New Orleans Louisiana, USA Travel Guide
Plantation Country (River Road): West of New Orleans, along the Mississippi River. This area features historic plantations. Cypress Swamps/Bayous: Various locations surrounding the city. These have swamp tours and wildlife viewing. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (Barataria Preserve): South of the city. It provides trails and boardwalks through wetlands.
Baton Rouge: Louisiana's state capital, to the west. It offers historical sites and museums. Slidell/Northshore: Across Lake Pontchartrain, for swamp tours and nature activities.
Organized tours simplify your day. They often include transportation and entry fees, taking care of the logistics.
A rental car allows you to explore at your own pace and visit lesser-known places.
Explore the unique ecosystems surrounding New Orleans.
A 30-minute drive south, offering free boardwalk trails through swamps and bayous. Wildlife viewing includes alligators and birds.
Approximately a 1-hour drive north across Lake Pontchartrain. It offers camping, cabins, hiking trails, and a beach on the lake.
Located on the Westbank. It offers fishing, boating, and cabins, with swamp views and recreational options.
The region has unique landscapes beyond the city limits.
Nature displays change with the seasons in Louisiana.
Discover more of Louisiana's rich history and culture beyond New Orleans.
Explore stunning historic homes and their complex histories.
Louisiana's capital offers additional historical insights.
Dive into the Cajun culture, music, and food.
Organized tours simplify access to many sites.
Many tour companies offer transportation to plantations and swamp tours.
Guides provide context and stories that bring history to life.
Historical sites deserve respect for their past and preservation.
Consider adding extra days to explore nearby regions more deeply.
Add 1-2 days. Drive to Lafayette. Explore local culture, music, and food. Take a personalized swamp tour. Stay overnight.
Add 1-2 days. Head east to towns like Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, or Biloxi. Enjoy beaches, casinos, and a different coastal vibe.
Add 1 day. Combine a visit to the State Capitol with more plantations not covered on a day trip from New Orleans.
New Orleans to Cajun Country, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, Nashville, and Atlanta. Explore much of the American South.
New Orleans along the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Mobile, Pensacola, and Destin. Focuses on beaches and coastal towns.
Combine New Orleans with northern Louisiana, including Shreveport or Monroe, for a comprehensive state tour.