road trip myrtle beach to new orleans

Alternate routes from New Orleans to Myrtle Beach

New Orleans to Myrtle Beach via I-20 passing through Montgomery, AL

New Orleans to Myrtle Beach via I-59 and I-20 passing through Birmingham, AL

New Orleans to Myrtle Beach via I-65 and I-20 passing through Charleston, SC

New Orleans to Myrtle Beach via I-10 and I-20 passing through Pensacola, FL

New Orleans to Myrtle Beach via I-10 passing through Jacksonville, FL

New Orleans to Myrtle Beach via I-65 and I-10 passing through Savannah, GA

New Orleans to Myrtle Beach via I-65 and I-95 passing through Dublin, GA

The New Orleans Road Trip Planner: Your Louisiana Road Trip

June 15, 2021

A New Orleans road trip combines creole, cajun and the great outdoors, all highlights of a southern USA road trip. Here’s how to plan your fly drive New Orleans and Louisiana road trip. As the locals say, let the good times roll!

Table of Contents

Planning a New Orleans Road Trip

One of the best drives through America’s Deep South has to be a New Orleans road trip.

Starting and finishing in New Orleans works from a practical point of view (it’s easier to fly in and out of the same airport) but there’s a better reason too. Once you’ve driven through the southern state of Louisiana, you’ll see the jazz-fuelled city of New Orleans in a whole new light.

Sure, our New Orleans road trip will always have a special place in my heart, being our first driving holidays as mum, dad and baby. But you don’t need to let my personal circumstances guide your trip.

Whether you’re planning a fly drive New Orleans or plan to link up from elsewhere on the ground, this southern US road trip itinerary will leave you with a completely different perspective.

Check out our road trip planner and handbook and stock up on these road trip essentials .

What to Expect on a New Orleans Road Trip

Imagine driving past white sand beaches, alligator-strewn swamps, the stately curve of the Mississippi and small towns on the bayou, with drive-through sweet shops and mailboxes on sticks.

Follow the history of jazz, experience plantation life on the Great River Road and uncover the history of slavery, Creole, Cajun and Zydeco.

On a Louisiana road trip, live music unfolds every night. Gumbo, grits and crawfish etouffée tell stories through their meals and reflect the diversity of the people who call this place their home.

Other than New Orleans itself, the cities and large towns aren’t well known. But then again, that’s part of the charm of a southern USA road trip. Drive into Louisiana and really get a taste of the Deep South, away from all the tourists.

Southern hospitality is legendary: it really is the kind of place where people stop to chat, to ask where you’re from and invite you to follow the state’s motto: l aissez le bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll.

New Orleans Road Trip Toolkit: At a Glance

Here are the shortcuts:

• Book your travel insurance before you go! Get 5% off Heymondo Travel Insurance here.
• Book your flight to New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport by comparing prices with Skyscanner here.
• Book your vehicle with Hertz here and check out this list of Road Trip Essentials before you book.
• I’ve highlighted individual tours, when appropriate, but you can also find useful New Orleans tours from Get Your Guide here.   Fancy an evening cruise on the Steamboat Natchez? Or how about a voodoo and cemetery tour?
• Stay in  Maison Dupuy  for olde worlde charm in the heart of the French Quarter and a pool to cool off.
• Try  Old No 77  in New Orleans for a hipster buzz and local art. Think bare bricks and utterly cool.
• Don’t miss  Oak Alley Plantation on the Great River Road.  Purpose-built accommodation on the grounds has modern comforts added in. Highly recommended.

New Orleans Road Trip: A 10 Day Southern USA Itinerary

Ten days is just about enough to taste each of the aspects that Louisiana has to offer, as well as leaving time for New Orleans itself.

There are lots of different routes you can take from New Orleans, though most will touch on Lafayette and Baton Rouge eventually.

Travelling with a baby, we didn’t really want to spend any more than 2-3 hours in the car each day: we wanted to be out on the ground, exploring (and, let’s face it, knew we’d need to stop to change nappies, arrange feeds etc.) If you want to skip a few steps, you can just keep on going and spend more hours in the car each day.

But there’s no need. There are plenty of places to stop and wander around. However, you may want to only spend one night in some of the places if you’re trying to cram this into seven days. But with 10, it feels nice and relaxed (and suitable for travel with kids.)

• Recommended reading: how to plan a road trip by yourself

Day 1 – Arrive in New Orleans

Yes, so the great New Orleans road trip doesn’t actually start until day 3 but I’m thinking of two things here. One, if you’re flying as part of a fly drive New Orleans road trip, you’ll be jet-lagged.

If you do fly, you can rent a car or  have a car you own shipped to New Orleans .

And I always think it’s a good idea to get some sleep before getting behind the wheel. Two, even if you’re not, New Orleans is such a fascinating and fun city that you may as well spend a bit of time in it.

Likewise, I’ve created this Louisiana road trip itinerary to include time in New Orleans again at the end. You’ll see the city with new eyes after you’ve seen more of the southern states.

Most things to do in New Orleans don’t need too much planning in advance but I’ve sliced up my suggestions into the following three ideas.

• Things to do when you’re jet-lagged (day one) Things to do when you’ve recovered (day two.) And things to do once you return a seasoned New Orleanian (day ten.)
• Live music can be heard almost everywhere, but Jackson Square in the afternoon makes a good spot to stop and stare, and Frenchmen Street performs well in the early evening.
• The  iconic Cafe du Monde serves sugary beignets all day and all night and a bit of chicory caffeine and a sugar rush can help power you through jet lag. Save the gourmet dinners for when your insides have caught up with the clock, though.

Things to Do in New Orleans When You’re Jet Lagged

The French Quarter is a striking place to wander around on foot whatever the time and whatever the weather (although avoid Bourbon Street at night unless you actually are in the mood to party.) Its architecture is as far away from a modern American city as it is possible to be: wrought-iron balconies, narrow streets, bright colours, faded paintwork, swaying palms.

You can find food and drink 24 hours a day (we were offered Bloody Marys with our 7am breakfast) but it’s not all history, history, history and party, party, party.

New Orleans has a growing art scene, particularly around Royal Street and the Warehouse District, so if you are feeling so tired your head hurts but you just can’t sleep, try browsing your way along there.

Find more suggestions with this three day New Orleans itinerary.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

The french quarter.

We stayed in Maison Dupuy  in the quieter part of the French Quarter but still within easy reach of the key spots. It has old, French-Creole style charm and a small pool, which is something of a rarity in this part of town (but perfect to help you get used to the heat.)

Outside the French Quarter

For a larger, more contemporary place to stay, try  Le Meridien New Orleans on Poydras Street.  It’s just outside the French Quarter but as part of a multi-international brand it carries the pros and cons that come with that as you’d expect.

Day 2 – Exploring New Orleans

While it’s a little optimistic to think that your jet lag will be over by now, hopefully you’ve caught up with some sleep – or at the very least, had some rest.

Try taking the characteristic streetcar to the Garden District, the leafy, elegant part of town. The enormous World War Two Museum deserves a full morning or afternoon (but is probably a bit too realistic for older children.)

A nice street to wander along is Magazine Street (hop off the St Charles Streetcar at Washington Avenue and St Charles Avenue.) You’ll walk with tourists along Washington Avenue, past Commander’s Palace and the Lafayette Cemetery but Magazine Street has a different feel.

Inside Tips

Look out for craft donuts (yes, they’re a thing in America) at District Donuts and art at the Terrance Osborne Gallery. It’s a safe and gorgeous area to wander around yourself but you’ll learn more about the history if you take a walking tour through the Garden District.

If you’re organised enough to have booked a place in advance, spend an afternoon at Langlois cooking school, learning all about roux, gumbo and why those dishes are the way they are. Alternatively, join a Creole and Cajun cooking lesson through Get Your Guide for great value here.

Where to Eat in the Garden District

Joey’K’s Restaurant & Bar on Magazine Street is a fun, colourful place to stop for lunch with staples like red beans & rice and southern fried chicken.

Cavan  makes a wonderfully atmospheric spot for dinner. Its location, in a salvaged mansion that dates back to 1883, brings the old New Orleans to life. Inspired by the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf of Mexico, the menu includes crab noodles and a raw oyster platter.

Day 3 – New Orleans Too Lafayette VIA Vermilionville

At last, the New Orleans road trip gets underway! Although it usually makes sense to pick up your hire car at the airport, you don’t need a car in central New Orleans (the French Quarter and around) and as it’s quite a journey back to the airport, it doesn’t make sense to do that either.

We booked through Hertz, who have a number of pick up points around the city, including within walking distance of the French Quarter (as long as you’re happy to walk. Otherwise, it’s a short taxi ride.) With a baby and all their paraphernalia in tow, it made sense for Mr Travel Lab to pick up the car and then head back and pick us up with our gazilions upon gazilions of pieces of luggage.

I also recommend paying for the SatNav just in case, but we brought our own car seat from the UK so that we could use it in taxis and so on if needs be.

Logistics, over with, zoom up that interstate baby!

Leaving New Orleans

There is an unmistakable thrill to heading out of the city past the superdome and onto the interstate. If anything, America is the land of the motor vehicle and its new cities are designed with this in mind. Cars are big (we booked a towering Nissan Pathfinder and it looked like a toy) and drive-through diners abound.

Despite our lofty plans for gourmet, cultural cuisine, we couldn’t help but pull over for breakfast when we saw The Huddle House. The waitress strutted over with a jug of coffee and iced water in a straight-from-the-movies style.

Besides, it turns out that The Huddle House  is a part of the local culture: it’s a Deep South institution with a legacy that goes back 45 or so years.

Ribeye steak with grits for breakfast, anyone?!

A Louisiana Road Trip Experience: Driving Across the Swamps

Driving along the highway, it takes a few minutes to notice that you’re flying across swampland, dead alligators on the side of the road instead of badgers. Every now and then, the trees clear and the water of the bayous shimmers through, looking ever more beautiful than I thought a swamp could be.

They also look pretty close to the road. Just a few minutes’ drive outside the city of New Orleans and it becomes easy to see why Hurricane Katrina had the devastating effect it did.

But after a while, the road turns towards Vermilionville, the capital of Cajun country.

