From Beignets to Bayous: A Louisiana Road Trip I’ll Never Forget

When you think of a classic US road trip, Route 66 likely comes to mind, cruising in a convertible through winding desert landscapes, past coastal vistas, and ending in vibrant Santa Monica. While iconic, this route has been explored countless times. Which is why I find myself embarking on a different path – a Louisiana road trip no less. It’s a crisp Autumnal afternoon and I’m cruising down across The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, sunlight caressing the bonnet of the car and fracturing against sparkling bayous either side of me. Over the space of nine days I’ve covered Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Lake Charles and am (begrudgingly) on my way back to New Orleans airport.

New Orleans Louisiana Travel Guide

I’ve eaten and cooked traditional dishes such as beignets, gumbo, muffaletta and boudin, had a boat ride across a swamp and come up close and personal with alligators. I’ve tried oysters for the first time, done a karaoke bike ride around Lake Charles, tried drive-thru daiquiris, listened to live jazz and delved deep into the incredible culture these destinations are seeped in. The Louisiana you think you know, the one typified by Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras and Beignets is very much thriving here, but when you scratch away at the surface, you’ll be surprised just how much more comes tumbling out. 

Stop 1 – New Orleans ‘The Soul of The South’

My road trip starts in New Orleans, a city steeped in an unwavering charm where the characters are as colourful as the streets themselves. I stay in Hotel Saint Vincent nestled in the Garden Quarter, a stunning and historical property that’s perfect for both relaxing and exploring the city. My days in New Orleans are busy but beautifully so. The type of busy where you do so much yet keep yourself running off of adrenaline, coffee and amazing local cuisine.

We’re shown the city by David, a local tour guide whose vibrant character, exuberant tales and harmonica-playing sums up just what New Orleans is all about. It’s a place where anything goes, where quirks are cool and where everything is as it seems – until you look a little bit closer and see how many layers are hiding underneath. It’s exciting, interesting and makes me fall just that little bit more in love with the destination. 

Being in New Orleans, we had to sample the beignets and while there are many spots to try them, I recommend either the famous Cafe du Monde in the heart of the French Quarter or for something a little fancier, the Criollo Restaurant in the Monteleone Hotel. Beautifully light pillows of dough topped with sugar, they make the ideal breakfast dish, accompaniment or snack any time of day.

Other places we dine at include Napoleon House – a 200 year old landmark serving traditional New Orleans cuisine and Pimms cups that you can take away with you. I learn the history of the Muffuletta – a hearty sandwich stuffed with cured meats and cheese that came to be in the 1800s. Created by Sicilian immigrant Salvatore Lupo in his grocery store, it’s one of New Orleans most iconic and identifiable dishes and blends together history, culture and flavour in one. Other options on the menu are a delectable blend of Creole and Cajun-inspired dishes including their famous red beans and rice, boudin sausage, salads and gumbo. We dine in Jewel of the South – a beautiful and contemporary spot with meticulously crafted cocktails and dishes alongside a wine program that has been chosen specifically to accompany the dishes. Peche is another firm favourite, where you can find simply presented coastal seafood that packs a punch with flavour and Coquette, an effortlessly cool restaurant serving locally sourced New American fare and craft cocktails.  

Fill your days wandering the garden district, shopping in the French Quarter and perusing the art galleries and voodoo shops. Speak to local sellers and shop owners, meander through the sculpture garden in City Park and get your history fix in the incredible World War II Museum. In the evenings, head for a local jazz show at Preservation Hall, where nightly concerts take place. Or make your way to Maple Leaf Bar for a more local, neighbourhood vibe where you can find a mix of local legends and Grammy award winners seven nights a week. You can get your bearings from the top of the Tour Vue Orleans – one of the tallest buildings in New Orleans – and just enjoy taking in the stunning architecture in the French District.

Stop 2 – Baton Rouge ‘Louisiana’s Capital City’

My road trip continues with a drive to Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s Capital city. Here you can explore the Old State Capitol, a beautiful 165 year old state house that is still in use today, before heading to a local cookery class to really immerse yourself in the local cuisine. As someone who adores cooking, getting the chance to make local dishes myself under the watchful eye of Chef Anne Milneck, was a real highlight. I rustled up a Corn Macque Choux, while others in the group put together the most divine Wedge Salads with Tasso and Remoulade, Crawfish Etouffee with Popcorn Rice Pilaf and Gateau de Sirop. The air sizzles with the sound of cooking and we’re introduced more to the Creole/ Cajun food scene here in Louisiana. Stock up on plenty of spices to bring back home, before heading to Baton Rouge for an afternoon of shopping. With a myriad of antique and vintage shops, contemporary boutique stores and local craftspeople, there’s nothing better than meandering around under the hot sun and picking up wares to take home, or just chatting with the locals. 

