Road Trip Itinerary & Guide: From New Orleans to Lafayette

All aboard! Get ready for a fun-filled road trip from the vibrant city of New Orleans to Lafayette. Whether you're traveling with family or friends, we've gathered the top restaurants, activities, and must-see attractions along the way. This drive is a little over two hours and is full of culture, flavor, and excitement. Our guide starts in New Orleans and ends in Lafayette, but you can easily flip the itinerary if you're heading in the other direction or starting nearby. Keep reading for the ultimate Louisiana road trip adventure that's perfect for all ages!

New Orleans: Starting Your Road Trip

You've officially kicked off your road trip from New Orleans, so what's next? Before hitting the road to Lafayette, take some time to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Crescent City. Stroll through the French Quarter for live music and beignets, hop on a streetcar down St. Charles Avenue, or tour the historic Garden District. If you're traveling with kids, stop by the Audubon Zoo or Louisiana Children's Museum. And of course, no visit is complete without a classic New Orleans brunch or po'boy from spots like Ruby Slipper Café or Parkway Bakery & Tavern. Whether you're starting or ending your Lafayette to New Orleans road trip, New Orleans is always worth the extra time.

Stop #1: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve

Take a peaceful stroll along boardwalk trails through cypress swamps and wetlands at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. This preserve offers a great chance to spot native wildlife and stretch your legs early in the drive. It's also a nice way to kick off any camping near New Orleans or southern Louisiana adventure. You might see alligators sunning on logs, egrets soaring overhead, and moss-draped trees reflecting in the still waters. It's an easy, scenic stop just outside New Orleans that gives you a glimpse of Louisiana's unique ecosystem.

Stop #2: Mosca's Restaurant

Mosca's Restaurant is a legendary Creole-Italian restaurant just outside New Orleans. Since 1946, this family-run spot has been serving up garlicky Oysters Mosca, spaghetti bordelaise,

and other comfort food favorites. It's a must-visit on any New Orleans to Lafayette itinerary. The dim, old-school dining room feels like stepping back in time, and the hearty portions make it easy to share with your crew before heading toward campgrounds near Lafayette, Louisiana.

Stop #3: The Cajun Village

The Cajun Village is a small village of restored Acadian buildings featuring boutique shops, local crafts, antiques, and even a classic café with beignets. It's a great halfway point on a road trip to Lafayette, offering a relaxed vibe and authentic local flavor. Wander through unique storefronts filled with handmade goods and Louisiana souvenirs, or sip coffee while relaxing on a front porch swing. The Cajun Village offers a laid-back taste of local culture and is a perfect place to pause your trip, explore, and grab a treat before getting back on the road.

Stop #4: Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

As you approach the final stretch of your drive, take a peaceful break at the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge. This area is a gem for those interested in camping near Lafayette or simply exploring the outdoors. Walk the trails, snap photos of the cypress swamps, or just enjoy the stillness of Louisiana's largest river swamp. It's a scenic and serene stop that helps you end the road trip on a calm, nature-filled note. You'll likely hear the sounds of frogs, birds, and breeze through the trees while you explore this one-of-a-kind environment.

Stop #5: McGee's Swamp & Airboat Tours

End your journey with a boat ride through the Atchafalaya Basin with McGee's Swamp & Airboat Tours. McGee's offers both classic swamp tours and thrilling airboat rides, plus a gift shop and café overlooking the water. Their guides bring the landscape to life with stories about Cajun culture and the wildlife that calls this area home. Whether you're gliding through moss-covered trees or catching a glimpse of an alligator, it's an unforgettable way to wrap up your trip before checking in at Camp Margaritaville.

Stop #7: Camp Margaritaville Breaux Bridge

Located less than half an hour from Lafayette, Camp Margaritaville Breaux Bridge is the perfect stop whether you're planning an overnight stay or just looking for a day of fun, family-friendly things to do in Louisiana. It's the ideal place to relax after your road trip from New Orleans to Lafayette.

As one of the top family-friendly campgrounds near Lafayette, Camp Margaritaville offers a range of ways to stay, including premium RV sites and luxury cabins. It's an ideal homebase to unwind, recharge, and enjoy an evening around the fire with friends and family.

If you're continuing your road trip from New Orleans but want to stop and enjoy the pool, splash pad, playgrounds, sports courts, and other exciting attractions, our Camp-Resort also offers day camp passes! Available daily from April 1 through November 2 (excluding holidays), day passes allow guests to enjoy all of our amenities for just $33 per person.

Lafayette: Road Trip Complete

You've officially arrived at your destination! Now it's time to explore the lively city of Lafayette. Whether you're wrapping up your road trip from New Orleans or just getting started in Lafayette, this city is full of charm, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Spend the afternoon exploring Downtown Lafayette, where you'll find colorful murals, boutique shops, and live Zydeco music around nearly every corner. Take a step back in time at Vermilionville, a living history museum that brings Cajun and Creole heritage to life, or let the kids burn off some energy at Moncus Park, a beautiful green space with walking trails and a playground.

We hope you're able to take advantage of all the great restaurants, activities, and attractions we outlined while planning your road trip from New Orleans to Lafayette, or vice versa! From spotting alligators on the boardwalk at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park in Marrero, to browsing the unique shops at The Cajun Village in Sorrento, to taking a thrilling airboat tour with McGee's, this road trip itinerary has it all. It's packed with adventure, great food, and unforgettable memories! Start planning your road trip from New Orleans today-and don't forget to book your stay at Camp Margaritaville Breaux Bridge for the ultimate family experience.