11 days in Louisiana Itinerary

Known for its Creole cuisine, rich musical tradition, and nearby swamps and plantations, New Orleans is one of the nation's oldest cities.

Visiting Kayak-iti-Yat Original Kayaking Tours of New Orleans and Chalmette National Historical Park will get you outdoors. Next up on the itinerary: get to know the fascinating history of Garden District, don't miss a visit to Jackson Square, examine the collection at Cabildo, and go on a hair-raising tour with a ghost and vampire tour.

For reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the New Orleans itinerary maker.

Chicago to New Orleans is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. When traveling from Chicago in December, plan for somewhat warmer days in New Orleans, with highs around 57°F, while nights are warmer with lows around 57°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. On the 29th (Tue), make a trip to Louisiana Memorial Plaza, see the interesting displays at Louisiana State Archives, then steep yourself in history at Nottoway Plantation, then take an in-depth tour of Burden Museum & Gardens, and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: steep yourself in history at St. Joseph Cathedral, look for all kinds of wild species at Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, then head outdoors with The 13th Gate, then identify plant and animal life at Mike the Tiger's Habitat, and finally indulge your thirst for a good beer at Tin Roof Brewery.

To find other places to visit, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Baton Rouge day trip planning app.

Drive from New Orleans to Baton Rouge in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from New Orleans in December: highs in Baton Rouge hover around 66°F, while lows dip to 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) so you can drive to Lafayette.

Lafayette is a city located along the Vermilion River in southwestern Louisiana. Start off your visit on the 31st (Thu): appreciate the extensive heritage of Acadian Village, take in nature's colorful creations at Jungle Gardens, and then identify plant and animal life at Bird City. Keep things going the next day: appreciate the extensive heritage of Vermilionville, paddle through the water with Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Martin.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Lafayette day trip planning app.

Drive from Baton Rouge to Lafayette in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Lafayette can reach 66°F, while at night they dip to 48°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Fri) early enough to go by car to Bossier City.

Bossier City is a suburb of Shreveport, Louisiana, United States, located in Bossier Parish.As of the 2010 census, Bossier City had a population of 61,315. Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Sat): look for all kinds of wild species at Red River National Wildlife Refuge, pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, then sample the tasty concoctions at Great Raft Brewing, and finally admire the masterpieces at Meadows Museum of Art. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 3rd (Sun): identify plant and animal life at Chimp Haven, then pause for some photo ops at Caddo Parish Confederate Monument, and then try to win big at Margaritaville Resort Casino.

To find reviews, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read Bossier City trip itinerary maker site.

You can drive from Lafayette to Bossier City in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or fly. Traveling from Lafayette in January, things will get a bit cooler in Bossier City: highs are around 56°F and lows about 37°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sun) so you can travel back home.