road trip from nashville to new orleans

Road Trip from Nashville to New Orleans

If you're a fan of historic cultural sites, deep green parks and close encounters with wildlife, the road trip from Nashville to New Orleans is one you wouldn't want to miss out on. You'll have two beautiful routes to choose from, so you're in for an unforgettable adventure whichever way you go.

The 530-mile road trip from Nashville to New Orleans takes 8 hours to drive. Along the two routes, stops include Memphis, Birmingham and Baton Rouge, Paul B. Johnson and Fontainebleau State Parks, as well as Oak Valley, Whitney and Laura Plantations.

Keep reading on for our top tips on the best route, where to stop along the way, the best things to see and do, and the ideal time to go.

How far is New Orleans from Nashville and how long will the road trip take?

By picking the shortest route, the road trip from Nashville to New Orleans will take around 8 hours of driving and will cover around 530 miles. There are countless opportunities for a detour and plenty of things to see, so consider extending the trip in order to make the most out of it.

While the road trip from Nashville to New Orleans can easily be completed in a day, you can easily extend it to at least a few days. The drive is fairly straightforward, but taking things slow is a great way to see some southern scenery before pulling into Louisiana.

If you have some more time on your hands, you can extend the drive to 10 hours by driving through Memphis, Jackson, Natchez and Baton Rouge. The 680-mile drive is significantly more urban, so you can expect a fair bit of traffic near the major cities.

Best road trip route from Nashville to New Orleans

There are two routes you could take on your road trip from Nashville to New Orleans (Eastern and Western), and both are exciting and memorable.

The Western route goes through Memphis, Jackson, Natchez and Baton Rouge and is filled with sites, serving as historic monuments. The Eastern, on the other hand, takes you around Huntsville, through Birmingham, and past plenty of exciting and fun attractions.

How to drive from Nashville to New Orleans

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between Nashville and New Orleans. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

The Eastern Route

While departing from Nashville hop on Interstate 65 and drive around Franklin. Make your way around Spring Hill and continue further south until you reach the exit to Huntsville. You can either pass here for a fun detour or drive forward until you reach the Tennessee River.

After crossing you consider a stop at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, otherwise hold on to the Interstate towards Birmingham.

Spend some time exploring Birmingham before heading towards New Orleans. Take Interstate 20 and drive around Tuscaloosa and follow the road until you reach Meridian. Then you can detour to either Bienville National Forest or further west to Jackson, Mississippi.

Carry on towards Hattiesburg by Interstate 59 where you will have the option to detour to some great attractions like DeSoto Caverns and National Park or Paul B. Johnson State Park. If you wish you can also visit the Hattiesburg Zoo before driving off towards Lake Pontchartrain and Borgne.

Before getting on the I-10 Twin Span Bridge, consider visiting Fontainebleau State Park in the northern coast of Lake Pontchartrain or detouring to John C. Stennis Space Center where you can find the INFINITY Science Center.

Soon after crossing the bridge you might run into some congestion, so consider stopping at Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge or continue a bit further south to reach your final destination – New Orleans.

The Western Route

On your way out of Nashville take Interstate 40 and drive westward towards Dickson. Once you are close a solid option would be to detour to Montgomery Bell State Park. Otherwise, continue driving toward Jackson where you can detour to Tennessee Safari Park.

Next follow the route to Memphis where you might want to take a break and visit some of the popular attractions nearby. Afterwards, switch to Interstate 55 and cross over to Jackson or detour to Vicksburg in the west or Bienville National Park eastward.

Take exit 61 to merge onto MS-28 west and drive perpendicularly to the Mississippi River until you drive by Port Gibson and into Natchez. You might want to take a break at St. Francisville where you can visit The Myrtles Plantation before entering Baton Rouge.

When you arrive at Baton Rouge, a wise decision would be to take some time and drive to some of the attractions in and around the city. Sites such as the BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo, USS KIDD Veterans Museum, Mike the Tiger's Habitat allow for a memorable afternoon.

Take Interstate 10 and consider taking a drive near the beautiful Mississippi coast so you can some of the historical sites on the River Road. A great place to start would be the Oak Valley plantation and down the stream towards Whitney, Houmas and the Laura Plantations.

Right before ending your trip at your final destination – New Orleans, consider detouring to Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area and Cajun Pride Swamp Tours where you can sail for a few hours.

Best places to stop between Nashville and New Orleans

The road trip from Nashville to New Orleans is action-packed and will take you through multiple cities, where you can find countless hotel options. Here are some of the premium resorts the route has to offer:

Enjoy a luxurious stay at Jackson, Mississippi

If you decide to choose our Western Route, a great option to stop is Jackson. Just 186 miles from our destination, the capital city of Mississippi has plenty of attractions and amenities to enjoy.

Jackson has a number of historical sites worth a visit, thanks to its links to the civil rights movement. Consider paying some of the many museums a visit and take in the Mississippi State Capitol building.

Get back to nature at the leafy LeFleur's Bluff State Park where you can enjoy trails, views of forests and hillsides or discover the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and aquarium.

There are lots of options of places to stay in Jackson, but if you're after colorful interiors, traditionally styled rooms and a beautiful outlook, then the Fairview Inn is a great option.

The hotel features an outdoor fireplace and sun terrace and after a long drive, a perfect antidote is a relax at the the spa and wellness center.

Despite being the highest rated hotel in Jackson, prices are affordable. Couple that with an amazing, quiet location and excellent service, the Fairview Inn becomes the obvious choice.

Experience tranquility in Birmingham

If you want to stop halfway on the Eastern Route, your best option is to take a rest at Birmingham. Known as the "Magic City" due to its soil containing all three elements to make iron, Birmingham combines tranquility with great options for dining out.

Top attractions include Birmingham Museum of Art and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. There's also a zoo to visit and the dramatic Oak Mountain State Park, amongst other things.

If location and ambience are important to you, a stay at The Valley Hotel Homewood is ideally suited. Combining stylish rooms with luxurious lounge areas, this is a beautiful place to catch your breath before getting back on the road.

Less than a mile from Vulcan Park and Museum, The Valley Hotel Homewood offers private parking and has a superb onsite restaurant. We'd suggest you put in a request for breakfast in bed and welcome the sunrise from your very own balcony.

Even though the hotel is rated as one of the finest in Birmingham, the prices are more than fair given its tasteful decor and exceptional service.

Relax in style in New Orleans

After a long drive, you might just want an overnight rest in New Orleans before exploring all that this fabulous city has to offer.

If you want rooms that exude effortless charm and a relaxing atmosphere, The Ritz-Carlton provides the best possible experience in New Orleans . Decorated with marble floors, shiny chandeliers and fabulous furniture, this resort will make you feel like royalty.

The amazing location of this resort allows for a long and fulfilling day of sightseeing in-between the relaxation. Located at the edge of the French Quarter, the hotel is less than a mile away from the shops at Canal Place and the Aquarium of the Americas.

Equipped with a modern wellness center, indoor swimming pool, a staggering number of beauty services, spa treatments and multitude of massages, this resort will make you want to stay forever.

The amenities, luxury and comfort that the Ritz-Carlton provides will make your stay in New Orleans unforgettable. It's definitely a pricy option, but worth every penny and an experience in its own right.

Things to see on a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans

Given New Orleans' reputation as a place to cut loose and party, you might be tempted to keep your road trip calm and uneventful. In our humble opinion, this would equate to a whole host of missed opportunities.

With so much to do and see along the way, your road trip from Nashville to New Orleans demands at least a few days' added time to allow for a few scenic detours and well timed pit-stops. Here are a few of our top tips to make the most of your time en route.

• Montgomery Bell State Park – Just minutes away from the Interstate, Montgomery Bell State Park is a perfect place to disconnect from the city noise.
• Tennessee Safari Park – Enjoy a walk or a drive through Tennessee Safari Park at your own pace while petting and feeding exotic animals cruising out and about.
• Memphis – Full to the brim with festivals, celebrations and concerts, this beautiful city becomes a great place for cultural education and exploration. When it comes to art and music there is no place quite like Memphis.
• Elvis Presley Birthplace – Visit the birthplace of the legend Elvis Presley and learn about his upbringing as well as his early childhood experiences.
• Bienville National Park – Bienville National Park is a lovely place for adventurous hiking and biking with trails suitable for children and adults alike.
• Vicksburg, Mississippi – Tourists and history buffs alike can learn about the long and at times violent history of this great city and its Civil War.
• The Myrtles Plantation – Rumored to be on top of an ancient Tunica Indian burial ground, the Myrtles Plantation is a place of unsolved mysteries and supernatural occurrences.
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Visit Baton Rouge and enjoy a real Louisiana experience in the downtown area where you will run into culinary creativity, loud music and a great range of attractions.
• Houmas House of Gardens – Experience the life on a sugarcane plantation as a guest of the Houmas House of Gardens. Guided tours will walk you through the 250-year history of for this grand estate.
• Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management – Serving as a stopping area for millions of migratory birds, Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management is peaceful place for hiking and even camping.
• Cajun Pride Swamp Tours – Enjoy a narrated tour on a high-speed airboat at the Cajun Pride Swamp Tours while admiring the thriving wildlife in the area.
• Laura, Whitney, Oak Valley and Destrehan Plantations – These plantations along the River Road will teach you about the complicated history of the American South.
• Huntsville, Alabama – Visit the Botanical Garden and Monte Sano State Park at Huntsville if sightseeing is what you are after. Otherwise, for an exciting and educating tour you might want to visit U.S Space and Rocket Center.
• Wheeler National Refuge – Depending on which season you decide to visit you can expect to see all different kinds of avian species.
• De Soto Caverns – Home to over 15 unique attractions, De Soto Caverns is an exciting place where you can book a guide and learn about its history and the formations hidden inside.
• Birmingham, Alabama – Stroll down Birmingham's Botanical Gardens, visit the zoo or hike through some of the many parks the city has to offer.
• Bienville National Forest – Bienville National Forest is a perfect place for nature lovers where you can enjoy its lush greenery.
• Hattiesburg Zoo – There is a whole lot to do and see at Hattiesburg Zoo, including spending some quality time alone with a family of sloths.
• Paul B. Johnson State Park – Paul. B Johnson State Park is a relaxing place with beautiful scenery where you can swim, paddle or take a hike.
• Infinity Science Center – Infinity Science Center is a great destination for space and science themed galleries, exhibits and educational programs.
• Fontainebleau State Park – The unforgettable nature trail of Fontainebleau State Park will undoubtedly please any nature lovers.

Best time to go on a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans

Whether you are a fan of festivals and big crowds or you enjoy the peace and quiet, the road trip from Nashville to New Orleans can be enjoyed throughout the year. On average, temperatures tend to remain high throughout most of the year.

The best time to visit New Orleans would be from February to May, when the weather is pleasant and comfortably cool. Temperatures range from low 70s to mid-80 degrees Fahrenheit, but steer clear if you want to avoid flocks of crowds. Hotel rates also rise around Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festivals.

In the summer around June and August, temperatures can get uncomfortably high at times, averaging around the low 90s. For this reason, you won't see a lot of tourists, but fortunately if sightseeing is a priority for you, almost all local attractions are open for business.

Hotel rates are still low around September and November and weather is pleasant, averaging 75 degrees. Keep tabs on the weather report around late August to late September when hurricane season begins and the climate becomes sometimes unpredictable.

Around December the city cools off and the holiday decorations start shining. Winter attracts less tourists, and if you are in search for a bargain on hotel rates and some peace and quiet, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

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34 Best Stops Between Nashville and New Orleans

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How long is the drive from Nashville to New Orleans?

The direct drive from Nashville to New Orleans is 532 mi (856 km) , and should have a drive time of 8 hrs in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Birmingham , Franklin , Huntsville , and Gulfport , as well as top places to visit like Cannonsburgh Village and Franklin, or the ever-popular Stones River National Battlefield.

Top cities between Nashville and New Orleans

Best stops along Nashville to New Orleans drive

Stones river national battlefield.

Cannonsburgh Village

Lotz house museum, carter house.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

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Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. (George Dickel Distillery)

Jack daniel's distillery visitor center, jack daniel's lynchburg hardware & general store, president james k. polk home and museum, david crockett state park, monte sano state park, huntsville botanical garden, u.s. space & rocket center.

Lake Guntersville State Park

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Harmony Park Safari

Joe wheeler state park, point mallard park, ave maria grotto, barber vintage motorsports museum, majestic caverns, mcwane science center.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Vulcan park and museum, oak mountain state park.

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Mercedes-benz visitor center, paul w. bryant museum, bryant-denny stadium, silver star hotel & casino, top searches in new orleans, other popular road trips from nashville, explore nearby places.

• New Orleans
• Bridge City
• River Ridge
• Belle Chasse
• Braithwaite
• Crown Point
• Saint Bernard
• Des Allemands

All related maps of New Orleans

• Map of New Orleans
• Map of Gretna
• Map of Harvey
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• Map of Arabi
• Map of Metairie
• Map of Westwego
• Map of Bridge City
• Map of Chalmette
• Map of Elmwood
• Map of Harahan
• Map of Avondale
• Map of River Ridge
• Map of Belle Chasse
• Map of Braithwaite
• Map of Kenner
• Map of Crown Point
• Map of Saint Bernard
• Map of Barataria
• Map of Luling
• Map of Jefferson
• Map of Lafitte
• Map of Destrehan
• Map of Hahnville
• Map of Norco
• Map of Des Allemands
• Map of LaPlace
• Map of Lacombe
• Map of Slidell
• Map of Mandeville

New Orleans throughout the year

• New Orleans in January
• New Orleans in February
• New Orleans in March
• New Orleans in April
• New Orleans in May
• New Orleans in June
• New Orleans in July
• New Orleans in August
• New Orleans in September
• New Orleans in October
• New Orleans in November
• New Orleans in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in New Orleans?

Get inspired for your trip to New Orleans with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 2-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 3-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 4-Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 5-Day New Orleans Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from nashville to new orleans.

Yes! You can drive from Nashville to New Orleans.

How far is New Orleans from Nashville by car?

The drive from Nashville to New Orleans is 532 miles (856 km).

How long does it take to drive from Nashville to New Orleans?

Driving from Nashville to New Orleans should take you 8 hrs in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Nashville to New Orleans?

Gas from Nashville to New Orleans would cost around $47 to $109 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Nashville to New Orleans?

You could check out Cannonsburgh Village and Franklin, or the always popular Stones River National Battlefield!

What are the best cities to visit between Nashville and New Orleans?

People love visiting Birmingham, Franklin, and Huntsville, among others.

What's the weather like in Nashville?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Nashville in January
• Weather in Nashville in February
• Weather in Nashville in March
• Weather in Nashville in April
• Weather in Nashville in May
• Weather in Nashville in June
• Weather in Nashville in July
• Weather in Nashville in August
• Weather in Nashville in September
• Weather in Nashville in October
• Weather in Nashville in November
• Weather in Nashville in December

What are some other road trips from Nashville?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Nashville.

