14 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Immaculate Conception Church and Destrehan Plantation. Get a sense of the local culture at Whitney Plantation and Lake Lawn Metairie. Explore New Orleans' surroundings by going to Terrebonne Parish (in Houma) and Slidell Historic Antique District (in Slidell). There's lots more to do: partake in some friendly competition at Escape My Room New Orleans, view the masterpieces at Jamie Hayes Gallery, see the interesting displays at New Orleans Museum of Art, and explore the world behind art at Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

To find where to stay, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the New Orleans trip planning app.

Atlanta to New Orleans is an approximately 3.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Atlanta to New Orleans due to the time zone difference. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in New Orleans when traveling from Atlanta in December, with lows around 57°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sun) so you can go by car to Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. You'll explore and learn at Laura: Louisiana's Creole Heritage Site and Louisiana's Old State Capitol. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Houmas House Plantation and Gardens and Nottoway Plantation. Explore Baton Rouge's surroundings by going to Vacherie (St. Joseph Plantation & Oak Alley Plantation) and Saint Francisville (St. Francisville United Methodist Church, The Myrtles Plantation, &more). Next up on the itinerary: identify plant and animal life at Mike the Tiger's Habitat and stroll around LSU Hilltop Arboretum.

For more things to do, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Baton Rouge trip itinerary site.

Traveling by car from New Orleans to Baton Rouge takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. While traveling from New Orleans, expect a bit warmer days and a bit cooler nights in Baton Rouge, ranging from highs of 66°F to lows of 46°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) so you can go by car to Lafayette.

Lafayette is a city located along the Vermilion River in southwestern Louisiana. Kick off your visit on the 31st (Thu): stroll through Rip Van Winkle Gardens, identify plant and animal life at Jungle Gardens, and then appreciate the history behind Urns of Justice. Keep things going the next day: contemplate the long history of Acadian Village, get to know the fascinating history of Vermilionville, and then explore the different monuments and memorials at Cathedral of St John the Evangelist.

To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, use the Lafayette trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Baton Rouge to Lafayette by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 66°F, and evening lows to 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Fri) to allow time to drive to Shreveport.

Shreveport is the third-largest city in the state of Louisiana and the 113th-largest city in the United States. On the 2nd (Sat), try to win big at Horseshoe Casino, then try to win big at Harrah's Louisiana Downs, and then try your luck at DiamondJacks Casino.

For reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Shreveport trip maker tool.

You can drive from Lafayette to Shreveport in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or fly. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Lafayette in January, with highs in Shreveport at 56°F and lows at 37°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) so you can travel back home.