Cajun Country Heartland: Into the Deep South

Cajun country can be defined in many different ways, but possibly the most interesting is to note that it’s the largest French-speaking area within the United States. The word Cajun comes from the Acadians, people who fled modern day Canada when the British tussled with the French over who should occupy the land.

The exiled Acadians bounced along the East Coast as refugees and were turned away by the mainly protestant British-leaning outposts until they reached the more Catholic area of New Orleans in Louisiana and were given permission to settle.

That’s an oversimplification, of course, but if you want to delve any deeper, there are plenty of places to look, especially in Vermilionville.

The Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center offers plenty of resources, plus a more traditional museum style layout.

But it’s the next door Vermilionville Living History and Folk Life Park that brings the history to life. It spreads over 23 acres and featured restored homes used by the early Acadian/Cajun settlers. Costumed staff explain the architecture and tell tall tales, greeting you in French but explaining things in English as well.

And although there’s a sense of tranquility there, with alligators hiding in the undergrowth only a few feet away, it’s a stark reminder of the reality of southern living.

You can make up for the shock with a hearty plate of jambalaya and sweet potato fries. Another staple of this southern USA road trip experience.

With picking up the car, the drive and taking your time on this Cajun stop, the day is pretty much full.

So it’s time to drive into Lafayette to find a place to stay and a bite to eat, ready for the next day and the next stage of your fly-drive New Orleans road trip.

Where to Stay in Lafayette

We stayed at  Home2 Suites by Hilton Parc Lafayette on Kaliste Saloom Road. 

This is a little out of town, but then, that seems to be the American way. Drive everywhere!

What was amazing about this place was the hybrid self-catered apartment and hotel room approach. Our room divided up through curtains into each section and yet there was a fully staffed reception desk and breakfast available downstairs. Also, coin-operated laundry, a pool, a grocery store! Perfect for travel with a small child.

Where to Eat in Lafayette

I think it was dinner at Randol’s that convinced me that music really is everywhere in Louisiana.

On an unpromising long avenue of tarmac (again, roads everywhere) looking for number 2320 Kaliste Saloom Road seemed a pointless task.

Its unpromising wooden shack and corrugated tin roof look didn’t help much either.

But inside was hospitality galore! Great food, local beer! You can  see more about that on the Lonely Planet broadcast over here.

It turns out that Randol’s has been owned and operated by Frank Randol for more than 40 years and considers itself deeply rooted in Cajun culture. They raise their own crawfish (a staple of this part of the world) and crabs and grow their own herbs.

They also offer up Cajun or Zydeco music nightly (and somewhat curiously, play videos of people doing the same.) Foot tappin’ times even with the young ‘uns.

Day 4 – Avery Island and the Tabasco Factory

Had you told me this time last year that I’d be interested in visiting the place where they make tabasco, I’d have said hell yes. Had you told me I wish I’d spent more time there, I’d have reached for that quizzical emoji. Yet, that’s exactly what I thought when I did get there.

So, yes. Avery Island is the Tabasco factory and it’s just a short drive from the Cajun hub city of Lafayette.

But, and it’s an important but, it’s a place worth visiting in its own right.

It somewhat undersells its subtropical Jungle Gardens, awash with azaleas, camellias and colourful bamboo.

It is a safari made for a DIY road trip: rippling rivers, bayous, flocks of snowy egrets. And live oaks dripping with iridescent moss and barely another vehicle in sight.

Plus, the days are hot out in the sun. A road trip through a garden isn’t really as daft as it sounds.

So. In reality, I’d recommend leaving plenty of time for the Jungle Gardens but also time for Tabasco itself.

The Story of Tabasco

The hot sauce has a hell of a hot story. It’s practically the American story of one man who had a great idea to make his product a household name. Of course, when you dig into the details, as ever, he had money and connections to start with. But still, it’s humbling to see just how much of an impact can be made with an idea and some brilliant marketing (the Guinness story in Dublin also springs to mind.)

Check out the Lonely Planet broadcast over here for more about Tabasco and check back here again soon for more.

To take everything in, I’d recommend spending a day at Avery Island (not really an island but a curiously enormous salt dome.)

But if you find yourself finished before I say so (!) then drive into central Lafayette to check out their collection of downtown museums.

I loved the Leo Touchet exhibition at the Acadiana Centre for the Arts. Also, look out for the Lafayette fountain and city sign: a humble homage to that Hollywood one, just a little more down to earth. Literally.

It’s a lovely, quirky addition to this southern USA itinerary.

Where to Eat

For dinner, I’d highly recommend Dark Roux on Kaliste Saloom, a creative little restaurant with polished wood, green glass and brushed metal and a creative menu to boot. Blue crab carbonara, Grandma’s choc chip cookie with hot milk. Oh, and cocktails. I seem to remember that Girls & Cigars went down well: bourbon, blackberry shrub, lemon and basil. Great taste, despite the non-PC name ;-)

Day 5 – Creole Nature Trail and Lake Charles

It’s worth getting up early today to avoid the full weight of the almost-Texan sun as you walk (and drive!) the Creole Nature Trail – and it’s definitely worth stopping to see the Creole Nature Trail.

I find visitors’ centres for natural landscapes to be more than a little hit and miss but the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point on 2740 Ruth Street is definitely a hit.

No bigger than a church hall, it shines a spotlight onto many of the mysteries of Creole culture and the wildlife of Louisiana. A DIY band shows the difference between Creole, Cajun and Zydeco bands (it’s strangely addictive) while other exhibits introduce recipes, list wildlife and showcase geology.

Plus, the maps are handy and the staff couldn’t be more enthusiastic.

Driving Through Nature on the Creole Nature Trail, Louisiana

As we’re in America, we’re talking about a driving based nature trail but there are plenty of pitstops where you can stop the car and get out and walk.

The sun is fierce, though, so, again, a driving walk makes more sense than you may think if you’re reading this behind the screen in a cooler climate.

We followed the Blue Goose Trail through the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge.

The immaculate boardwalks of the Lake Charles Wetland Walkway reached out into the luminous green freshwater marshes. We took mosquito spray (and a net for the buggy) but I’m not convinced we needed them. They are handy to pack when planning a Louisiana road trip, though.

The Gulf of Mexico

You can drive on to reach Holly Beach on the Gulf of Mexico and see pastel-coloured houses on stilts that overlook white sand and strangely still surf. If this is your thing, you can spend another day here and complete the loop by crossing on the Cameron Ferry and driving up to Lake Charles. 

Alternatively, make a U turn and drive back up towards Sulphur before heading on to Lake Charles.

Whichever you decide as part of your New Orleans fly drive, I’d highly recommend a stop at Le Bleu’s Landing at 202 Henning Drive, Sulphur. It’s a family-owned Cajun restaurant with a gift shop and comedy life-size alligator but despite all that seems highly authentic. Workers in plaid shirts fill the hall at lunch time, chomping down on the Cajun specialty of Boudin, a rice sausage make with ground pork, liver, parsley, onions, salt, black and red pepper and secret inputs from cooks.

In the butchers next door, you can watch boudin being made. In the main hall, you can eat it ;-)

You can also order up the mythical fried green tomatoes (at the Whistle Stop Cafe.) Yay!

Where to Stay in Lake Charles

We stayed at the Isle of Capri, Westlake a massive casino hotel.

However, we heard about a pop-up Zydeco event at The Crying Eagle Brewery so didn’t spend much time there as a result. Ask the concierge (and have a quick google) to see what’s on.

For food, check out the aforementioned Le Bleu’s Landing.

Day 6 – Lake Charles to Baton Rouge

It’s on day six that you start to retrace your steps and head back towards New Orleans. But this time, you’ll be stopping at the state capital Baton Rouge, after a detour to Breaux Bridge. Both are essentials on any Louisiana road trip itinerary.

Breaux Bridge – Crawfish Capital of the World

Breaux Bridge is a fun place to stop, and a small town addition to the big cities en route. With characteristic humility, it calls itself the crawfish capital of the world and announces the fact on the 200-year-old bridge that gives the town its name.

The real joy here is the modern expression of French-Acadian charm. Plenty of antique shops, small cafes, crawfish (!) and chances to see the cool, clear waters of Bayou Teche.

• Watch  the Lonely Planet broadcast on Breaux Bridge here.

Louisiana’s Capital City

Baton Rouge is a curious city. Unimpressive to Americans, dazzling to outsiders.

At least once an hour, someone would get chatting to us and ask where we were from. When they realised we’d flown over ten hours to be here, they answered (in a deep southern drawl…) “so what in the wo-or-rld are you doing in Baton Rouge?”

This is the amazing part of travel. One man’s mystery is another’s mundane.

Downtown Baton Rouge is clean and orderly, spreading itself and its museums along the lazy curve of the Mississippi River.

On arrival day, you may only have time for a short walk along the river and a night out on Third Street (traveling with baby meant we skipped this step.)

Where to Stay in Baton Rouge

We stayed in a suite in downtown Baton Rouge at Hotel Indigo. Suites work well for travel with babies (when baby is asleep, you still have a room to yourself.) The location, within an easy walk of Third Street, the museums and the Mississippi, was perfect.

Baton Rouge has a great range of eateries. A good downtown place to start is the eclectic Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar where almost every flavour on earth comes served on an oyster (well, 50 different flavours, but who’s counting?) Also, the Love Actually  fantasy  Schlittz & Giggles satisfies any pizza-and-a-bottle-of-Bud All-American cravings.

How Far is Baton Rouge from New Orleans?

How far apart are Baton Rouge and New Orleans? It’s around 82 miles or 130 km between the two cities. Driving on the fastest roads available without stopping at all, you can drive between New Orleans and Baton Rouge in around 1 hour and twenty minutes. However, with so many great things to see and do on this Deep South Road Trip, why would you rush?

Day 7 – Overnight Baton Rouge

Tomorrow requires an early start to get going and make the most of Plantation Country so think of today as your only day in Baton Rouge. As befits a state capital, there are plenty of things to do, more than you can comfortably fit into a single day.

But also, it isn’t a city with as many must-sees as, say, New York or Boston, so don’t feel pressured. Choose a few things to do and make your peace with it. As with any southern USA road trip itinerary, the secret is to take your time.