• Nashville to New York City drive
• Nashville to Orlando drive
• Nashville to Chicago drive
• Nashville to Washington DC drive
• Nashville to Atlanta drive
• Nashville to New Orleans drive
• Nashville to Pigeon Forge drive
• Nashville to Memphis drive
• Nashville to Chattanooga drive
• Nashville to Louisville drive
• Nashville to Las Vegas drive
• Nashville to Toronto drive
• Nashville to Saint Louis drive
• Nashville to Branson drive
• Nashville to Savannah drive
• Nashville to Niagara Falls drive
• Nashville to Boston drive
• Nashville to St. Augustine drive
• Nashville to Charleston drive
• Nashville to Philadelphia drive
• Nashville to San Antonio drive
• Nashville to Cincinnati drive
• Nashville to Montreal drive
• Nashville to Baltimore drive
• Nashville to Miami Beach drive
• Nashville to Cleveland drive
• Nashville to Indianapolis drive
• Nashville to Gatlinburg drive
• Nashville to Mexico City drive
• Nashville to Myrtle Beach drive

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The 12-Day Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip

With just under two weeks, you can wind your way from one epic music and food city to the next. The total drive is 620 miles; 444 of these curve down the National Park Service’s Natchez Trace Parkway. You’ll hear everything from country to Creole; visit the birthplace of the King and a place where civil rights stood proud.

The trip will take longer on two wheels or horseback, but the Natchez Trace is well-suited for such modes of transport.

The parkway mileposts are numbered from south to north, so it’s easy to start your trip in New Orleans and follow this guide in reverse to end your journey in Nashville. Either way, your trip is bookended by good food and music. If you have more time, it is easy to add in the Mississippi Delta and Memphis and loop back to Nashville.

Arrive in Nashville. Check into a downtown or South Nashville hotel, such as the Thompson or Union Station. Set out on foot to the Tennessee State Capitol and the Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library .

Feast at Chauhan Ale & Masala House for lunch. Stroll lower Broadway and enjoy dancing at the honky-tonks on your first night in town. Grab dinner at Pinewood Social.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the morning and grab an early lunch at Arnold’s Country Kitchen to fuel up. In the afternoon, check out the Ryman Auditorium and Johnny Cash Museum .

In the evening, see a show at the Grand Ole Opry . Call Jake’s Bakes to have warm cookies delivered to your hotel room before you tuck yourself in.

As you head west to the Natchez Trace Parkway the next morning, drive by Centennial Park and see The Parthenon.

Nashville to Alabama Border (120 miles)

Up and at ’em! Fuel up both yourself and your car with biscuits from Loveless Cafe and gasoline from a nearby station. Your first stop on the Natchez Trace Parkway is a prime photo spot: the Double Arch Bridge.

If you’re up for exiting the scenic parkway, you have several good options for food, drink, and entertainment in Franklin, Leiper’s Fork, and Columbia, which is where you’ll find the James K. Polk Home & Museum . Other highlights include the Franklin Theatre. While in Franklin, take a tour at Carnton , a historic former plantation, where you can experience Civil War history from an intimate vantage point.

Along the Trace itself you should stop at the Meriwether Lewis Monument and Gravesite , which is a somber memorial to a man who helped the country expand. This is also where to camp for the night before crossing into Alabama.

Alabama Border to Mississippi Border (30 miles)

You’ll be covering fewer miles on the Trace today but plenty of territory when it comes to Native American, music, and military history.

Stop at Te-lah-nay’s Wall , also known as the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall, and learn about the Trail of Tears.

Take a side trip to the Quad Cities region, where the namesake cities of Muscle Shoals, Florence, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia offer myriad opportunities. Muscle Shoals is home to important music sites like 3614 Jackson Highway and Fame Studios . Shop for unique clothing items or souvenirs in Florence, then tuck in for the night.

Mississippi Border to Tupelo (45 miles)

Don’t forget to get gas in the Quad Cities before heading back to the Trace. Next you’ll head south on the Trace, bound for Tupelo, stopping at Bear Creek Mound and Pharr Mounds on the way.

Once you arrive in Tupelo, sample the blueberry doughnuts at Connie’s Fried Chicken, and then head to the Elvis Presley Birthplace , where you’ll honor the King’s legacy and learn how he got to be who he was. Catch a show at the Blue Canoe , then head back to your hotel so you can be rested and ready to go in the morning.

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Tupelo to memphis (110 miles).

Arrive in Memphis and check into a downtown hotel, such as the Peabody or Big Cypress Lodge. Head straight to Graceland to immerse yourself in the world of the King. Eat lunch at The Little Tea Shop downtown, and then head over to Mud Island for the afternoon.

Go treasure-hunting at A. Schwab , then grab some Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken for dinner.

Stroll Beale Street in the morning, stopping at the W. C. Handy Home and Museum . Eat lunch along South Main, then go to the National Civil Rights Museum , followed by a trip to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Blues Hall of Fame Museum that afternoon.

Head to dinner at the Soul Fish, then hang out for a drink or two at Young Avenue Deli.

Head back to Tupelo on the evening of day seven, so that you’ll be ready for the side trip to Oxford, Mississippi, the next morning.

Tupelo to Ridgeland (275 miles with Oxford)

Before you leave Tupelo, stop by the Natchez Trace Parkway Headquarters and Visitor Center on the Trace itself. This is the best place on the 444-mile route to meet with rangers, ask questions, watch a film, and buy some souvenirs.

Gas up the car for the 45-minute drive to Oxford, home of Ole Miss. Wander the University of Mississippi campus, where you can tour the University Museum and several of the campus’s historic civil rights sights. Visit Rowan Oak , William Faulkner’s home, then get lunch in The Square, the center of all things Oxford.

You have about an hour on the road to hook back up with the parkway (remember to fuel up). Then continue south. Two of five Native American ceremonial mounds are visible at the Owl Creek Mounds Archaeological Site , just off the parkway. Stop here to see sites that were likely Indian temples and then head south to the six Indian burial mounds at Bynum Mounds .

Take a quick hike at Cypress Swamp , then make for Ridgeland , another 150 miles down the Trace, to spend the night.

Ridgeland to Natchez (110 miles)

Ridgeland is just east of Jackson, Mississippi’s capital city. You have many museums from which to choose on your days in Jackson. The perfectly preserved Eudora Welty House and Garden feels like the author has just run out to lunch and she’ll be back in a few. The civil rights collection at the Margaret Walker Center on the Jackson State campus, and the Smith Robertson Museum show different perspectives on the state’s complicated civil rights history.

From Jackson you’ll head back on the Trace for the last piece of your parkway drive. Appreciate the leisurely pace as you drive, stopping to read historical signs. Allocate enough time at Mount Locust Historic House , an 1800s building and grounds with cemeteries, walking trails, and more. Drive on to Emerald Mound , because while you may have seen a lot of Indian mounds on this trip, this is one on which you can climb. Like Mount Locust, Elizabeth Female Academy is one of the few remaining buildings (or portions thereof) on the parkway.

You’ve made it to the southern terminus!

Natchez is known for its antebellum architecture. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay in one of these sweet, restored homes. At Devereaux Shields House you’ll get a wine reception at night, perfect for after you pull off the road. Check in, wander the manicured garden, and then head to King’s Tavern for flatbread and beer for dinner. The restaurant, which may be haunted, is in the oldest building in the state.

Natchez to Baton Rouge (100 miles)

From Natchez, take US 61 south and continue to Baton Rouge, capital of Louisiana. Tour both Louisiana’s Old State Capitol and the current Louisiana State Capitol , an art deco limestone stunner. Drive through Spanish Town , the city’s oldest neighborhood, dating to 1805. Visit the Old Louisiana Governor’s Mansion , which first resident Huey Long wanted to look like the White House.

Order boudin balls and fried green tomatoes at Beausoleil Restaurant and Bar for dinner. Continue the history vibe by spending the night at Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Baton Rouge to New Orleans (80 miles)

Start your day in the French Quarter with some warm café au lait and sugar-covered beignets at the world-famous Café Du Monde, part of the historic French Market , a collection of eateries, gift stores, and praline shops.

After breakfast, stroll through picturesque Jackson Square and tour the stunning structures that surround this well-landscaped park and promenade. Besides the majestic St. Louis Cathedral , you’ll see curious historical exhibits inside the Cabildo and the Presbytère and glimpse period Creole furnishings inside the 1850 House, part of the lovely Pontalba Apartments .

Stroll past the quaint boutiques and verdant balconies of Chartres Street, stop by the Beauregard-Keyes House and Garden Museum , then cross the street for a self-guided tour of the Old Ursuline Convent . Afterward, walk over to Royal Street for a guided stroll through the Gallier Historic House Museum . A few blocks away, you’ll spot the Old U.S. Mint , a magnificent, red-brick edifice that now houses a state-of-the-art concert space and an engaging museum about the city’s musical heritage.

At night, don your finest attire for a quintessential French Creole dinner at Galatoire’s Restaurant on Bourbon Street. Afterward, walk to the world-famous Preservation Hall for a short jazz concert. End your evening at the candlelit Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar for a late-night drink.

Board the St. Charles streetcar and head to the Garden District , where you can visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and stroll amid historic homes. Take time to explore the antiques shops, art galleries, and varied boutiques along funky Magazine Street .

In the afternoon, head through the CBD to The National WWII Museum , where you can watch an immersive documentary and experience exhibits pertaining to the Allied victory in World War II.

Splurge on a modern Creole dinner at the classic Commander’s Palace restaurant. Afterward, catch some live rock, funk, jazz, and blues music at well-loved Uptown joints like Tipitina’s , or venture to Rock ’n’ Bowl for a concert and a round of bowling.

Margaret Littman

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Moon Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip

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Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip: Blues Highway 61

Hit the road from Nashville to New Orleans on the iconic Blues Highway 61. Experience historic sites, mouthwatering food, and musical heritage on this unforgettable trip.

Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip -  Taking a road trip between Nashville and New Orleans will take you through a variety of historic places, from the birthplace of the civil rights movement to the birthplace of the King, Elvis Presley!

The drive is also scenic as you head through  Natchez Trace Parkway , which offers sweeping roads & breath taking views. There is also  highway 61 , which is the well know blues highway! Thus to experience a foodie, historic and musical road trip, dive into our itinerary below!

nashville new orleans road trip: Source: getty images

How far is New Orleans from Nashville?

New Orleans is approximately 530-600 miles from Nashville depending on which route you take. I suggest spreading your trip over some days to really make the most of all the great places to see along the way. For example we did 12 days in total.

Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip Map:

Dive into our Interactive map below!

User Guide:  Use the +/- arrows to zoom in an out of the landmarks. Many users choose to  share the post on facebook  and access the map that way.

Tip:  Turn your phone sideways for easier use. Click the directions button top right to be routed to an attraction.

Do you own a website?  If you have your own website feel free to embed our map in it by clicking the button in the top right hand corner. Just be sure to credit us at:  www.townandtourist.com/road-trips/Atlanta-New-Orleans/

Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip Itinerary:

• Nashville, Tennessee - 2 days
• Tupelo, Mississippi - 1 day
• Memphis, Tennessee - 2 days
• Highway 61 - Blues Museum
• Vicksburg, Mississippi - 1 day
• Natchez, Louisiana - 1 day
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana - 1 day
• New Orleans, Louisiana - 4 days

1. Nashville, Tennessee

Day 1: country music legends.

Nashville , is the capital of  Tennessee , lies on the Cumberland River. It was founded in 1779, is known as the capital of country music! With popular attractions such as  Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum  and  Johnny Cash Museum . We visited the Country Museum in the Morning and the Johnny Cash Museum in the afternoon.

In the evening you should head to  Grand Ole Opry  to watch one of there famous evening shows!

Nashville country music

Day 2: Ancient Greece!

On day 2, head to see the  The Parthenon  a full size replica of the greek monument in Athens. Located at the Centennial Park in Nashville.

How much does it cost to visit the Parthenon?

Adults (18-62): $6.00, Children (4-17): $4.00, Seniors (62+): $4.00, Babies and children under 4 years old are free

Fun Fact:  The Parthenon was designed by Confederate veteran William Crawford Smith and built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition.

Parthenon Nashville

Other highlights in Nashville include the  Tennessee State Capitol  and the  Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library .

Where to eat?

• Breakfast: Biscuit Love.
• Casual Dinner: Pinewood Social.
• Hot Spot: Folk - (Seasonal Small Plates & wood fired pizzas. )
• Lunch: Chauhan Ale & Masala
• Barbecue: Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint.
• Southern & Soul Food Classics: Arnold's Country Kitchen.
• Neighborhood Hang: Lockel and Table Community Kitchen/Bar.
• Patio: Butchertown Hall

2. Tupelo, Mississippi

Although not on the direct route to New Orleans, Tupelo, Mississippi is a must visit place if your a fan of the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley.  As the birth place of Elvis you will find many statues and you can visit his childhood home which still has the original 1930s furniture. Afterwards head to the  Elvis Presley Museum  which showcases his early family life and music.

Tupelo Mississippi

Afterwards you can check out  Buffalo Park and Zoo , which is home to bison, zebras and giraffes.

If your a History buff, head down to the  Tupelo National Battlefield  which was the site of a Civil War battle.

3. Memphis, Tennessee

Following in the Kings footsteps take the 108 mile (1hr 42 min) drive to Memphis Tennessee. This is the ultimate place to learn about the history of Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Check out the famous  Sun Studio , where Elvis Presley, B.B King and Johnny Cash all recorded albums. Other popular attractions include  Graceland Mansion , Elvis Home and final resting place. See  Celebrity Graves Road Trip: U.S.A.

Memphis, Tennessee

In addition, to  Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum ,  Blues Hall of Fame  and  Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Where to Eat in Memphis?

Paulette’s Restaurant

Paulette’s Restaurant is an iconic and charming eatery which offers an  inventive menu of French & Hungarian dishes along with regional eats.

Address : 50 Harbor Town Square, Memphis, TN 38103, United States

Cozy Corner Restaurant

This place offers one of the best Barbecues in town, take a seat in one of the torn vinyl booths and enjoy some of the mouth watering ribs & wings. The  Cornish game hen ($11.75)  is unreal aswell!

Address : 735 North Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38105, United States

Where to Stay in Memphis?

If you plan on staying in downtown Memphis I recommended:

La Quinta Inn & Suites  – A superb hotel in Downtown Memphis. There is an indoor swimming pool, free parking on site and free WiFi throughout the hotel.

SpringHill Suites  – SpringHill Suites is another favourite with an outdoor swimming pool and a sun terrace. The rooms are studio style with a refrigerator and a microwave for preparing basic meals.

There are tea and coffee-making facilities in every room. They also allow guests to use their gym and business center.

If you are a Graceland Fan, then you should definitely stay at:  The Guest House at Graceland  – A fantastic hotel which is just a five-minute walk from the gates of the Graceland Mansion. There are two restaurants in-house and an outdoor swimming pool.

Insider Tip:

Each evening be sure to tuck into the complimentary peanut butter & jelly bar.

4. Highway 61 Blues Museum

Between Memphis and Vicksburg, be sure to stop of at the  Highway 61 blues Museum .

5. Vicksburg, Mississippi

Vicksburg is a city which was known to have a key civil war battle! Its quieter these days but still great for history buffs. The Siege of Vicksburg is commemorated at the massive  Vicksburg National Military Park  which also contains the  Vicksburg National Cemetery  and the restored  USS Cairo gunboat .

Head over to the iconic  Old Court House , which has a  Civil War battlefield museum.

entry costs $20 per car, to the Vicksburg National Military Park

Where to Eat?

Grab some delicious food from Lively,  Rustys Riverfront Grill  which offers a family-friendly seafood restaurant & bar in saloon-like setup with a cozy vibe & patio.

Try the the incredible rib eye or the Southern-style seafood too, which includes crab cakes, blackened redfish

An alternative place is  Beechwood Restaurant & Lounge  which is an Old-fashioned steakhouse which was established in 1956, it provides Southern recipes, a martini menu & live entertainment.

