Southern Soul
Texas BBQ to Cajun Country
Austin, TXNew Orleans, LA
Trip overview
Embark on a culinary and cultural pilgrimage from the heart of Texas to the soul of Louisiana. This journey traces a path through legendary barbecue joints, vibrant Cajun prairies, and the electrifying rhythms of the Big Easy, focusing on unforgettable food, lively music, and rich local history.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Austin
Franklin Barbecue
Kick off your trip with a Texas institution. Arrive early for a taste of Aaron Franklin's James Beard Award-winning brisket, a legendary experience that defines Central Texas barbecue.
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
The Menil Collection
After driving to Houston, immerse yourself in this stunning and serene art museum. It features a diverse private collection from antiquity to contemporary works, housed in a masterpiece of modern architecture.
1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006
Anvil Bar & Refuge
Experience one of America's best cocktail bars. Anvil is known for its meticulously crafted classic cocktails and innovative creations, set in a stylish, industrial-chic space in the vibrant Montrose neighborhood.
1424 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
Hotel ZaZa Museum District
Check into this stylish and eccentric boutique hotel, perfectly located for exploring Houston's world-class museums and vibrant cultural scene.
5701 Main St, Houston, TX 77005
Day 2 — Houston
NASA Johnson Space Center
Spend the day exploring the epicenter of human spaceflight. Take the tram tour to see the historic Mission Control Center and the massive Saturn V rocket, a truly awe-inspiring cultural and scientific experience.
2101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
Xochi
Dine at Chef Hugo Ortega's celebrated restaurant for an authentic and inspired taste of Oaxaca. The menu features rich moles, house-made chocolate, and a bar program with an incredible selection of mezcal.
1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
The Continental Club
Catch a live show at this iconic Houston music venue, a sibling to the Austin original. It hosts a wide variety of local and touring rock, blues, and country acts in an intimate setting.
3700 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Day 3 — Avery Island
Avery Island: TABASCO and Jungle Gardens
On your way to Lafayette, detour to the home of TABASCO sauce. Tour the factory to see how the iconic hot sauce is made, then explore the lush, 170-acre Jungle Gardens, a botanical and wildlife paradise.
329 Avery Island Rd, Avery Island, LA 70513
Blue Moon Saloon & Guesthouse
Check into your lodging and the night's entertainment in one stop. This world-famous honky-tonk is the go-to spot for live Cajun, Zydeco, and other roots music, offering a truly authentic Louisiana experience.
215 E Convent St, Lafayette, LA 70501
Maison Madeleine
Stay in a beautifully restored 1840s French-Creole cottage on the serene shores of Lake Martin. This romantic bed and breakfast offers a peaceful escape deep in the heart of Cajun Country.
1015 John D Hebert Dr, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
Day 4 — Edgard
The Whitney Plantation
En route to New Orleans, stop at this essential historic site. As America's first museum dedicated to the realities of slavery, it provides a powerful and moving perspective on the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked here.
5099 LA-18, Edgard, LA 70049
Jacques-Imo's Cafe
Announce your arrival in New Orleans with a meal at this famously eclectic and vibrant restaurant. Expect a wait, a loud atmosphere, and unforgettable 'real N'awlins food' like alligator cheesecake and shrimp and tasso cornbread.
8324 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
The Columns
Settle into this historic Garden District hotel, famed for its grand Southern architecture and iconic front porch bar. It’s the perfect spot to sip a cocktail and watch the streetcar roll by.
3811 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
Frenchmen Street
For your first night, skip the Bourbon Street crowds and head to where the locals go for live music. Dip into legendary clubs like The Spotted Cat or d.b.a. for incredible jazz, blues, and funk in intimate settings.
Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Day 5 — New Orleans
French Quarter Walking Tour
Spend the morning exploring the iconic architecture, hidden courtyards, and rich history of the Vieux Carré. A guided tour can reveal the stories behind landmarks like Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Pontalba Buildings.
Jackson Square, New Orleans, LA 70116
Dooky Chase's Restaurant
Experience a cornerstone of Creole cuisine and Civil Rights history. The late Chef Leah Chase's legendary establishment has served presidents and activists, known for its unmatched gumbo and fried chicken.
2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
The Sazerac House
Discover the history of America's original cocktail through interactive exhibits at this multi-story museum and distillery. Enjoy tastings of the iconic Sazerac and other spirits right where they're made.
101 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Preservation Hall
End the day with a pilgrimage to this hallowed venue for traditional New Orleans jazz. Experience an intimate, acoustic performance from the world-class Preservation Hall Jazz Band in a rustic, historic setting.
726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116
Day 6 — New Orleans
Café Du Monde
No trip to New Orleans is complete without a morning stop at this iconic, open-air coffee shop for their world-famous beignets—pillowy, fried dough covered in powdered sugar—and a café au lait.
800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
The National WWII Museum
Before departing, explore this immersive and powerful museum, designated by Congress as the official WWII museum of the United States. Its compelling exhibits offer a deep dive into the American experience of the war.
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Commander's Palace
Conclude your epic road trip with a final, celebratory meal at this Garden District grande dame. Known for its inventive Creole cuisine, impeccable service, and legendary 25-cent jazz brunch martinis.
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
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 Southern Soul road trip covers about 687 mi and roughly 12h 38m of driving, comfortably spread across about 6 days.
This itinerary maps out 21 stops from Austin, TX to New Orleans, LA. Highlights include Franklin Barbecue, The Menil Collection, and Anvil Bar & Refuge.
It begins in Austin, TX and ends in New Orleans, LA, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $2,083, 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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