7 Reasons You Should Actually Drive From New Orleans, Louisiana To Dallas, Texas Instead Of Flying
By Jackie Ann|Published October 21, 2020
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Typically, most people will choose to fly over driving if the destination is over eight hours. Sure, flying does save you some time, but you’re going to miss out on so many things along the way! The route from New Orleans to Dallas is filled with incredible sights to see, and it’s worth your while to gas up the car instead of purchasing a plane ticket.
There are a few different routes that will take you from Dallas to New Orleans, and we’re partial to taking I-20 to I-49 and following that all the way down to I-10. Straight through, you’re looking at about 7-8 hours, but of course, you’ll want to stop off along the way, so why not make a road trip of it and break up the drive into two days, that way you can take your time stopping off at these delightful attractions.
If you start your drive in Dallas, you're bound to want to stretch your legs around the four-hour mark, and Natchitoches is the perfect place to do it. Louisiana's oldest city is full of charming boutiques, delicious restaurants, and scenic views that will quickly capture your heart.
Just a little bit further down the interstate and you'll be driving through the Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana's only National Forest. With over 600,000 acres to explore, you'd easily need a few weeks to tackle all of the trails at Kisatchie. Stop off at the Longleaf Vista Recreation Center, where you'll be met with the view pictured above. In addition to picnic tables and restrooms, there are trails nearby in case you want to explore the area further.
Next up, we're trading those longleaf pines for stunning cypress trees at Chicot State Park. This is where you'll start to see more marshy swamps, emerald green bayous, and some of the most beautiful scenery in Louisiana. Hike the trails, check out the arboretum, and if you'd like to park it for the night, there are some enchanting waterfront cabins available for rent.
As you make your way further south, you'll end up in Cajun Country, one of the main reasons to drive instead of fly. A drive through Cajun Country isn't complete without stopping off at Lake Martin. Located in Breaux Bridge, this important ecosystem is home to countless swamp critters including alligators, nutria, raccoons, and countless birds. If you're wanting to see wildlife, this is the place to do it!
Now we're really in the swamps. The Atchayala River Basin is the largest river-swamp in the country, containing nearly a million acres of untouched beauty. You'll catch a good glimpse of it while you drive, but nothing compares to a swamp tour where you'll get a closer look at this incredible ecosystem.
The food! Of course, you can't escape Cajun Country without trying some of our delicious food. Jambalaya, red beans and rice, cracklins, boudin, the list goes on and on...
You're so close to NOLA - just one more stop to complete this epic trip! For history lovers, the Baton Rouge Old State Capitol is an absolute-must. Built in 1847, this enchanting castle has quite the history, serving as everything from a government building to a hospital during the Civil War. The interior is stunning, the history is fascinating, and it's easily one of the most underrated attractions in good old Red Stick.
And that’s it! How many of these attractions have you visited? Are there any you think should have made the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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