6. Natchez, Louisiana

The  Natchez Trace Parkway , is a national scenic treasure. It was traveled by Native Americans over 8,000 years ago and spans 444 miles and from Natchez, MS, to Nashville, TN. This was included in our  25 Most Epic Driving Roads in the U.S.A:

Natchez town itself is the oldest in  Mississippi,and is famed for its historic Mansions of  Longwood    and   Rosalie Mississippi State Dar  .  These are part of the  Natchez National Historical Park.

Photo by Bryson Moore | Wiki Commons

Some cool places to eat in Natchez include,  Magnolia Grill , a riverside venue with a wooden storefront grill and outdoor patio. You should try the pork tenderloin or a fried crawfish and spinach salad.

Another great place is  Kings Tavern  which offers Wood-fired steaks, pot pies & craft spirits all served in a 1789 antique building.

For a casual tavern which offers Southern eats & music head to  Biscuits & Blues .

7. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana, it's well know for it's bubbling food scene, historical landmarks and quirky attractions.

Head to Downtown Baton Rouge for nightlife, dining and even a few Casinos. You will find the Live After Five showcase, which is a series of FREE outdoor concerts.

Things to do in Baton Rouge:

• Visit the  Old Louisiana State Capitol  which looks like a castle!
• Visit the  Magnolia Mound Plantation , a traditional French Creole house.
• Get wild at  Mike the Tiger Habitat !

Who said tigers don't go to college??   "Mike the tiger" is the ONLY live tiger living on a college Campus in the USA.  Mike acts as a college mascot in addition to helping with  research, conservation and educational programs.

• Visit the  LSU Rural Life Museum  -

An interesting insight into 18th century life.

• See the  USS Kidd

A retired WWII destroyer which is now a museum.

• Immerse yourself in Nature at the  Bluebonnet Swamp

103 acres of forests & marshlands, where you can spot armadillos, otters, coyotes, and deer! There is also interactive exhibits which are great for families.

Red Stick Farmers Market

Red stick Farmers Market offers the freshest produce such as homemade honey, pickles, and jams. There is also a variety of meats and southern seafood!

Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant  is the ideal place who a night out with delicious local cuisine as a starter!  Parrain's Seafood Restaurant  is a local seafood specialist set in a rustic space with porch seating.

The Chimes  is a Lively campus-area hangout worldwide beer list & hearty bar foods.

8. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a city with soul, history and great locals who really go out of there way to make sure your have a fantastic time. Expect that famous “Southern Hospitality” to not disappoint!

With “ Let the Good times Roll ” as New Orleans Unofficial motto this is a true symbol of the vibes expected. From the Garden District and Jazz clubs to the bustling  Bourbon Street.

After the rebuild from Hurricane Katrina the city has been injected with a new lease of life with the people more optimistic and welcoming than ever.

One of me and my wives favourite things to do here was the Evening Jazz boat cruise with dinner. This was a perfect excuse to freshen up after that long road trip.

• Evening Jazz Cruise
• Bayous 2 Hour Swamp/boat Tour
• High Speed Airboat Ride  (This is great for groups of friends!)
• New Orleans Day Cruise  – Steamboat Natchez

For something a little difference the  Hurricane Katrina tour  is a real eye opener to what went on in the great city.

If You a traveling here in late February (25th) you may get to experience the world renowned Mardi Gras Festival and Parade! For more info see:  12 Epic Parades in the U.S.A

Mardi Gras New Orleans

Where to Eat in New Orleans?

Top foods you must try in New Orleans include:

• Muffaletta sandwich from Central Grocery Co.
• Jumbalaya from Remoulade in the French Quarter.
• Beignets and a Cafe au Lait at  Cafe du Monde.
• Lobster PoBoy from  GW Fins
• Turtle Soup from  Commander’s Palace.

Other foods to try here include: Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab and Raw Oysters.

Where to Stay in New Orleans?

I suggest staying in Louisiana for a minimum of three nights to really experience what the place has to offer! I recommended

Hotel Monteleone  –  French Quarter

Family-owned and operated since  1886 , the historic Hotel Monteleone is one of the most famous in New Orleans. Its luxury rooms were favoured by writers like Truman Capote. Tennessee Williams, and William Faulkner. A highlight of the hotel is the Carousel Bar which offers classic cocktails and musical entertainment,

Royal Frenchmen Hotel  –  Bywater (Trendy Neighbourhood!)

A renovated Creole townhouse which has everything you need, from cozy, well-appointed rooms with a vintage vibe to a great hotel bar serving craft cocktails. There is a tranquil courtyard and opulent lobby lounge for guests. You also located very close to the action on Frenchmen.

When you arrive ask if you can have a room with a balcony overlooking the street, to really take in the New Orleans Atmosphere.

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The Ultimate Road Trip from Nashville to New Orleans – [Guide]

Looking for complete information on a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans that is full of fun? This blog post has it all for you!

The journey from Nashville to New Orleans takes you through some of the best scenery and attractions that the South has to offer. You’ll experience everything from historic landmarks to natural beauty, and of course, some of the best food and music around. So gas up the car and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

A bird’s eye view of the trip from Nashville to New Orleans

You’ll start your journey in Nashville, Tennessee, known for its music scene and lively nightlife. From Nashville, you’ll head south to Memphis, Tennessee. In Memphis, be sure to visit Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. You can also check out the Memphis Zoo, one of the best zoos in the country.

Continuing on your road trip, you’ll make your way to New Orleans, Louisiana. In New Orleans, you can explore the French Quarter, visit Mardi Gras World, and eat some of the best food in the world. You can also take a ride on a steamboat on the Mississippi River.

Why take a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans?

Nashville is a great starting point for a road trip to New Orleans. The city is centrally located and has a variety of attractions to offer. Plus, Nashville is a great place to eat, drink, and be merry.

New Orleans is a city rich in culture, history, and music. The city has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in the arts, nightlife, or simply want to relax in the French Quarter.And while it’s only a short drive from Nashville, it feels like a world away. If you’re looking for a getaway that feels like a true escape, a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans is the perfect option.

In New Orleans, you’ll be greeted with a whole new world of sights, sounds, and flavors. The city is home to some of the best food in the country, as well as a vibrant music and arts scene. There’s always something to see and do in New Orleans, making it the perfect place to spend a long weekend or even a week-long vacation.

So if you’re looking for an escape from every day, a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans is the perfect way to do it.

Different routes from Nashville to New Orleans

Here’s a look at the various routes from Nashville to New Orleans, based on distance, time, and traffic:

The shortest route from Nashville to New Orleans is I-40 E, which is about 5 hours and 45 minutes long. However, this route is often very congested, so you may want to consider an alternate route.

If you’re looking to avoid traffic, the best route from Nashville to New Orleans is I-59 S. This route is about 6 hours and 15 minutes long, but it tends to have less traffic than I-40 E.

In case you’re looking for the shortest route that is also relatively free of traffic, the best option is I-55 S. This route is about 6 hours and 30 minutes long, and while it’s not completely free of traffic, it’s usually not as bad as I-40 E or I-59 S.

Finally, if you’re looking for the longest route from Nashville to New Orleans, the best option is I-24 W. This route is about 7 hours and 15 minutes long, but it gives you the opportunity to see some beautiful scenery along the way.

So, there you have it! These are the best routes from Nashville to New Orleans, based on distance, time, and traffic. Choose the option that is best for you and enjoy your road trip!

Best route for a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans

The best route from Nashville to New Orleans is the I-24 W. This route will take you through some of the most beautiful countrysides in the United States. You’ll pass through the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi on your way to Louisiana. The journey will take you through the historic city of Memphis and the world-famous French Quarter in New Orleans.

This route will take you through some of the most beautiful countrysides in the United States. You’ll pass through the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi on your way to Louisiana. The journey will take you through the historic city of Memphis and the world-famous French Quarter in New Orleans.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip, the I-24 W is the route for you. This picturesque route will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. You’ll pass through the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi on your way to Louisiana. The journey will take you through the historic city of Memphis and the world-famous French Quarter in New Orleans.

Main attractions way from Nashville to New Orleans

Hey there! If you’re planning a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans, you’re in for a treat! There are so many great things to see and do along the way. Here are just a few of the main attractions you’ll want to check out:

The first stop on your trip should be Memphis, Tennessee. Here you can visit the famous Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. While you’re in town, be sure to also check out the Memphis Zoo, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Beale Street.

From Memphis, you’ll head down to Vicksburg, Mississippi. This city is home to some of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the country. You can also visit the Vicksburg National Military Park, the USS Cairo Museum, and the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum.

As you continue your journey south, you’ll reach Jackson, Mississippi. This capital city is full of history and culture. Be sure to visit the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Mississippi State Capitol, and the Old Capitol Museum.

Your next stop will be in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Here you can explore the LSU Rural Life Museum, the Old State Capitol, and the USS Kidd Naval Museum.

Finally, you’ll reach your destination – New Orleans, Louisiana! This city is full of amazing food, music, and history. Be sure to visit the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and the National WWII Museum.

Whether you’re looking for history, culture, or just a good time, there’s something for everyone on a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans!

Popular stops on way from Nashville to New Orleans

Hey there! If you’re taking a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans, there are a few stops you might want to make along the way! Here are a few of our favorite stops:

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is a great city to visit if you’re interested in music and history. Be sure to check out the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and Sun Studio, where many famous musicians recorded their albums. You can also walk along Beale Street, which is full of blues clubs and restaurants.

Tupelo, Mississippi

Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and there are a few different Elvis-related attractions here. Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum, the Elvis Presley Center, and the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum.

Vicksburg, Mississippi

Vicksburg is a historic city located on the Mississippi River. It was an important site during the Civil War, and there are a number of different battlefields and museums to visit. Be sure to check out the Vicksburg National Military Park and the USS Cairo Museum.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana, and there are a number of different things to see and do here. Visit the Louisiana State Capitol, the Old State Capitol, and the USS Kidd Naval Museum. You can also walk along the Mississippi Riverfront and enjoy the views of the river.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Of course, no road trip from Nashville to New Orleans would be complete without a stop in Crescent City! There are so many things to see and do here, from taking a streetcar ride through the French Quarter to visiting the National WWII Museum. Be sure to check out our post on things to do in New Orleans for more ideas!

9 Best hotels to stay on way from Nashville to New Orleans

Looking for the best hotels to stay on your way from Nashville to New Orleans? Then look no further! Here are some of the best hotels in the area that you can book for an unforgettable stay.

Hermitage Hotel

If you’re looking for luxurious accommodations on your way from Nashville to New Orleans, then you’ll want to check out The Hermitage Hotel. This hotel offers 5-star accommodations and is located in the heart of historic Downtown Nashville. You’ll be just steps away from the city’s best restaurants, shops, and attractions. And, when you’re ready to hit the road again, you can easily access I-65 and I-40 from the hotel.

Omni Nashville Hotel

If you’re looking for a hotel with a prime location, then you’ll want to check out The Omni Nashville Hotel. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown, just steps away from the city’s best attractions. Plus, it offers easy access to I-65 and I-40. You’ll also find that the Omni Nashville Hotel offers a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

Hutton Hotel

Located in Midtown Nashville, The Hutton Hotel is a great option if you’re looking for a hotel with a central location. You’ll be close to all of the city’s best dining, shopping, and entertainment. And, when you’re ready to hit the road again, you can easily access I-65 from the hotel. The Hutton Hotel also offers a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

Renaissance Nashville Hotel

If you’re looking for a hotel with a prime location and luxurious accommodations, then you’ll want to check out The Renaissance Nashville Hotel. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown, just steps away from the city’s best attractions. Plus, it offers easy access to I-65 and I-40. You’ll also find that the Renaissance Nashville Hotel offers a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

Westin Nashville

If you’re looking for a hotel with a prime location, then you’ll want to check out The Westin Nashville. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown, just steps away from the city’s best attractions. Plus, it offers easy access to I-65 and I-40. You’ll also find that Westin Nashville offers a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

Hampton Inn Memphis

Once you’ve decided on your route, it’s time to start planning your hotel stays. If you’re looking for a hotel halfway between Nashville and New Orleans, one option is the Hampton Inn Memphis/Shady Grove. This hotel is located just off I-55 and offers easy access to both Memphis and New Orleans.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Another option for a hotel halfway between Nashville and New Orleans is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Memphis – Southaven. This hotel is located just off I-55 and I-69 and offers easy access to both Memphis and New Orleans.

Bourbon Orleans Hotel

If you’re looking for a hotel in New Orleans, there are many options to choose from. One option is the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. This hotel is located in the French Quarter and is within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions.

Omni Royal Orleans

Another option for a hotel in New Orleans is Omni Royal Orleans. This hotel is located in the French Quarter and is close to the city’s business district.

Best restaurants for food on the road trip from Nashville to New Orleans

When planning a road trip, food is always an important consideration. You want to make sure you have enough to eat, but you also want to make sure you’re eating something that’s tasty and satisfying. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best restaurants for food on a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

This Nashville hot chicken spot is a must-stop on your road trip! The chicken is delicious and the atmosphere is fun and casual.

The Catfish House

This restaurant is located in Jackson, Mississippi, and is known for its amazing catfish. The Catfish House is a great option for a casual meal on your road trip.

Nola Beignets

You can’t visit New Orleans without trying a beignet! Nola Beignets is a great place to get your fix. The beignets are delicious and the coffee is top-notch.

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

This New Orleans institution is known for its great food and its rich history. Dooky Chase’s is a great option for a nice sit-down meal on your road trip.

This New Orleans restaurant is known for its Cajun cuisine. Cochon is a great option for a more upscale meal on your road trip.

Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a more upscale dining experience, these restaurants are sure to please you on your road trip from Nashville to New Orleans!

Jack’s Bar-B-Que

Starting in Nashville, there are plenty of great places to eat. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, check out Jack’s Bar-B-Que. They have a great barbecue and it’s a perfect place to stop for lunch before getting back on the road.

If you’re looking for something a little more filling, head to Husk. They have a great southern menu with plenty of options to keep you satisfied. And, if you’re looking for something to snack on while you’re driving, they have a great selection of snacks and drinks to keep you going.

Dooky Chase’s

Once you get to New Orleans, there are even more great places to eat. If you’re looking for some authentic Louisiana cuisine, head to Dooky Chase’s. They have a great menu of Creole and Cajun dishes that will definitely hit the spot.

Café du Monde

And, of course, no trip to New Orleans would be complete without a stop at Café du Monde. They have the best coffee and beignets in town, and it’s the perfect place to relax and take a break from driving.

Gas stations on way from Nashville to New Orleans

If you’re driving from Nashville to New Orleans, you’ll need to refuel at some point. Here are a few gas stations along the way that can help you out.

Pilot Flying J

Just south of Nashville in Murfreesboro, you’ll find a Pilot Flying J. This gas station has everything you need to fill up your tank and keep going on your journey. They have a wide selection of gasoline and diesel fuel, as well as all the snacks and drinks you could want.

Chevron station

As you continue south on I-24, you’ll eventually come to the small town of Monteagle. Here, you’ll find a Chevron station that can help you out. This gas station has a bit more limited selection than the Pilot Flying J, but they still have everything you need to get to your destination.

Once you’re past Monteagle, the next town of any size is Manchester. Here, you’ll find another Chevron station that can help you out. This one is a bit larger than the one in Monteagle, so they may have a few more options for you.

Shell station

Eventually, you’ll make it to Chattanooga. Here, you’ll find a Shell station that can help you out. This gas station has a wide selection of gasoline and diesel fuel, as well as all the snacks and drinks you could want.

Just before you cross into Mississippi, you’ll find a Shell station in Meridian. This is a good place to stop for gas, as there are not many stations along the way in Mississippi.

As you get closer to New Orleans, you’ll find a Shell station in Slidell. This is a good place to fill up before you enter the city.

