Here is your chance to explore all the excitement and memorable experiences awaiting travelers on an unforgettable road trip from Dallas to the cultural mecca of New Orleans.
Your road trip southeast from Dallas to New Orleans promises a wide array of exciting and enjoyable attractions, from important points in presidential history to peaceful plantations. Along the way, you will have opportunities to tour haunted plantations or sample some of the finest Cajun cooking. Read on to discover the journey we’ve prepared for you and to experience an American road trip like you’ve never had before.
Stops
1. Dallas
2. Grand Saline, TX
3. Shreveport, LA
4. Alexandria, LA
5. Lafayette, LA
6. New Orleans
Info at a glance
- 2-day trip
- Type of route: City
- 6 stops along the route
- 551 miles of driving
Highlights
- Learn about the history of Dallas.
- Get up close and personal with real East Texas gators.
- Experience the mystery of a haunted manor and labyrinth.
- Marvel at the night sky in Louisiana’s Science Center planetarium.
- Tour an authentic Southern plantation.
Getting to the start
This great American road trip will begin in Dallas, the third-largest city in Texas. If you’re flying into town, then Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is conveniently located fewer than 20 miles from downtown. If you live in the region, you can take Interstate 35 from the north or south or I-20 from the east or west. To avoid the city center, use interstates 45 or 635.
When to Visit
There’s no better time than the present to take a road trip from Dallas to New Orleans. If you’re planning on traveling in the summertime, be sure to bring along some sunscreen and a water bottle as it can get hot in this region! In the winter you will want to bring along a jacket and clothing to layer but expect the weather to remain relatively mild. Whenever you choose to make the journey, be prepared to make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Driving tips
The maximum speed limit in Texas is 80 miles per hour, although some highways have speed limits of 75 mph, so you’ll want to remain aware of the limit where you’re driving. In Louisiana, the maximum speed limit is 75 mph, but limits may be lower on some highways, so be sure to follow posted signage. You may encounter toll roads depending on the route you take on your road trip. There aren’t any special driving laws to be aware of on this journey.
What to know about the route
Your great American road trip will begin in Dallas, Texas, one of the 10 largest cities in the United States. From there, you’ll begin the 520-mile journey by driving east on I-20 into Louisiana, then turning south onto I-49 down to Lafayette. From there, it’s a straight shot east on I-10 right into the Big Easy. As you make your way, there will be many exciting opportunities for side trips and stops along the way, such as seeing the gators in Grand Saline. From the oil fields of East Texas to the plantations and museums of central Louisiana, your ride will be perfect in a sedan. Of course, after experiencing all the sights and flavors of the road, your trip will conclude in the Crescent City itself: New Orleans. There you’ll be able to explore historic districts, music venues and a local cooking style that you must experience firsthand to truly appreciate.
Dallas
Dallas is positioned at the confluence of interstate highways and railroads and is home to one of the country’s busiest international airports. This massive metropolitan area offers it all, from major live events to stunning cultural heritage sites. It also has a local gastronomic scene as diverse and satisfying as the city itself. There’s something for everyone waiting to be discovered in Dallas.
Points of interest
Explore the history of this amazing city by touring the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, or by taking a selfie with the iconic Cattle Drive Sculptures downtown. If you’re traveling with kids, you can visit the Dallas World Aquarium, or spend a day relaxing at White Rock Lake Park.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Dallas offers a vast array of dining options, like Bob’s Steak and Chop House and Mia’s Tex-Mex. Grab a drink at Frankie’s Downtown, and if you’re staying the night, the Beeman Hotel is perfectly located near the city arboretum and the North Park Mall.
Sixt Insider Tip
Perhaps the most exciting way to see Dallas is from above. Visitors to the Reunion Tower in downtown can take the elevator up 470 feet to take in this thriving city from the panoramic GeoDeck, which offers both indoor and outdoor bird’s-eye views of the Dallas skyline.
From Dallas to Grand Saline (73 miles)
Driving through the plains of East Texas on your way to Grand Saline is about as peaceful as it gets. Along the way, you will pass quaint towns like Terrell where you can stop and see Sisco, America’s “largest freshwater shark.” Other attractions include Terrell’s Silver Saloon and the BFTS Museum where WWII fighter pilots once trained.
Grand Saline, TX
Grand Saline is a historic town with a history that stretches back to the American Civil War and even further back to indigenous communities long before. Situated just 15 miles north of I-20 on a massive natural salt dome, Grand Saline provides an excellent rest stop on your road trip to New Orleans.
Points of interest
Grand Saline’s salt reserves have been exploited by organized mining from the Cherokee Nation to the modern Morton Salt Company, a long history commemorated by the city’s Salt Palace. Other attractions include the famous bass fishing available at nearby Lake Fork.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Richie’s Bar and Grill is a great place to relax with friends and enjoy a beer in town, while Salt Lickers is a local seafood favorite. Looking for some of the best local barbecue? Then The Feed Hut is sure to please.
Sixt Insider Tip
Every visitor to Grand Saline will want to explore the East Texas Gators and Wildlife Park. Here you can get up close and personal with alligators, including the local 14-foot celebrity known as Domino, in addition to other zoo residents like armadillos, lemurs and even giraffes.
From Grand Saline to Shreveport (128 miles)
Get back on I-20 for your journey to Shreveport, Louisiana. You’ll pass attractions as the Old Mill Pond Museum, a great spot to take the kids in Lindale. If you pass through in the fall, the Graystone Haunted Manor in Longview is sure to offer a chilling experience.
