Dallas to New Orleans Road Trip is one of the most popular road trips from North Texas.
New Orleans, located on the banks of the Mississippi River, is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the United States.
There are plenty of things to do and see in both Dallas and New Orleans, so it’s a great trip for those looking for a little bit of everything.
Here is a suggested itinerary for an epic road trip from Dallas to New Orleans.
Also Read: Dallas to Houston Drive
How long is Dallas to New Orleans Drive?
New Orleans is 500 miles away from Dallas, Texas.
Wondering how many hours drive from Dallas to New Orleans, LA?
The drive from Dallas to New Orleans is about 8 hours.
This Dallas to New Orleans drive time assumes no stops for gas, food, or bathroom breaks.
If you plan on making any stops along the way, you should add an extra hour or two to your travel time for this Texas to LA drive.
Have a long weekend?
We recommend the Dallas to New Orleans road trip time of 2 to 3 days to enjoy the road trip stops and have a great time in NOLA before heading back.
Also Read: Dallas to Austin Road Trip
What is the best route from Dallas to New Orleans?
The best route from Dallas to New Orleans is I-20 E.
This interstate highway runs directly from Dallas to Shreveport, Louisiana, which is about 4 hours from New Orleans.
Once you reach Shreveport, you can take I-49 S to get to Baton Rouge.
I-49 S will take you through some smaller towns in Louisiana, such as Natchitoches and Alexandria.
Then continue along I-10 from Baton Rouge to New Orleans through the Cajun Country.
See the impressive pre Civil War era plantations along the Great River Road!
Also Read: Houston to New Orleans Drive
Best Places to Stop on Dallas to New Orleans Drive
Start your road trip in Dallas, Texas, and make your way through East Texas small towns to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Along the way, you will see historic sites and beautiful scenery.
Here are great places to stop on the drive to New Orleans from Dallas.
Dallas
New to Dallas? Stop and explore some of the great attractions that Dallas has to offer!
Visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, take kids to see the Dallas World Aquarium, and see the dinosaurs at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Enjoy nightlife in Deep Ellum and dine in the city’s popular restaurants before heading east.
East Texas
Next, you will be driving through the Piney Woods region of Texas.
Th route will take you close to small towns like Canton, Tyler, Kilgore, Longview, and Marshall.
Things to do include taking a stroll in the small towns, antique shopping at the famous First Mondays Trade Days in Canton…..
…..understanding the oil industry heritage in Kilgore, and off course- seeing the famous Eats Texas gators near Marshall, TX.
Shreveport
Shreveport is a fun stop on the Dallas to Louisiana drive.
Check out the Louisiana Boardwalk, which has a variety of shops and restaurants. Take a walk through the Sci-Port Discovery Center.
Or, if you’re looking for some history and nature, visit the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens or the Shreveport Water Works Museum.
If you’re looking for a fun night out, check out the casinos on the Red River in Shreveport.
Then continue on the Shreveport to New Orleans drive via Baton Rouge.
Alexandria
Next stop on the New Orleans to Dallas road trip is the small Louisiana town of Alexandria.
This town is home to the Alexandria Zoo, Kent Plantation House, and the Alexandria Museum of Art.
There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops in Alexandria.
Optional: Chicot State Park
If you’re looking to get out of the city for a bit, take a detour to Chicot State Park.
This state park is located in the Louisiana swamps and has a variety of trails and activities.
You can go fishing, hiking, biking, or canoeing in the park while driving Dallas to New Orleans.
Optional: Lafayette
Consider a detour to Lafayette.
This city is about two hours from New Orleans.
While this may not be the best route from Dallas to New Orleans, Lafayette is the perfect place to experience Cajun culture.
Visit Vermilionville, a living history museum that shows what life was like in Lafayette during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Acadian Cultural Center is also a great place to learn about the Acadian people who settled in Louisiana as is the historic Alexandre Mouton House museum.
Or, if you’re looking for some music and dancing, head to Lafayette’s Cajun Country Music Hall of Fame.
There are also plenty of great restaurants in Lafayette, and you can hear live Cajun music at many of them.
Optional: Breaux Bridge
Another great stop in Cajun Country on your next trip is Breaux Bridge.
This town is home to the Crawfish Festival, which is held every year in May.
It is one of the great points of interest between Dallas and New Orleans for foodies.
Baton Rouge
As you get closer to New Orleans, make a stop in Baton Rouge – the capital of Louisiana.
This city is known for its Cajun food, music, and culture.
Some popular attractions in Baton Rouge are the Louisiana State Capitol, USS Kidd Naval Museum, and the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
Stay overnight in the city and take a break from your long road trip on the DFW to New Orleans drive.
Mississippi River Road Plantations
There are several historic plantations along Louisiana’s River Road on the Dallas to Nola drive.
Many of these plantations offer tours and are excellent to learn about antebellum period including plantation life and the impact of slavery.
Some of the most popular plantations are Oak Alley Plantation, Whitney Plantation, Laura Plantation, and Houmas House Plantation.
We recommend taking a day to see the plantations along this scenic route from Dallas to New Orleans.
Then reach NOLA and check in to your NOLA hotel at the end of the day to finish your Dallas to Louisiana road trip.
New Orleans
Finally, you’ve reached your destination – New Orleans!
This city is known for its incredible food, music, and culture.
Some popular attractions in New Orleans are the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and Bourbon Street.
There is also a lot to see and do outside of the French Quarter.
Take a guided tour to admire all the sights and learn about their architecture and history.
Also Read: 3 Days in New Orleans
Take a walk through Audubon Park, visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, or take a swamp tour to see alligators.
Whatever you do, make sure to try the New Orleans food! Crescent City is known for its Creole and Cajun cuisine.
New Orleans to Dallas drive
On the return New Orleans to DFW road trip, consider driving via Houston and enjoying the attractions of the Bayou City.
Then take the Houston to Dallas drive back to the Big D.
Wondering how far is New Orleans from Dallas, Texas via Houston?
It’s 587 miles and the trip time is 8 hours 41 mins.
Also Read: New Orleans Mardi Gras Guide
Did you like our Dallas to New Orleans road trip planner?
What are your favorite stops on the road trip to New Orleans from Dallas? Let us know in the comments!