Mobil station

Once you cross into Alabama, there are a few more gas stations to choose from. In Huntsville, there’s a Mobil station on University Drive. In Birmingham, there’s a BP station on I-20/59.

If you’re looking for a fun road trip that will take you through some of the most interesting and unique parts of the country, then a road trip from Nashville to New Orleans is a great option. You’ll get to experience the music and culture of both cities, as well as the natural beauty of the journey in between. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, this road trip is sure to please.

I’m James Brad, the founder of Travare. I’m a traveler and lover of all things travel. I started Travare because I wanted to share my passion for travel with the world.

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6 Days 780 Miles

Rich History & Southern Charm on the Road from Nashville to New Orleans

Mid-America

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic travel corridor that begins in Nashville, Tennessee and travels through Alabama and Mississippi. Along this scenic byway and beyond lie a number of famed attractions that explore the diverse tapestry that makes up the American South.

Though many of the stops on this six-day itinerary are former battleground sites integral to the Civil War’s military history, this journey represents the region’s rich cultural history as well— reaching back to a time when Native Americans were the area’s only inhabitants and when the Mississippi was one of the world’s most important waterways. Celebrating the vibrant heritage of the American South, this tour is a trip backward and forward in time—an emblematic route through some of the Southeast’s most revered attractions and cities.

Your trip starts in Nashville, so fuel up or fly in to begin this journey of a lifetime. Car rentals are available from the Nashville International Airport .

Day 1 – Shiloh & Brices Cross Roads

Rise and shine in Nashville, and then fuel up at the Falcon Coffee Bar on Houston Street for a 2.5-hour drive to Shiloh. Shiloh is a worthy first stop because of its storied past—a veritable “living history museum” that’s the perfect sendoff through some of the South’s most famous battlefields and historical attractions.

Shiloh National Military Park

Get close to history itself and walk the battlefield on the site of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles at Shiloh National Military Park , where over 100,000 American soldiers clashed in a contest widely considered the most epic struggle in the Western Theater of the war.

Currently, the park is one of the most well-preserved Civil War battlefields in the U.S. and consists of over 5,000-acres, including the Shiloh Battlefield, the Shiloh National Cemetery, the Shiloh Indian Mounds and the famous Davis Bridge Battlefield .

The sprawling grounds of Shiloh are ideal for walking or biking with a number of trails that lead to interpretative monuments and informative tablets off the beaten path. A clearly marked, 1.1-mile trail through Shiloh Indian Mounds Village will educate you about the park’s archaeological site, once home to a thriving indigenous community. Visitors can grab a map and take a scenic drive on the 12.7-mile, self-guided driving tour of the battlefield.

Before leaving Shiloh, grab lunch at the famous Hagy’s Catfish Hotel , a delicious restaurant and a historic spot in its own right—as its namesake was a riverside shack once occupied by Union soldiers during the war.

Brices Cross Roads Historical Site

The next stop on this historic itinerary is Brices Cross Roads Historical Site , less than an hour’s drive from Shiloh. Though the Brices Cross is the site of a significant Confederate victory, it would ultimately prove a costly battle for the South from its long-term effects on the war itself—a prime example of winning the battle, but losing the war.

Established in 1929 to preserve and commemorate this historic battle, there are plenty of historical highlights to see on the eight-mile driving tour that includes the Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Monument and Tishomingo Creek Bridge. You’ll be transported back in time as you explore the land that has remained largely unchanged over the past 150 years.

Where to Stay in Tupelo

Just a short 20-minute drive south of Brices Cross Roads is the town of Tupelo, Mississippi. Because of its close proximity and quaint accommodations, it’s the perfect place to have dinner and stay the night. We loved the Hotel Tupelo and Aunt B’s Soul Food restaurant. For a unique private spot, try the Mill Cottage near Fairpark.

Day 2 – Tupelo & Tombigbee National Forest

Tupelo’s claim to fame may be as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, but this vibrant small town is also home to a number of other historical attractions and National Parks. As the headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo visitors can start their day by learning about the unique history of this 444-mile scenic parkway at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center .

Give a nod to the king of rock ‘n roll at the Elvis Presley Birthplace and the Elvis Guitar Trail . Or take a trip through the town’s rich and storied history on one of the distinctive Heritage Trails . Identifying a number of Civil Rights, Civil War, and historic Chickasaw sites , these trails are a great way to mark the passage through time with some of the area’s most distinctive landmarks, including the Mississippi Final Stands Civil War Center and the Old Town Creek Battle Site at the Tupelo National Battlefield. Complete your morning in Tupelo with a take-out sandwich from Sweet Peppers Deli and hit the road to Tombigbee National Forest.

Tombigbee National Forest

Located in northeastern Mississippi, the Tombigbee National Forest is dominated by rolling hills covered in pine and hardwood forests with a strong connection to the nearby Tombigbee River and Choctaw and Chickasaw Indian Nations . Translated as “coffin-maker,” Tombigbee’s forested hills are not only historically significant, but have come to be known for amazing recreation opportunities that include hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding and biking. There are picnic sites at both Choctaw and Davis Lake where visitors can enjoy their lunch with some of the forest’s most spectacular views.

Hikers and bikers will love the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the scenery on the Noxubee Hills Trail, a 32-mile, well-marked trail system that includes treks that range from easy to strenuous. The Witch Dance Horse Trail is open to both hikers and horseback riders.

Where to Stay in Tombigbee National Forest

Both Davis Lake and Choctaw Lake have campsites where visitors can pitch a tent under the stars. Those wanting a less rustic experience will have to venture out to one of the surrounding towns to find accommodations for the night. Check out Homegate Inn and Quality Inn in Louisville, or Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express in Starkville.

Day 3 – Jackson, Mississippi

Continue your journey on the Natchez Trace Parkway and spend the day in the historic town of Jackson, Mississippi. Known as “The City With Soul,” this vibrant, and bustling burg is packed with both history and culture.

Civil Rights Tour

As a cornerstone of Jackson’s rich history, the civil rights movement celebrates a past filled with historical importance. The Jackson Civil Rights Movement Driving Tour is the perfect place to explore some of the city’s most historic sites and moments in time that have impacted the scope of Black History.

Your first stop is the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum , where you’ll discover the dynamic stories and faces behind famous Mississippians like Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer. Tour the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center , the first public school for African-American students. Known as “The Cradle of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi,” Tougaloo College is also an important stop in Jackson where visitors can surround themselves in the city’s diverse history.

Farish Street Historic District

Next in Jackson, take a step back in time by exploring the Farish Street Historic District . Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this area is home to over 100 years of rich African American history and heritage. There are also a number of marked, self-guided trails throughout Jackson that explore the confluence of civil rights, art, music and literature. From the Mississippi Blues Trail to the Mississippi Freedom Trail, these immersive experiences are an amazing way to experience the city’s heritage.

Art fans will love Jackson’s Public Art Map , a comprehensive guide to some of the city’s best public art landscapes.

Where to Eat and Stay in Jackson

After a day of exploring, taste the best of the South at one of Jackson’s many authentic restaurants. As the oldest operating restaurant in Jackson, The Mayflower is a landmark eatery with a delicious seafood and steak menu. One thing Jackson is never short on—charm and hospitality. Put your feet up and call it a night at the Old Capitol Inn or Mason Boutique Hotel , where you will enjoy the perfect blend of old city charm and modern luxury.

Day 4 – Vicksburg & Poverty Point World Heritage Site

Jackson to Vicksburg is just a 45-minute drive and the perfect stopping point on your way to Poverty Point World Heritage Site. Once a valuable commercial port and railroad hub, Vicksburg was the center of over a year-long battle between Confederate and Union troops where a difficult siege waged by General Grant cut vital supplies from the Confederate Army. The Confederate army ultimately surrendered Vicksburg in 1863, effectively splitting the South in two and delivering the Mississippi River to the North.

Vicksburg National Military Park

Today, over 1400 memorials and monuments dot the surrounding landscape, and Vicksburg National Military Park is a blueprint of the sacrifices that lie behind this area that was once the lynchpin of the Civil War. Visitors can also explore a piece of naval history with a visit aboard the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum , home to the only remaining example of a City Class Ironclad.

Complete your Civil War-era tour of Vicksburg by visiting the historic Vicksburg National Cemetery or by exploring the city’s downtown area. Visit museums such as the Old Depot Museum and General John C. Pemberton’s Headquarters .

Stop for lunch at the Klondyke Trading Post , for a hometown meal and local favorite.

Poverty Point World Heritage Site

After walking in the footsteps of heroes in Vicksburg, it’s time to hit the road for a Louisiana historic site 3,400 years in the making—the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Poverty Point . Before ancient Egyptians ruled and Stonehenge had yet to be completed, Native Americans were building earthen monuments in northern Louisiana. Ultimately defining the landscape—and now called Poverty Point—this rare example of native culture was created between 1700 to 1100 BC.

Those who like their history with a side of outdoor recreation will also enjoy the 2.6-mile hiking trail on site. Walk among the ancient settlements and learn about some of the earliest inhabitants of the area.

Where to Eat & Stay Near Poverty Point

End your day with a short drive to the nearby town of Monroe, which offers several major brand hotels, including Fairfield Inn & Suites , Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn . Monroe also has some excellent dining options like Warehouse No.1 , Parish Restaurant and Cotton .

Day 5 – Natchez National Historic Park

Natchez National Historic Park is touted as the site of “The Richest History on the Mississippi,” and with good reason. Natchez is rich with history and heritage that demonstrates the resiliency of the South; from the Natchez Native Americans to the Civil War-era economics of slavery, cotton, and Mississippi River trade.

There are a number of ways to experience the wealth and breadth of Natchez National Historic Park . A visit to the Natchez Visitor Center is an invaluable resource and should be your first stop before embarking on the popular driving tour of Civil War sites Melrose and Fort Rosalie . Along this route, you will discover some of the area’s most distinctive sites. From historic homes and churches to dynamic walking trails and tours , Natchez encapsulates the area’s history throughout the ages.

Where to Eat & Stay in Natchez

Natchez has some of the South’s most charming bed and breakfasts, including Oak Hill Inn , Stone House Musical , Choctaw Hall and Devereaux Shields House . Our favorite casual restaurants include The Camp , Natchez Brewing Co. and Roux 61 Seafood . You can’t go wrong at one of the city’s many hidden gems.

Day 6 – Baton Rouge & New Orleans

The final day of your time-traveling adventure takes visitors to Louisiana’s dynamic capital and beyond. A beautiful city that’s a cornerstone to Louisiana’s diverse cultural and historic heritage, Baton Rouge is home to over 300 years of history that continue to grace its streets and dominate its unparalleled arts and culture scene. From the Old Governor’s Mansion to the Capitol Park Museum , Baton Rouge’s historic spots are the centerpiece of its quest to highlight its centuries of exceptional Southern history.

Baton Rouge has a bustling downtown home to many of its signature attractions. The USS KIDD takes visitors from the Civil War to WWII with a tour of its many decks; while the Old State Capitol is an architectural must-see. The Louisiana Art & Science Museum has something for everyone from Ancient Egypt to the Solar System Gallery; while the Shaw Center for the Arts is a showplace of music, culture, and drama.

No matter where you choose to spend your day here, you will discover Baton Rouge’s eclectic mix of small-town charm and bustling, big-city vibes. It’s a fantastic way to spend the final day of this epic tour through the South.

New Orleans is the final stop on this historic itinerary—less than an hour and a half from the capital city of Baton Rouge, New Orleans is the perfect place to celebrate the end of the road with a fantastic cocktail (or two!) and an amazing dinner in the heart of New Orleans nightlife. Hit up Frenchmen Street to experience a night of a lifetime.

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• Maps and Driving Tools: Over 20 easy-to-use maps keep you oriented on and off the parkway, along with site-to-site mileage, driving times, and detailed directions for the entire route
• Get to Know the Music of the South: Catch up-and-coming musicians play at quaint cafes, and hit the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Bask in the sounds of blues on Beale Street, and pay homage to "The King" at Graceland. Listen to a soulful live jazz group, or learn about the South's musical legacy on the Mississippi Blues Trail
• Savor Southern Food: Enjoy authentic hot chicken, get your barbecue fix in Memphis, and indulge in Creole cuisine and fresh beignets in New Orleans
• Itineraries for Every Traveler: Drive the entire two-week route or follow suggestions for spending time in and around Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans. Take an introspective moment at influential Civil Rights Movement sites, hike past dramatic waterfalls, spend a peaceful morning fishing, or bike along the Mississippi River
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• Planning Your Trip: Know when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, and tips for driving in different road and weather conditions, plus essential advice for biking the route and suggestions for LGBTQ+ travelers, families, seniors, and visitors with disabilities

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USA music road trip: Nashville to Memphis to New Orleans

By: Author Megan Singleton

Posted on Last updated: March 30, 2023

If you love a road trip, one of the best driving vacations I’ve done was our 10-day Nashville, Memphis , New Orleans music road trip.

I wrote this itinerary based on our hugely fun family road trip starting in Nashville for a couple of nights, then Memphis for a couple more and finishing in New Orleans (which I’ve now visited 7 times!) so you can follow it if you’d like to with my mum, dad, husband and me.

We called our New Orleans road trip the Music Tour and spent 10 nights in total with a playlist that included Willie Nelson warbling “on the road again” as we hurtled down the freeways from Nashville to meet my brother, his wife and daughter from the Cayman Islands (where they live) for a reunion in New Orleans.

Fats Domino serenaded us with “Walking to New Orleans”, John Butte “At the foot of Canal Street”, and we finished with one of my favourite NoLa musicians, Kermit Ruffins, singing “Drop me off in New Orleans!” ( And here’s a tip , you need to see Kermit perform live on Monday nights at his own bar, Mother In Law Lounge).

I cannot recommend these three cities highly enough!

The entire route between Nashville and New Orleans is about 665 miles (1070km), so the first day’s drive to Memphis was only about three hours, but from Memphis to New Orleans you need to allow a whole day for driving.

• You might also like this deep south road trip itinerary taking in Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.

Let’s g et on the road!

Day 1 : nashville.

Where to stay in Nashville : Loews Vanderbilt Hotel

Our 8pm departure from LAX to Nashville had us flying through the night (although we were still on Hawaii time so it wasn’t too bad) and arriving at 5.30am local time. Yes in the morning! That was bad.

BUT I had cleverly thought to book a room for the previous night so we had at least one to check into when we arrived. As it happened both rooms were ready so we decided to have a short nap and shower then we were off to Honky Tonk Row to check out Nashville’s famous music scene and find something to eat.

I really loved Nashville! I was so surprised by the amazing music scene with live music everywhere. It’s called Music City for a very good reason! Yes it’s very “country” but you’ll find other venues doing your favourite genre and girls in sundresses and cowboy boots walking everywhere added the colour and fun to this city. Them, and the hilarious booze trolly bicycle…

Things to do in Nashville

The Johnny Cash Museum had opened the day before we arrived and people had lined up round the block. Fortunately the hype had died down today and we strode right in (buying some souvenirs on the way).

This is a huge collection of Johnny memorabilia. Photos, outfits, hand written lyrics, his collection of framed gold and platinum albums, interactive sound and visual booths. It really is a must for Cash fans.

The jetlag hadn’t yet kicked in so as my dad is a fan of piano bars, and duelling pianos even more so, we pottered around the many bars with live music and popped in and out of souvenir shops until 6pm when the duelling doors opened.

It was ridiculously early I know, but we were a bit knackered.

The crowd was small at this early hour at The Big Bang but the sound was huge. The entertainers were brilliant: young hot looking guys in T-shirts and jeans bashing out hits on their grand pianos with the lids open!

