Scenic Drives in Louisiana
Routes
60
Avg Distance
334 mi
Avg Drive
6h 17m
Destinations
24
Louisiana's scenic drives offer a mostly flat experience, with routes averaging 334 miles and nearly 6.5 hours. While the maximum elevation rarely exceeds 200 feet, the state's charm lies in its unique terrain and a drive score range of 8-10. These drives showcase the varied landscapes and park access across the state.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.53/gal
Diesel: $4.80/gal
Typical trip cost
$45–$53
One-way, ~334 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~117 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13
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 boasts the highest drive score at 10, providing 382.5 miles of exploration. With mostly flat terrain and access to parks, it promises a substantial journey through Louisiana's diverse environments.
Editor's pick
Metairie, LA → Springhill, LA
Through: Monroe
With a drive score of 9, this 366.5-mile trip offers a compelling exploration. The route features mostly flat terrain and includes park access, making it a notable option for experiencing the state.
Editor's pick
Cullen, LA → Metairie, LA
Through: Sibley → Opelousas
This 354.9-mile drive scores an 8, featuring mostly highway travel across predominantly flat terrain. It provides access to parks, offering a good option for those looking to cover significant ground within the state.
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
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
Shreveport, LA → Cut Off, LA
Through: Lockport
Benton, LA → New Orleans, 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
Houma, LA → Haughton, LA
Through: Monroe
Homer, LA → Metairie, LA
Through: Archibald
Lacombe, LA → Shreveport, LA
Homer, LA → Metairie Terrace, LA
Through: Archibald
Avondale, LA → Bossier City, LA
Avondale, LA → Shreveport, LA
Eastwood, LA → Kenner, LA
Through: Opelousas
Minden, LA → Metairie, LA
Through: Opelousas
New Orleans, LA → Bossier City, LA
Lockport, LA → Bossier City, LA
Bourg, LA → Shreveport, LA
Bossier City, LA → Bourg, LA
Bridge City, LA → Shreveport, LA
Bossier City, LA → Bridge City, LA
Through: Opelousas
Kenner, LA → Homer, LA
Through: Airport
Kenner, LA → Red Chute, LA
Shreveport, LA → Harahan, LA
Through: Opelousas
Houma, LA → Blanchard, LA
Mathews, LA → Shreveport, LA
Jefferson, LA → Shreveport, LA
Elmwood, LA → Shreveport, LA