To stay in Baton Rouge, I recommend the Origin Hotel – nestled in the epicentre of the city, it’s near to everything you could need. An 87 room boutique establishment, the rooms are thoughtfully designed with large comfortable beds, quirky decor and Nespresso coffee makers. You can also enjoy complimentary bike rentals if you want to explore the city on wheels.

For any football fans, a tour of the Tiger Stadium is a must, enabling you to get up close and personal with one of the most incredible stadiums that comes alive every Saturday night during the Autumn. While there were (sadly) no football players themselves there during my trip, it was amazing to learn more about college football in the US, get a behind the scenes glimpse of the action and find out about tailgating where revellers celebrate outside the stadium during match days.

Dining-wise, Baton Rouge is a melting pot of incredible places to sample the local food and drink. From Pie in the Sky for fresh sushi and cocktails with a stunning 4,000sq ft open terrace, to The Chimes for an upbeat spot offering South Louisiana Cuisine and Cajun & Creole dishes. Don’t miss The Gregory at The Watermark Hotel for breakfast either – here you can sample Chefs Drue Vitter and Chad Galiano’s menus that utilise fresh and local produce in a modern farm-to-table menu all in the most incredible setting. 

Stop 3 – Lafayette ‘The Heart of Cajun Country’

Next on the trip is Lafayette, often referred to as the “Heart of Cajun Country.” A vibrant city that weaves together rich culture, music, culinary delights and warm hospitality it’s a must-visit destination for those looking for an authentic taste of Louisiana life. During your visit here, you can spend your days (and nights) eating your way around the city, ensuring Spoonbill Watering Hole and Restaurant, Pamplona Tapas Bar, Vestal and Tsunami are all on your list. You can listen to live music at Hideaway on Lee and be sure to visit Le Grenadier, Lafayette’s new speakeasy. 

During the day, wander downtown where you can find a range of boutique shops and bookstores, taking in the beautiful facades and soaking up the atmosphere. It’s charming and quaint, with plenty to see and do. When staying in Lafayette there are many of the standard chain hotels such as the DoubleTree by Hilton, but if you want something a little different and packed with history, be sure to check out Maison Mouton.

An unmissable stop on your trip to Lafayette has to be McGee’s for a swamp tour. I’d never before been on, or seen a swamp so was unsure what to expect with this, picturing a boggy marsh that smelt of sulphur and nothing much to see. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Gnarled tree stumps pepper the surface of perfectly calm waters, decorated by a backdrop of dense greenery and trees. Vines hang, roseate spoonbills slice through the blue skies in a flurry of pink and it’s serenely calm. That is – until you remember the alligators which are swimming just beneath you… With over 2 million alligators living in the wild across Louisiana, the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp is the place to see them!

For breakfast, head to Rêve Coffee Roasters where the smell of freshly roasted coffee and toasting bread wafts onto the street. I recommend grabbing a coffee and something small here before embarking on a Cajun food tour. The best way to experience a place is through your stomach, and this offers you the chance to indulge in Cajun specialties such as boudin, king cake, gumbo, crawfish etouffee, fried shrimp, cracklin’ and more. We’re taken to five stops, from a local market to neighbourhood restaurants and bakeries and it’s a great way to sample a bit of everything while picking up on the history along the way.

Louisiana’s rich and complex history is integral to understanding the culture of the region particularly in the Masion Freetown neighbourhood and beyond. To get a real look into this and the culture behind the destination, head on a Maison Freetown Walking tour. You can visit Lafayette’s Black History Museum, have a virtual walk through of the historic Martin Hatshop and just take a tour of the streets themselves. 

End your tour at Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe, the last retail Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe in the World where you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a traditional ice cream parlour. From banana splits, to frothy milkshakes and ice cream sundaes, you’ll find it all here.

