In this blog post, I share with you my top 7-day itinerary suggestions for Louisiana.
I started in Baton Rouge, travelled to St. Francisville, and ended in New Orleans, spending two nights in each city.
There’s plenty to see and explore across Louisiana on a road trip, and I hope you enjoy reading my 7-day itinerary suggestions.
Pick up your rental car from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and hit the roads of Louisiana. With Direct British Airways flights from London Heathrow to NOLA, you would be rude not to.
Let’s start the trip by heading to Baton Rouge, a few hours’ drive away from NOLA.
If it’s gameday in Baton Rouge, don’t miss an LSU College football game
I’ve got a tip for you: If you happen to be in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on A Saturday and it’s College Football season, be sure not to miss out on an LSU College football game!
Louisiana takes college football seriously, and Tiger Stadium, the home of the LSU Tigers playing in the SEC College football league, has a capacity of 102,000+. If you’re in Baton Rouge, you won’t want to miss it!
Head along to the LSU university campus and join in on A classic pre-game tailgate, which is an experience in itself.
Check out my article and video on how to prepare for an LSU college football game day.
A Flavor‑Packed Day in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge isn’t the kind of city you tiptoe through; it greets you with bold flavors, deep musical roots, and a playful spirit that makes even a short visit feel unforgettable.
Give yourself a day or two to explore Louisiana’s capital; this guide strings together the perfect mix of culture, food, thrills, and riverfront charm.
Where to Stay in Baton Rouge: Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown
Settle into the heart of the action.
This hotel’s central location makes it easy to wander on foot, grab a coffee, or hop straight into your day of exploring.
Start Strong with a Marucci Campus Tour. Kick off your morning with a behind‑the‑scenes look at how world‑class baseball gear is crafted.
The Marucci Campus offers a fascinating peek into the design and production process, a must‑see for sports lovers and curious minds alike.
Enjoy Brunch & Coffee at Leola’s. Ease into the day at Leola’s Cafe & Coffee House, a cozy spot perfect for a slow brunch.
Whether you’re craving a hearty plate or just a beautifully brewed coffee, it’s the ideal launchpad for your Baton Rouge adventure.
Bring Home the Flavors at Red Stick Spice Co. No trip to Louisiana is complete without a taste of its iconic seasonings.
Red Stick Spice Co. is a treasure trove of Cajun and Creole blends, the kind of souvenirs that make your kitchen smell like vacation long after you’re home.
Mid City Beer Garden is the place to head. When the afternoon sun hits, head to Mid City Beer Garden for a refreshing beer flight.
The atmosphere is lively, relaxed, and perfect for sampling local brews.
See the City from the Water and Hop aboard a Baton Rouge river cruise for a breezy, scenic ride along the Mississippi.
It’s one of the best ways to take in the skyline and learn a bit of local history while you float.
Retro Fun at BR.cade. Step back in time at BR.cade, where mocktails meet old‑school arcade games and pinball machines.
It’s playful, nostalgic, and a great way to recharge before the evening kicks in.
Looking for Seasonal Thrills? Head to The 13th Gate.
If you’re visiting around Halloween, brace yourself for The 13th Gate, one of the region’s most intense haunted attractions.
Expect movie‑quality sets, jump scares, and a full‑on fright‑night experience.
Sip Local Spirits at OXBOW Estate Rum.
For a taste of Louisiana’s sugarcane heritage, stop by OXBOW Estate Rum and try a handcrafted cocktail.
Smooth, complex, and unmistakably local.
End the Night with Blues at The Edge, wrap up your day with soul‑stirring music at The Edge, L’Auberge Casino & Hotel.
If you’re lucky enough to catch the Gumbo Blues Series or a performance by legends like BB King’s Band, you’ll end the night on a high note.
Before You Hit the Road to St Francisville, swing by Zeeland Street for a stack of pancakes and a warm, homey breakfast.
It’s the perfect send‑off before you continue your journey.
Baton Rouge packs a surprising amount of culture, flavor, and fun into a single day.
Whether you’re cruising the Mississippi, sampling local spices, or soaking in live blues, the city leaves you buzzing with its energy.
It’s a place where every hour offers something new, and every bite tastes like Louisiana.
A Perfect Getaway: Travel Guide to St. Francisville, Louisiana
Tucked along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, St. Francisville is one of Louisiana’s most enchanting small towns.
A place where moss‑draped oaks, historic plantations, rugged trails, and irresistible Southern cooking all blend into one unforgettable escape.
Whether you’re chasing ghost stories, scenic hikes, or the best fried ribs of your life, this guide brings together the very best of what St. Francisville has to offer.
Stay at The Myrtles Plantation Hotel. Start your adventure with a stay at The Myrtles Plantation, often called one of America’s most haunted homes.
Beyond the legends, it’s a stunning antebellum estate with wraparound porches, towering oaks, and a morning plantation tour that sets the tone for your historic getaway.
For some Morning coffee Fuel, ease into the day with a coffee and a hearty breakfast at The Birdman Coffeehouse & Eatery, a cozy local favorite known for warm service and fresh pastries.
Head to the Audubon State Historic Site, home of the Oakley House, where John James Audubon lived and painted Birds of America.
The grounds are peaceful, the history rich, and the connection to American art unmistakable.
For history lovers and hikers alike, Port Hudson State Historic Site offers miles of trails winding through Civil War earthworks, forests, and ravines.
It’s one of the most immersive historic landscapes in the South.
Before diving deeper into the outdoors, grab brunch at Basel’s Market. Their chicken salad is a local legend. Simple, fresh, and absolutely worth the stop.