Flavours of  Baton Rouge

If you haven’t noticed already, breakfast is a big deal around here. Order a virgin Cajun bloody Mary at Another Broken Egg,  another Louisiana franchise, and then spend the rest of the morning browsing the Red Stick Farmer’s & Arts Market , a short walk from the downtown area.

The market provides a daytime chance to catch some live Cajun music, as well as munch on some artisanal snacks like smoked meats and pecan pie. One friendly farmer told us the story of the white aubergine. Apparently, French settlers found the traditional purple one went bitter in the heat and humidity so they trialled different types until the white one took hold.

Either that or he just spun us a good yarn.

The Pirate of the Pacific

In the afternoon, we squeezed ourselves into the mighty USS KIDD (DD-661), the Pirate of the Pacific, that sits with some prominence on the riverbank. But for less sombre pursuits, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Old State Capitol and Louisana State Museum await just across the road (and down a bit.)

Chilling in Baton Rouge

Visits to the relaxed Tin Roof Brewery and Cane Land Rum Distillery can double up for culture and a live music hit as owners tell tall tales about floating whisky and the Mississippi journey to New Orleans. Catch the Lonely Planet broadcast from the distillery over here.

Where to Eat in Baton Rouge

Breakfast at Another Broken Egg and lunch at the market.

Then for dinner, visit Cocha on North 6th Street. Sip cocktails like the Worm’s Big Adventure (Sazerac Rye, Cocchi Americano, Green chartreuse and lime) beneath Mardi Gras beads and feast on lavender lamb chops.

Day 8 – Baton Rouge to Plantation Country (The Great River Road)

Today’s the day to hit the most iconic stretch of the trip: the Great River Road.

Ironically, the drive itself isn’t all that interesting, but it’s the places you can stop off and visit that make this stretch a road trip to remember.

First up, is a swamp tour, which is decidedly nicer than it sounds.

Taking a Swamp Tour on the Great River Road

Although swamps sound grim, they’re actually peaceful, cool, beautiful places with far fewer mosquitoes visible than Hollywood would have you believe.

We joined the  Cajun Pride Swamp Tours in Frenier  and took to the Manchac swamp. I’d wondered whether this would be suitable for a baby but no-one else seemed bothered. Our Cajun captain welcomed us aboard and, as the boat’s in the shade and the journey’s steadier and slower than an airport travelator, I needn’t have worried. I even ended up breastfeeding on the bayou, while other passengers looked at the alligators.

In truth, I wish we’d had longer on the water. Gliding past wild hibiscus rose mallow and marshmallow while listening to the history of the region through a thick Cajun accent amid the moss-draped cypress trees seemed, well, impossibly tranquil. There’s also an interesting exhibit on the Native American people who lived in Louisiana prior to the arrival of the Europeans.

• Find out the difference between a swamp and a bayou here

Lunch at The Creole House, Paulina. Quick n hot gumbo beneath whirring fans, stars n stripes and floor to ceiling wood and sports TV.

Stand in Awe at Oak Alley Plantation

Wham, bam, thank you ma’am, does this place have a grand entrance. A quarter of a mile of centuries-old oak trees lead up to the white columns of the Oak Alley Plantation, an icon in the Deep South and a plantation home that has seen Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Beyonce strut their stuff here using the place as a backdrop.

I could just stand and look at the place for hours, as could everyone else in town, which is why they make access to the house contingent on booking a tour.

In fact, it’s a little jolting after the rest of the New Orleans road trip to rejoin the world of tourists but the shock can be smoothed over by staying the night on the plantation itself.

As the day trippers disappear, the place seems all the more impressive, and all the more haunting and historic.

Accommodation is in cottages on the grounds of the plantation but not in the Big House itself (which, actually, is a blessing as it was built in 1829 and lacks a lot of modern amenities.) You can see more about the stay in the Oak Alley plantation cottage on this Lonely Planet broadcast here. This is definitely something to book in advance.

Oak Alley has a restaurant on site but a nice thing to do is to have dinner brought to your room before you arrive.

There’s something special about sitting on your own front porch, listening to the crickets and watching the clouds roll by overhead. Magnificent for those with or without babies.

Day 9 – Plantation Country to New Orleans (The Great River Road)

Make the most of the morning in the cottage and on the grounds of the plantation. Check out the cabins that talk about the Civil War, slavery and sugar production if you missed them yesterday and make time for that all important meal of breakfast.

Early morning is also the time for photos, if you’re into that kind of thing, snapping away at the live oaks before the New Orleans day trippers begin to arrive.

The Whitney Plantation and Slavery

Next up is a short drive to a different kind of plantation: the Whitney.

On our trip, we combined the swamp tour, Oak Alley and the Whitney in a single day, which was probably a bit much.

Enjoy the splendour of plantation life first; then visit the Whitney and confront how all this wealth was possible and how many human lives were ruined. It’s a powerful, powerful place. You can read more about my thoughts about the Whitney and the Great River Road over here. I think it’s one of the most important places to visit on any southern USA road trip itinerary and certainly the most important of all the plantation homes.

I loved the Old No 77 Hotel on 535 Tschoupitoulas Street in the Warehouse District. It’s a bit of a walk from the French Quarter, Treme and a tram ride out to the Garden District but it’s a fascinating place in an area awash with art. The hotel itself features art from local artists and has a relaxed hipster vibe, which can be an enjoyable move back to the present after a week spent revisiting the past. Watch the broadcast for Lonely Planet over here.

Day 10 – Overnight New Orleans

Ach, well, you don’t have to spend the last day in New Orleans, of course. But it’s such a fascinating place, why wouldn’t you?

With a taste of Louisiana under your belt, now is the time to visit the Hurricane Katrina exhibit at the Presbytere, to saunter through the French Market and take a bike tour out through Louis Armstrong Park, Treme and the cemeteries.(That last suggestion is not baby friendly, by the way.  I did that as a solo traveller a few years ago.)

The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the US Mint on Esplanade Avenue doubles as an interesting look at the city in the early 20th century as well as, of course, focusing on jazz.

Fortify yourself with eggs at a New Orleans institution: Breakfast at Brennan’s (look out for the flaming option and the book on breakfast eggs.)

One of the best things about a trip to New Orleans is the character of the food and the character of the places that serve it. So, while I’m recommending more places than you need for a single day, it’s because I don’t want you to miss something that works for you. Most of these picks are in or close to the French Quarter but I’m also including a few slightly further out in Magazine Street if you fancy a change of scene.

Where to Eat in the French Quarter

Napoleon House, Chartres Street  – So named because the then mayor of New Orleans invited Napoleon to stay here back in the 1800s. If shabby chic and history is your thing then head here for a Muffuletta (pastrami, salami, Swiss cheese sandwich famous in these parts) or red beans and rice.

Cafe Amelie  – Gorgeous little eatery in a leafy courtyard off Royal Street.

Angeline – High quality flavour and presentation in a low key setting in the French Quarter. A mediterranean twist on Louisiana fare.

Johnny’s Po-Boys  – A new Orleans story in a sandwich, the Po-Boy of a white baguette, slippery roast beef or fried crawfish, excels in its simplicity. And Johnny’s rounds that up with counter service, bright lights and great taste.

Where to Eat on Magazine Street

La Petite Grocery – atmospheric eatery with modern takes on Louisiana classics, like turtle bolognese and blue crab beignets.

Return to New Orleans: End of the New Orleans Road Trip

It’s now a short drive back to New Orleans to drop off the hire car and check in to a new hotel. Your New Orleans fly drive is over. If you stayed in the French Quarter on arrival, it makes sense to stay somewhere else now to get a different flavour of the city.

Want more? Check out our guide to planning a San Francisco to Santa Barbara road trip here.

Travel Tips For a Southern USA Road Trip

Booking flights for your new orleans road trip.

• If you’re flying from the UK, there’s good news! British Airways now flies direct to New Orleans from London Heathrow, which avoids the kinda hellish transfer in Atlanta late at night. The flight lasts 10 hours and the airport (MSY) is small on an international scale and pretty easy to navigate.
• We booked our flights through Flight Centre, a company I’ve used since I was a student (and one that incidentally features Oak Alley Planation on its web page for flights to New Orleans ;-) )

Family Travel to New Orleans

• Flying long haul with a baby  was nowhere near as traumatic as people made out; in fact it was actually quite nice. You get let on first, have help and don’t have to cook and clean up all by yourself. Aeroplane toilets are larger these days, with changing facilities, and you can take the buggy right up to the gate.
• Read more about travel tips for flying with a baby over here.
• One thing to note, perhaps, is that British Airways Business Class doesn’t have space for bassinets. We were upgraded (after I helped in a medical emergency, long story) and while staff are happy to let babies sleep on parents’ laps, you will have to wake them for meals and turbulence and so on.
• Read more about flying Business Class with British Airways over here.

How to Plan an Orlando to New Orleans Road Trip

Driving direct from Orlando to New Orleans takes between nine and ten hours. So, if you’re thinking about flying into Orlando and then driving to New Orleans to take advantage of a better flight fare, it’s probably not worth the hassle.

However, Orlando and the west coast of Florida have some great spots as well. So, it would work to combine a driving itinerary through west Florida with a road trip to New Orleans.

Keen to travel further afield but unsure where to go? Check out our guide to choosing between Los Angeles and Miami .

More About New Orleans

To add more to your Louisiana road trip, you could venture into some of Louisiana’s State Parks like these. Or choose to spend more time in New Orleans. Here’s a selection of articles to help you plan and enjoy your fly drive New Orleans even more:

• 3 days in New Orleans itinerary
• The surprising story behind Louis Armstrong’s hit It’s a Wonderful World
• What you need to know about the beignets of Café du Monde
• What the Great River Road can teach us about the American Dream
• Why the Tabasco factory is Louisiana’s hottest attraction
• The difference between a swamp and a bayou
• The best things to do in New Orleans with children

And for other fly drive holidays in North America, check out our New England route and west coast Florida routes. Road trips are among my favourite kind of holiday types and navigating car rental in the States is pretty straightforward. You can buy a fly drive package from a tour operator or arrange the flights and car rental independently. Both options are just as good as each other, but if opting for a package, make sure to check the booking conditions as to whether they are including flights.

How to Put Together the Perfect Road Trip

You’re in road trip heaven here. We love road trips and have everything for them. Check out…

• The road trip essentials you need to know about
• The Ultimate Road Trip Planner  with printables and handbook
• 101 fun road trip questions for your next drive
• Inspiring road trip quotes for your instagram caption ideas.