Stop 4 – Lake Charles ‘Louisiana’s Playground’

The last stop on our road trip is Lake Charles, a hidden gem that seamlessly blends Southern charm with outdoor adventure and a touch of luxury. Nestled along the banks of its namesake lake, this vibrant city is known for its stunning natural beauty, captivating festivals, and rich Creole and Cajun heritage and is somewhere that’s been on my list for a long time. 

I recommend staying in L’Auberge Lake Charles for your trip, a stunning Casino Resort with sprawling grounds, a beautiful lazy river and pool as well as an 18-hole championship golf course. You can dine in one of their many restaurants, sip cocktails with a view and have a flutter in the casino – something I discovered is great fun but not very profitable in my case! It’s perfectly located to explore the surrounding areas and find out just why Lake Charles is called Louisiana’s playground.

L'Auberge Lake Charles Hotel Review

While here, you can dine on freshly-shucked oysters at Salt Revival while sipping on a glass of champagne, before letting loose at Panorama Music House. A ridiculously fun live music venue, you can dance until your feet hurt and discover some of the region’s best musicians. You can tuck into breakfast at The Bekery, a beautiful French-inspired bakery complete with chandeliers and Parisian style decor, alongside freshly baked goods and drinks and you can enjoy a lakeside picnic overlooking the stunning Lake Charles while the sun beats down. 

I recommend a Biking Through The Lake LLC tour which is one of the most fun ways to get to grips with the city. Complete with light-up wheels, music and pit stops for both karaoke and a drink, it’s a form of exercise I can most certainly get on board with!

For a taste of culture, the Historic City Hall Arts & Culture Center is a must, as well as the new Port Wonder, a visionary project which houses the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana, which was shuttered by Hurricane Laura in 2020. It’s also home to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Nature and Science Center, offering a dynamic blend of educational experiences and interactive exhibits.

If heading in September, the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival offers the ideal way to spend your time and get a sample of all types of food from the area. Here you can enjoy chef demonstrations, wine tastings and cooking competitions, as well as sample a dazzling array of dishes. If you’re heading at other times throughout the year, you can find out which restaurants head to the festival and make it your aim to dine or drink there during your trip. 

For lunch, be sure to visit Luna South, a delicious downtown restaurant offering creative sandwiches, fresh seafood and juicy steaks and when looking for an unbeatable place to watch the sunset, make the Chart House at the Golden Nugget Hotel your spot. A plus? It’s easily walkable from L’Auberge Hotel and Resort so you can enjoy a few cocktails without thinking about how to get back to your hotel at the end!

Lake Charles Louisiana road trip

And of course, no trip to Lake Charles would be complete without heading on the waters themselves, so be sure to book a pontoon boat to see its natural beauty. Lake Area Adventures offer a great way to explore the lake, where you can enjoy a trip on a kayak or luxury pontoon ideal for a group. Finish up your trip to Lake Charles with a wander around downtown, where you can shop in their many beautiful boutiques, take in the wall murals and head for a coffee.

From the lively streets of New Orleans to the serene waters of Lake Charles, Louisiana offers a road trip like no other. With every stop revelling its own unique charm, this journey is more than just a drive – it’s a deep dive into a culture as rich and diverse as the state itself. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or into history, Louisiana has something for everyone. It was with a heavy heart I had to pack up my things and drive back to New Orleans for the flight home to London, my bag full of spices and homemade wares from the shops, my waistband noticeably tighter, my skin sun-kissed. I’d seen and done so much and eaten more than I thought physically possible. It’s a destination I’m already clamouring to go back to and I feel I’ll never get enough of. For a road trip with a difference, look no further.

America As You Like It (www.americaasyoulikeit.com / 020 8742 8299) has a 10-night holiday to New Orleans from £1910 per person, including direct return flights to New Orleans and car hire. Three nights at the Hotel Saint Vincent in New Orleans, two nights at the Origin hotel in Baton Rouge, three nights at the L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles and two nights at the Maison Mouton in Lafayette.

Natasha Colyer
Natasha Colyerhttps://seeninthecity.co.uk
My name is Natasha and I am the Editor and Founder of Seen in the City. I have always loved to express myself creatively, most particularly through my writing, and after working for a number of other companies including Vogue and My Chic City I decided to head out on my own and Seen in the City was born. You can contact me on natasha@seeninthecity.co.uk

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