We were encouraged to write song choices on a piece of paper and give it to them. If they liked it they’d screw it up and toss it to the other piano. I chose Billy Joel’s Piano Man. The guy on the right even nailed the harmonica intro… 

We didn’t get to the Grand Ole Opry , which I regret. I would suggest you pre book tickets to a night of live music, even if just to say you set foot in the hallowed hall.

Day 2 : Country Music Hall of Fame, Studio B and Loveless Cafe

I was surprised to find how many great musicians have their roots in country music – and The Country Music Hall of Fame  is filled with memorabilia including Elvis Presley’s very cool car that is fitted with a huge TV and old fashioned telephone.

We added a tour to Studio B only because someone at the Johnny Cash Museum said it was great, and so it was. A must-see.

I sat on the piano stool where Elvis Presley recorded about half his catalogue of hits and learned how he was all about lighting and ambience when he recorded and for one song even had his musicians playing in the dark. Then the guide turned the lights red and told us what Elvis had recorded under the sexy red lights and played the actual recording.

Where to eat in Nashville

There are lots of great places to eat in Nashville, but this was our first time here so we were all about grits and biscuits and fried chicken and barbecue and all mid-west America!

Loveless Cafe is about 25 minutes drive (17 miles) from downtown Nashville through beautiful countryside and huge houses with rolling front lawns. They’ve been open since 1951 and have a huge reputation for their smoked hams and bacon (made on site) their hot biscuits (like a savoury scone to us non-Americans) and serve a mean weekend brunch – including grits.

We’d been recommended by nearly everyone we met to come out here, so as we had a car and were always up for a good nosey at how other people live, we set off. Couldn’t get my dad to try the grits though! But the fried chicken and mac and cheese and juicy smoked meats were winners.

Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant is another institution. They serve traditional Southern food like Loveless Cafe, but are located in the heart of town so easy to get to. They also sell their jars as glasses (yes I managed to squeeze one home) and other kitchen wares.

For more great music venues in Nashville, click here to VisitMusicCity.com

You might also like my LA to San Francisco road trip in 5 days >>

Day 3 : Drive Nashville to Memphis

Drive time: It’s about three hours drive from Nashville to Memphis – (driving distance 212 miles).

We found drivers to be so courteous on American multi-lane roads too, they pull over a lane when you’re entering the highway on the on ramp (so we did likewise) and all the huge container-carrying trucks keep right (in the slow lane). Unlike in New Zealand where people drive like it’s a race and cut you off!

Driving to Memphis is pretty much all we did today after taking our time leaving Nashville. Dad had researched a Golf Shop en route so that was our stop along the way, then we hit the road arriving in Memphis with plenty of time to check out iconic Beale Street .

Where to stay in Memphis : The Peabody Hotel

Day 4 : Memphis – Visit Graceland and Beale Street

The Peabody Hotel is only two blocks from  famous Beale Street , and was ideally located for strolling down and back again without needing a car.

It is the iconic hotel in the city and is famous for its ducks living on the roof who come down in the elevator every day and walk on a red carpet to swim in the fountain in the lobby before being returned with pomp and ceremony at 5pm under the flashes of a dozen cameras!

It has a beautiful, luxurious lobby with intricately decorated high ceilings, a bar at one end, grand piano at the other (which can magically play itself when the pianist is away!) and sumptuous couches to sink into or tables and chairs for coffee or cocktails.

But we were excited to stroll down Beale Street to find some more live music and great food. To be honest I was a bit disappointed (and even more so after comparing it to New Orleans’ Bourbon and Frenchman Streets).

Beale Street was grubby and the cool bars with live music were few and far between. But a highlight was the BB King Cafe where we stayed for dinner and tapped our toes heartily to the band on stage. My husband was here many years ago when BB himself walked in and began jamming with the band. He thought it was normal and only learned later that this happened once or twice a year!

Graceland was cool though and you should allow a good three-plus hours here. You might like to read my Peek Through Graceland post here >

Expect to see Elvis Presley lookalikes roaming around the souvenirs and if you have about $3000 you can buy a replica Elvis onesie. On one side of the street are shops and museums all dedicated to the King – and is where you buy your tickets to tour his house.

(We didn’t pre-book and got on the next tour). Then you’ll get on a bus to drive you across the road and up the driveway. About 50 metres. But you know what they’re like in America – someone would sue if they got hit crossing the road!

Day 5 : Memphis – Central BBQ and Martin Luther King’s memorial

I’d really wanted to try Memphis BBQ so Googled the best places in Memphis and found Central BBQ. Good choice!

This store is so popular they now have three of them. I had emailed them from New Zealand and had a plan to go in Monday morning to meet the manager and learn how to make pork sliders  – which you can read by clicking that link).

By now I had my American family who’d dashed out from Delaware for a couple of nights to meet us in Memphis so suddenly we were six who all rocked up and got to sample the most delicious fall-apart pulled pork I’ve ever had!

Then we went back for dinner and tried the rest of the food 😀

Right across the road from Central BBQ is the infamous Lorraine Motel -now part of the Civil Rights Museum where Martin Luther King Jnr was shot and killed.

It’s now a memorial and the motel room has not been touched since the day he was shot down by a guy with a gun in the bathroom of the hostel opposite.

Eerily the bathroom – and building – is now part of the Civil Rights Museum where you can track the time line (and sight-line) of both protagonists until the moment of that fatal shot. Read my post “ A shot rings out in the Memphis sky ” about visiting the Civil Rights Museum.

Other cool things to do in Memphis

Visit Al Green’s gospel church. It is about 10 miles out of town but we got Ubers. Sadly, even though the crooning preacher was on the order of service to preach that morning (service starts at 11am), he didn’t show up. We still enjoyed the gospel choir though!

Go to a Memphis Grizzlies game! I brought a small group of friends to Memphis in 2019 and we had planned it especially around an OKC Thunder v Memphis Grizzlies game – which is played at FedEx Forum, just a short walk from the Peabody and Beale Street.

Visit Sun Studio , the birthplace of rock and roll, and take a tour. You’ll be immersed into the history and stories of young musicians, like BB King and the young Elvis who came in to Sun Studios to cut an audition track. This is the “discovery location of musical legends and genres of the 50’s from B.B. King and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis; from Blues and Gospel to Country and Rock’n’roll.”

For more info on Memphis you will like my post on The 12 best things to do in Memphis

Day 6 : Drive Memphis to New Orleans

Where to stay in New Orleans : My picks for the best French Quarter boutique hotels

Drive Time: It’s a good six hours to drive from Memphis to New Orleans (395 miles).

We set off straight after brekky and took a little detour to  Vicksburg for lunch because I’d visited a cool gallery (Attic Gallery) here a few years ago. Alas this time they had no art I particularly wanted and it just made a long day longer.

My advice for staying in the Big Easy is to stay IN the French Quarter which means you can walk everywhere, including along the banks of the Mississippi River and pop back home when you need some peace or to rest your weary feet.

I’ve been to New Orleans seven times now and have written a bunch of posts on where to find the best live music in New Orleans and where to stay too.

I love this city for its food from poboys and gumbo to classic traditional dishes through to a new fusion food scene. The music in New Orleans is unquestionably the highlight whether they’re professional bands in bars and clubs or buskers on the streets like the San Francisco Bucket Man , you’ll love the vibe here. Keep a few dollar notes with you to drop into guitar boxes and buckets around town.

Read my post on 6 great hotels to stay in the French Quarter >>

Days 7-10 : New Orleans – Jazz and play time!

There are so many great bars serving live jazz in New Orleans and you’ll find all the tourists along Bourbon Street .

Hint: if you are here on a Monday you need to check out Kermit Ruffins Mother in Law Lounge out in Treme for live music and BBQ. I’ve written all about it in the link above.

Other things to do in New Orleans include  a Cemetery Tour , learn to cook gumbo , eat sugary beignets at Café du Monde, buy paintings from artists around Jackson Square and try and find these awesome buskers singing A Closer Walk with Thee on the trombone… (cue goosebumps).

How far is Nashville to New Orleans?

This whole road trip from Nashville to New Orleans via Memphis is bout 665 miles (1070 km) and would take about 10 hours. But unless you were in labour, why would you do it one go?!

How far is Nashville to Memphis?

The distance from Nashville to Memphis is about 212 miles (340km) and will take about 3 hours 20 on the I-40. It’d be about an hour longer if you got off the main highway and took US-64.

How far is Memphis to New Orleans?

This is the longest driving day. The driving distance from Memphis to New Orleans is 395 miles (635 km) and will take about six hours without stopping on I-55 S. Of course you’ll need to stop along the way, so allow 7 or more hours to ensure it’s a leisurely drive.

I have also stayed at a beautiful plantation , Houmas House, about an hour’s drive from New Orleans and this would make a fantastic addition to this road trip.

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About Megan Singleton

Hi, I'm Megan Singleton and I'm the word slinger of this travel blog as well as on radio in NZ every Sunday. Former Travel Editor at Yahoo NZ and current freelance writer for a few newspapers and mags from time to time, I set off on this travel writing journey 20 years ago and I've pretty much always got a suitcase half packed (or half un-packed!) I'd love you to join me on Facebook or Twitter and sign up for my newsletters if you want loads of travel tips, advice and deals!

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Road Trip Down the Blues Highway, U.S. Route 61

Drive easy to every great blues landmark from Nashville to New Orleans

• Featured Trip Guides
• Classic American road trips

Created by Roadtrippers - March 23rd 2016

T hey may call it the Blues, but road tripping through the area where this distinctive musical style was born will likely lift your spirits. In fact, the area is so rich in musical history that U.S. Route 61, which runs right through it, has been dubbed the "Blues Highway". Immerse yourself in the culture by following in the footsteps of the Blues greats, and discover what inspired them to make music so profound that it was dubbed "soul" music. Ready to hit the road? Pop in that Muddy Waters CD, roll down the windows and belt out a tune or two on the road down from Memphis town, along the Blues Highway.

B.B. Kings Blues Club

Starting in Nashville, you've got to hit up B.B. Kings Blues Club. As with most places in Nashville, you'll find good music and good BBQ here. It's a big space that can get crowded, but it's got drinks and dancing late into the night.

Union Station Hotel

Nashville, TN

Click to discover a great deal!

The Union Station Hotel is an iconic Nashville establishment, and the perfect place to spend the night. It's a beautifully restored 19th century railroad station. But, even if you don't end up staying, at least poke your head in and gawk at the ornate lobby. It's stunning.

2 Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

Next up is the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum in Memphis, TN. This museum is a must-visit for any fan of the blues and blues history. When you first walk in you're given a set of headphones that guide you through the exhibits. You begin by learning about the roots of blues and country, and how this genre of music started on farms and plantations, and then you'll move on up through the years. Another cool feature is that there are jukeboxes in the exhibit rooms, so you can hear music from each time period.

While in Memphis, visit Lauderdale Courts, where Elvis Presley and his parents lived from 1949 til 1953. Today, you can see the room that Elvis slept in. The whole place feels like you're stepping back in time to the '50s. They also offer overnight stays for diehard Elvis fans.

Lauderdale Courts

Memphis, TN

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Next stop is the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. This museum is housed in a former recording studio/record shop. Here you can see some awesome artifacts, like Isaac Hayes' car or Booker T. Jones' keyboard, all while learning about the amazing history and influence of the Stax record label. Some of the best music in the world came from Stax, and this museum is an absolute must-visit if you're traveling through Memphis.

5 Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel

Next up is Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel. Just around the corner from Graceland (the hotel is literally steps away), the Heartbreak Hotel is a fun 1950's-inspired hotel that Elvis fans (and just visitors to Memphis) will thoroughly enjoy. Rooms are actually contemporary and modern, with fun photos of Elvis hanging on the walls. Wifi is free and there are channels on the TV that show only Elvis movies. TIP: Ask to upgrade to one of their suites to really experience what it was like to be the King of Rock and Roll. Plan to spend time in the heart-shaped pool, and the jungle-themed lounge. The hotel also offers rides to Beale Street, where you'll find loads of bars featuring live blues, at night for a modest fee.

Ground Zero Blues Club

Clarksdale, MS

About 2 hours south of Memphis and Little Rock is the town of Clarksdale, Mississippi. On the surface, it’s not much different than most small, Southern towns, except you can’t seem to go more than a couple feet without hearing the whine of a harmonica. Here in Clarksdale, they have the blues, and they claim to have had the blues first. Clarksdale, MS’s claim to be the birthplace of the blues can be traced to the blues greats that have called Clarksdale home: Son House, John Lee Hooker, Junior Parker, Ike Turner, Eddie Boyd, Sam Cooke, Muddy Waters, Pinetop Perkins, Earl Hooker, Lil Green, Big Jack Johnson and the list goes on. A must-visit in Clarksdale is the Ground Zero Blues Club. Co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, this blues joint screams old-school awesomeness. But it's important to note that Clarksdale goes hard from Wednesday to Saturday night, but come Sunday through Tuesday it's pretty dead. So, plan your road trip accordingly. There's also the Delta Blues Museum in town, which has been honoring the area’s blues heritage for the past 36 years, and if you visit during the right time, you might even catch some blues on their stage. If you're hungry grab a bite at Abe's Bar-b-q, which has been serving up the best BBQ in town since 1924. As for where to spend the night, the Shack Up Inn may be one of the coolest places in America. The former sharecroppers’ quarters-turned-super-cool-cabins for rent, also offer beer and a live blues lounge.

7 Highway 61 Blues Museum

No trip down the Blues Trail is complete without a stop at the Highway 61 Blues Museum. There's a small fee once you get in, which is more of a donation. If you're lucky, Mr. Pat Thomas will play guitar while you peruse the exhibits and memorabilia in the three rooms.

8 BB King Museum and Delta Interprative Center

If you like the music of B.B. King, you have to stop at the B. B. King Museum in Indianola, Mississippi! It's a wonderful tribute to one of America's most prolific musicians. The museum is also pretty hands-on, and you can mix your own music and even play the guitar, or sit in the same chair at B.B. himself sat in. Admission is $15 per person, or if you have a student ID it's only $10. There are tour guides onsite and a short film to start off your experience. Since there's so much to do and see, budget at least 2 hours. Also, King is buried in the back of the museum, so be sure to pay your respects.

Goldie's Trail Bar-B-Q

Vicksburg, MS

Once you reach Vicksburg, pull over at Goldie's Trail Bar-B-Q, which has been around since the 1960s. This is a very relaxed, local Southern restaurant that specializes in barbecue and burgers. They also do mean fried chicken and great ribs, and they serve beer to wash it all down.

10 Natchez Grand Hotel

When you're ready to call it a night, head to the Natchez Grand Hotel. The location is phenomenal, on a bluff with a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. The hotel is just a two minute walk from the casino, and a couple miles from Natchez National Historic Park. There's wifi and some suites have balconies and whirlpool tubs. There's also an outdoor pool and a free hot breakfast.

11 Rural Life Museum

To learn more about the history of the small towns along the Blues Highway, visit the Rural Life Museum. This is an especially great place to stop if you're a history buff. There are self-guided tours across the 40-acre living history Burden Plantation.

12 Doe's Eat Place

While in Baton Rouge, check out Doe's Eat Place. This is a local favorite, casual dining steakhouse. The steak, beef tamales, and honey-covered drop biscuits are highly recommended, plus their bartender is an award-winning mixologist who crafts delicious cocktails!

13 The Cajun Village Cottages

If you want a relaxing and peaceful stay, you can't get much better than the cottages at The Cajun Village in Sorrento, Louisiana. There are rockers on the front porch and you could spend forever just hanging out for the afternoon. It's the perfect, laid-back, rustic Southern getaway.

