New Orleans to Los Angeles 1 – A trip from the shores of the Bay of Mexico to the Pacific coast, along the southern route – from New Orleans to Los Angeles . This is a route that includes relatively long drives. It’s main anchors in order are: sites in Louisiana and New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains, White Sands and Saguaro National Parks, Sedona, the Grand Canyon and the city of Los Angeles. Some important things to take under consideration: although it is possible to travel in this route in the winter months, in some areas winter months may be cold and even snowy; in June-October there may be hurricanes along this route (in Texas, Louisiana and New Orleans), the peak of the hurricane season is usually in September. It is possible to travel in this route during these months, but it is advised to be up to date regarding the forecast; in summer it is very hot and very humid along this route; spring is the most recommended season for this trip.
Day 1 – Land in New Orleans and spend a few hours in the city
Lodging location: New Orleans
Day 2 – Enjoy the day in New Orleans
Lodging location: New Orleans
Day 3 – Drive to west to Lafayette through the plantations along the Mississippi River (see map here, most recommended: Whitney and Oak Alley Plantations), 3 hours drive
Lodging location: Lafayette
Day 4 – Take an Alligator viewing tour in Lake Martin, located near the town Lafayette and continue driving west and cross the border to Texas, 4 hours drive
Lodging location: Houston
Day 5 – Visit the Houston Space Center and drive to San Antonio, 3.5 hours drive
(another great attraction near Houston is Lago Mar)
Lodging location: San Antonio
Day 6 – Visit San Antonio
Lodging location: San Antonio
Day 7 – Drive west to Carlsbad (and on the way stop here), 6.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Carlsbad
Day 8 – Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park (and if you have time also visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park), less than 1 hour drive in each direction
Lodging location: Carlsbad
Day 9 – Drive to White Sands National Park and visit the park, 4 hours drive
Lodging location: Las Cruces
Day 10 – Drive west to Arizona, 4 hours drive
(on the way you may add a detour to the wild west town of Tombstone)
Lodging location: Tucson
Day 11 – Visit Saguaro National Park, less than 1 hour drive in each direction
(you may divide this day to two days and add a night in Phoenix and add a tubing trip)
Lodging location: Tucson
Day 12 – Drive to Sedona and spend the afternoon in town, 2 hours drive
(you may divide this day to two days and add a night in Phoenix and add a tubing trip)
Lodging location: Sedona
Day 13 – Drive north to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon through HWY 89A and spend the afternoon in the park, 2 hours drive
(on the way to Sedona stop at Slide Rock State Park)
Lodging location: South Rim or Tusayan
Day 14 – Spend the morning in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and travel west to Kingman 2.5 hours drive
(on the way, if you have time – drive a portion of Route 66 and stop at Seligman)
Lodging location: Kingman
Day 15 – Drive to Los Angeles and spend the afternoon in the city, 5 hours drive
(on the way stop at Barstaw’s outlet or at Calico’s or Oatman’s ghost towns)
Lodging location: Hollywood or Santa Monica or Venice Beach
Day 16 – Spend the day in Los Angeles or visit Universal Studios
Lodging location: Hollywood or Santa Monica or Venice Beach
Day 17 – Fly Home
– In order to fill this route with content – see our California and Southwest USA and Southeastern USA destinations pages, where you can find articles that include suggestions what to do in various locations along this route.
