Scenic Drives in Louisiana
Routes
60
Avg Distance
298 mi
Avg Drive
5h 38m
Destinations
51
Louisiana's scenic drives offer a predominantly flat terrain, with max elevations rarely exceeding 300 feet. The state boasts 60 routes averaging nearly 300 miles and about 5.5 hours. Drive scores range up to 10, highlighting the best of the bayou landscape. You'll find excellent EV charging coverage on some routes, with up to 22 DC fast chargers available.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.90/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$39–$59
One-way, ~298 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~104 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
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, traversing mostly flat terrain for over 380 miles. It's a great choice for experiencing the state's varied landscapes, with access to parks along the way.
Editor's pick
Metairie, LA → Springhill, LA
Through: Monroe
With a drive score of 9, this trip covers significant ground across Louisiana's mostly flat terrain. It includes park access, making it a solid option for exploring the state's natural beauty.
Editor's pick
Metairie, LA → Vivian, LA
This route stands out with a perfect 10 drive score and excellent EV charging, featuring 22 DC fast chargers. It navigates mostly flat terrain for over 350 miles, offering a smooth and well-supported drive.
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
Minden, LA → Terrytown, LA
Through: Opelousas
Minden, LA → Slidell, LA
Through: Archibald
New Orleans, LA → Red Chute, LA
Shreveport, LA → Terrytown, LA
Through: Opelousas
Bossier City, LA → Arabi, LA
Through: Opelousas
Metairie, LA → Blanchard, LA
Bossier City, LA → Bourg, LA
Bossier City, LA → Bridge City, LA
Through: Opelousas
Shreveport, LA → Harahan, LA
Through: Opelousas
Bossier City, LA → Elmwood, LA
Through: Opelousas
Bossier City, LA → Luling, LA
Through: Opelousas
Bossier City, LA → Saint Rose, LA
Through: Opelousas
New Orleans, LA → Stonewall, LA
Bossier City, LA → Gray, LA
Bossier City, LA → Schriever, LA
Kenner, LA → Stonewall, LA
Gretna, LA → Ruston, LA
Through: Airport
Terrytown, LA → Ruston, LA
Through: Airport
New Orleans, LA → Farmerville, LA
Through: Airport
Bossier City, LA → Reserve, LA
Through: Opelousas
Shreveport, LA → Killian, LA
Through: Opelousas
Bossier City, LA → Roseland, LA
Through: Archibald
Bossier City, LA → Ponchatoula, LA
Through: Opelousas
Shreveport, LA → Paulina, LA
Through: Opelousas
Bossier City, LA → Paulina, LA
Through: Opelousas
Shreveport, LA → Gramercy, LA
Through: Opelousas
New Orleans, LA → Zwolle, LA
Through: Natchitoches
Bossier City, LA → Gramercy, LA
Through: Opelousas
Houma, LA → West Monroe, LA
Through: Monroe
Bossier City, LA → Kentwood, LA
Through: Archibald
Cullen, LA → Baton Rouge, LA
Through: Sibley → Opelousas
Houma, LA → Richwood, LA
Through: Monroe
Vivian, LA → Baton Rouge, LA
Through: Opelousas
Bossier City, LA → Sorrento, LA
Through: Opelousas
Bossier City, LA → Bayou Vista, LA
Slidell, LA → Bastrop, LA
Marrero, LA → West Monroe, LA
Through: Airport
Monroe, LA → Harvey, LA
Through: Archibald
New Orleans, LA → Morehouse Parish, LA
Through: Airport
New Orleans, LA → Campti, LA
Through: Natchitoches
Minden, LA → Prairieville, LA
Through: Opelousas
New Orleans, LA → Ouachita Parish, LA
Through: Airport
Monroe, LA → Waggaman, LA
Through: Archibald
Shreveport, LA → Denham Springs, LA
Through: Opelousas
New Orleans, LA → Delhi, LA
Through: Yazoo City
Bossier City, LA → Watson, LA
Through: Opelousas → Baker → Zachary +1 more
Monroe, LA → Schriever, LA
Through: Archibald
Monroe, LA → Saint Rose, LA
Through: Archibald
Monroe, LA → Lacombe, LA
Through: Archibald
Bossier City, LA → Plaquemine, LA
Through: Opelousas
Bossier City, LA → Baldwin, LA
Bossier City, LA → Inniswold, LA
Through: Opelousas
Bossier City, LA → Central, LA
Through: Opelousas