14 Tipitina's French Quarter

And once you cruise into New Orleans, you don't even have to go inside to listen to music...although there's tons of awesome joints to stop into, like Tipitina's. By now, you should be an expert, so go ahead and sing along.

The Cornstalk Hotel

New Orleans, LA

For a great place to stay in NOLA, the Cornstalk Hotel is a gorgeous Victorian house that's surrounded by an iron fence that looks like cornstalks. There's loads of antiques and chandeliers, and free wifi so you can stream some blues music to enjoy in the privacy of your cozy room. TIP: Upgrade to a room with a fireplace for extra charm.

Mary Mahoney's Old French House

For your last stop, grab dinner in Biloxi, Mississippi at Mary Mahoney's Old French House. There's a 2,000 year old oak tree out front that adds to the beautiful ambiance of of the historic restaurant. The stuffed snapper is highly recommended, and if you can, get a seat in the intimate and romantic courtyard.

Best time to travel down the Blues Highway: Since summer is high season for all of the towns along the route, spring and fall are the best times to travel if you're hoping to avoid high hotel rates, crowds, and the often-sweltering Southern heat.

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Road Trip From New Orleans to Nashville

Are you planning a road trip from New Orleans to Nashville? We have got you covered with all the information you need to make your journey a memorable one. From the distance and duration of the trip to the best routes, attractions, rest stops, coffee shops, and even tips for a smooth journey – we’ve got it all.

Whether you’re looking for the fastest route or a scenic one, traveling with kids or pets, or just want an unusual and fun adventure, we have detailed step-by-step directions for each route. We will also give you an idea about what time of year is best for this drive.

Let’s dive in and explore the best road trip options from New Orleans to Nashville!

The Distance and Duration from New Orleans to Nashville

Embark on a road trip from New Orleans to Nashville and experience the perfect blend of music, history, and Southern charm. Covering a distance of around 540 miles, the drive takes approximately 7 hours, allowing you to soak in the picturesque scenery of the American South. Along the way, make sure to explore the rich history, live music, and delicious cuisine that both cities have to offer. Plan your trip accordingly, allocating time for the must-visit attractions and considering the vibrant culture of each destination. Enjoy the journey and create lasting memories as you travel from the birthplace of jazz to the heart of country music.

The Fastest Route and Its Total Driving Time

The fastest route from New Orleans to Nashville is through I-55 N and I-40 E, taking approximately 7 hours to drive. This route ensures you can reach your destination in the shortest time possible, allowing you to cover the distance efficiently. While the focus is primarily on the drive, there are still plenty of attractions and places of interest along the way. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Mississippi River, rolling hills, and charming towns as you make your way to Nashville.

Must-See Attractions on The Fastest Route

As you embark on your road trip from New Orleans to Nashville, make sure to visit some must-see attractions along the fastest route. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the civil rights movement at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. Take a trip to the birthplace of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, at the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo, Mississippi. Experience the vibrant music scene of Beale Street in downtown Memphis, known for its live music, great food, and lively atmosphere. Discover the legends of country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. And don’t miss the chance to explore the history of the civil war at the Vicksburg National Military Park, located near the route.

Rest-Stops and Coffee Shops on The Fastest Route

Take a short stroll along the riverfront in downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and recharge with a cup of coffee from a local café. In Jackson, Mississippi, make a pit stop at the Mississippi State Capitol before indulging in the city’s charming coffee shops. Before embarking on your road trip, savor the lively atmosphere and live music on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Take a breather at the serene Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, Alabama, sipping a warm cup of coffee or tea. Finally, fuel up at the Infinity Science Center in Pearlington, Mississippi, before exploring its interactive exhibits.

Summary of the Fastest Route

The fastest route from New Orleans to Nashville covers a distance of around 540 miles and takes approximately 7 hours. Along this route, you have the opportunity to explore the rich history of the civil rights movement, visit the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and immerse yourself in the country music scenes of Memphis and Nashville. To ensure a comfortable road trip experience, take advantage of the rest-stops and coffee shops along the way. Refresh and recharge before continuing your journey through the fantastic places that lie between these two iconic cities.

The Scenic Road Trip from New Orleans to Nashville

If you prefer a more scenic route, the drive from New Orleans to Nashville will take you through breathtaking landscapes and picturesque towns. As you make your way towards the music city, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the beauty of rolling hills, lush forests, and charming small towns. This route allows you to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the American South, making the journey itself an unforgettable part of your road trip. Whether you’re a fan of Johnny Cash or simply appreciate stunning scenery, the scenic route from New Orleans to Nashville is a solid option for a memorable and picturesque drive.

Step-by-Step Directions and Total Driving Time for the Scenic Route

To embark on the scenic route from New Orleans to Nashville, take the Natchez Trace Parkway, a picturesque road that stretches from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. This scenic drive covers approximately 450 miles and takes around 9 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and historic sites. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area and Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Don’t miss the chance to visit Vicksburg National Military Park and the birthplace of Elvis Presley. The scenic route allows for plenty of time to soak in the stunning landscapes and appreciate the rich history of the American South.

Must-See Attractions on the Scenic Route

Explore the enchanting city of Natchez, Mississippi, where you can stroll along the oak-lined streets and immerse yourself in its rich history. Discover the wonders of the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area, a diverse ecosystem that offers exciting swamp tours. Make sure to visit Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, Tennessee, where you can enjoy hiking trails, camping, and breathtaking lake views. Don’t miss the chance to take a detour to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, which is famous for its music history and the iconic Fame Studios. And, of course, stop by the birthplace of the King himself, the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Rest-Stops and Coffee Shops on the Scenic Route

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of downtown New Orleans before embarking on the scenic route. Indulge in live jazz music and delicious cuisine at the many jazz clubs and restaurants. As you journey along, make a stop at the picturesque Lake Pontchartrain, where you can savor a cup of coffee or tea while taking in the serene lake views. In Childersburg, Alabama, visit the visitor center of Desoto Caverns and grab a snack or coffee before exploring the underground wonders. Hattiesburg, Mississippi offers a unique experience at the Hattiesburg Zoo, where you can observe exotic wildlife while enjoying a cup of coffee or a light snack. Continue your journey through Vicksburg, Mississippi, where you can take a short walk in the downtown area and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history. Afterward, refresh yourself with a coffee or snack at a local cafe.

Summary of the Scenic Route

The scenic route from New Orleans to Nashville offers a picturesque journey through the American South. Spanning around 450 miles and taking approximately 9 hours, this road trip allows you to soak in the stunning landscapes as you travel. Along the way, there are plenty of attractions to explore, including historic towns, national parks, wildlife refuges, and music studios. From the famous Johnny Cash Museum to the Cajun Pride Swamp Tours and the USS Kidd Veterans Museum, there are various opportunities to delve into the rich history and culture of the region. Additionally, you can take breaks at rest-stops and coffee shops to relax and refuel, making the most of this scenic road trip experience.

The Unusual and Fun Route: A Unique Adventure

Embark on a unique adventure with the unusual and fun route from New Orleans to Nashville. This road trip promises to be the experience of a lifetime, as you discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions along the way. Prepare to create unforgettable memories as you explore the road less traveled, encountering surprises and new experiences at every turn. From visiting the Johnny Cash Museum to taking a Cajun Pride swamp tour, there are plenty of fantastic places to explore. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for a journey like no other.

Step-by-Step Directions and Total Driving Time for the Unusual and Fun Route

To embark on the unusual and fun route, follow these step-by-step directions and make the most of your road trip from New Orleans to Nashville. Start by heading northeast on I-55 towards Hammond, Louisiana. Continue on I-12 East and take exit 35B onto I-59 North towards Hattiesburg. From Hattiesburg, take US-49 North to Jackson, Mississippi. Next, merge onto I-20 East and follow it until you reach Birmingham, Alabama. Then, take I-65 North towards Nashville. The estimated total driving time for this route is around 8 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 540 miles. Enjoy the journey and explore the unique attractions along the way, such as the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area in Louisiana and the USS Kidd Veterans Museum in Baton Rouge. This route promises an unforgettable adventure with plenty of fantastic places to visit. Just follow the directions and have a great time on the road!

Must-See Attractions on the Unusual and Fun Route

Embark on a unique adventure along the unusual and fun route from New Orleans to Nashville. As you journey through this road less traveled, make sure to explore the must-see attractions that are exclusive to this route. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the recommended sights, from hidden treasures to iconic landmarks. Experience the rich history and culture of the places you’ll visit, and don’t miss out on the unforgettable experiences offered by the route’s attractions. This road trip is packed with surprises and new experiences, making it a fantastic option for those seeking an unconventional journey.

Rest-Stops and Coffee Shops on the Unusual and Fun Route

When embarking on the unusual and fun route from New Orleans to Nashville, it’s essential to take breaks and recharge at recommended rest-stops along the way. These convenient rest areas provide a perfect place to relax, refuel, and rejuvenate during your long drive. To make your road trip even more enjoyable, don’t forget to visit the best coffee shops along the route, where you can savor a cup of freshly brewed coffee and experience the local flavors and hospitality. Take your time exploring the attractions unique to this route, like the Johnny Cash Museum and the Cajun Pride Swamp Tours. With plenty of fantastic places to rest and refuel, you’ll have a solid option to make the most of your journey.

Summary of the Unusual and Fun Route

Discover the unique adventure offered by the unusual route from New Orleans to Nashville. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and rich history of the recommended sights. Explore hidden treasures and iconic landmarks, experiencing the local flavors and hospitality along the way. Take breaks and recharge at the recommended rest-stops, enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee at the best coffee shops on the road. Plan your trip effectively with the summarized information of the route, capturing the essence of its experience. Make an informed decision about choosing this unusual route for your road trip.

The Best Route with Children & Kids: Family Friendly Road Trip

Enjoy a family-friendly road trip and create lifelong memories with the perfect route for children and kids. This itinerary ensures a fun and safe journey for the little ones while allowing the whole family to explore attractions and activities suitable for all ages. Make the road trip an educational and entertaining experience by incorporating stops at the Johnny Cash Museum, Cajun Pride Swamp Tours, and the USS Kidd Veterans Museum. Don’t miss out on the excitement of Mardi Gras in New Orleans or the natural wonders of Bienville National Forest. With plenty of time and fantastic places along the way, this is the perfect route for a family adventure.

Step-by-Step Directions and Total Driving Time for the Best Route with Children & Kids

To ensure a stress-free and enjoyable road trip with children and kids, follow these step-by-step directions for the best route. Start your journey from New Orleans and head northeast on I-12 towards Hammond. Take Exit 47 for Highway 51 North and continue until you reach Ponchatoula. From there, merge onto I-55 North and follow it all the way to Jackson, Mississippi. In Jackson, take Exit 105B to merge onto I-20 East towards Meridian. Stay on I-20 East until you reach Birmingham, Alabama. Then, merge onto I-65 North and continue until Nashville, Tennessee. The estimated total driving time for this route is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Make sure to plan your trip efficiently, considering the needs of children and kids, and enjoy the comfort and convenience of this family-friendly route.

Must-See Attractions on the Best Route with Children & Kids

Discover the top family-friendly attractions along the best route from New Orleans to Nashville. Immerse your children in the whimsical world of music at the Johnny Cash Museum and learn about the legends like Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. For a unique experience, embark on an adventure through the Cajun Pride Swamp Tours and explore the captivating beauty of South Carolina’s Bienville National Forest. Engage their curiosity with interactive exhibits at the USS Kidd Veterans Museum and Tennessee Safari Park. Make a stop at Oak Valley, where they can enjoy a Tennessee River cruise and encounter exotic wildlife. With plenty of fun-filled and educational activities along the way, this road trip is the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories for the whole family.

Rest-Stops and Coffee Shops on the Best Route with Children & Kids

Take frequent breaks and relax at the suggested rest-stops that cater to families, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable road trip experience for the little ones. Indulge in delicious treats and snacks at the best family-friendly coffee shops along the way. These convenient stops provide a perfect place for the whole family to rest, play, and refuel, making the journey more pleasant and convenient for everyone. With plenty of time to explore, you can discover fantastic places like the Johnny Cash Museum or embark on a Cajun Pride Swamp Tour. The route also offers great options for history enthusiasts, such as the USS Kidd Veterans Museum and the stunning Oak Valley Plantation. So, go ahead and plan your road trip with children and kids, knowing that you will find solid options for rest-stops and coffee shops.

Summary of the Best Route with Children & Kids

Discover the family-friendly road trip adventure offered by the best route from New Orleans to Nashville. Engage the imaginations of children with the recommended must-see attractions along the way. Enjoy interactive and educational experiences designed for kids of all ages, creating lasting memories for the whole family. Take frequent breaks at suggested rest-stops with facilities for families and indulge in delicious treats at the best family-friendly coffee shops. Capture the essence of the route’s family-friendly experience in a concise summary, allowing you to plan your road trip effectively. Make an informed decision about choosing the best route for a memorable trip with your family.

The Best Route with Dogs: Pet-Friendly Road Trip

Embark on the ultimate pet-friendly road trip and discover the best route for an unforgettable journey with your furry companions. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a plethora of pet-friendly attractions and accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both you and your pets. From visiting the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville to taking a Cajun Pride Swamp Tour in New Orleans, there are plenty of fantastic places to explore. So hit the road with your four-legged friends and make lasting memories on a pet-friendly road trip tailored just for them.

Step-by-Step Directions and Total Driving Time for the Best Route with Dogs

For the best route from New Orleans to Nashville with your dogs, follow these step-by-step directions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip. Start by heading northeast on I-55N and continue onto I-20E. Take exit 34 for US-61 N toward Vicksburg/Natchez. Merge onto US-61 N and continue onto MS-27 N. Continue straight onto MS-18 E and then merge onto I-20E. Take exit 1C to merge onto I-59 N toward Meridian. After that, take exit 96 for MS-145 toward Saltillo/Booneville and keep left at the fork. Merge onto MS-145 N and continue onto MS-30 E. Turn right onto Tompkins Ave, and then take a slight left onto US-45 N. Continue on US-45 N until you reach Tennessee Safari Park. The estimated total driving time for this route is approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes, excluding rest stops and sightseeing. Remember to plan your stops and breaks along the way to make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. Enjoy your pet-friendly road trip adventure!

Must-See Attractions on the Best Route with Dogs

Embark on a road trip filled with adventure and exploration, and discover the must-see attractions along the best route from New Orleans to Nashville with your furry companions. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of New Orleans, where you can immerse yourself in the birthplace of jazz and experience the rich cultural heritage of the American South. Explore the famous music city of Nashville, home to country music legends and the renowned Johnny Cash Museum. Along the way, make sure to stop in Montgomery and delve into the history of the civil rights movement. With plenty of time to spare, you can also visit the USS Kidd Veterans Museum in Baton Rouge and enjoy the fantastic places along the best road trip routes. Pack your bags, gather your dogs, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the South.

Rest-Stops and Coffee Shops on the Best Route with Dogs

During your road trip from New Orleans to Nashville with your dogs, it’s essential to find the best rest stops and coffee shops along the way. These pit stops not only provide a chance to recharge but also offer beautiful views of the surrounding nature. Discover local coffee shops that are perfect for a quick caffeine boost or a leisurely break. With comfortable and convenient pit stops, you can make the road trip more enjoyable for both you and your furry companions. Take advantage of the amenities available at rest stops, such as pet-friendly areas and facilities.

