Road Trip From New Orleans To Los Angeles

A road trip of about 1,900 miles from New Orleans to Los Angeles, which extends from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean, will take you 29 hours to complete.

A road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles will take you through several states. These are Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of California, respectively. You will also cross three time zones as you traverse the prairies, deserts, and mountains.

On a road trip, you will be exposed to many unknown experiences. Read the entire post to enjoy the adventurous trip and learn about unknown facts.

A Road Trip From New Orleans To Los Angeles: How Far Is It, How Long Will It Take To Get There & What Is The Best Route?

This epic road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles offers endless possibilities along the way, so proper planning is required before embarking on such a trip. 

Knowing the distance and how long it will take to complete the journey is essential before starting the trip. A road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles is about 1,960 miles. Depending on the route and traffic conditions, this trip may take 29 hours or a little longer. 

Some popular routes include the I-10 to Los Angeles or the I-20 through Texas before returning to the I-10. Regardless of your route, you’ll experience plenty of adventure on this trip.

Best Places To Stop On A Road Trip From New Orleans To Los Angeles

Taking a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles is an adventure filled with stunning scenery and excitement. 

Consider a stopover in Houston, Texas, to make your trip more memorable. This city has something for every traveler, from world-famous museums to delicious barbecue joints. 

Then head to El Paso, where you’ll find a rich Mexican and American culture mix. It’s the perfect place to sample authentic Tex-Mex cuisine and learn about the city’s fascinating history. 

Finally, you can make your final stop in Phoenix, Arizona, where you can explore the beautiful Sonoran Desert and enjoy the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. 

We chose These three destinations on a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles. They are unforgettable places that you can visit.

Houston

Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States, is a must-see destination on a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles. This vibrant city is full of cultural attractions, world-class museums, and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine.

Space Center Houston is one of the best places to stop. Visitors can explore NASA’s Johnson Space Center and see a real space shuttle. The famous fine arts museum displays an impressive collection of art worldwide.

To taste Houston’s local culture, visit Montrose’s historic district, known for its trendy art galleries, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife. No matter your interests, road trip adventures in Houston have much to offer everyone.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Houston – The Lancaster Hotel

Are you looking for the perfect place to stay in Houston? Then Lancaster Hotel is the best hotel for you. This historic boutique hotel is located in the heart of Houston and offers guests luxurious accommodations and exceptional service.

From entering the lobby, this hotel transports you to a time of classic elegance and sophistication. The Lancaster Hotel has 93 stylishly appointed guest rooms and suites, each with all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

When you’re ready to explore Houston, the hotel’s central location is within walking distance of some of the city’s best attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. So book your stay at Lancaster Hotel and enjoy yourself in Houston.

El Paso

El Paso is located at the westernmost tip of Texas. It is one of the best places to stop on a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles. El Paso is rich in historical heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery. It offers visitors countless exciting sights and experiences. 

These range from hiking in the Franklin Mountains to exploring the city’s Spanish colonial architecture. Another must-see attraction is the National Border Patrol Museum, which demonstrates the history of border control and the challenges facing the US-Mexico border region. 

Another great stop is the El Paso Museum of Art, which has an impressive collection of American, Mexican, and European art from ancient to modern times. 

Finally, only a trip to El Paso would be complete with indulging in the city’s famous Tex-Mex cuisine.

Best Hotel To Stay At In El Paso – The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park

The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park is a luxurious and historic place to stay during your visit to El Paso. Initially built in the 1930s, the hotel uniquely blends old-world charm and modern amenities. 

Which completely restores their former glory. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, this hotel offers guests spacious rooms and fine dining. It also helps you enjoy an unbeatable location in the heart of downtown El Paso. 

With its iconic rooftop terrace and stunning views of the Franklin Mountains, The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park is truly the best choice for a stay in El Paso.

Phoenix

Phoenix must be added to your itinerary when planning a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles. This vibrant city in the heart of Arizona is full of activity and attractions, perfect for both families and solo travelers.

You can explore the natural parks, hike in the surrounding mountains, indulge in delicious Southwestern cuisine, and attend cultural events.

Phoenix offers a different road trip experience for everyone. Popular places like the Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum, and the Phoenix Zoo play an important role in enjoying the city’s rich history and natural beauty.

