7-Day Louisiana Itinerary

The Ultimate Louisiana Family Vacation: Kid-Friendly Adventures, Music & Outdoor Fun

Theme: A mix of New Orleans culture, bayou adventures, historic plantations, and Cajun country across Louisiana.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (February-May) for Mardi Gras or Fall (September-November) for cooler weather.

Day 1: Arrive in New Orleans & Explore the French Quarter

Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).

Top Things to Do in New Orleans:

Walk Down Bourbon Street – Experience the energy of live jazz & nightlife.

Explore Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral – Iconic landmarks in the heart of the city.

Eat Beignets at Cafe du Monde – A must-try New Orleans treat!

Visit the Voodoo Museum or Take a Ghost Tour – Learn about the city's mysterious past.

Dinner at Antoine's or Commander's Palace – Classic Creole cuisine.

Overnight in the French Quarter.

Day 2: Garden District & Swamp Tour

Explore More of New Orleans Beyond the Quarter.

Top Things to Do:

Ride the Historic St. Charles Streetcar – See beautiful 19th-century mansions.

Visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 – One of the city's famous above-ground cemeteries.

Take a Swamp Tour in Jean Lafitte National Park – Spot alligators, herons, and moss-covered cypress trees.

Catch Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street – Less touristy than Bourbon Street but just as fun!

Overnight in New Orleans.

Day 3: Plantations & Drive to Baton Rouge

Drive from New Orleans to Baton Rouge via the Great River Road (1.5 hours).

Top Stops Along the Way:

Oak Alley Plantation – Famous for its grand oak-lined entrance.

Laura Plantation – Learn about Creole history & slavery narratives.

Houmas House Plantation – One of the most beautiful estates in Louisiana.

Top Things to Do in Baton Rouge:

Visit the Louisiana State Capitol – The tallest in the U.S.!

Explore the USS Kidd Veterans Museum – A WWII battleship on the Mississippi.

Dinner at Parrain's Seafood Restaurant – Try a classic Louisiana crawfish boil.

Overnight in Baton Rouge.

Day 4: Cajun Country – Lafayette & Breaux Bridge

Drive from Baton Rouge to Lafayette (1 hour).

Top Things to Do in Lafayette & Breaux Bridge:

Try a Crawfish Boil at a Local Eatery (Seasonal: Spring).

Visit Vermilionville Living History Museum – Experience Cajun & Creole culture.

Take a Bayou Teche Kayak Tour – A peaceful way to see Louisiana's waterways.

Explore Lake Martin & See Alligators – A hidden gem for birdwatching & wildlife.

Overnight in Lafayette or Breaux Bridge.

Day 5: Natchitoches – Louisiana's Oldest Town

Drive from Lafayette to Natchitoches (2.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Natchitoches:

Visit the Cane River Creole National Historical Park.

See Melrose Plantation – A historic home known for folk artist Clementine Hunter.

If Visiting in December, See the Christmas Festival of Lights!

Try the Famous Natchitoches Meat Pie at Lasyone's.

Overnight in Natchitoches.

Day 6: Drive to Shreveport – Casinos & Red River

Drive from Natchitoches to Shreveport (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Shreveport:

Try Your Luck at the Casinos on the Red River.

Explore the Red River District – Great restaurants & live music.

Visit the R.W. Norton Art Gallery – A hidden gem for art lovers.

Dinner at Herby-K's – Home of the legendary Shrimp Buster.

Overnight in Shreveport.

Day 7: Return to New Orleans & Depart

Drive from Shreveport back to New Orleans (4.5 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way:

Visit the Louisiana Science & Space Center in Ruston.

Stop at Kisatchie National Forest for a Short Hike.

Fly out of New Orleans (MSY).

Total Drive Time:

Approx. 15-18 hours of driving across Louisiana.