Summary of the Best Route with Dogs

Discover the highlights of the best route from New Orleans to Nashville with your furry friends. Experience pet-friendly attractions, accommodations, and restaurants along the way. Follow the step-by-step route guide for a smooth and enjoyable road trip. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you visit must-see attractions and landmarks. Take breaks at rest stops and coffee shops, ensuring a comfortable journey for both you and your pets. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the music city of Nashville, the civil rights history in Montgomery, and the vibrant music scene in New Orleans. Enjoy a pet-friendly road trip filled with memorable adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some must-see attractions or landmarks on a new orleans to nashville road trip.

Some must-see attractions on a road trip from New Orleans to Nashville include exploring the lively French Quarter, indulging in delicious Cajun cuisine, visiting the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo, and stopping by Memphis to see Graceland and the National Civil Rights Museum. In Nashville, don’t miss the Country Music Hall of Fame and the iconic Grand Ole Opry.

Are there any unique local foods or restaurants along the way that should not be missed?

During your New Orleans to Nashville road trip, make sure to indulge in the unique local foods and restaurants along the route. In Louisiana, try the mouthwatering gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys at Cochon Butcher or Domilise’s. In Mississippi, don’t miss The Shed’s BBQ or Mama Hamil’s soul food. And in Tennessee, savor hot chicken from Hattie B’s or enjoy Southern classics like meat and three from Arnold’s Country Kitchen.

What is the best time of year to embark on a New Orleans to Nashville road trip?

The ideal time for a New Orleans to Nashville road trip is during spring or fall, offering milder weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter brings chilly temperatures with potential snow and ice. Plan ahead and check weather conditions for a smooth journey.

In conclusion, whether you’re planning a road trip from New Orleans to Nashville for a family vacation or a getaway with your furry friend, there are multiple routes to choose from. The fastest route will get you there in the shortest time, while the scenic route will offer breathtaking views along the way. For those seeking adventure, the unusual and fun route is the perfect choice. And if you’re traveling with children or pets, there are specific routes designed to cater to their needs. Before embarking on your journey, make sure to plan rest-stops, visit must-see attractions, and enjoy a cup of coffee at local shops. And don’t forget to share your road trip experiences on social media!

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Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip

11 day fly drive – from £949, with flights from £1599.

Create your own soundtrack on this iconic road trip through the heart of American music history, enjoying extended stays in Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans.

Highlights:

• Spend three days exploring Nashville’s rich country music heritage
• Discover the birthplace of blues and rock ‘n’ roll in Memphis
• Experience the timeless elegance of Natchez
• Delve into America’s past at the Vicksburg National Military Park
• Explore New Orleans, a melting pot of culture, music, and cuisine

Your Itinerary

You can customise your Nashville to New Orleans fly drive by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Day 1 to 3 – Nashville

Arrive into Nashville, better known as the Music City. Nashville is the heart and soul of country music. Whilst in the city , take the time to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame where you can enjoy historic country video clips and recorded music. Also, visit Historic RCA Studio B, ‘The Home of 1,000 Hits’ to get an up-close look at what was once the second home of music legends Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton and more.

Hyatt Place Opryland or similar

Day 4 & 5 – Memphis

Leaving Nashville behind, travel on to the home of blues, Memphis. Your first stop should be Gracela nd, Elvis Presley’s 14-acre estate, followed by a visit the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll”, Sun Studios, where you can enjoy a fascinating tour and listen to audio presentations of some of the earliest recordings made there. After, visit the original studio itself, the exact same room where the likes of Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded their first tracks. In the evening, take a stroll down historic Beale Street where blues has been playing for more than half a century.

Optional Experience – Graceland Mansion Tour Over the 20 years Elvis lived here, Graceland created countless memories for the many friends and relatives who were a part of Elvis’ life. Because Graceland was so close to Elvis’ heart, it also holds deep meaning to his legions of fans from around the world. For many, the Elvis Presley mansion embodies the American Dream – a poor small-town boy who reached super stardom and changed pop culture and the world forever. Other than his daughter and his music, Graceland was probably Elvis’ greatest pride and joy. For fans of Elvis Presley, Graceland is the ultimate pilgrimage. Graceland tours offer a very personal look inside the home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Crowne Plaza Memphis or similar

Day 6 – Vicksburg

Vicksburg was once the centre for the aristocracy whose wealth was based around cotton and lumber. A  glimpse of its former glory is evident with the preservation of many historic churches, government buildings and grand homes, dating back to the 19th Century. For the history buff, there’s also Vicksburg National Military Park, the Vicksburg Battlefield Museum and Historic Downtown Vicksburg which offers a variety of restaurants, shops and art galleries.

Cedar Grove Mansion or similar

Day 7 – Natchez

Continue on to the town of Natchez, the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi River and kno wn for the preservation of many historic stately homes including Stanton Hall, one of the most magnificent palatial residences of the southern states. Below the town lies Natchez Under-the-Hill, home to many bars and restaurants and a riverboat casino.

Monmouth Historic Inn or similar

Day 8 to 10 – New Orleans

Drive further south into Louisiana. Along the way, consider a stop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capit al, here you can learn about the colourful history filled with controversial politics at the Capitol Building and the Old Governor’s Mansion and sample some of the fine Cajun-Creole cuisines at one of the local eateries. After, continue on to New Orleans, a modern city with a historic soul.

Venture out of the city’s centre to the Garden District, this elegant neighbourhood is home to lovel y southern homes (some of which are open to tours) and lined with beautiful parks and cafes, or if you are feeling more adventurous, consider an escapade in the swamp. In these mysterious waterways that surround the city, you will get up close encounters with alligators and other exotic creatures.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE – New Orleans City Tour

Absorb the sights and sounds of the world famous French Quarter and historic Jackson Square, travel through historic neighbourhoods and visit one of New Orleans’ historic cemeteries, referred to as ‘Cities of the Dead’. Visit City Park, one of the ten largest urban parks in America, here you can either visit the Morning Call Café or the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Bienville House or similar

Day 11 – Farewell from New Orleans

Enjoy this final day of taking in the charm and hospitality of the South. Depart at leisure for the airport for your flight home or onwards to your next destination.

Day 4 & 5

Day 8 to 10, new orleans, farewell from new orleans, this self drive includes, flights & more.

Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.

They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:

• Extra nights in New Orleans, Nashville or any location en route
• A Louisiana Swamp Tour or a Mississippi Dinner Cruise

Please get in touch with our America Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Price is per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room and includes pre-booked accommodation, air-conditioned car and unlimited mileage. One-way fees charged locally. Hotels specified are subject to availability and may be substituted by one of a similar or higher standard.

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Nashville to New Orleans via Memphis

Nashville to new orleans road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Nashville to New Orleans. If you're planning a road trip to New Orleans, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

11:00 am  start in Nashville drive for about 1.5 hours

12:21 pm   Hurricane Mills stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:21 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 4 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Peabody Hotel drive for about 2.5 hours

11:23 am   Durant stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:23 pm drive for about 1 hour

1:29 pm   Jackson (Mississippi) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:29 pm drive for about 58 minutes

3:27 pm   Brookhaven stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:27 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

6:09 pm   Ponchatoula stay for about 1 hour and leave at 7:09 pm drive for about 51 minutes

8:00 pm  arrive in New Orleans stay at Hotel Monteleone

day 2 driving ≈ 7 hours

Nashville to New Orleans questions

Where should I stop along the way?

Hurricane Mills   (3 answers) Memphis   (140 answers)     Beale Street   (9 mentions)     Graceland   (9 mentions)     National Civil Rights Museum   (8 mentions)     Memphis Zoo   (7 mentions)     Mud Island   (6 mentions)     restaurants around Memphis:         Central BBQ         Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken         Charlie Vergos Rendezvous         Payne's Bar-B-Q         Cozy Corner Restaurant     hotels around Memphis:         Peabody Hotel     questions about Memphis:         What's the best neighborhood in Memphis for a first time visitor?         What are the musts of Memphis, y'all?         Must sees in Memphis TN?? Hidden gems places to eat??         Best blues clubs in Memphis?         Good Food and Fun With Kids Durant Jackson (Mississippi)   (16 answers)     questions about Jackson (Mississippi):         What's going down in Jackson, MS for New Years Eve? Brookhaven Ponchatoula

Where's the best place to stay in New Orleans?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in New Orleans .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Hotel Monteleone , which was mentioned 11 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in New Orleans? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in New Orleans?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Café du Monde , which was mentioned 62 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in New Orleans? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in New Orleans?

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Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

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Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a New Orleans to Nashville drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Nashville to New Orleans . Or get a full Nashville to New Orleans flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

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14 Awesome Stops on a Chicago to New Orleans Road Trip

Here’s everything you need to know about your Chicago to New Orleans road trip!

The drive from Chicago to New Orleans has some great places to stop off. Going from north to south will take you through some interesting places in the USA. I did the route a few years ago, when I was in America for three months. 

You can’t beat a road trip in the USA – they’re a dream. Taking in the country’s never-ending landscape, long freeways, and roadside motels is a great way to experience the USA. 

The Chicago to New Orleans road trip is a long one, at 925 miles if you were to go straight. But, going straight isn’t the point of a road trip now, is it? It’s in all the twists and turns that you find the interesting places and people, the experiences that really make your road trip unique to you. 

Here are my top recommendations for where to stop off on the Chicago to New Orleans drive, enjoy!

Road Trip from Chicago to New Orleans

Map of the road trip from Chicago to New Orleans 

This Chicago to New Orleans road trip will take you through Illinois, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana.

1. Chicago – your road trip begins!

I presume you’ll have had a few days to enjoy in Chicago before the road trip to New Orleans. Seriously, Chicago is the best city in the USA, and I don’t say that lightly. I love it there. So much to see, do and eat – it’s awesome. Been twice and I hope to go again ASAP!

Wintry things to do in Chicago – the video

Here are just some of the things to do in Chicago , and make sure to check out my YouTube video whatever the season. Lots of ideas for Chicago activities in there too.

So yes, make sure to book in plenty of time to enjoy Chicago, before you embark on the Chicago to New Orleans drive. I’d definitely recommend doing a food tour in Chicago so that you can enjoy some of the local flavours, and have a tour guide to ask questions to, too. Just a warning to arrive very hungry for this!

2. 1950s Park Forest House Museum

Address: 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, Illinois 60466 USA

This is where you’ll find the hidden treasure of Illinois. The 1950s Park Forest House Museum is called a Museum because it houses a lot of antiques. In layman terms, it’s just a well-preserved house from the 1950s.

If you’re fond of the simpler times of those cupboards like television boxes, gramophones & analog telephone sets, this will take you to a trip down the memory lane.

This is one of the best road trips from Chicago .

3. Kankakee County Historical Museum

Address: 801 S 8th Ave, Kankakee, Illinois 60901 USA

Every US County has its history and cultural heritage, and Kankakee is no different. This well-maintained museum elaborately takes you through Kankakee’s history and its people. The building might look small from the outside, but the collection this museum has might baffle you once you get in. It’s got a beautiful park to go for a walk and also houses an old one-room school building.

If you want unique attractions on your Chicago to New Orleans Road Trip then this is a great choice. 

4. Krannert Art Museum

Address: 500 E Peabody Dr, Champaign, Illinois 61820 USA

Krannert Art Museum, named after its benefactors, is the second-largest fine arts museum in Illinois. It has a wide range of artwork on display ranging from ancient Egypt to modern-day photography. The museum gets close to 132000 visitors every year and is a must-see spot for anyone on an art trail.

READ MORE on USA road trips

Ultimate Guide to Planning a Road Trip in the USA

9 Cool Steps on a Miami to Key West Road Trip

5. Springfield 

I’ve written about the best things to do in Springfield , as I spent a few days there last year. It’s a cool little city – the main attraction is City Hall. 

You can drive some of the genuine Route 66 here – a must for all American road trip lovers, surely? This is a unique stop on the road trip from Chicago to New Orleans I think you’ll really enjoy. Check out the best hotels in Springfield to plan your trip.

6. Heartland Classics

Address: 1901 W Evergreen Ave, Effingham, Illinois 62401 USA

Spoiler Alert! This one might seem like a museum, but it isn’t.

It’s a 30000 sq ft showroom that houses more than 200 vintage cars for sale & display. If you’re a car enthusiast who likes collecting trivia about vintage cars, you’ll love it. Even if you’re not looking to buy, this is a place worth visiting on your Chicago to New Orleans drive.

7. Shawnee National Forest 

Take some time out from your Chicago to New Orleans road trip to explore nature at its finest in the Shawnee National Forest. Here you can see bears and bald eagles, you’re allowed to wild camp, and there are some incredible views to enjoy from up on the rocks. 

8. Visit Nashville!

This one is a little off-route, and it’s not a pitstop. If you’re stopping at Nashville, you might as well spend a couple of days.

It will add three hours to the journey – but totally worth it. 

If it’s your first time, you have to explore the city’s rich history and culture. As someone who’s a country music enthusiast, I cannot get enough of this city. So many must-see places. Ryman Auditorium , the mother church of Country Music. Grand Ole Opry House , which has been hosting its namesake event since 1974.

The Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum , that’s home to 200,000 sound recordings, including an estimated 98% of all pre-World War II country recordings released commercially.

Then there’s the Johnny Cash Museum. It’s home to various artefacts that chronicle the legend’s life like Stage Costumes, including his infamous prison jumpsuit costume, vintage guitar amps, highwaymen memorabilia, gold and platinum records, and much more. The final room here is pure emotion. They had him up on the big screens singing Nine Inch Nails’ Hurt, and to see him doing that, as an old man, after everything you’ve learned before is just emotional! 

Ended up buying a tshirt here – loved the whole experience. And from dabbling in his music, a visit here has set me on the path to be a lifelong fan. 

If you’re planning on doing a few different Nashville attractions, then I’d recommend you look into buying the Nashville City Pass – it can save you a lot of money and time if you use it right.

– Me posing in Chicago in my Cash tshirt. I road tripped the other way! 

At night you can visit broadway and visit one honky-tonk bar after another and listen to some upcoming country musicians. Some of my recommendations are:

– Nashville Underground: This one is not your typical local bar. It has got four floors with live music and food. Therefore, plenty of choices available at one single place.

– Jack’s Bar-B-Que: It’s known for its signature smoked Tennessee pork shoulder sandwiches. Jack’s Bar-B-Que Texas Sweet Hot Sauce was named “The Best Sauce on the Planet” by American Royal in 2014.

READ MORE: Best Spots on the Nashville to Memphis Road Trip

9.  Chattanooga

I had a great time in Chattanooga on my Chicago to New Orleans road trip. It was a random choice, and somewhere I’d never even heard of, but all the signs were there, telling me to go, so I did.

I explored the beautiful Ruby Falls – America’s deepest commercial cave and largest underground waterfall. And then went to Rock City on Lookout Mountain to see the incredible natural rock formations and views over Chattanooga. There are some pretty gardens up here, with over 400 native plant species. And you can also stand at a marked point where you can look out on the panoramic views over 7 different states. Pretty impressive! 

– Follow this Chicago to New Orleans road trip itinerary and you’ll see some impressive views! 

I also went up the Incline Railway – less impressive, but fun all the same! 

I was randomly in Chattanooga for the celebration of the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo song by Glenn Miller, and even got a train whistle to prove it. 

Do you know the Chattanooga Choo Choo?

9. Blue Sky Vineyard

Address: 3150 S Rocky Comfort Rd, Makanda, Illinois 62958 USA

Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, you should visit this place for its scenic beauty and Tuscan inspired architecture. It’s a family-owned Vineyard that produces 17 different kinds of Illinois wines and 5 Americans wines ranging from dry to sweet.

