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The Top 7 Most Scenic Drives in Louisiana (and What to do While You’re There)

Louisiana has some of the most scenic driving routes in the United States, making it a perfect place for a family road trip. In fact, the Louisiana Byways program, consisting of 19 distinct routes, is filled with history, culture, restaurants, and attractions just about anyone can enjoy!

As with most US trails, you’ll be able to cross between them or cut them short. For example, the Cajun Corridor Byway is just south of Lafayette. You can take a short drive on I-10 to the Louisiana River Road, where you’ll find Baton Rouge and, eventually, the capital city of New Orleans. 

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If you’re traveling with children, consider staying closer to the city. There is more to do there, but if you want to practice your French, it is more commonly spoken in small towns.

Scenic Louisiana Road Trips

Before getting on the road, make sure you have packed these road trip essentials. You should also shop Louisiana’s car insurance companies for the best statewide coverage. But no matter where you’re starting from, you’ll enjoy these routes.

LaFayette Lousiana skyline - Road Trips
LaFayette Lousiana Skyline

1. The Cajun Corridor Byway

If you want to try some classic Louisiana cuisine, the Cajun Corridor Byway will suit you just fine. You’ll travel 34 miles along Highway 14, which covers sloping terrain, coastal ridges, and alleys. Be sure to watch the shade and oak trees as you drive through the many farms.

On the way, you’ll pass by Delcambre, famous for its shrimp, Gueydan, the duck capital of America, and several small towns. In Abbeville and Maurice, the residents speak French.

Before leaving Cajun country, try a bowl of crawfish étouffée (seafood stew), a spicy local sausage called boudin, and loads of fresh fish and seafood. If you have some free time, stop by Acadian Museum in Erath, Palmetto Island State Park in Abbeville, and Le Musee de Kaplan. 

2. Zydeco Cajun Prairie Byway

Music lovers will enjoy the Zydeco Cajun Prairie Byway as it pays tribute to the Blues and Rock n Roll. The towns along this byway are famous for their festivals and celebrations that honor everything about the South. The road is varied, so you can pick which loops to travel through.

Along the byway, you’ll come across Mamou, the “Cajun Music Capital of the World.” While there, check out Fred’s Lounge, where you’ll hear Cajun music every Saturday morning.

Across the 283-mile journey, there are several must-sees. In Eunice, check out the Cajun French Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In Crowley, stay for the Historic Rice Theatre and Rice Interpretive Center. In Opelousas, dine at The Palace Cafe for some chicken-fried steak.

Crescent City Connection Bridge New Orleans
Crescent City Connection Bridge New Orleans

3. The Louisiana River Road 

Louisiana River Road, or the “Great River Road,” brings in thousands of tourists a year, and it isn’t hard to see why. This 773-mile stretch parallels the Mississippi River and runs through New Orleans, famous for its music and clubs. Don’t miss out on Baton Rouge city while you’re there.

The trail starts at Vicksburg, where you’ll see traces of Grant’s Canal from the American Civil War. As you move westward, you’ll get to visit Poverty Point World Heritage Site at Epps.

Poverty Point National Monument
Poverty Point National Monument

In New Orleans, there are lots to see, especially during Mardi Gras. But even if you miss out on the celebration, you can still see hundreds of museums, eat incredible food, and bask in the unique culture. Before you leave, stop by the French Quarter and the famous Garden District. 

4. Cane River National Heritage Trail 

History buffs will get a kick out of Cane River National Heritage Trail, a scenic byway that stretches 71 miles. This famous trail runs adjacent 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 begin at Natchitoches and drive through small towns and rich farmland. You see plenty of plantation homes, distinctive Creole architecture, historic landmarks, vegetation, and trees.

In Natches, wander through to Cane River Creole National Historical Park, which encompasses Oakland and Magnolia Plantation. In Melrose, you’ll find Melrose Plantation, which was built by the family of Marie Therese Coincoin, who was once a slave but would go to attain freedom. 

5. Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway

The Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway is one of the longest scenic routes in Louisiana. It takes you through widely recognized historical, cultural, and national environments, so there are lots to do. Your driving journey begins in Bayou Teche or the Town of Arnaudville in the North. 

Bayou Teche is the most famous bayou in the state and curls its way through south-central Louisiana. It’ll take you across St. Martin, Iberia, and St. Mary, home of many small towns.

As an important part of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, the Bayou Teche Byway tells a compelling story about America’s history. It speaks about the Louisiana landscape, the National Park, and the Indigenous Chitimacha peoples, known for their woven cane baskets.

6. The Creole Nature Trail

Louisiana has some incredible and unique wildlife, and you’ll get to see it on the Creole Nature Trail. This 207-mile route is considered remote terrain, but that’s a good thing for natural lovers. You’ll definitely see a few swamp alligators cross the street and hundreds of local bird species. 

Go to Sulphur, a town that sits on a major deposit of the mineral. Then, keep driving south on Highway 27 to notice a sudden change in the landscape—prairie lands to a coastal marsh.

Keep driving to see Cameron Parish, home to 700,000 acres of wetlands, Hackberry, a hub for crab and shrimp, and Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, a prime gathering sport for waterfowl. As you hit the Gulf of Mexico, check out Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, a place abundant with life.

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About Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

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