco Factory’s Restaurant 1868.                       
Tour Greenwood Gator Farm
See many alligators and learn how they are a part of Louisiana life.
Check into Houma hotel or bed & breakfast.
Enjoy fresh Gulf Coast cuisine at a seafood restaurant in Houma.

Day 4 – Houma LA to New Orleans LA (58 miles / 93 km)

Tour Southdown Plantation & Terrebonne Museum
Southdown Plantation House is a 19th-century manor house, slave quarters, gift shop, and worker’s cabin! FREE mini tours for all visitors.

Tour and Lunch at Oak Alley Plantation
Enjoy an iconic setting on the Mississippi River.

Arrive at a hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Day 5-6 – New Orleans

Enjoy the most unique city in the USA – the “Big Easy.”  New Orleans is a feast for the senses – music, good food, interesting sightseeing, and colorful architecture everywhere. https://www.neworleans.com/