Scenic Drives in Louisiana
Routes
60
Avg Distance
337 mi
Avg Drive
6h 20m
Destinations
26
Louisiana's scenic drives offer a predominantly flat terrain, with max elevations rarely exceeding 300 feet across its 60 routes. These drives average 337 miles and about 6.5 hours, boasting drive scores up to 10. While mountain vistas aren't the focus, the allure lies in the unique landscapes and access to parks that define the state's diverse regions.
Climate through the year: Louisiana
Louisiana peaks at around 91°F in Jul and cools to 63°F / 46°F in Jan. Wettest month is Jun at ~7.6 in of rain.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 63 | 46 | 5.2 |
| Feb | 66 | 50 | 4.1 |
| Mar | 72 | 55 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 79 | 62 | 5.2 |
| May | 85 | 69 | 5.6 |
| Jun | 90 | 75 | 7.6 |
| Jul | 91 | 77 | 6.8 |
| Aug | 91 | 77 | 6.9 |
| Sep | 88 | 74 | 5.1 |
| Oct | 81 | 64 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 71 | 54 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 65 | 48 | 4.8 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for LA — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
- Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
- Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Scenic Routes
Editor's pick
Bossier City, LA → Grand Isle, LA
Through: Lockport
This route scores a perfect 10, highlighting Louisiana's unique mostly flat terrain. With 382.5 miles and access to parks, it's a comprehensive exploration of the state's varied environments, reaching a modest 173 feet.
Editor's pick
Metairie, LA → Springhill, LA
Through: Monroe
Standing out with a drive score of 9, this trip covers 366.5 miles through mostly flat terrain. Its elevation reaches up to 288 feet and includes opportunities to visit parks, offering a solid overview of the state's driving experiences.
Editor's pick
Cullen, LA → Metairie, LA
Through: Sibley → Opelousas
This longer, 354.9-mile route earns a drive score of 8. It navigates mostly flat terrain with a maximum elevation of 254 feet, also providing access to parks for travelers to enjoy.
Shreveport, LA → Golden Meadow, LA
Through: Lockport
Bossier City, LA → Golden Meadow, LA
Through: Lockport
Metairie, LA → Vivian, LA
Kenner, LA → Cullen, LA
Through: Springhill
Galliano, LA → Bossier City, LA
Galliano, LA → Shreveport, LA
Kenner, LA → Vivian, LA
Eastwood, LA → Marrero, LA
Through: Opelousas
Shreveport, LA → Jean Lafitte, LA
Through: Opelousas → Clearview Parkway South → New Orleans
Bossier City, LA → Barataria, LA
Through: Opelousas → Clearview Parkway South → New Orleans
Bossier City, LA → Jean Lafitte, LA
Through: Opelousas → Clearview Parkway South → New Orleans
Red Chute, LA → Marrero, LA
Through: Opelousas
Shreveport, LA → Cut Off, LA
Through: Lockport
New Orleans, LA → Haughton, LA
Through: Monroe
Benton, LA → New Orleans, LA
Through: Opelousas
Shreveport, LA → Woodmere, LA
Through: Opelousas
Violet, LA → Bossier City, LA
Orleans Parish, LA → Shreveport, LA
Minden, LA → Terrytown, LA
Through: Opelousas
Bayou Gauche, LA → Bossier City, LA
Bayou Gauche, LA → Shreveport, LA
Minden, LA → Slidell, LA
Through: Archibald
Meraux, LA → Shreveport, LA
Haughton, LA → Metairie, LA
Through: Opelousas
Slidell, LA → Shreveport, LA
Blanchard, LA → New Orleans, LA
Through: Opelousas
Homer, LA → New Orleans, LA
Through: Archibald
Timberlane, LA → Bossier City, LA
New Orleans, LA → Red Chute, LA
Greenwood, LA → New Orleans, LA
Through: Opelousas
Chalmette, LA → Bossier City, LA
Shreveport, LA → Terrytown, LA
Through: Opelousas
Chauvin, LA → Bossier City, LA
Chauvin, LA → Shreveport, LA
Eastwood, LA → Metairie, LA
Through: Opelousas
Dulac, LA → Bossier City, LA
Bossier City, LA → Arabi, LA
Through: Opelousas
Montegut, LA → Bossier City, LA
Des Allemands, LA → Bossier City, LA
Marrero, LA → Shreveport, LA
Red Chute, LA → Metairie, LA
Through: Opelousas
Metairie, LA → Blanchard, LA
Haughton, LA → Houma, LA
Homer, LA → Metairie, LA
Through: Archibald
Lacombe, LA → Bossier City, LA
Lacombe, LA → Shreveport, LA
Homer, LA → Metairie Terrace, LA
Through: Archibald
Metairie Terrace, LA → Greenwood, LA
Avondale, LA → Bossier City, LA
Avondale, LA → Shreveport, LA
Eastwood, LA → Kenner, LA
Through: Opelousas
Westwego, LA → Shreveport, LA
Metairie, LA → Minden, LA
New Orleans, LA → Bossier City, LA
Lockport, LA → Bossier City, LA
Bourg, LA → Shreveport, LA
Bossier City, LA → Bourg, LA