Las Vegas to New Orleans 2 – A trip from the west of the continent to the shores of the Bay of Mexico, along the southern route – from Las Vegas to New Orleans. This is a route that includes relatively long drives. It’s main anchors in order are: the city of Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Saguaro, White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks, San Antonio, Houston, sites in Louisiana and New Orleans. 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 Las Vegas and spend a few hours in the city
Lodging location: Las Vegas
Day 2 – Drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and travel in the south rim, 2.5 hours drive
(on the way, if you have time – drive a portion of Route 66 and stop at Seligman and/or visit Hoover Dam)
Lodging location: South Rim or Tusayan
Day 3 – Drive to Sedona through HWY 89A and enjoy the day in this beautiful town, 2 hours drive
(on the way to Sedona stop at Slide Rock State Park)
Lodging location: Sedona
Day 4 – Drive Tucson and visit Saguaro National Park, 4 hours drive
(you may divide this day to two days and add a night in Phoenix and add a tubing trip)
Lodging location: Tucson
Day 5 – Enjoy the morning in Saguaro National Park and drive east to New Mexico, 4 hours drive
(on the way you may add a detour to the wild west town of Tombstone)
Lodging location: Las Cruces
Day 6 – Visit White Sands National Park and drive to Carlsbad, 4 hours drive
Lodging location: Carlsbad
Day 7 – 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 8 – Drive to San Antonio (and on the way stop here), 6.5 hours drive
Lodging location: San Antonio
Day 9 – Spend the morning in San Antonio and drive Houston, 3.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Houston
Day 10 – Continue driving east and cross the border to Louisiana, in the afternoon take an Alligator viewing tour in Lake Martin, located near the town Lafayette, 4 hours drive
Lodging location: Lafayette
Day 11 – Drive to New Orleans through the plantations along the Mississippi River (see map here, most recommended: Whitney and Oak Alley Plantations), 3 hours drive
Lodging location: New Orleans
Day 12 – Enjoy the day in New Orleans
Lodging location: New Orleans
Day 13 – Fly Home
– In order to fill this route with content – see our Southwest USA and Southeastern USA destinations pages, where you can find articles that include suggestions what to do in various locations along this route.
