The perfect Nashville to New Orleans road trip takes you between two of the most exciting cities in the United States.
A 530-mile Nashville to New Orleans road trip takes you from Tennessee, through Alabama and Mississippi, to the “Pelican State, Louisiana. You will pass through towns and cities exuding southern charm, history, and culture, natural preserves that encapsulate the region’s iconic landscapes and wildlife, and countless exciting attractions, as you travel to “The Big Easy”, New Orleans, in the bayous on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
If you want to plan a perfect Nashville to New Orleans road trip itinerary, we strongly suggest reading on.
A Perfect Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip: How Far Is It, How Long Will It Take & What Is The Best Route?
A perfect road trip from Nashville to New Orleans covers 530 miles, takes 7.5 hours to drive, and follows a very straightforward route.
You begin by heading south on I-65 and following it 190 miles to Birmingham, Alabama. Use Exit 261C to join I-20 heading southwest and drive another 150 miles. When you reach Meridian, Mississippi, take Exit 149 to head south on I-59 and follow it 160 miles to its conclusion in Slidell, Louisiana. You then join the I-10 heading west and follow it for the final 30 miles to your destination in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Best Time For A Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip
The best time for a Nashville to New Orleans road trip is from early February to late May. This period allows you to miss hurricane season, which hits south Louisiana and the rest of the Gulf of Mexico between June and October, as well as the hot, wet, and busy summer months. This should ensure your drive offers warm, dry, pleasant weather throughout.
This window also allows you to be in New Orleans during one of its most legendary events, Mardi Gras, as the festival takes place in late February or early March.
If this time doesn’t work for you, another great time to drive to New Orleans is late October. This is because it offers similar weather conditions to parts of the original window we suggested, and New Orleans is one of the very best places to spend Halloween in the United States, especially for people interested in ghost tours.
Best Place To Stop On A Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip
Some people won’t mind completing a 7.5-hour drive in one go. However, we suggest splitting it into smaller chunks to make it more enjoyable and ensure you have plenty of time to appreciate all the sights and attractions along the way. There are a few good places on the route you could choose to make a longer stop at, but the best place to stop on a Nashville to New Orleans road trip is Birmingham, Alabama.
Birmingham, Alabama
Conveniently located near the mid-point of our route, Birmingham ranks as the second most populous and third largest city in Alabama. It is well-known for its significant historical background and cultural diversity, earning notoriety as a central location for the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s. Those interested in this pivotal era can visit landmarks such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 16th Street Baptist Church, and Kelly Ingram Park, all of which were crucial in the fight for racial equality.
In addition to these historical sites, the city offers numerous other attractions, including the Birmingham Museum of Art, which features an extensive range of artworks; Vulcan Park and Museum, home to the world’s largest cast-iron statue and offering breathtaking views of the city; Red Mountain Park, where nature enthusiasts can explore trails, scenic overlooks, and remnants of the area's mining past; Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum; McWane Science Center; and the Birmingham Zoo, recognized as one of the premier zoos in the Deep South.
Railroad Park is a 19-acre green area ideal for picnics and various outdoor activities. The city also boasts a vibrant culinary scene abundant with Southern cuisine, craft breweries, popular dining spots, and a continually expanding roster of lively cultural events and attractions.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Birmingham, Alabama – Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel
The Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel is a luxurious and well-appointed 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city. It offers a blend of comfort, convenience, and Southern hospitality, making it an excellent choice for travellers of all types.
Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and comfortable workspaces. The hotel also features a large indoor pool, a fitness center, a range of dining options, including the Wynfrey Grill’s Southern-inspired cuisine, extensive conference facilities, a large ballroom, and direct links to the Riverchase Galleria, one of the largest shopping malls in the Southeastern United States.
10 Top Attractions On A Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip
Lynchburg, Tennessee
Lynchburg, Tennessee, is a delightful small town situated in the gently rolling hills of Moore County, just a short detour from our route.
Renowned for being the headquarters of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery, guests have the opportunity to explore the historic distillery, gaining insights into the whiskey production process, participating in tastings, and wandering through the beautiful grounds that reflect Southern traditions. Its scenic landscape and welcoming vibe create a friendly environment for anyone traveling through Middle Tennessee.
In addition to the distillery, Lynchburg’s charming downtown square offers a taste of traditional Americana, featuring local, family-owned boutiques, antique shops, and inviting restaurants offering authentic Southern comfort cuisine. The town regularly
celebrates its vibrant community through seasonal festivals, live music performances, and events that highlight its small-town charm.
With its rich history, skilled craftsmanship, and inviting atmosphere, Lynchburg provides a genuine Tennessee experience that is both enjoyable and memorable.
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville is the largest and most populous city in Alabama. Often referred to as “The Rocket City,” it is an intriguing locale where science, history, and Southern hospitality converge. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a highlight, offering visitors engaging exhibits, a chance to see actual NASA rockets, and astronaut training simulators. The city’s strong connections to the U.S. space program make it a prime destination for those interested in science!
In addition, natural attractions, including the Huntsville Botanical Garden and Monte Sano State Park, provide stunning landscapes and outdoor activities just a short drive from the city center. Huntsville also has a vibrant arts, culture, and dining landscape. The rejuvenated downtown area and MidCity District host modern restaurants, local breweries, live music performances, and art galleries, contributing to a lively, youthful atmosphere.
History enthusiasts can wander through the Twickenham Historic District, which showcases splendid antebellum homes from the city’s founding in 1809, while families can spend a leisurely day at Big Spring International Park. By merging innovation with Southern charm, Huntsville offers a distinctive blend of technology, culture, and allure that attracts a diverse array of visitors.