Disclosure – I travelled to Louisiana with assistance from Visit New Orleans, Louisiana Travel, Hertz UK and Flight Centre. However, I remained free to write what I like and to choose what went into this road trip itinerary. I’m only recommending things I would gladly do again myself, not everything that was on the itinerary. Note that ff you book or buy through any of the links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Now, go have fun y’all!

8 thoughts on “The New Orleans Road Trip Planner: Your Louisiana Road Trip”

Because of reading this great article, I have to plan to go down there this December with my wife from Boston, MA. Thank you very much,

I hope you both have a fantastic time! Have a beignet for me and enjoy. New Orleans and Louisiana are fascinating (though I have a soft spot for Boston as well.)

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Myrtle Beach to New Orleans

• Featured Trip Guides

Created by Twins2599 - May 12th 2022

Myrtle Beach, SC, United States

Charleston, SC, United States

Savannah, GA, United States

Montgomery, AL, United States

Gulf Shores, AL, United States

New Orleans, LA, United States

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Road trip from Myrtle Beach to New Orleans

 driving distance = 825 miles, driving directions from myrtle beach to new orleans.

 Travel time from Myrtle Beach, SC to New Orleans, LA

• New Orleans

The Best Beaches Near New Orleans to Escape the Swampy Summer Heat

From party destinations to quaint hideaways, the gulf coast is home to a variety of enticing beach towns..

When you’ve had your fill of NOLA’s many wonders , there’s no better way to escape than to seek refuge at one of the many stunning beaches located a short drive away. Long held as a favored getaway for local families, the Gulf Coast’s gorgeous beaches have been discovered by a growing number of leisure visitors, many of whom come from across the country to enjoy super soft, white sand beaches and the warm, calming waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Best of all, once you’ve had your fill of beachy fun, you can still get back in time for a late dinner at one of New Orleans’s best restaurants or a nightcap at a great  bar . Or maybe you’ll want to make a weekend out of it by spending a night or two at one of these worthy destinations, enjoying the locally-inspired food and drink, not to mention a big old dose of Southern hospitality. Just about every beach lays claim to being the Gulf’s best and most inviting, so get out there, down some drinks while working on your tan, and choose your favorite from this list of the best beaches near New Orleans.

Bay St. Louis

Distance from New Orleans: One hour Recognized as one of the best small beach towns in the country, this unique destination embraces the heritage of the Coastal Mississippi region. The public beach has free parking and offers calm, warm waters and white sand.

There’s only a handful of lodging options, the most notable of which might be The Pearl , a boutique hotel with 59 luxury suites and an acclaimed restaurant, Thorny Oyster . The Bay Town Inn provides a charming bed and breakfast experience with a coastal vibe.

Dining standouts run the gamut from Starfish Cafe’s healthy fare and Sycamore House’s fine dining to The Blind Tiger’s breezy outdoor setup. Be sure to check out The Mockingbird Cafe , famous for its homemade brunch fare and eclectic gallery.

Pass Christian

Distance from New Orleans: One hour and 15 minutes Known by some as “The Pass,” this quaint beach is a good option for escaping the crowds and finding some peace and quiet by the Gulf. The small, walkable town is filled with historic homes, old oak trees, and charming local businesses.

Fun and quirky Cat Island Coffeehouse is a must-visit for its curated selection of books and nice views of the Mississippi Sound. Located in the heart of the harbor is the original Shaggy’s , popular for its island-style atmosphere, water views, and deep sea fishing charters. Bacchus on the Beach serves up fresh oysters, muffulettas, and other mouth-watering fare.

This being a small town, lodging options are limited. Hotel Pass Christian is a ten-room boutique option overlooking the harbor, and Hotel Whiskey is a comfortable, affordable option with a modern steakhouse on its ground level.

Biloxi Beach

Distance from New Orleans:  One hour and 30 minutes Mississippi has 62 miles of shoreline lined with unique communities—but none are better known than Biloxi. The soft white sands along Biloxi Beach are ideal for families, as barrier islands help keep the waters calm, shallow, and perfect for swimming. While the beaches are nice enough, it’s Biloxi’s resort life and action that lures the majority of visitors. If you’re up for a party weekend with a pool bash, concert, or big-ticket dinner, follow the crowds to the Beau Rivage Casino or Hard Rock Hotel and Casino , both of which are located on the beachfront.

Biloxi is packed with wallet-friendly buffet and fast food options, but the best eats can be found at places like Half Shell Oyster House , famous for its New Orleans-inspired dishes; White Pillars , which serves a crowd-pleasing mix of coastal cuisine from the Gulf and New American dishes in a grand Greek revival-style mansion; and McElroy's Harbor House , a favorite for seafood with water views.

A handful of recently launched attractions and experiences have helped bring new visitors to the area. In conjunction with the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum , Biloxi Schooners takes the public on a journey through 300 years of history—Biloxi was once known as the “Seafood Capital of the World”—including a sailing excursion in a historic oyster schooner. Margaritaville Resort Paradise Pier Fun Park is a theme park with 15 nautical-themed rides and three restaurants all located on top of a massive deck with scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Music lovers are discovering Ground Zero Blues Club , which showcases both national acts and local talent, and is co-owned by Mississippi-native Morgan Freeman.

Ocean Springs

Distance from New Orleans: One hour and 30 minutes This historic coastal town provides a far more relaxed atmosphere than Biloxi, whose mega-casinos feel much further than just five miles away. The idyllic downtown—less than a mile from Front Beach, a two-mile stretch of soft white sand—is lined with one-of-a-kind shops and centuries-old live oaks.

Lively crowds arrive for annual events like the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival , the largest fine arts festival in the state. Other artsy highlights include the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and Shearwater Pottery . James Beard Award-nominated Vestige sets a high culinary bar with its intricate, ever-changing tasting menus. Edible delights can also be found at the locally inspired Evergreen —an exciting addition to the local dining scene—plus Tatonut Donut Shop , Blue Dog Bistro (for breakfast and brunch), and Murky Waters BBQ .

The Hemingway is a quirky hotel nestled in the heart of downtown; housed inside a historic bank building, each of the four guest rooms has its own style and personality. Dating back to 1927, the Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort is known for having hosted the likes of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Al Capone. The Roost is an upscale boutique option within walking distance of the beach and downtown, and The Springs is a charming, 15-room newcomer to the local hospitality landscape.

Distance from New Orleans: One hour and 30 minutes The second-largest city in Mississippi offers nicely maintained beaches with soft white sand and waters that are clean but a bit darker than what you’d find at the more famous beaches to the east. Once you’ve had your fill of beachtime, take a boat excursion out to historic Ship Island—a barrier island located 12 miles off the coast that’s part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore—or stick around and explore the eclectic downtown, featuring an ever-evolving public art scene in an old fishmonger’s alley.

In keeping with the water theme, key attractions include the Mississippi Aquarium (a recently opened pedestrian bridge over Highway 90 safely connects the aquarium to the beach), Institute for Marine Mammal Studies , and Gulf Islands Water Park —the largest waterpark on the coast offers 11 different attractions, each incorporating regional landmarks. Myriad inexpensive chain hotels make up the bulk of the area’s lodging options; the Courtyard by Marriott and Holiday Inn Express put you right across from the beach, while The Almanett is the best bet for a boutique stay. For a more immersive stay right across from the beach, consider historic Centennial Plaza , a 48-acre resort complex housed in a former military installation with an on-site waterpark.

Similar to NOLA, Gulfport's entertainment district, which covers much of the waterfront, harbor, and downtown, allows patrons to leave a restaurant or bar with alcoholic drinks in a go-cup. Popular spots for fresh seafood and good times include Shaggy’s , The Chimneys , and Patio 44 .

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Distance from New Orleans: Three hours and 15 minutes Don’t sleep on the Alabama coast, 32 miles of soft white sand made up of crushed quartz washed down over thousands of years from the Appalachian Mountains. The most famous beaches can be found at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, two communities that are situated six miles from one another, separated by family-friendly Gulf State Park. With their beautiful white sand beaches—Gulf Shores is larger and offers more coastline than Orange Beach—both usually offer a more relaxed (and lower-cost) option than the Florida beaches nearby.

Gulf Shores Public Beach is by far the main draw in town, close to lots of fun bars and casual restaurants. Longtime faves include The Hangout , Pink Pony Pub , and The Beach House Kitchen & Cocktails . Over in Orange Beach, the owners of the world-famous Flora-bama have opened a new beachfront dining option, CoastAL Orange Beach , offering beautiful views and two separate dining options (upscale and quick bar bites). Also popular: the huge patio at Cobalt, The Restaurant , and just-caught seafood at The Gulf , which is housed in shipping containers. For a taste of NOLA, Orange Beach has its very own Ruby Slipper outpost, serving up brunch treats in style.

Active travelers are flocking to the nationally-lauded Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail , a 28.2 mile set of biking trails through Gulf State Park that offers a free bike-share service for easy access. Another popular local pastime is chartering a boat for some fishing or dolphin watching.

The destination is filled with chain hotels spanning all price levels. Among the most popular options are the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach and the Best Western on the Beach in Gulf Shores.

Pensacola Beach

Distance from New Orleans: Three hours and 15 minutes As part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore —the largest protected stretch of seashore in the US—Pensacola features more than 18 miles of winding, pristine coastlines of emerald waters and acres of preserved forestry. These beaches, which have been ranked among the best in the country, attract a varied mix, from grizzled beach bums and fishing enthusiasts to wildlife lovers and environmentalists. The sugar-white sands and clear waters offer endless opportunities for solitude, especially when enjoyed as part of a bike ride or kayak trip.

History buffs have plenty to explore, as Pensacola was established in 1559, making it one of America’s oldest settlements. The area’s Creole influence can be found in architecture throughout the historic downtown, which boasts a thriving cultural scene. After a nearly three-year closure, Naval Air Station Pensacola has reopened to the public, once again allowing access to popular destinations such as the National Naval Aviation Museum and Fort Barrancas. In 2024, visitors can experience the Pensacola Beach Air Show featuring the Blue Angels on July 10-13, or catch one of the practices on various dates in June, July, and August.