Shreveport, LA
Shreveport, named for Captain Henry Miller Shreve, represents your first stop in Louisiana and offers an abundance of activities and attractions. As the state’s third-largest city, Shreveport sits on the Red River (which was first navigated by Capt. Shreve) and is the point along your road trip where you will turn south onto I-49.
Points of interest
Shreveport offers a variety of attractions for all ages, from its aquarium to the lovely Gardens of the American Rose Center. History buffs will marvel at the Barksdale Global Power Museum, while everyone will want to explore the historic Red River District. Looking to cool off? Then you’ll love having fun at Shreveport’s Splash Kingdom Waterpark.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Bella Fresca is a local hotspot for fine dining and wines, while Southern Maid Donuts is famous as the site of an old Elvis Presley commercial. And no visit would be complete without trying the shrimp at Herby K’s. Staying the night? The Eldorado Resort Casino is sure to offer a restful night and a little fun on the side.
Sixt Insider Tip
The Louisiana Sci-Port Discovery Center is a science museum you won’t want to miss. The center includes an amazing show in its planetarium, as well as a variety of shows in its IMAX dome theater. And don’t forget to experience the Children’s Museum located in the same center.
From Shreveport to Alexandria (125 miles)
Your journey will continue south on I-49 toward Alexandria. Along the way you’ll pass through some of the most beautiful countryside that Louisiana has to offer as well as pass by some amazing attractions, such as Frost Jackson Swamp and the Melrose Historic Home. The Kent Plantation House is a historic side attraction worth stopping at and taking the time to tour.
Alexandria, LA
Alexandria is one of Louisiana’s top 10 cities and is situated almost precisely in the center of the state. This historic town, positioned along the banks of the Red River, is a true “comeback kid,” having grown and flourished after being almost completely burned to the ground during the American Civil War.
Points of interest
Alexandria offers a wealth of relaxing day trips, such as at the city’s Zoological Park or Museum of Art. Young visitors will enjoy exploring the T.R.E.E. House, while the Louisiana History Museum promises an afternoon as educational as it is enjoyable. The Rapides Parish Coliseum is a great place to catch a game in town.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
The Bistro on the Bayou is an excellent spot to experience some local flavor, while Robbie G’s Restaurant is a popular location where you can experience true Cajun and Creole cuisine in Alexandria. Looking for some authentic Louisiana crawfish? Then Swamp Daddy’s is sure to please.
Sixt Insider Tip
Before leaving Alexandria, the Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, located just across the Red River in Pineville, is a National Historical Register site dating to the Civil War. The grounds include peaceful walking trails and exhibits that will both inform and enlighten visitors of all ages.
From Alexandria to Lafayette (90 miles)
Continuing south on I-49, you will pass many small villages and towns with attractions such as the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum or the Creole Heritage Folklife Center in the town of Opelousas. If you’re traveling just before Labor Day, you may also want to experience the annual Zydeco Music Festival held in this town.
Lafayette, LA
Named for the Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette, this city has grown continuously since its founding along the banks of the Vermilion River. One of the state’s largest municipalities, Lafayette is home to a campus of the University of Louisiana as well as a regional airport.
Points of interest
Lafayette is full of historic sites to visit and enjoy, such as the Acadian Village and Vermilionville. The Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market is an excellent place to experience local flavors and cultures, while the Alexandre Mouton House provides unparalleled insight into the area’s history. Don’t forget to catch a show at the Cajundome before leaving.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Some of the most popular restaurants in Lafayette include The French Press and Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro. The Pamplona Tapas Bar offers a fun atmosphere for sharing a drink with friends, while Johnson’s Boucaniere offers the best in local meats and boudin, all based on the original recipes from Johnson’s Grocery in the 1930s.
Sixt Insider Tip
The Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette provides an invaluable layout of the local Cajun culture and its history, from leaving Nova Scotia in Canada to eventually settling in Louisiana. The center’s exhibits include an hourly film and seasonal ranger-guided boat tours. This is the perfect place to discover Louisiana’s cultural background and origins.
From Lafayette to New Orleans (135 miles)
On this final leg of your journey to New Orleans, you will pass by attractions like Prehistoric Park, a dinosaur-themed park located in Henderson. Other attractions include Baton Rouge, with its Old Governor’s Mansion and Blue Bayou Waterpark. And of course, the New Orleans Plantation Country in La Place is a must-see as you roll into town.
New Orleans
Known as both the Big Easy and Crescent City, New Orleans is a fascinating and colorful city packed to the brim with unique dining experiences, cultural expressions and world-famous festivals and celebrations. Situated on the Mississippi River, New Orleans is Louisiana’s largest city by population and is as deeply historical as it is thoroughly exciting to explore.
Points of interest
Visitors to New Orleans will want to explore the historic Garden District and Jackson Square before wandering the colorful streets of the French Quarter and taking in a jazz concert at the iconic Preservation Hall. The Audubon Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers, while New Orleans City Park will provide a restful opportunity to reconnect with nature after a long road trip.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
New Orleans offers an endless array of eating and drinking opportunities, including Jacques Imo’s Café and GW Fins. Mambo’s is a popular bar, while Paladar 511 is a superb pizza joint. Looking for a room? The Old No. 77 and the Eliza Jane are two historic hotels worth considering.
Sixt Insider Tip
New Orleans is perhaps best known for its Mardi Gras celebrations. If you’re traveling to New Orleans at this time, remember that the main parades do not pass through the French Quarter. It’s a better bet to stay on St. Charles Avenue (to catch the Bacchus Parade, for example).