Bankhead National Forest
Bankhead National Forest in northwestern Alabama is a remarkable natural haven celebrated for its verdant forests, waterfalls, and picturesque trails. Often called the “Land of a Thousand Waterfalls,” this forest showcases stunning locations such as Kinlock Falls, Caney Creek Falls, and Sipsey Fork, which is recognized as Alabama’s only designated Wild and Scenic River.
Outdoor enthusiasts and hikers have countless opportunities for exploration within the Sipsey Wilderness Area, where the serene surroundings of sandstone cliffs, deep ravines, and ancient trees create a captivating environment that perfectly demonstrates Alabama’s untamed and picturesque landscape.
Beyond its scenic appeal, the Bankhead National Forest boasts a wealth of Native American history and opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can view ancient petroglyphs, enjoy swimming in clear streams, camp beneath star-lit skies, or fish in the numerous lakes and creeks. With options such as horseback riding, kayaking, and observing wildlife, it is the ideal spot for those seeking both adventure and peace in nature.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa ranks as the fifth most populous and sixth largest city in Alabama. Its strategic location near the midpoint of the journey makes it an excellent stop for those traveling from Nashville to New Orleans. It offers all the amenities associated with a metropolitan area, along with impressive attractions such as the Alabama Museum of Natural History, Lake Lurleen State Park, and a variety of Antebellum homes.
Tuscaloosa is perhaps best known as the home of the University of Alabama. This institution is home to the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, a renowned institution in collegiate sports. Enthusiastic fans from across the globe flock to Tuscaloosa to witness games, explore the team's rich history, and view its trophies and memorabilia, which reflect its distinguished legacy.
While Tuscaloosa has a lot to offer any traveller, it is particularly essential for those interested in college athletics, as well as the South's historical, cultural, and architectural landscape, making it a must-see stop along this route.
Meridian, Mississippi
Meridian ranks as the 8th most populous and the 3rd largest city in the state of Mississippi. Established in 1860, it held the title of the largest city in the state from 1890 until 1930. Often described as a city that feels preserved in time, Meridian showcases numerous remnants from its so-called "Golden Age," making it an excellent destination for those interested in experiencing what Mississippi and this section of the Deep South were like around the early 1900s.
The city boasts nine historic districts, all of which are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Numerous sites provide tours and insights into the remarkable architecture and significant historical functions of the buildings, making
Meridian a prime location to explore the often-neglected style, culture, and history of Mississippi.
De Soto National Forest
De Soto National Forest spans 518,587 acres in southern Mississippi and is named after the 16th-century Spanish explorer, Hernando De Soto. The area is renowned for its longleaf pine forests, meandering blackwater streams, and tranquil nature trails, which feature segments of the notable Black Creek Trail. It offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, kayaking, and horseback riding.
The forest is equipped with various campgrounds, picnic facilities, and day-use areas, allowing visitors to engage with the landscape in several ways. The seasonal wildflowers and rich plant diversity create a dynamic environment that shifts throughout the year. Wildlife enthusiasts can delight in observing deer, foxes, and numerous bird species in their natural settings during all seasons.
Pearl River Wildlife Management Area
The Pearl River Wildlife Management Area spans 35,000 acres and features a mix of bayous, flooded forests, and streams, located just one mile (1.6 km) from the Pearl River. Established in 2002, its purpose is to safeguard the unique fauna, flora, and landscapes of southern Mississippi and southeastern Louisiana.
This area supports a rich variety of wildlife, including bears, bobcats, beavers, coyotes, deer, frogs, opossums, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, terrapins, turtles, and a multitude of bird and fish species, as well as distinct plant life. As a result, it is an ideal stop for visitors looking to engage in activities such as birdwatching, boating, fishing, hiking, and even hunting.
Cajun Encounters
Swamp tours are a popular attraction for nearly every tourist visiting New Orleans, making it worthwhile to stop at an exceptional one conveniently located along your route into the city. Cajun Encounters in Slidell, Louisiana, offers guided swamp tours that let visitors smoothly navigate the bayous of Honey Island Swamp in flat-bottomed boats operated by experienced local guides.
This is a prime opportunity to observe distinctive wildlife, including alligators, turtles, wild boar, raccoons, and various bird species, while gaining insights into the ecosystem and learning about Cajun culture, folklore, and history.
If you find the experience enjoyable, which is likely, Cajun Encounters also arranges tours of historic plantations and New Orleans neighbourhoods, too. This makes it an excellent choice for booking additional excursions, further enriching your vacation.
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge spans 23,770 acres and was created in 1990 to safeguard the marshes of southern Louisiana.
This refuge is home to a diverse array of the area's most recognizable wildlife, including alligators, bald eagles, marsh rabbits, pelicans, and numerous other bird and animal species. Its intricate network of pathways offers a fantastic opportunity for nature enthusiasts to explore and take in the beautiful surroundings while hiking.
Lake Pontchartrain
Situated just north of New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain spans 631 square miles, ranking as the 10th largest natural lake in the United States by area and the fourth largest within a single state. It is widely recognized for the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, which is 23.88 miles long and holds the title of the longest continuous bridge over water in the world.
Whether you decide to traverse the causeway for breathtaking vistas that are rare to find elsewhere or relax by the shore while observing the local wildlife and serene lake scenery before heading into the city, Lake Pontchartrain serves as an excellent concluding destination for any road trip from Nashville to New Orleans.
Final Thoughts On The Perfect Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip
That brings our guide to planning the perfect Nashville to New Orleans road trip itinerary to a close. You should now have all the required information on vital details such as when to go, which route to take, where to stay, and what to see as you make the drive. For anyone who needs help deciding where to stay in New Orleans, our guide to the best places to stay in New Orleans will have you covered there as well.
All you have left to do now is decide what to take with you and start budgeting and booking everything. Then you can sit back and look forward to enjoying it all for yourself as soon as possible.
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