Louisiana route: Lake Pontchartrain to New Orleans French

This 1918 km route through Louisiana showcases the state's natural and cultural landmarks, from the expansive Lake Pontchartrain with its record-breaking causeway to the historic French Quarter in New Orleans. The journey highlights Louisiana's unique blend of Creole heritage, architectural significance, and vibrant music scene.

Mode
Places
Start
Welcome to Louisiana
End
Greenwood Cemetery
Stops
23
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Welcome to Louisiana
  2. Lake Pontchartrain — Vast brackish estuary covering 630 square miles, connected to the Gulf of Mexico, famous for the longest continuous bridge over water on Earth.
  3. Jackson Square — Historic plaza in New Orleans centered on the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, featuring outdoor artist markets and riverside views of the Mississippi.
  4. Louisiana State University — Major research institution founded in 1860, relocated to Baton Rouge with an Italian Renaissance campus of 250+ buildings on 650 acres with 1,200 live oaks.
  5. French Quarter
  6. Bourbon Street — Legendary entertainment avenue famous for jazz clubs, bars, and nightlife that captures the lively spirit and musical heritage of New Orleans.
  7. New Orleans
  8. Calcasieu River Bridge — Engineering landmark spanning the Calcasieu River, connecting Southwest Louisiana communities and offering scenic views of coastal waterways.
  9. Louisiana State Capitol — 450-foot Art Deco skyscraper completed in 1932, the tallest state capital in America, clad in Alabama limestone with Italian marble interior and observation deck.
  10. St. Louis Cathedral — Oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in continuous operation in the United States since 1727, features three white spires above Jackson Square and Greek revival architecture.
  11. Audubon Park — Urban nature sanctuary featuring lush gardens, oak-lined paths, and a zoo dedicated to wildlife conservation and education in New Orleans.
  12. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge — One of the world's longest bridges stretching 24 miles across scenic Lake Pontchartrain, offering dramatic water views and connecting New Orleans to the North Shore.
  13. Baton Rouge's Historic Plantations — Antebellum estates showcasing Louisiana's plantation history, architecture, and gardens while documenting the complex heritage of the Mississippi River region.
  14. Horace Wilkinson Bridge — Modern cable-stayed bridge crossing the Mississippi River near Baton Rouge, providing essential transportation and striking architectural views.
  15. Grand Isle — Charming coastal barrier island village offering beach access, fishing traditions, and seafood dining with Gulf of Mexico views.
  16. Caesars Superdome
  17. City Park
  18. Pike Fort — Historic military fortification with significant Civil War heritage, offering insights into Louisiana's role in American military history.
  19. Tchefuncte River Light Station — Historic lighthouse guiding maritime navigation along the Tchefuncte River, reflecting Louisiana's seafaring traditions and coastal heritage.
  20. Algiers Point — Historic neighborhood across the Mississippi River from downtown New Orleans, featuring Victorian architecture and local arts community galleries.
  21. Atchafalaya Basin
  22. Metairie Cemetery — Above-ground cemetery featuring ornate tombs and monuments reflecting New Orleans' unique burial traditions and architectural craftsmanship.
  23. Greenwood Cemetery — Historic burial ground showcasing Louisiana's funerary architecture and commemorating generations of notable residents and community heritage.

Useful for your trip

Transport
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is 23.87 miles long with two parallel bridges. At one point you cannot see land in any direction. The drive reduces travel time from North Shore to New Orleans by up to 50 minutes.
Timing
Bourbon Street closes to cars entirely for 5 days during Mardi Gras. The street runs 12 blocks and draws millions of visitors annually.
Tip
New Orleans is one of the few places in the country where you're allowed to carry a drink outside. The Go Cup plastic tumbler was invented on Bourbon Street.
Transport
The red streetcar runs on Canal Street daily, part of one of the oldest continuously operating streetcar lines in the United States.
Timing
Jackson Square had its three surrounding streets closed to cars in 1971, turning the area into a pedestrian zone. Artists and musicians have made it their stage since at least the 1920s.
Tip
The French Quarter sits 5 feet above sea level. When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, the quarter stayed largely dry while much of the city flooded.
Tip
St. Louis Cathedral has been in operation since 1727, making it the oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in continuous operation in the United States. Daily mass is still offered.
Tip
Audubon Park sits on approximately 350 acres bordered by St. Charles Avenue and the Mississippi River. Features a 1.8 mile jogging path, golf course, tennis courts, and Audubon Zoo with 2,000+ animals.
Tip
New Orleans welcomed 19 million visitors in 2024 who spent $10.4 billion. Tourism generates nearly 40% of the city's operating budget.
Transport
The Louisiana State Capitol observation deck is on the 27th floor. The building rises 450 feet and 34 stories, the tallest state capital in the United States.
Tip
The French Market has been open since 1791, making it one of the oldest public markets in America.
Tip
LSU Tiger Stadium opened in 1924 and now holds over 102,000 seats, the seventh largest stadium on the planet. Locals call it Death Valley.

Video on this route

Wonders of Louisiana | The Bayou State | Travel Video 4K

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