So, Phoenix is ​​the ideal destination for a memorable road trip adventure.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Phoenix – JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

If you are looking for places to stay in Phoenix, the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa must be at the top of your list. This luxury resort boasts a stunning location in the Sonoran Desert.

This hotel offers spacious and luxurious rooms, modern amenities, and easy access to top golf courses, shopping, dining, and outdoor activities. It also offers many amenities, including stunning desert views. But the real highlight of the resort is the incredible on-site spa, which offers a wide range of relaxing and revitalizing treatments.

So, if you’re looking for the ultimate place to unwind during your road trip, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa should be at the top of your list.

Best Time For A Road Trip From New Orleans To Los Angeles

If you’re planning a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles, time plays an important role. The best time for a road trip depends on your preference and the weather you are willing to endure.

However, the ideal time to embark on this adventure is March to May or September to November when temperatures are mild and crowds are less. During these months, you will enjoy the scenery without extreme heat or cold.

Spring is perfect for those who want to see the beautiful wildflower blooms along the iconic Route 66. On the other hand, autumn offers a pleasant view of the changing colors of the leaves, and the crowded tourist spots are less congested.

Ultimately, the best time to take a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles is when the conditions suit your liking.

Top Attractions On A Road Trip From New Orleans To Los Angeles

A road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles is a great adventure with amazing sights and experiences. As you travel west, you will encounter several top attractions that will make your trip unforgettable.

Below is a discussion of some of the top attractions on a New Orleans to Los Angeles road trip so that you can enjoy the journey beautifully.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Located in Louisiana, Baton Rouge is a great destination for a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles. From historical landmarks to cultural hotspots, this city has something new to offer everyone.

The Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest capitol building in the United States, offers breathtaking views from its observation deck. You can immerse yourself in centuries of history at the site by exploring the World War II destroyer USS KIDD. You can also learn about Louisiana State University at the Rural Life Museum and Windrush Gardens.

It is home to the famous Parin’s Seafood Restaurant and Tony’s Seafood Market. A trip to Baton Rouge is incomplete without many local foods. So enjoy your enchanting trip by adding Baton Rouge to your road trip itinerary.

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

If you want to experience beauty during a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles, the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge should be on the list of top attractions.

This refuge is a stunning natural oasis spanning 15,000 acres in South Louisiana. The Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge is home to many animals, including American alligators, waterfowl, and endangered species like the Louisiana black bear.

The refuge offers a beautiful backdrop for hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and boating. Apart from its stunning natural beauty, Atchafal also has some interesting cultural roots. It was once home to the Atakapa-Ishak Indians, who lived off the land.

Visiting this sanctuary is a beautiful opportunity to experience nature in its purest form and learn about the region’s rich history.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas, is a must-see on a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles. It offers a variety of top attractions that will captivate any traveler. San Antonio has a rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.

One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Alamo, which played an essential role in the Texas Revolution. For those looking to explore the great outdoors, the San Antonio River Walk is a scenic trail that winds through downtown and offers plenty of hiking, biking, and boating opportunities.

No trip to San Antonio is complete without indulging in authentic Tex-Mex cuisine at one of the city’s many renowned restaurants. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, San Antonio will make an ideal destination for your adventure.

Fort Stockton

Fort Stockton is a nice stop on a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles. This charming town in West Texas has a rich history and several top attractions no traveler wants to miss.

Start with a visit to the Fort Stockton Historic Site. This was once a frontier military post that played an essential role in protecting travelers and traders along the San Antonio-El Paso Road.

The site contains several original buildings from the 1850s, including guardhouses, barracks, and officers’ quarters. From there, visit the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion to learn more about the city’s pioneer days and vibrant cultural heritage.

If you enjoy quirky roadside attractions, stop by Paisano Pit, the world’s most giant roadrunner statue, which is 11 feet long and weighs two tons. There are many things to enjoy in Fort Stockton, making your visit even more enjoyable.

It is a popular stopover for travelers on a cross-country trip.

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Las Cruces, New Mexico, is an exciting destination on any road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles. This vibrant city is located in the heart of the Mesilla Valley.