89 Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure

10. Johnny Cash’s Boyhood Home

Address: 4791 W County Road 924, Dyess, Arkansas 72330 USA

Who doesn’t want to see the house where Man In Black grew up? It’s the same house where the 2006 classic ‘Walk The Line’ starring Joaquin Phoenix & Reese Witherspoon shooting happened. Not much to see here, but visit this one for the bragging rights. After all, you can say you’ve been to Johnny Cash’s house. It will also be the perfect prelude for your next stop.

11. Memphis 

Head to Beale Street for the main attractions. I’d also recommend visiting the National Civil Rights Museum to learn more about Martin Luther King – how he got started and the impact he made on the world. 

Book early to get into Sun Studio – known as the ‘Birthplace of Rock n Roll’, here you can see a real life studio and learn more about the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis. You can book a Memphis: Big Mojo Sun Studio + Music History 3-Hour Bus Tour if you want to really delve deep into the music history here. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of world-famous Sun Studio as well as a crash-course in Memphis music history with a professional musician as your guide. Sing along as you visit music-related landmarks and all the places that make Memphis so special.

I loved the Sun Studio and would definitely have done this tour as I was travelling solo and I think it’d be a great place to experience in a group.

Just watch out here. I actually got picked up by a cop for walking in a sketchy area, totally oblivious to the danger I was putting myself in. Still loved my weekend in Memphis though.

12. Graceland

Address: 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, Tennessee 38116 USA

The home of the king! What could be better than visiting Elvis Presley’s fabled mansion right after visiting Johnny Cash’s boyhood home? Chicago to New Orleans is the only road trip that gives you the chance to revisit the lives of two icons.

Graceland is the first property owned by a rock icon to be declared a National Historic Landmark. It is also the most visited house in the USA after the White House, with over 650000 visitors every year.

Spanned across 13.8 acres, the elaborate tour of the property will take you through the house, the famous jungle room, you’ll get to see Presley’s Gold Record for Jailhouse Rock, and tour ends with the spine-chilling visit to his grave in the meditation garden.

I loved it here. Spent the day there and couldn’t stop just imaginging him walking there – and what an incredible life he led. If those walls could talk! 

Graceland is an absolute highlight of the Chicago to New Orleans road trip. Don’t miss it! 

13. Holmes County State Park

Address: State Park Road, Durant, Mississippi 39063 USA.

This state park built around two lakes covering a land span of 88 acres has around 28 campsites fro travelers to bunk. The lakes are popular spots for fishing. The architecture is rustic and aligns well with the natural landscape of the property. It’s also home to a wide variety of wildlife. This will make for a great stop on your Chicago to New Orleans road trip, before you hit the bright lights of NOLA. 

14. Oak Alley Plantation 

I visited the Oak Alley Plantation for the night and got a fascinating insight into the dark history there. It was home to the rich and wealthy, and slaves.  

15. New Orleans

You’ve made it! You’ve completed somewhere around 1300 miles on the scenic drive from Chicago to New Orleans – congratulations. 

Check out all the cheap things to do in New Orleans here… 

I loved New Orleans – so much so I ended up staying there for two weeks. I went to the New Orleans Jazz Festival , to Hogs for the Cause Festival and the French Quarter Festival too. I ate as much as I could of the many New Orleans specialities there are, and filled my time with the amazing wealth of cheap things to do in NOLA . 

FAQs about Chicago to New Orleans Road Trip

1. what does chicago to new orleans road trip look like.

Road trip from Chicago leading to New Orleans is hinted with historical traces, sights of wildlife, and nature landscapes that will surely give you a nostalgic feels.

2. What is the distance between Chicago to New Orleans?

Chicago to New Orleans is separated by a driving distance of approximately 925 miles or 1489 km.

3. How long is the drive time from Chicago to New Orleans?

The drive on a road trip from Chicago to New Orleans would take about 13 and a half hours non-stop.

4. Which is the most visited stop from Chicago to New orleans road trip?

Among the many stops between Chicago to New Orleans road trips, the most visited is Jackson Square. It’s where the prominent statue of General Andrew Jackson is erected at the intersection of the French Quarter and the river bank.

5. What are things to do in Chicago before going to New Orleans?

Before you embark on your journey going to New Orleans, make sure you have fun in Chicago first. The activities you must try are seeing art at the Art Institute of Chicago, exploring Grant Park, eating Chicago-style pizza, witnessing theater shows at Goodman Theatre, and taking a river cruise to see the Chicago skyline.

6. What are things to do in New Orleans?

The things you could do once you arrive in New Orleans are stroll the Bourbon Street or French Quarter, indulge yourself in music and dancing just from the streets, try the city’s beer, and explore the zoos.

7. Is there a scenic route from Chicago to New Orleans?

When you take a road trip from Chicago to New Orleans, you are expected to pass a total of six states. And if you take the Great River Road, you will be rewarding yourself with different views of the landscape. One of which is the Mississippi River, The Gateway Arch, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Saint Louis Zoo. Given this, it is without the best scenic route between the two places.

Keen to carry on the American road trip dream?

How about driving from New Orleans to Austin ? 

Apartments in New Orleans 

Want to stay somewhere comfy and chill? How about booking an apartment in New Orleans – lots of cool options to choose from on that link. This way you get to relax in your own space, have space to walk around, and get to stay in a cool NOLA home too. Winner! 

Looking for budget accommodation in New Orleans? Check out my post on the top 5 hostels in New Orleans !

More on road trips in the USA 

How to Save Money on a Road Trip in the USA

12 Awesome Stops on a San Francisco to LA Road Trip

Guide to Your Florida Road Trip

11 Unique Stops on a Chicago to Atlanta Road Trip

PIN THIS Chicago to New Orleans drive FOR LATER

Related Posts:

• 7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Road Trip Budget
• Planning a Road Trip in the USA: 13 Best Routes!
• What to Expect from a Bayou Rum Distillery Tour…
• 19 Awesome Road Trips from Chicago (with Timings)
• 25+ Top Tips for a Solo Road Trip You NEED To Know
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Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

Whats the best season/month to do the roadtrip from chicago to new Orleans?

Hi Vicky, Great blog and info about this trip. Could you tell me how many days it took you? greating, Ite (Netherlands)

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How the Predators’ canceled trip to a U2 concert sparked their run to the NHL playoffs

When you’re the team operations director of a hockey team, you’re used to putting out fires.

Flight delays, middle-of-the-night phone calls from players and staff, practice-time changes. If there’s a problem, you find a way to fix it … and there’s always an unforeseen problem.

On Feb. 16, hours after the Nashville Predators were clobbered 9-2 at home by the Dallas Stars in a third straight “horrible” performance coming out of their bye/All-Star break, director of team operations Brandon Walker got word from general manager Barry Trotz that he should cancel those 40 tickets he had purchased for $13,000 in December so players and staff could attend the U2 concert at the Sphere in Las Vegas on Feb. 18.

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Well, that was not only easier said than done, but it was also impossible.

“I didn’t really care,” Trotz said.

The decision made by Trotz, the Preds’ “rookie” GM, and Andrew Brunette, the Preds’ first-year coach after guiding the Florida Panthers in 2022 to a Presidents’ Trophy and their first playoff series win in 26 years, created a wild domino effect for Walker. It meant the Predators’ fun three-day jaunt to Sin City between road games against the St. Louis Blues and Vegas Golden Knights would have to be reworked immediately. The Predators were leaving that day for St. Louis, but they would now return from St. Louis to Nashville for one day of practice before continuing their five-game trip.

The Preds had two planes in St. Louis because one was to bring corporate sponsors. The Preds ditched their normal first-class-outfitted plane and jumped on board the regularly configured commercial-style plane with sponsors back to Nashville. Walker booked a new Nashville-to-Las Vegas chartered flight for Feb. 19, then shortened the dates for 60 hotel rooms and rearranged buses and a bunch of meals.

And what about that block of U2 tickets he’d bought Dec. 7, three days after U2 extended its Sphere residency?

Walker couldn’t even flood secondary markets with the tickets because they were printed tickets that would be under his name at will call, and he wouldn’t be in town to pick them up. So Walker came up with a genius idea. He called his hotel’s VIP host, traded him the tickets and then transferred them to his name so the host could give them to some of his high-roller clients.

Walker isn’t sure yet what the team will receive in trade, and you guessed it: “I don’t care,” Trotz said.

Seeing U2 at the Sphere was on Trotz’s bucket list, too. Brunette is also a huge U2 fan. And the decision to cancel the Vegas vacation didn’t just affect the players; it stung the entire staff, which had been looking forward to the season respite for months.

“We were taking everybody,” Trotz said. “But there’s a certain standard and a certain way that you have to prepare, and our players’ focus after they got back from the All-Star break was awful.”

How Andrew Brunette got the Predators to buy in: The film, the lost U2 concert, the roller coaster

That decision turned out to be the defining, galvanizing moment of the Predators’ season.

The Predators went from 4 points out of a playoff spot to soaring on a 16-0-2, 18-game point streak, including five consecutive victories on that rearranged trip to St. Louis, Vegas, L.A., San Jose and Anaheim. They finished the season 20-5-3 from Feb. 17 on and have returned to the playoffs after missing the dance last season following an eight-year run, which included a trip to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final.

Sunday night, they’ll be in Vancouver to open a best-of-seven series against the Canucks .

“I’ve been on many teams, and trust me, this could have gone one way or the other after you make a harsh decision like this, but it speaks to the leadership group that we have,” said Brunette, who played more than 1,100 NHL games and scored the first goal in Predators history in 1998.

Brunette’s not just talking about captain Roman Josi and Stanley Cup winners like Ryan O’Reilly and Ryan McDonagh . He’s talking about guys like Filip Forsberg , first-year Pred but longtime NHLer Gustav Nyquist and Preds lifer Colton Sissons , who has played 618 games over 10 seasons for Nashville.

And Trotz, the original Predators coach who spent 15 years there, won a Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals and is third in NHL history with 914 coaching victories, was more than willing to take the risk, too, because of the trust he has in his players.

“But we knew this could have backfired quickly, but we were willing to take the risk,” Brunette said. “I love to have fun as much as anybody, but hockey has to come first, and that’s been always my mantra. As a player or as a coach or anywhere else in the game, hockey has to come first. You have to work first, and you have fun after.

“And hockey didn’t feel like it was first during that week, and I think we just had to make a point.”

The Preds came back from a 10-day break, and like most teams in the league, they were sloppy in their first game back yet got away with a win over the Arizona Coyotes.

Then, the players had their Super Bowl party and followed that up by getting plowed twice at home.

“These were crucial points to grab, and we stunk the joint up in front of our fans,” Brunette said. “Just wasn’t acceptable. I wasn’t very happy with them on the Monday after the Super Bowl. I got caught getting pissed off at them on the ice, and they had a little bit of a bag skate. But the message, and the urgency, wasn’t received, I guess you could say.”

Trotz couldn’t believe what he was watching during that seven-goal loss to Dallas, and like Brunette, he couldn’t stop thinking about the fact he was about to bring this team to Vegas for three days.

“Our mindset wasn’t right, and I didn’t feel that you should reward that, and I couldn’t accept the way we were playing,” Trotz said. “So, … ‘We’re not going.’”

Trotz went down to the coach’s room after the Stars loss and had a two-minute conversation with Brunette.

“It was on my mind anyways,” Brunette said.

Then Trotz met with Josi, O’Reilly, McDonagh and a couple of the other leaders to inform them Vegas was off.

“I probably wasn’t the most popular guy, but when you talk to them now, they get it,” Trotz said. “They weren’t probably the happiest, but you know what? I wasn’t happy, either. This is a good life lesson for everyone. I know everybody looked at it as though I just punished them. I didn’t punish them. I just said, ‘This is the standard we have, this is not acceptable, and you have to start acting like professionals. Because the way you’re playing is not fair to each other, isn’t fair to the organization and, most of all, isn’t fair to your fans.’ I said, ‘You earn respect and you earn privilege, and right now you haven’t earned the right to have fun in Vegas, so we’re coming home from St. Louis.’

“It’s like being at home and telling your kids, ‘Clean up your room, clean up your room, clean up your room.’ If they don’t do it, what are you going to do, take them to a movie?

“But what I love is our men responded.”

They sure did. Not coincidentally, many of the Predators’ leaders took off right from that first victory in St. Louis.

During their 16-0-2 run, Forsberg, who had a career year with 48 goals and 94 points, scored 15 goals and 28 points; Josi had 24 points and was plus-22; and players such as Nyquist, who had a 75-point season, O’Reilly and McDonagh erupted.

Juuse Saros went 12-0-2 in that stretch with a 1.92 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage. During that 18-game point streak, the Predators scored the third-most goals in the NHL (74) and gave up the fewest (33).

Nashville’s top scorers during 18-game point streak

“They went from easing back in the season and watching it slip away to being all business and playing with the standard we expect as an organization,” Trotz said. “Our leaders, our team, they understood. They go, ‘You know what? Hey, you’re right. We’re better than this.’ And then they started to show it. It wasn’t calculated or anything. It was just a reaction to what I call a standard and foundation of this hockey team.

“Like Bruno, I know this could have gone the other way, but I didn’t care. If you do what’s right, you’re never wrong. And that was right. That was the right decision for us. No matter how that would’ve played out, it was the right decision because what you’re doing is setting the standard. And if that was acceptable, then the next group behind them goes, ‘Oh, that’s acceptable. I don’t have to be a pro.’ It’s like in practice, if you want them to go from goal line to goal line and touch the line and you got guys that turn five feet from the line, well, what do you do?”

You set the standard by blowing your whistle.

The Predators are a physical, fast, relentless team that should be able to compete with the Canucks, who have had a marvelous year. But if Forsberg can keep up his star-studded play, if Saros can continue to be lights out, if Josi can continue to play the best hockey Brunette has ever witnessed from a defenseman these past few months, the Predators’ brass believes they have a real chance to not only win the series but also make a run.

2024 NHL playoff preview: Canucks vs. Predators

The one area they probably aren’t as strong is overall depth.

“They’re four lines deep,” Brunette said. “But we’re going to need the Tommy Novaks, the Jason Zuckers, the Luke Evangelistas to score. We need the secondary scoring. We talk about that stretch of 18 games and how good our top players were, but without that secondary scoring, the fourth line scoring, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today.”

The Predators have had quite the season considering how honest Trotz was with the fan base that the expectation this season was a bit of a retool. Now the team is soaring into the playoffs as confident as any of the 15 others, and Trotz credits his leaders and Brunette, who he thinks “should be Coach of the Year.”

“You look at preseason rosters, you look at us, there’s not a person in hell that’s picking us to make the playoffs,” Trotz said. But we don’t play the game on paper. That’s the great thing about this game is that there’s a human factor and there’s a commitment factor and just the randomness of things that happen during the year that can define a team or take a team down.”

And what defined the Preds was standing up Bono and taking it personally rather than letting things go sideways.

(Photo of Gustav Nyquist and Filip Forsberg celebrating a goal: John Russell / NHLI via Getty Images)

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Michael Russo is a senior writer covering the Minnesota Wild and the National Hockey League for The Athletic. He has covered the NHL since 1995 (Florida Panthers) and the Wild since 2005, previously for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Minneapolis Star Tribune. Michael is a four-time Minnesota Sportswriter of the Year and in 2017 was named the inaugural Red Fisher Award winner as best beat writer in the NHL. Michael can be seen on Bally Sports North and the NHL Network; and heard on KFAN (100.3 FM) and podcasts "Worst Seats in the House" (talknorth.com), "The Athletic Hockey Show" on Wednesdays and "Straight From the Source" (The Athletic). Follow Michael on Twitter @ RussoHockey