The epicenter of the party scene can be found at historic Casino Beach , which is easy to find— just look for the giant water tower painted to look like a beach ball. There’s lots of free parking, plenty of lively eating and drinking spots ( Shaggy’s , Crabs on the Beach , Casino Beach Bar ), and it’s BYOB. (Head to the alcohol-free zone just slightly west for more of a low-key, family-friendly vibe.) For the full experience, set up a base camp at one of the beach’s large-scale hotels, most notably the recently rebranded Pensacola Beach Resort (formerly known as the Margaritaville Beach Hotel) or the new $75 million Fairfield Inn & Suites , which features the Gulf Coast's largest lazy river.

Navarre Beach

Distance from New Orleans: Three hours and 45 minutes Long overshadowed by Pensacola—its better-known neighbor around 20 miles to the west—Navarre Beach has been discovered by a growing number of leisure travelers in recent years. The small, unincorporated community bills itself as “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place,” and with the area’s pristine natural beauty and range of year-round outdoor activities, it’s hard to argue.

From water activities in emerald green waters to fishing, biking, and hiking, Navarre has something for every nature lover, without the sort of crowds found at the Gulf’s busier beaches. In addition to the 12 miles of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, there are several miles of beaches within the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary and the Gulf Islands National Seashore .

Eco-tourism has become a key driver among visitors who have been drawn to the numerous wildlife sanctuaries, conservation centers, and rehabilitation centers that have opened in the area this century. Highlights include the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge , Navarre Beach Marine Science Station , Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center , Panhandle Butterfly House , and the Sandspur Wildlife Sanctuary .

No visit is complete without a stroll along the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier , and if the mood strikes you can rent a pole and join the crowd on the longest (1,545 feet) fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico and in the state of Florida.

When it comes to accommodations on or near the beach, visitors can choose from a handful of chain hotels ( Best Western , Hampton Inn , SpringHill Suites by Marriott ) as well as a range of vacation rentals.

Dining highlights—all casual and featuring fresh, locally caught seafood—include TC's Front Porch , Scooter's Fish House , Dewey Destin's Navarre , and East Bay Crab House .

Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Distance from New Orleans: 4 hours Those who trek all the way to the Destin-FWB area are rewarded with more than 20 miles of white sand beaches and emerald green waters filled with all kinds of wonders. For beach access in Destin, check out access points such as James Lee Park, Henderson Beach State Park, and Norriego Point, which has shallow tide pools to explore. The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island offers live entertainment, fun eateries, and beach access.

The destination is home to more than 400 artificial reefs and is known for its boating, water sports, snorkeling, and diving. Billed as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin boasts the largest commercial charter fishing fleet in the country, guaranteeing memorable offshore experiences that go beyond simply catching one of the 20 types of edible fish available from its waters. Among land-based attractions, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is debuting its new Dolphin Oasis addition, a multi-million dollar habitat for seven Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins.

Enjoy the catch of the day at places like Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer , Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House , Dewey Destin’s , and Ovide , the first restaurant in Florida by James Beard Award-winning chef Hugh Acheson. If you find yourself bayside, stop by one of the destination’s sweetest newcomers, Pink Coyote , for a well-earned treat after dinner.

Lodging highlights include the Beal House and The Island Resort (both in Fort Walton Beach), as well as the Hilton Sandestin Beach , Henderson Beach Resort , and Hotel Effie , an upscale hideaway nestled between the Gulf and Choctawhatchee Bay.

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Best Road Trips From New Orleans

Top road trip destinations from new orleans.

🚗 270 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 40 minutes

Destin is famous for its stunning white beaches and amazing fishing opportunities. Here you can enjoy a walk on the scenic boardwalk, numerous golf courses, and family-friendly water parks.

On your way to Destin, spend some time by the coast and visit Bay St Louis Beach , Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport, USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile and Gulf Breeze Zoo .

🚗 350 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 15 minutes

Houston, possibly most famous for its pivotal role in space exploration, is home to the famous Houston Space Center, the lively Museum District, and a colorful art scene.

As you drive to Houston, you can also visit Beaumont Botanical Gardens , Lake Charles , Lafayette Science Museum and Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge en route.

🚗 530 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

Nashville, the heart of country music, invites you to experience its rich music scene, historic landmarks, and famous nightlife scene. Must-visit places here are the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.

En route, you can elevate your journey by making stops at Hattiesburg Zoo , Bonita Lakes Park , Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge .

🚗 700 miles ⏱️ 11 hours

Orlando is a magical destination known for its theme parks including Disney World and Universal Studios. It's also home to vibrant shopping areas and numerous golf courses.

The best way to enjoy this drive is to follow the Gulf Coast and visit Gulf Islands Waterpark , Dauphin Street in Mobile, Pensacola History Museum , Destin and Panama City Beach .

🚗 500 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

Memphis is steeped in musical history, being the home of blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. Don't miss the iconic Graceland, Beale Street, and the soulful Sun Studio.

On this road trip, take some extra time to visit BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo and historic sights of Natchez , Vicksburg National Military Park and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson.

🚗 90 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 20 minutes

Discover the charm of Biloxi with its famous casinos, sandy beaches, and historical sites like the Biloxi Lighthouse and the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, perfect for a day or weekend trip.

Even though this is a relatively short drive, there are plenty of amazing places to visit such as John Slidell Park , Bay St Louis , Long Beach and the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport.

🚗 150 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 40 minutes

Mobile is a historic city located on beautiful Mobile Bay. It is home to the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park and is famous for its annual Mardi Gras celebration, the oldest in the US.

Following the beautiful coastline, you can visit the charming waterfront cities of Bay St Louis , Gulfport , Biloxi and enjoy wildlife spotting at Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge .

🚗 170 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 50 minutes

Natchez, perched high above the Mississippi River, is known for its antebellum architecture, historic homes, and beautiful river views. Here, you can also enjoy a drive on the famous Natchez Trace Parkway.

On your way to Natchez, we recommend visiting Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area , Lynyrd Skynyrd Memorial Site and Homochitto National Forest if you have some extra time.

🚗 630 miles ⏱️ 9 hours, 30 minutes

Dallas offers the perfect mix of Western charm and modern city life with attractions like the Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas Arboretum, and many world-class restaurants and high-end shops.

This route is dotted with exciting new places to discover, such as the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Lafayette , Lake Charles , Houston Space Center , and Dr Pepper Museum in Waco.

🚗 695 miles ⏱️ 10 hours, 45 minutes

Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World", you can expect a buzzing experience in Austin. Not only for its music scene, Austin is also famous for its own take on delicious BBQ dishes.

En route, you can also visit Baton Rouge , Alexandria Zoo , Shreveport Aquarium , Caddo Lake , the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas and Waco .

🚗 950 miles ⏱️ 15 hours, 10 minutes

Sunny Miami is world-famous for its never-ending nightlife, beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts and many amazing restaurants. Here, you can explore South Beach, the Art Deco Historic District, and the colorful Little Havana.

En route, we recommend discovering Mobile , Pensacola , and many beaches of Destin and Panama City . Once in Florida, hug the Atlantic Coast to visit Daytona Beach , Cape Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale .

🚗 1,000 miles ⏱️ 15 hours

Chicago is perched on the shores of Lae Michigan and is home to world-class museums, and iconic landmarks. During your visit, don't miss the Willis Tower Skydeck, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Many places you can visit on this sizeable road trip include Tuscaloosa , Birmingham Civil Rights Institute , Nashville , Mammoth Cave National Park , Louisville and Indianapolis .

Gulf Shores

🚗 180 miles ⏱️ 5 hours

Gulf Shores is beloved for its spectacular beaches and family-friendly attractions. This is the place to head to if you'd like to spend some time under the sun, dip your toes in the sand and have fun enjoying water activities.

En route, take a break at Bay St Louis , Gulfport , Biloxi , and pay a visit to the beautiful Dauphin Island before arriving at Gulf Shores.

🚗 140 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 5 minutes

Lafayette offers a deep dive into Cajun culture with its live zydeco music, delicious cuisine, and colorful and ever-so-popular festivals that celebrate the rich heritage of Southern Louisiana.

We recommend extending your road trip to visit Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area , Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge and Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge .

🚗 110 miles ⏱️ 2 hours

Visit Grand Isle, a peaceful beach getaway famous for its fishing piers, beautiful beaches, and birdwatching opportunities in the lush Grand Isle State Park.

This is a relatively short road trip, so you can take some time to discover new places en route such as Destrehan Plantation , Des Allemands , known as the "Catfish Capital of the Universe", and Larose Regional Park .

Hattiesburg

🚗 110 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 45 minutes

The short drive to Hattiesburg is perfect for a charming day trip. Hattiesburg is home to Hattiesburg Zoo and the University of Southern Mississippi, so you can expect a lively and young atmosphere during your visit.

If you have some extra time, we recommend visiting John Slidell Park , Pearl River and Paul B Johnson State Park on your way to Hattiesburg.

Lake Charles

🚗 210 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 5 minutes

Lake Charles is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its inspiring natural beauty. It is also home to several luxurious casino resorts, so you will also find a thriving gaming and nightlife scene here.

Make sure to put aside some time to visit the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Lake Martin , and Lafayette Science Museum en route to Lake Charles.

St Francisville

🚗 110 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 50 minutes

A charming small town near New Orleans, St Francisville offers a quaint Southern escape with beautiful plantations, charming bed and breakfasts, and peaceful and relaxing landscapes.

You can visit Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area on the way, and if you'd like to spend some time in a big city before discovering small-town Louisiana charm, we recommend making a stop in Baton Rouge .

🚗 25 miles ⏱️ 30 minutes

The shortest road trip on our list, this drive to Destrehan is a great day trip adventure. Here, you can explore Destrehan Plantation, one of the oldest homes in Louisiana, offering a glimpse into the state's antebellum past.

As Destrehan is a small town that is a stone's throw from New Orleans, the drive itself will be pretty quick. On the way, we recommend visiting Lafreniere Park .

🚗 50 miles ⏱️ 1 hour

Vacherie is home to the famous Oak Alley Plantation, where you can walk down the spectacular oak-lined avenue and explore the historic grounds and exhibits.

This road trip is steeped in history and we highly recommend visiting Destrehan Plantation and Whitney Plantation to learn more about Louisiana's antebellum history.

