7-Day Louisiana Travel Itinerary: History, Music & Outdoor Adventures
The Ultimate Louisiana Family Vacation: Kid-Friendly Adventures, Music & Outdoor Fun
Louisiana is an ideal destination for family-friendly travel, offering a blend of interactive history, exciting outdoor exploration, and vibrant music-filled culture. This 7-day itinerary ensures a kid-friendly mix of hands-on learning, scenic nature, and unforgettable experiences, making it perfect for families looking to create lasting memories.
Start in New Orleans, where kids can enjoy delicious beignets, explore lively streets filled with jazz, and take a fun ghost or voodoo tour. Ride the historic St. Charles Streetcar, visit museums filled with fascinating exhibits, and take a family-friendly swamp tour to see alligators and Louisiana’s natural beauty up close.
History comes to life along the Great River Road, where families can visit Oak Alley and Laura Plantation, learning about Creole history and Louisiana’s past. In Cajun Country, kids can paddle through peaceful bayous, spot wildlife at Lake Martin, and enjoy interactive cultural exhibits in Lafayette and Breaux Bridge.
For families seeking adventure, Mammoth Cave National Park offers guided underground tours, while Natchitoches and Shreveport provide a mix of historic charm, local eats, and lively entertainment. From interactive museums and historic sites to scenic hikes and wildlife encounters, this Louisiana family road trip offers a perfect mix of education, adventure, and relaxation.
Pack your bags, hit the road, and experience Louisiana’s best family-friendly destinations together! 🚗🎷🐊
🎷 7-Day Louisiana Travel Itinerary – History, Music & Outdoor Adventures
Theme: A mix of New Orleans culture, bayou adventures, historic plantations, and Cajun country across Louisiana.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (February–May) for Mardi Gras or Fall (September–November) for cooler weather.
📍 Day 1: Arrive in New Orleans & Explore the French Quarter
✈️ Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).
Top Things to Do in New Orleans:
- 🎷 Walk Down Bourbon Street – Experience the energy of live jazz & nightlife.
- 🏛 Explore Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral – Iconic landmarks in the heart of the city.
- 🍩 Eat Beignets at Café du Monde – A must-try New Orleans treat!
- 🏚 Visit the Voodoo Museum or Take a Ghost Tour – Learn about the city’s mysterious past.
- 🍽 Dinner at Antoine’s or Commander’s Palace – Classic Creole cuisine.
🏨 Overnight in the French Quarter.
📍 Day 2: Garden District & Swamp Tour
🚶 Explore More of New Orleans Beyond the Quarter.
Top Things to Do:
- 🚋 Ride the Historic St. Charles Streetcar – See beautiful 19th-century mansions.
- 🏡 Visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 – One of the city’s famous above-ground cemeteries.
- 🌿 Take a Swamp Tour in Jean Lafitte National Park – Spot alligators, herons, and moss-covered cypress trees.
- 🎺 Catch Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street – Less touristy than Bourbon Street but just as fun!
🏨 Overnight in New Orleans.
📍 Day 3: Plantations & Drive to Baton Rouge
🚗 Drive from New Orleans to Baton Rouge via the Great River Road (1.5 hours).
Top Stops Along the Way:
- 🏡 Oak Alley Plantation – Famous for its grand oak-lined entrance.
- 🌿 Laura Plantation – Learn about Creole history & slavery narratives.
- 🏰 Houmas House Plantation – One of the most beautiful estates in Louisiana.
Top Things to Do in Baton Rouge:
- 🏛 Visit the Louisiana State Capitol – The tallest in the U.S.!
- ⚓ Explore the USS Kidd Veterans Museum – A WWII battleship on the Mississippi.
- 🍽 Dinner at Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant – Try a classic Louisiana crawfish boil.
🏨 Overnight in Baton Rouge.
📍 Day 4: Cajun Country – Lafayette & Breaux Bridge
🚗 Drive from Baton Rouge to Lafayette (1 hour).
Top Things to Do in Lafayette & Breaux Bridge:
- 🦞 Try a Crawfish Boil at a Local Eatery (Seasonal: Spring).
- 🎻 Visit Vermilionville Living History Museum – Experience Cajun & Creole culture.
- 🛶 Take a Bayou Teche Kayak Tour – A peaceful way to see Louisiana’s waterways.
- 🐊 Explore Lake Martin & See Alligators – A hidden gem for birdwatching & wildlife.
🏨 Overnight in Lafayette or Breaux Bridge.
📍 Day 5: Natchitoches – Louisiana’s Oldest Town
🚗 Drive from Lafayette to Natchitoches (2.5 hours).
Top Things to Do in Natchitoches:
- 🏡 Visit the Cane River Creole National Historical Park.
- 🏰 See Melrose Plantation – A historic home known for folk artist Clementine Hunter.
- 🎄 If Visiting in December, See the Christmas Festival of Lights!
- 🍽 Try the Famous Natchitoches Meat Pie at Lasyone’s.
🏨 Overnight in Natchitoches.
📍 Day 6: Drive to Shreveport – Casinos & Red River
🚗 Drive from Natchitoches to Shreveport (1.5 hours).
Top Things to Do in Shreveport:
- 🎰 Try Your Luck at the Casinos on the Red River.
- 🏞 Explore the Red River District – Great restaurants & live music.
- 🏛 Visit the R.W. Norton Art Gallery – A hidden gem for art lovers.
- 🍔 Dinner at Herby-K’s – Home of the legendary Shrimp Buster.
🏨 Overnight in Shreveport.
📍 Day 7: Return to New Orleans & Depart
🚗 Drive from Shreveport back to New Orleans (4.5 hours).
Optional Stops Along the Way:
- 🚀 Visit the Louisiana Science & Space Center in Ruston.
- 🌳 Stop at Kisatchie National Forest for a Short Hike.
✈️ Fly out of New Orleans (MSY).
🚗 Total Drive Time:
🛣️ Approx. 15-18 hours of driving across Louisiana.
This itinerary blends Louisiana’s lively culture, swamp adventures, and historic sites!