Sometimes when you need to get away from it all, a nice New Orleans scenic drive is one of the best things you can do. Here are some of the best scenic drives near New Orleans. Let’s explore!

1. Lakeshore Drive
Lakeshore Drive, Lakeshore Dr, New Orleans, LA, USA
Flickr.com / Jeffery Schwartz
If you want to see some of the most beautiful sunsets in New Orleans, head out to Lakeshore Drive. You'll find plenty of places to pull over the car and just soak up the wonderful view. You can top it off with an awesome meal at one of the many great seafood places that are found here.

Follow along on a trip down Lakeshore Drive:

2. Chef Menteur Hwy.
Chef Menteur Highway, Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA, USA
Flickr.com / Chris Colhoun
When you're exploring around New Orleans, you'll want to take a drive down this road. You'll get the old-world charm of New Orleans East and enjoy views of the surrounding wetlands along Chef Menteur Highway.
3. St. Bernard Hwy.
West Saint Bernard Highway, W St Bernard Hwy, Chalmette, LA, USA
Flickr.com / Jenni Konrad
As you continue down St. Claude Ave. through the Lower Ninth Ward, you'll enjoy the unique perspective on St. Bernard Parish. Look out for an awesome canopy of Oak Trees and some great views of Chalmette Battlefield.

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4. River Road
River Road, River Rd, New Orleans, LA, USA
Flickr.com / Ken Lund
Perhaps my favorite on this list, there is nothing like following River Road west towards Baton Rouge. As long as you keep the levee to your right, you'll be sure to see some truly beautiful sights along the way. Rivershack Tavern is a great stop for lunch!

Check out some of the intriguing sights along River Road:

5. LA-39
Louisiana 39, LA-39, New Orleans, LA, USA
Google.com / Maps
Continue south down this road, and you'll see the other side of the Mississippi River... and ultimately to where the land meets the water, quite literally. There's nothing quite like it.

Enjoy this peaceful drive along LA-39:

6. LA-1
Google Maps
Take I-10 west, and then get off at 90, then you can follow signs to take LA-1 all the way to Grand Isle. It's a beautiful, relaxing drive, and you'll see some great sights along the way.

How many of these scenic drives near New Orleans have you explored? Do you have a favorite from this list? Let us know in the comments. We love to hear your ideas and feedback! If you’re looking for some great road trips elsewhere in the state, check out these gorgeous scenic drives in Louisiana.

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More to Explore

Road Trip Attractions in Louisiana

William Suphan | August 18, 2023

What are the best attractions for nature lovers in Louisiana?

The best attractions for nature lovers in Louisiana include:

  • The Creole Nature Trail. This trail consists of 180 miles of scenic roads where you can see a vast array of wildlife.
  • Kisatchie National Forest. This 600,000-acre forest is perfect for camping and has trails for every level of hiking ability.
  • Briarwood Nature Preserve. This was the home of botanist Caroline Dormon, who gave this land to the public upon her death.
  • Bayou Vermillion Paddle Trail. Locals love to come here to kayak along this 10-mile water trail surrounded by lush trees.

Discover more about the best attractions for nature lovers in Louisiana. 

What are the most charming small towns in Louisiana?

The most charming small towns in Louisiana include:

  • Avery Island. The home of Tobasco sauce as well as the 160-acre Jungle Gardens and a bird refuge known as Bird City.
  • Saint Martinville. This historic small town is a wonderful place to get some authentic Cajun culture and explore Bayou Teche.
  • Breaux Bridge. This lovely town is known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World” and is the perfect place to scarf down a whole heap of them.
  • Ponchatoula. This town is great for antiquing and you should come here in April for the Strawberry Festival. 

Learn more about the most charming small towns in Louisiana. 

What are the best day trip destinations in Louisiana?

The best day trip destinations in Louisiana include:

  • Swamp Boat Tours. Taking a swamp boat tour will bring you face-to-face with Louisiana’s diverse wildlife. 
  • The Creole Nature Trail. This scenic byway runs for 180 miles and has stunning scenery and places with delicious Cajun food.
  • Global Wildlife Center. Come see giraffes, zebras, alpacas, and more at this wonderful wildlife preserve.
  • River Road Plantations. River Road is dotted with several old plantations where you can see a combination of beauty and a more chilling part of history,

Discover more about the best day trip destinations in Louisiana. 

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