Covington, Mandeville and Slidell

🚗 75 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 40 minutes

Explore the charming Northshore towns of Covington, Mandeville, and Slidell, known for their scenic lakefront views, delicious local eateries, and inviting small-town vibe.

On your way to these pretty small towns, you will enjoy a scenic drive across Lake Pontchartrain Causeway , and have the opportunity to visit Fontainebleau State Park and John Slidell Park .

Longer road trips from New Orleans

Washington DC

🚗 1,080 miles ⏱️ 16 hours, 20 minutes

Visit the nation's capital to explore its many monuments and museums. Highlights include the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and the US Capitol.

🚗 1,510 miles ⏱️ 25 hours

Experience the unparalleled energy of New York City, from the iconic sights of Times Square and Central Park to the cultural landmarks like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Broadway.

Los Angeles

🚗 2,240 miles ⏱️ 35 hours

Discover Los Angeles, a city of dreams featuring Hollywood, world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and beautiful beaches. Don't miss attractions like the Getty Center and Griffith Observatory.

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• South Carolina

30 Best Things To Do In Myrtle Beach

Plan a something-for-everyone weekend at the beach.

Valerie Fraser Luesse has been affiliated with Southern Living and its parent company since 1988. She has written some 30 Southern Journal essays for the magazine and extensively covered the unique cultural pockets of the South, including Acadian Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta, South Florida, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She released her fourth Southern novel with Revell in 2021.

• Ocean Views
• Beach Bar Scene
• Handmade Beers And Spirits
• Diverse Dining Spots
• Local Shops
• Music, Food, And Fun

Say the words " beach trip " to half a dozen people, and they are likely to summon distinct vacation visions. Some are sleepy and sun soaked, while others are packed with outdoor adventure or shopping excursions. That's why it's key to pick a place that can satisfy everyone's wish list. As the anchor of a 60-mile stretch of Grand Strand waterfront communities, each with its own unique appeal, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina , is perfectly positioned to cater to just about any crew's ideal coastal escape. There's plenty to do in any season. Innovative epicurean experiences? Check. Fresh seafood ? Check. Boutique-shopping districts loaded with charm? Check. Lush landscaped gardens, moonlit kayak tours, and live music spilling out into the streets? Check, check, and check.

With so much variety offered, all you need to bring to ensure a good time is plenty of SPF—and a solid game plan for your vacation. That's where we come in. Check out these things to do for a perfect Myrtle Beach trip.

Wake Up To Ocean Views

Book your group into a beachside escape.

If having a central location to slather on sunscreen together in the morning (or sip nightcaps in your pajamas at day's end) is key for your group, book a stay at the Island Vista Resort, where the multi-room suites sleep up to 10, and feature amenities such as full kitchens, cozy living and dining areas, ocean-view balconies, and laundry machines. It's billed as "the only oceanfront hotel for nearly a mile in either direction." So, with big buffers separating the resort's wide, clean beach from the nearest hotels, it feels fully removed from the rowdy crowds and miniature golf madness of the city's more densely developed areas.

islandvista.com , 6000 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Indulge At A Four-Star, Oceanfront Resort

Two miles northeast of the Island Vista Resort, there's also Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, which is the gold standard of the Grand Strand. Here, the lack of large-group lodging options is offset by luxe, recently refreshed rooms and a quiet, full-service spa . Pair beach views with spa experiences, and you're setting yourself up for a fantastic vacation. No matter where you stay, be sure to pack the essentials: lightweight layers, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of SPF. The town's vibe is casual, but you'll want to bring a few nicer outfits for nights out.

marriott.com/en-us/hotels/myrgd-marriott-myrtle-beach-resort-and-spa-at-grande-dunes/overview , 8400 Costa Verde Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Tour The Beach Bar Scene

Hit the boardwalk bars.

Start things off on a high (make that high-energy) note with a cruise through the open-air bars clustered near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, with their big people-watching patios and party-time vibes. You'll find all the daiquiris and piña coladas you could hope for, but a trip here isn't all sugary frozen drinks and oversized fishbowls. It's worth veering slightly off the main drag for something with a little more personality and polish too.

myrtlebeach.com/things-to-do/myrtle-beach-boardwalk-entertainment-district , Between Second Avenue North and 15th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC

Duck Into A Speakeasy For Lowcountry Cocktails

The Prohibition-themed Strong Waters Craft Cocktails & Kitchen, which flies fittingly under the radar, rotates a seasonal menu of local-leaning microbrews but always keeps two in-house, barrel-aged cocktails on tap, along with a Bartender's Choice option for indecisive—or adventurous—tipplers. They say it's "a speakeasy where the drinks are as strong as the current in the ocean," so come prepared for a good time. It's also a hub for live music and fantastic sandwiches and burgers.

strongwatersbar.com , 2005 A North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Raise The Roof With Sunset Views

Closer to the water, find RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar, which is owned by the folks behind Wicked Tuna in Murrells Inlet. With over 500 seats and 17,000 sprawling square feet, RipTydz has room for everyone. It raises the (beach) bar with a menu of super-fresh seafood (including raw bar selections and seafood towers), a sprawling rooftop restaurant that transforms into a club, and a top-notch perch for sunsets.

riptydz.com , 1210 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Taste Handmade Beers And Spirits

Tap into local brews.

When it's time to enjoy a sip of a local brew, make your way to Grand Strand Brewing Company, which opened in 2021 and is the city's exciting destination for craft beers, sampling (which you can do indoors and out), a taproom turning out handmade beers , and tasty eats from an on-site kitchen that invites local chefs to cook and share. You'll find a bit of everything here, including sours, pilsners, and stouts with local flair.

grandstrandbrewing.com , 819 North Kings Highway Unit 101, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Hang At A Beer Garden

Head to Barefoot Landing to check out Crooked Hammock Brewery, which draws beer and food lovers from near and far with its restaurant and beer garden. It's a family-friendly hangout with craft beers; ribs, cornbread, and giant pretzels on the menu; seating both indoors and out; fire pits for cool nights; hammocks for hanging out; and places to play for kids and adults. (Corn hole, anyone?)

bflanding.com , 4898 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

crookedhammockbrewery.com , 4925 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Sip Locally Sourced Spirits

For even more fun, there's also Twelve 33 Distillery, a craft production distillery that sources locally and offers tours and tastings. Check out the recent releases to find out what delicious spirits they're cooking up on the coast. All of the grains and other ingredients they use to make their handcrafted spirits come from local farms. In addition to tastings, you can also book guided tours to learn about each part of the distilling process.

twelve33distillery.com , 593 East Highway 90, Little River, SC 29566

Try A Wine Tasting

There's wine to be found on this slice of coast too. Sidle up to Duplin Winery in North Myrtle Beach. Located near Barefoot Landing, here you can sip and listen to live music, or enjoy a wine tasting with friends where you'll sample 10 different wines. In the area, there are also tasting rooms at La Belle Amie Vineyard, Carolina Vineyards Winery, and Wine Therapy .

duplinwinery.com , 4650 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

labelleamie.com , 1120 Saint Joseph Road, Little River, SC 29566

carolinavineyards.com , 4720 C Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

winetherapynmb.com , 681 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Choose From Diverse Lowcountry Dining Spots

Dine on the daily catch.

In the evenings, locals descend on the lively joints along Main Creek in Murrells Inlet. Many of these spots employ their own fleets of fishing boats to deliver the daily catch. Don't miss Dead Dog Saloon, which is beloved for its live music and seafood; The Claw House, a New England-style lobster house and raw bar; and Drunken Jack's, long known for its fried seafood platter and often legendary wait times.

deaddogsaloon.com , 4079 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

theclawhouse.com , 4097 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

drunkenjacks.com , 4031 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Weigh All The Waterfront Options

Speaking of waterfront dining , there's no shortage of options, attitudes, and dress codes to choose from, and you and your traveling companions can easily divide your time between fancier environs and flip-flop–friendly joints. For brunch, there's 60-year-old Myrtle Beach mainstay the Sea Captain's House, a 1930s home with a grassy lawn that backs up to the sand. Regulars go for Crab Cakes Benedict and the restaurant's signature She Crab Soup.

seacaptains.com , 3002 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Find Your Favorite Flavors

Chef-owned 42nd Street Bar and Grill serves apps, salads, seafood, steaks, and more with Asian and European flavors, from shrimp gyoza to beef and mushroom Wellington. Another favorite located on the Grand Strand is the Opa Opa Taverna & Bakery, which can be found in the Grand Dunes village shops. Don't miss the Greek classics on the menu, including baklava, spanakopita, and tiropita.

42ndstreetbarandgrill.com , 4209 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

opaopataverna.com , 7955 North Kings Highway Building 340, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Explore Sustainable Eateries

There are worthy exceptions to the always-eat-on-the-water rule. Hook & Barrel in Myrtle Beach is a new sustainable-seafood restaurant from cookbook author Heidi Vukov. The eco-friendly restaurant uses local produce to craft coastal dishes. On the menu, you'll find she crab soup as well as smoked shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and cioppino.

hookandbarrelrestaurant.com , 8014 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Try Elevated Fare

There's also the locally sourced fare at Pawleys Island favorite Rustic Table from co-owners Anne Hardee and chef Adam Kirby. Be sure to order a tomato sandwich with clam chowder or a salad with pecan-encrusted flounder, or try one of their signature items, like shrimp 'n' grits—with creamed corn grits, shrimp, sausage, tomatoes, parsley, butter, white wine, and lemon.

rustictable.com , 10683 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585

Travel For Farm-To-Table Cuisine

If time permits during your trip, travel 20 miles to Little River to dine on farm-to-table cuisine (which is paired with an expertly curated wine list) at The Parson's Table. It's housed in a converted 1885 church featuring a mix of salvaged elements from other decommissioned houses of worship across the South.

parsonstable.com , 4305 McCorsley Avenue, Little River, SC 29566

Gawk At Goats Before Dinner

For a pre-dinner diversion, stroll along the half-mile MarshWalk and have a look at the goats and peacocks inhabiting tiny Goat Island offshore. Then, for something different, enjoy the elevated Italian eatery Costa Coastal Kitchen & Bar just down from Murrells Inlet's busy strip of restaurants and bars.

marshwalk.com , 4025 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

costamyrtlebeach.com , 4606 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Shop Local Art, Design, And Food Gifts

Bring home southern-made goodies.

