945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Visit The National WWII Museum for a fascinating collection of more than 250,000 artefacts and 9,000 personal accounts from the war. It’s located quite close to the Mississippi River, next to Harmony Circle, with parking available in the museum’s garage on 1024 Magazine Street, on the left side (it’s a one-way). There are artefacts covering the various military branches of service, including the US Army, Air Force, US Navy, and more – including the Coast Guard. The National WWII Museum is easily one of the best things to do in New Orleans.

205 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Stop by here while you’re in the French Quarter on the famous Bourbon Street for authentic New Orleans cuisine served in a welcoming atmosphere. Regarded as one of the best restaurants in New Orleans, this exceptional eatery is open until late, so you can come here early in the day or well into the evening. Indulge in the likes of starters such as BBQ shrimp, Cajun fries and Louisiana Crabmeat Cakes. The Caesar salad is a menu favorite too, a great side to accompany your meal, with toppings including grilled or blackened chicken and blackened fish. The Cajun pastas include veggie, chicken, shrimp and other options. A quaintly decorated place worth visiting if you find yourself getting hungry in New Orleans.

444 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130

Nestled in the downtown area, just off Canal Street, Lafayette Square and next to Hancock Whitney Center sits the snug InterContinental New Orleans by IHG hotel. The central location means you’ve got easy access to the heart of the city in this contemporary, decorated hotel. There’s valet parking available for New Orleans rental cars, with nearby self-parking options too. Room options include classic and premium, with the Presidential, Junior and One Bedroom suites available as more luxury choices. Considered one of the best hotels in New Orleans, it’s also pet-friendly, meaning you can bring your furry dog friends along for the adventure.

80 miles & 1 hour 15 minutes

Follow the Mississippi River corridor to Baton Rouge. You’ll go past historic sites such as Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site, wetlands including Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area along the I-10 corridor, and river towns such as Donaldsonville and Plaquemine. In Baton Rouge, explore the Louisiana State Capitol, riverfront attractions Mississippi River Levee Path and Riverfront Plaza & City Dock, and a growing food scene known for Cajun and Creole flavors.

144 miles & 2 hours

Travel along the Gulf Coast through bayous such as Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge and De Soto National Forest, marshes like the LaBranche Wetlands, and coastal communities including Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Mobile, Alabama, offers a historic downtown, the USS Alabama battleship, waterfront parks like Cooper Riverside Park, and one of the nation’s oldest Mardi Gras traditions.

347 miles & 5 hours and 10 minutes

Cross Louisiana’s swamps, lakes, and Cajun country before entering Texas. Houston features world-class museums like the Museum of Fine Arts, a diverse culinary scene, professional sports like the NFL’s Texans and NBA’s Rockets, and attractions like Space Center Houston. The perfect blend of culture, science, entertainment, and more.