It is recognized for its diverse history, exceptional scenery and contemporary amenities. Stroll through the charming Old Mesilla Plaza, where you’ll find boutique shops and feasts of authentic Mexican cuisine.

Visit the world-famous White Sands National Park, where you can immerse yourself in the surreal landscape of gypsum dunes and crystal-clear skies.

For history buffs, the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s agricultural past.

Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Las Cruces has plenty to appeal to everyone on your road trip.

White Sands National Park

If you’re planning a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles, White Sands National Park can enhance your travel experience. This stunning natural wonder in southern New Mexico consists of over 275 square miles of pure white gypsum sand dunes, which you can enjoy very nicely.

White Sands stands as the world’s most extensive gypsum dune field. You can walk, hike, sled, or even camp on the dunes here.

The park offers several trails and picnic areas to explore and enjoy the pristine beauty of the white sands and surrounding desert landscape.

You can capture incredible views of the dunes, especially at sunset, to keep as a memory. White Sands National Park is an unforgettable destination that will enhance the enjoyment of your road trip.

Tucson, Arizona

In southern Arizona, Tucson is a scenic and culture-rich destination worth enjoying on any road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles.

With a vibrant downtown filled with restaurants and shops, visitors can immerse themselves in the local arts scene and enjoy authentic Southwestern cuisine.

Tucson is home to Saguaro National Park, where nature enthusiasts can marvel at the giant cacti that dot the landscape. Another must-see attraction is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, where visitors can learn about the diverse wildlife of the Sonoran Desert.

And for a spooky thrill, brave souls can explore the haunted Hotel Congress, a historic landmark that has played an essential role in American history.

Enlisting your road trip to Tucson can multiply your travel enjoyment for a memorable and educational adventure.

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park can multiply the enjoyment of any road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles. This stunning park is located just outside the city of Tucson, Arizona, and is home to some truly breathtaking scenery.

It is named after the saguaro cactus, which can reach heights of up to 60 feet and live for over 200 years. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the scenic loop drive, which takes visitors through miles of stunning desert landscape with giant cacti.

Hiking is a popular activity in the park, with several trails winding through the wilderness and offering incredible views. Whether you’re a nature lover or want to experience the American Southwest’s best sights, a stop at Saguaro National Park is not to be missed.

Colorado River Indian Reservation

If you’re planning a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles, you must consider a stop at the Colorado River Indian Reservation.

Located along the lower Colorado River in Arizona, the reservation covers over 300,000 acres and is home to four distinct tribes: the Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi, and Navajo.

The reservation boasts many unique attractions, such as the Bluewater Resort and Casino, which has a large gaming floor and a beautiful waterfront view.

Another must-see is La Paz County Park, which offers scenic views of the Colorado River and is an excellent place for fishing and water sports.

Additionally, visitors can learn about the history and culture of Native American tribes by visiting the Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum and the nearby Parker Indian Health Center.

So, to experience a rich blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, visit the Colorado River Indian Reservation to your travel itinerary.

Read More: Road Trip From Nashville To Washington D.C.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park can enhance any New Orleans to Los Angeles road trip. This vast wilderness area spans over 790,000 acres and showcases a rugged landscape brimming with natural beauty.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from hiking and rock climbing to camping and stargazing. The park is famous for its distinctive Joshua trees, a unique type of yucca tree that bends and sways in an eerie yet beautiful way. Seeing these remarkable trees up close is a surreal experience you will remember for a long time.

As you explore the park, you’ll encounter spectacular rock formations, hidden canyons, and stunning vistas that characterize the Mojave and Colorado deserts. Whether you’re a nature lover or looking for a unique experience on your road trip, you will be satisfied with a visit to Joshua Tree National Park.

Read More: Road Trip From San Francisco To Yellowstone National Park

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from New Orleans to Los Angeles is not just a trip across the country but an exploration through time and culture. Covering more than 1900 miles, this route offers unforgettable experiences that will make you appreciate our country’s diversity and uniqueness.

From indulging in delicious Cajun cuisine to marveling at the majesty of the Grand Canyon, this road trip has plenty to enjoy for everyone. Whether you want to explore big cities or small towns, immerse yourself in nature, or seek out quirky roadside attractions, this ride has it all.

You won’t regret embarking on this epic adventure from New Orleans to Los Angeles!