You can stock up on Southern-made snacks (from brands like Birmingham's Merry Cheese Crisps and New Orleans' Love, Cookie) while browsing at the original Southern Living store in The Market Common. In our namesake store, you'll find plenty of products to help you celebrate the South , including home decor, gifts, and garden items. You'll find more than 30 shops and boutiques (as well as several restaurants) in The Market Common retail hub, so there's no better place to shop the day away.

marketcommonmb.com , 3064 Howard Avenue, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Shop Stunning Swimwear From A Carolina Designer

Visitors can hardly hurl a seashell in this town without hitting one of those ubiquitous beach-gear emporiums that are bursting at the seams with cheap T-shirts and fidget spinners. But there are more compelling options here too. Start with a swimwear upgrade from Tara Grinna, a line of fit-focused suits, separates, and cover-ups sold at namesake storefronts in North Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island. Visit the flagship store in North Myrtle Beach.

taragrinna.com , 4828 US 17 South, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575 

Relax With A Locally Made Souvenir

Top tip: Leave time and room in your suitcase for a hand-knotted cotton rope hammock (designed way back in 1889) from The Hammock Shops Village and The Original Hammock Shop in Pawleys Island. The cotton rope hammocks come in a variety of colors and are sure to help you bring a bit of coastal tranquility back home with you. You'll relish this relaxing reminder of your trip every time you kick back in it.

pawleysislandhammocks.com/hammockshop , 10880 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585

Go On An Art Walk

To take a deeper look inside the happening local creative scene , join a First Friday Art Walk and peruse the works on display in over a dozen galleries and restaurants located in the Five Points area along Broadway and Main streets. If you're ready to tackle a curated arts tour, get a free pass to the Myrtle Beach Arts & Gallery Trail, which is broken down into three different trails to choose from and offers stops at galleries, artisan shops, museums, public art attractions, and more along the way.

facebook.com/mbdowntownalliance  

visitmyrtlebeach.com/art-gallery-trail

Dedicate A Day To Music, Food, And Fun

Sample the region’s best at a food festival.

The Little River ShrimpFest happens in October, and it brings jazz music and a shrimp cook-off to the shores of the Little River. Local waterfront restaurants serve up fresh local shrimp and seafood, and art and crafts vendors, live music, and entertainers create a festive atmosphere.

littlerivershrimpfest.org , 4468 Mineola Avenue, Little River, SC 29566

Learn About Local Delicacies

The Loris Bog Off happens each year on the third Saturday in October, and it celebrates chicken bog , a local delicacy that combines rice, chicken, sausage, and pepper into a dish you won't soon forget. The food celebrations at this fest happen alongside live music and fireworks.

lorischamber.com/loris-bog-off-festival-1  

Find An Activity Everyone Will Love

Take a spin with a view.

While you're on the main drag, keep an eye out for the 187-foot-high SkyWheel to light up at dusk. For views from its scenic heights, book your tickets and take the whole family to this rotating observation tower. A ride ensures that you'll enjoy sunset views from private gondolas that are climate-controlled. In addition to photo ops over the ocean, you'll see the lights and bustle of Myrtle Beach, the oceanfront boardwalk, and promenade buzzing below.

skywheel.com , 1110 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Entertain The Entire Family At The Hangout

The Hangout, a restaurant and entertainment venue on the Strand, offers more than 20 things to do for the whole family. There’s live music and theatrical shows, games and contests, plus a foam machine, a giant sandbox, and a wishing wall. The restaurant features a seafood-heavy menu and over-the-top cocktails served while a live band plays or a DJ spins a soundtrack of catchy tunes.

thehangout.com/hangout-myrtle-beach , 1181 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Take In Wildlife And History On A Nature Walk

When you're ready for a change of pace from the go-go energy of Myrtle Beach proper, pile everyone in the car and head south to Huntington Beach State Park. It's a great place to break up a day of sunbathing and shell collecting . Explore its uncrowded beaches with nature walks and see if you can spot wildlife like sandhill cranes, roseate spoonbills, and even the occasional alligator. Your group can also enjoy a self-guided tour of the palm-shaded Atalaya Castle, which was the one-time winter estate of philanthropist Archer Huntington and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington, who was a prominent sculptor during the early 20th century.

southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach , 16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Appreciate Acres Of Art And Blooms

Situated just across the road is Brookgreen Gardens , where over 80 of Anna Hyatt Huntington's sculptures, plus a strong collection of works by more than 430 other American figurative sculptors, keep watch over the 9,127-acre property complete with elegant gardens, splashing fountains, and moss-draped live oaks. (During the summer, the gardens offer a special illuminated exhibit during the evenings.)

brookgreen.org , 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Adventure Out On The Water

If there's a member of your group who's looking forward to some outdoor adventure, now's the time to test the waters—and their mettle—with a guided kayak excursion through the marshes of Murrells Inlet with Crazy Sister Marina. You could also rent a stand-up paddleboard, book a sunset kayak tour, or get a private small-group surf lesson for the crew with Surf the Earth in Pawleys Island .

crazysistermarina.com , 4123 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

surf-the-earth.com , 47 Da Gullah Way, Pawleys Island, SC 29585

Take A Sunset Dolphin Cruise

If you'd like to glimpse wildlife during your trip, book a sunset cruise to glimpse dolphins. Just sit back, enjoy the salty sea breezes, and keep your eyes peeled for the shadows of fins dipping amidst the waves. Try Blue Wave Adventures, which has been in business for decades, for a dolphin watch excursion and plenty of fun for the whole family.

bluewaveadventures.com , 4123 US 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Have A Spa Day

Sometimes your ideal beach weekend involves a spa treatment or two. After a day spent exploring Grand Strand shops or sunning on the sands, you deserve it. Popular area spas include Hibiscus Spa at Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort and Spa at Grande Dunes, Awakening Spa at Anderson Ocean Club, and Celestial Spa on Cloud 9. Whether you're looking for a massage, spray tan, or other treatment, you'll find just the pampering you need on the Grand Strand.

marriottmyrtlebeachhibiscusspa.com , 8400 Costa Verde Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

andersonoceanclub.com/awakening-spa-myrtle-beach , 2600 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

dayspamyrtlebeach.com , 1131 48th Avenue North Suite B, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Learn The Carolina Shag

For those who are itching to get out on the dance floor, Myrtle Beach has something for you too. Book a free lesson in the Carolina shag , a historic dance style that was re-popularized in the 1989 film Shag . You can find free lessons, along with great music, on Tuesday nights at Fat Harold's Beach Club in North Myrtle Beach.

fatharolds.com , 212 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Related Articles

Wealth of Geeks

Things To Do With Friends in Myrtle Beach

Posted: January 19, 2024 | Last updated: January 22, 2024

The Southern U.S. has many cities worth visiting, each of which is remarkable in its own distinct way. As worthwhile as touring New Orleans or Nashville might be, there are also dozens of memorable things to do with friends in Myrtle Beach, each of which helps capture an authentic Southern experience like no other. 

1. Visit the Beach

One thing you should make an effort to do at Myrtle Beach is to actually visit the beach. With its warmer waters and consistently steamy weather, Myrtle Beach provides visitors with some of the most excellent beach-going experiences in the entire Southeast (just make sure you lather up on sunblock and stay hydrated whenever you wander outside).

2. Challenge Yourself With An Escape Room

Myrtle Beach has two truly exceptional escape room experiences. The first is Escapology, a fantastic venue that has rooms themed after lost cities, murder mysteries, and Scooby-Doo . The other is The Escape Game, which includes rooms themed after prison escapes, espionage missions, and quests back in time.

3. Cheer on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans

While Myrtle Beach may not be as well-known for its baseball as New York or Boston, that doesn’t necessarily mean a trip to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans’ stadium isn’t worth it. The Single-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the Pelicans have been delighting fans at the Pelicans Ballpark since 1999, making it a tried-and-true staple of the Grand Stand.

4. Medieval Times

Myrtle Beach has no shortage of fun activities for friend groups or the whole family, with the action-packed Medieval Times foremost among them. Dining on a medieval feast that includes roasted chicken, tomato soup, and garlic bread, guests will cheer on their respective knights in various Middle Age contests, like jousting and climactic sword fights.

5. Pirates Voyage

Next to Medieval Times is the buccaneer-themed Pirates Voyage, an aquatic dinner show with a reasonably similar set-up as Medieval Times. With awe-inspiring stunts you’d expect to see in a Cirque du Soleil show and a mouthwatering meal of chicken, creamy soup, and buttered corn, it’s among the best dinner theater experiences in Myrtle Beach.

6. Broadway at the Beach

For locals and tourists alike, Broadway at the Beach is synonymous with Myrtle Beach. A landmark shopping center alongside the beach, Broadway at the Beach has everything and anything you could want on a vacation, from active nightclubs and delicious restaurants to cozy hotels and entertainment experiences.

7. Broadway Grand Prix

Located just off Broadway at the Beach is the fast-paced thrills of Broadway Grand Prix. A first-rate race park, Grand Prix offers seven Go-Kart courses, alongside a batting cage, an arcade, and a thrill-savvy Sky Coaster.

8. Bounce Around at Sky Zone

Sky Zone is an international entertainment company that specializes in one thing above all else: trampolines. A fantastic thing to do with friends in Myrtle Beach for any age group, Sky Zone totes a number of trampolines and other physically intensive activities, including jungle gyms and padded foam pits.

9. Barefoot Landing

Like Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing offers a variety of unique experiences, catering to every visitors’ wants and needs. A scenic collection of shops and restaurants built over a small pond, the Landing has everything from must-visit candy shops to worthwhile sports bars and traditional Southern restaurants.

10. Play a Game of Golf

There’s a reason Myrtle Beach has earned the moniker, “The Gold Capital of the World.” For visitors partial to golfing, Myrtle Beach has a fine assortment of courses for both amateur and experienced players, many of which showcase the gorgeous scenery of South Carolina.

11. Sneak in Some Mini-Golf

Alternatively, for anyone interested in working on their short game, Myrtle Beach also has an endless lineup of mini-golf courses around the city, each of which adhere to a specific thematic design. Fan-favorite courses include the nautically-themed Mutiny Bay, the volcano-themed Molten Mountain, and the explorer-themed Lost Treasure Golf.