Nature Break: Mary Ann Brown Preserve. This quiet preserve is perfect for a peaceful walk among shaded trails, wildflowers, and abundant birdlife.
A great reset before the afternoon’s adventures.
Adventure Awaits: Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area. If you crave rugged terrain, waterfalls, and steep ravines, Tunica Hills WMA delivers.
Trail A is a favorite. Challenging enough to feel like an adventure, but rewarding with its unique geology and scenery.
Meet a Giant: Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge. One of the most awe‑inspiring stops in St. Francisville.
Cat Island NWR is home to the 1,200‑year‑old champion bald cypress, the largest tree east of the Sierra Nevada.
Standing beneath it feels like stepping into another world.
Refuel with a smoky Southern comfort lunch at Francis Smokehouse. The fried ribs are the star of the show, crispy, tender, and unlike anything else in Louisiana.
Sip Local: Bayou Sara Brewing Company. Cool off with a craft beer flight at Bayou Sara Brewing Company, a lively spot that showcases the town’s growing craft scene.
Spend the afternoon wandering through Rosedown Plantation, one of the South’s best‑preserved estates. It’s 28 acres of formal gardens, oak alleys, and a historic home.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Restaurant 1796, where open‑fire cooking, rustic‑chic design, and a special BBQ-flamed steak pit night create one of the best dining experiences in the area, not to be missed.
Looking for a Nightcap? Try The Saint Restaurant & Bar for cocktails and a refined atmosphere. The Saint offers a stylish place to unwind after a full day of exploring.
Optional After‑Dark Thrill? Head out for a Ghost Tour at The Myrtles. If you’re brave enough, The Myrtles Plantation does a nighttime ghost tour.
Whether you believe the stories or not, it’s an atmospheric way to end your St. Francisville adventure.
Why St. Francisville for two days? This town rewards slow travel. Wandering under oak canopies, savoring local flavors, and letting history and nature unfold at their own pace.
From ancient trees to haunted halls, from rugged trails to refined dining, St. Francisville is a hidden treasure in Louisiana.
New Orleans: A Soul‑Filled City Adventure
New Orleans, from the rhythm of Bourbon Street to the quiet beauty of its parks and waterways, every corner hums with culture, flavour, and history.
If you’re dreaming of the perfect few days in NOLA, this guide brings together the very best of what the city has to offer.
I always like to leave the best till last, and this is why New Orleans is the last stop across my seven-day Louisiana Itinerary.
First, park up the rental car and wake up in the Heart of the French Quarter.
Start your adventure by checking in at Astor Crowne Plaza, ideally positioned just off Bourbon Street.
Staying here means you’re steps away from the nightlife, jazz clubs, and irresistible energy that define New Orleans. It’s the perfect base for a few days packed for exploration.
Ride the Streetcar to City Park with a Jazzy Pass. Hop aboard the iconic New Orleans streetcar and glide your way to City Park.
The ride itself feels like a step back in time, offering a charming window into local life as you head toward one of the largest urban parks in the country.
Beignets for Breakfast at Café du Monde. Once you arrive, make a beeline for Café du Monde (City Park location).
Powdered sugar will be everywhere, and that’s exactly how it should be. Pair your warm beignets with a café au lait and soak in the morning calm of the City Park.
Next, Art Meets Nature at the Sculpture Garden. A short stroll away sits the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art.
This outdoor gallery blends contemporary sculptures with lush greenery, quiet lagoons, and winding pathways.
It’s a peaceful, inspiring stop that feels worlds away from the bustle of the French Quarter.
Paddle Through the City with LOOP NOLA. Next, trade sidewalks for waterways.
Join LOOP NOLA for a canoe paddle around Scout Island. It’s a refreshing way to experience the city’s natural side. Serene, scenic, and surprisingly wild for an urban setting.
Enjoy Lunch at Ralph’s On The Park. By now, you’ll have earned a hearty lunch.
Ralph’s On The Park delivers exactly that, refined dishes rooted in New Orleans tradition.
Expect bold flavours, Creole influences, and a menu that celebrates the city’s culinary soul, along with a touch of impeccable service. This is a spot you have to check out for Lunch.
Step Into the Past at The Historic New Orleans Collection. After lunch, wander through The Historic New Orleans Collection, one of the city’s best free attractions.
This museum and research centre offers a beautifully curated look at the stories, people, and events that shaped NOLA.
It’s a must for anyone who wants to understand the city beyond the surface.
Fancy Pickleball & Cocktails? Head to The Exchange!
As the afternoon winds down, head to The Exchange Pickleball Bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a total beginner, it’s a lively spot to play a few rounds, sip a cocktail, and enjoy the social buzz.
Why not enjoy a meal Overlooking the Mississippi river? End your perfect day with dinner at Delacroix, perched along the Riverwalk with sweeping views of the Mississippi.
Order oysters, dive into classic New Orleans dishes, and watch the river drift by as the sun sets.
It’s a magical, fitting finale to a trip packed with flavour and discovery.
This itinerary blends everything that makes NOLA unforgettable: food, art, history, nature, and a whole lot of character.
It’s a city that feeds your senses and your soul, leaving you with memories that linger long after you’ve gone.
If you’re planning a trip, consider this your top 10 things to do in New Orleans blueprint for a few days that captures the true essence of NOLA.
Thank you for reading my seven-day Louisiana Itinerary blog
Thank you for visiting my blog post and reading about my seven-day Louisiana travel Itinerary suggestions.
I hope you find all the above information useful for your own trip planning to the state.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out and ask. I would be more than happy to help.
This blog post was created in collaboration with TTM and Explore Louisiana.
All the best and have an amazing road trip adventure to Louisiana.
