Bayous, boudin, and brass bands in South Louisiana
Bayous, boudin, and brass bands in South Louisiana
New Orleans, LA 70130Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Trip overview
Immerse yourself in the soulful rhythm of South Louisiana, from the French Quarter's wrought-iron balconies to the cypress swamps of Acadiana. This route is a flavorful journey fueled by spicy crawfish boils and smoky boudin, set to a soundtrack of live zydeco music in rustic dancehalls.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — New Orleans
Hotel Monteleone
Check into a historic, family-owned luxury hotel in the heart of the French Quarter, famous for its revolving Carousel Bar.
214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
The National WWII Museum
Explore an immersive and deeply moving museum designated by Congress as America's official WWII museum. The exhibits detail the American experience in the war that changed the world.
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
French Quarter Walking Tour
Wander through the iconic Vieux Carré, admiring the intricate wrought-iron balconies, hidden courtyards, and vibrant history of Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral.
700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Preservation Hall
Experience intimate, acoustic traditional New Orleans jazz in its purest form at this legendary, no-frills venue. A quintessential NOLA music experience.
726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116
Day 2 — New Orleans
Commander's Palace
Indulge in a classic Creole brunch at this landmark Garden District restaurant. Famous for its turtle soup, 25-cent martinis at lunch, and refined Southern elegance.
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Take a guided tour through the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, known for its historic above-ground vaults and as the final resting place of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Access is restricted to licensed tours only.
425 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Frenchmen Street
Spend the evening hopping between authentic live music clubs like The Spotted Cat and d.b.a., where the locals go for incredible jazz, blues, and funk without the Bourbon Street crowds.
Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Day 3 — Edgard
Whitney Plantation
Visit the only plantation museum in Louisiana dedicated to the realities of slavery. This powerful, memorial-focused tour provides a sobering and essential perspective on the region's history through the eyes of the enslaved people who lived here.
5099 LA-18, Edgard, LA 70049
Cajun Man's Swamp Tours & Adventures
Glide through moss-draped cypress swamps on an authentic bayou tour led by a local Cajun captain. Spot alligators, turtles, and wading birds while learning about the unique ecosystem and Cajun way of life.
110 Mutt's Ln, Gibson, LA 70356
Maison D'Memoire Bed & Breakfast Cottages
Stay in a genuine, private historic Louisiana cottage moved to a serene location on a crawfish pond. It offers an authentic and romantic Acadiana lodging experience.
8450 Roberts Cove Rd, Rayne, LA 70578
Day 4 — Lafayette
Vermilionville Historic Village
Step back in time at this living history museum and folklife park on the banks of the Bayou Vermilion. Explore restored original homes and watch artisans demonstrate crafts, cooking, and music of the Acadian, Creole, and Native American cultures from 1765-1890.
300 Fisher Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508
The Best Stop Supermarket
Visit a legendary spot in the Boudin Capital of the World for some of the best boudin, cracklins, and specialty meats in Louisiana. This is a must-do culinary pilgrimage for authentic Cajun flavors.
615 LA-93, Scott, LA 70583
Blue Moon Saloon and Guesthouse
Experience world-famous live music at this quirky, laid-back venue with a lively back porch. It's a premier spot for hearing authentic Cajun, Zydeco, and other Louisiana roots music.
215 E Convent St, Lafayette, LA 70501
Day 5 — Avery Island
Jungle Gardens
Explore a 170-acre botanical garden and bird sanctuary on Avery Island, known for its massive live oaks, lush tropical plants, and the 'Bird City' egret rookery. A stunning display of the Gulf Coast's natural beauty.
LA-329, Avery Island, LA 70513
Fred's Lounge
Experience a legendary Cajun tradition: the Saturday morning live radio broadcast from this rustic bar. Doors open at 8 AM for beer, bloody marys, and live Cajun music and dancing that goes until the early afternoon.
420 6th St, Mamou, LA 70554
Day 6 — St Martinville
St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church
Visit the 'Mother Church of the Acadians,' a pivotal landmark in Cajun history and the setting for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem, 'Evangeline.' The serene grounds include the legendary Evangeline Oak.
133 S Main St, St Martinville, LA 70582
Poche's Market & Restaurant
Stop at a classic Cajun meat market and diner for a plate lunch. Experience authentic local specialties like tasso, boudin, andouille, and other smoked meats prepared with generations-old recipes.
3015 Main Hwy, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
The Old State Capitol
Explore the striking Gothic Revival 'castle-on-the-river' that served as Louisiana's statehouse. Don't miss the magnificent stained-glass dome and the ghost stories associated with the building.
100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
WATERMARK Baton Rouge, Autograph Collection
Stay in a beautifully restored 1927 skyscraper in downtown Baton Rouge, combining historic architectural details with modern luxury.
150 3rd St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Day 7 — Baton Rouge
Louisiana State Capitol
Visit the tallest state capitol building in the United States. Take the elevator to the 27th-floor observation deck for panoramic views of Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River.
900 N 3rd St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Capitol Park Museum
Explore a comprehensive collection detailing Louisiana's diverse history, industry, and culture. Exhibits cover everything from Mardi Gras and Louis Armstrong to the civil rights movement and the legacy of Huey P. Long.
660 N 4th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
USS Kidd Veterans Museum
Tour a Fletcher-class destroyer, restored to its 1945 configuration and moored on the Mississippi River. The 'Pirate of the Pacific' is a fascinating floating museum honoring the service of American veterans.
305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Day 8 — Baton Rouge
Magnolia Mound Plantation
Tour a rare surviving example of a French Creole plantation house from the 18th century. The house and outbuildings offer a glimpse into the life of early Louisiana settlers.
2161 Nicholson Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Louie's Cafe
Grab a final, classic Louisiana meal at this beloved 24-hour diner near LSU. A Baton Rouge institution since 1941, famous for its hearty breakfasts, hashbrowns, and old-school atmosphere.
3322 Lake St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
LSU Rural Life Museum
Wander through one of the country's best outdoor museums, showcasing the life and culture of 19th-century Louisiana. The extensive grounds feature dozens of historic buildings, including a slave cabin, a gristmill, and a blacksmith's shop.
4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Louisiana Soul road trip covers about 333 mi and roughly 7h 43m of driving, comfortably spread across about 8 days.
This itinerary maps out 25 stops from New Orleans, LA 70130 to Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Highlights include French Quarter Walking Tour, Cajun Man's Swamp Tours & Adventures, and Jungle Gardens.
It begins in New Orleans, LA 70130 and ends in Baton Rouge, LA 70808, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $2,531, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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