12. Check Out Ripley’s Aquarium

One of the most worthwhile activities in Myrtle Beach is the consistently crowded Ripley’s Aquarium. With such aquarium residents as penguins, sharks, barracudas, and sea turtles, it’s the definitive aquarium of Myrtle Beach. Not only is it a great place for families to visit, Ripley’s also makes for one of the best things to do with friends in Myrtle Beach.

13. Shop at Tanger Outlets

No trip is complete without a souvenir to take home with you after your vacation has concluded–and in reality, there’s no better place to shop in Myrtle Beach than Tanger Outlets. A large outdoor mall, Tanger has every store guests can imagine, all of which are located conveniently close to the beach.

14. Listen to Some House Music at House of Blues

Located a few streets away from Barefoot Landing, the House of Blues is an always-reliable chain venue specializing in jazzy blues and traditional Southern fare. Featuring live concerts on a rotating basis, House of Blues brings the folksy jazz of New Orleans to the laid-back atmosphere of South Carolina.

15. Try the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

At the time of its opening in 2011, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach was the second tallest Ferris wheel in the United States. Today, this 187-foot tower clocks in at the sixth highest Ferris wheel in the country, offering wondrous views of Myrtle Beach and the picturesque ocean nearby.

16. Stroll Along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade

One of the original attractions at Myrtle Beach is the 1.2-mile-long Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade that runs along the beach. With a history dating back to the 1930s, the boardwalk has been entertaining visitors for nearly a century, serving as home for some of the city’s most notable points of interest.

17. Visit the Hollywood Wax Museum

One of the best things to do with friends in Myrtle Beach has to be the Hollywood Wax Museum. Here, guests can interact and get their photo taken with any one of the numerous realistically-designed celebrities and fictional characters made out of wax molds, including Eddie Murphy, Dwayne Johnson, even King Kong.

18. Check Out Family Kingdom Amusement Park

Like most coastal communities, Myrtle Beach has its fair share of amusement parks for visitors to drop by around the calendar year. As great as many of these parks are, the best has to be the incredibly well-received Family Kingdom Amusement Park. With 37 different rides filling out its grounds, it’s been a tried-and-true staple of Myrtle Beach since 1966.

19. Watch the Original Motown Tribute Show at GTS Theatre

Another notable thing to do with friends in Myrtle Beach involves a visit to the GTS Theatre. In this intimate concert hall, guests can delight in classic Motown songs from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, all beautifully sung by the harmonious tribute band who take center stage.

20. Try Your Luck at 810 Billiards & Bowling

As the name might suggest, 810 Billiards & Bowling features a heavier emphasis on leisurely activities, including playing billiards or bowling. In addition to those two approachable past times, 810 also has table tennis, foosball, darts, shuffleboard, and chess, along with a full menu of casual American fare.

21. Spy a Gator at Alligator Adventure

It wouldn’t be a truly authentic Southern vacation if you didn’t see an alligator or two on your trip. At Alligator Adventure, guests can look upon a massive variety of exotic wildlife, from ultra-rare albino gators to an 18-foot crocodile almost as large as Godzilla.

22. Learn at WonderWorks Myrtle Beach

An incredible halfway point for entertainment and education, WonderWorks is an amusement park where you actually walk away having learned a great deal. Featuring numerous attractions meant to thrill and inform, WonderWorks Myrtle Beach also has more straightforward attractions as well, such as laser tag, an indoor ropes course, and a 6D simulator ride.

23. Stroll Through Brookgreen Gardens

Another decades-old Myrtle Beach attraction, Brookgreen Gardens dates back to 1931. An ambitious destination that merges art with the natural world, Brookgreen offers such awe-inspiring sights as a botanical garden, several large sculptures, and a zoo that houses native Southern wildlife.

24. See a Show at the Carolina Opry Theater

An elegant concert hall that first opened its doors in 1992, the Carolina Opry Theater has theatrical musical productions on a rotating basis. Along with world-famous musicians hosting their concerts in the theater, the venue also has regular shows they perform throughout the year, such as their annual “Christmas Show Of The South.”

25. Take to the Skies on a Parasail

You can always relax and unwind at the beach, basking in the sun and sipping a refreshing drink at Myrtle Beach. Alternatively, visitors who love a hair-raising thrill can enjoy a parasailing experience high over the blue of the Atlantic from a bird-eye’s view. 

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The driving distance from New Orleans, Louisiana to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is:

825 miles / 1 328 km.

• New Orleans to Myrtle Beach drive
• road conditions from New Orleans to Myrtle Beach
• flattest route from New Orleans to Myrtle Beach

Map of driving directions from New Orleans, LA to Myrtle Beach, SC

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use DriveDistance.com to get the full driving distance from New Orleans to Myrtle Beach with directions.

More trip calculations

• Driving Time
• Cost Of Driving
• Reverse Drive Distance
• Stopping Points
• Hotels near Myrtle Beach, SC
• Flight Time
• airports near Myrtle Beach, SC
• airlines flying to Myrtle Beach, SC
• Nonstop Flights
• Time Difference

Driving distance from New Orleans, LA to Myrtle Beach, SC

The total driving distance from New Orleans, LA to Myrtle Beach, SC is 825 miles or 1 328 kilometers .

Your trip begins in New Orleans, Louisiana. It ends in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from New Orleans, LA to Myrtle Beach, SC so you can see when you'll arrive at your destination.

You can also calculate the cost of driving from New Orleans, LA to Myrtle Beach, SC based on current local fuel prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between New Orleans, LA and Myrtle Beach, SC .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the straight line distance to fly from New Orleans, LA to Myrtle Beach, SC .

New Orleans, Louisiana

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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

• airlines serving Myrtle Beach, SC
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Driving distance calculator

Travelmath helps you find driving distances based on actual directions for your road trip. You can get the distance between cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes to figure out the best route to travel to your destination. Combine this information with the fuel cost tool to find out how much it will cost you to drive the distance, or compare the results to the straight line distance to determine whether it's better to drive or fly. You can print out pages with a travel map.

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Road conditions from Myrtle Beach to New Orleans

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Distance between New Orleans and Myrtle Beach

Driving non-stop from new orleans to myrtle beach.

How far is Myrtle Beach from New Orleans? Here's the quick answer if you have friends taking shifts as driver so that you can make the entire trip by car without stopping.

Nonstop drive: 825 miles or 1328 km

Driving time: 12 hours, 2 minutes

This is a really long drive, so it's not very realistic to drive nonstop. To get a better idea of how long this road trip would actually take, scroll down to calculate how many hours it would be if you drive with stops .

Flying non-stop from New Orleans to Myrtle Beach

Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the fastest possible straight line between New Orleans, Louisiana and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Because of the curvature of the Earth, the shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Vincenty formula. For a long distance, this appears as a curve on the map, and this is often the route that commercial airlines will take so it's a good estimate of the frequent flyer miles you'll accumulate as well.

Flight distance: 706 miles or 1137 km

Flight time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

The straight line flight distance is 119 miles less than driving on roads, which means the driving distance is roughly 1.2x of the flight distance.

Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/6th of the time it would take to drive.

This is a medium length flight, so unless you have a nice private jet, you might be booking a commercial flight. In that case, your travel time would really need to include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other airport, and get to your destination. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate of your actual flight time .

New Orleans to Myrtle Beach road trip

Let's say you're actually planning a road trip to Myrtle Beach, and you want to stop along the way to rest. If it's a real road trip, you might want to check out interesting stops along the way, eat at great restaurants, and maybe even find a hotel to stay overnight. That's what Trippy is perfect for, helping you figure out travel plans in detail.

Based on the length of this trip, we think you could spread out this fun road trip over more than one day.

Road trip: 2 days of driving

With the full itinerary planned out, we can estimate your total travel time for this trip.

Travel time: 14 hours on the road with 1 overnight

Start in New Orleans .

Drive for about 1.5 hours , then stop in Biloxi and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Mobile and stay for 1 hour. Drive for 2.5 hours then stop in Montgomery and stay for 1 hour. Drive for 1.5 hours then stop in Columbus (Georgia) . Stay overnight. The next day, drive for about 1.5 hours , then stop in Atlanta and stay for about 4 hours. Next, drive for another 3 hours then stop in Columbia and stay for 1 hour. Drive for 1.5 hours then stop in Florence (South Carolina) and stay for 1 hour. Finally, drive for about 1.5 hours and arrive in Myrtle Beach .

New Orleans to Myrtle Beach airports and flights

In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline (whether it's first class or coach). So that means we really need to account for all the extra travel time getting to the airport, waiting for our flight, and making it to the destination.

To give you a better estimate of real-life travel, we've put together a flight itinerary with actual airports. Eventually you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports and flights. But for now, here's an example we've selected to give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports.

Departure airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

Arrival airport: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown.

Getting to the airport: 34 minutes

Getting to your destination: 7 minutes

Now finally, let's look at an actual flight from MSY connecting through BOS and arriving at MYR flying on Spirit Airlines. We can figure out how long it would take to fly including take-off and landing, time to taxi on the runways, and an average layover time of about 2 hours.

Initial flight time: 3 hours, 13 minutes

Connecting airport: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Connection flight time: 1 hour, 59 minutes

So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from New Orleans to Myrtle Beach including time spent getting to and from the airports, roughly 2 hours at the departure airport for TSA security lines and waiting at the gate, plus the connecting flight with a 2-hour layover.

Total travel time: 10 hours

Plan a trip to Myrtle Beach

Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Myrtle Beach . Trippy members can suggest things to do in Myrtle Beach like Broadway At the Beach . Check out some of the questions people have asked about Myrtle Beach like What is your favorite restaurant in Myrtle Beach? . Click the button below to explore Myrtle Beach in detail.

How far is it the other way?

The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line (or driving the same roads back and forth). But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences so go ahead and check the reverse directions to get the distance from Myrtle Beach to New Orleans , or go to the main page to calculate the distance between cities .

If you happen to know New Orleans, don't forget to help other travelers and answer some questions about New Orleans!

More info on this route: elevation from New Orleans to Myrtle Beach drive from New Orleans to Myrtle Beach road conditions alternate routes Google driving directions