9 of the Best Weekend Getaways from New Orleans

The capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is a great place to learn about the state and the people who call it home. The city's museums, such as the Capitol Park Museum – Louisiana State Museum and the LSU Rural Life Museum, are certainly highlights, but this culture-rich city on the banks of the Mississippi River offers plenty more, from great restaurants showcasing Cajun and Creole fare to historic buildings, such as the Louisiana State Capitol and Louisiana's Old State Capitol.

Natchitoches is about a 4-hour drive from New Orleans, making it a little too far for a day tour, but perfect for a New Orleans weekend escape. It's also a great destination for history buffs, owing largely to its 33-block National Historic Landmark District that features an abundance of historic homes and museums, not to mention some great shopping. For a truly vintage experience, if you're interested in local history you can head to the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store, the oldest general store in Louisiana.

In the heart of Louisiana's Cajun Country, Lafayette is a must-visit destination for foodies—a culinary bus tour will give you a good introduction. This historical city on the banks of the Vermilion River is famous for its local treats, such as jambalaya and po'boys. Other must-sees include Vermilionville, a living history museum full of reproductions of historic homes and buildings, and Lake Martin Rookery, which is a must-see for birdwatchers.

Did you know?: The neighboring town of Scott, Louisiana hosts the Scott Boudin Festival every spring, which is a fantastic place to try out the state's famous boudin sausage.

Although Grand Isle is only a 2-hour drive south of New Orleans, it feels very much like another world. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, it's the only one of Louisiana's barrier islands to be inhabited, which means you'll find a good variety of hotels and seafood restaurants here. The main draws are fishing and birdwatching, but you don't have to be into either activity to enjoy a visit to the island. In fact, the beaches alone make it worth spending a weekend here, and it's a great spot to beachcomb while taking in the fresh ocean air.

About a 3-hour drive west of New Orleans, Lake Charles makes for one of the best trips from New Orleans if you’re looking for a little bit of everything. It's known for its many casinos as well as its huge variety of festivals, meaning there’s usually something going on if you visit during a weekend. For many visitors, a stop at the Charpentier Historic District is a big highlight—this historic area consists of around 20 blocks of historical homes, many from the late Victorian era.

Insider tip: If you want to celebrate Mardi Gras like a local, skip New Orleans and head for the festivities in Lake Charles instead.

Architecture buffs and travelers looking for a romantic getaway from New Orleans won’t want to miss the city of Natchez, situated across the border in Mississippi. This charming town set above the Mississippi River offers a relaxing atmosphere for a laid-back getaway for couples, with great shopping, dining, and hotels to boot. Natchez is best known for its historic homes, from the stately Greek revival–style Stanton Hall to the octagonal mansion of Longwood, also known as Nutt's Folly. St. Mary Basilica is another must-see for its beautiful Gothic revival interiors, complete with ornate stained-glass windows.

On the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, the beach town of Biloxi has long been known for its sandy shores and abundance of things to do. Gambling is a popular activity here, and Biloxi's plentiful casinos have earned it the nickname “Vegas of the South.” Aside from chancing your luck, know that the city's waterfront makes it the perfect place to spend the weekend swimming or sunbathing. However, history buffs should also take note: Biloxi also houses Beauvoir, the former home of Jefferson Davis, who was president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.

On the Alabama coast, Mobile is a charming city celebrated for its lovely architecture, interesting museums, and rich cultural traditions. Must-sees include Dauphin Street, a historical strip known for its great bars and restaurants, and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, where you can peek at real World War II battleships, planes, and even a submarine. It's also a great spot to learn about African-American history, particularly at the Africatown Heritage House.

Did you know?: Mobile had a Mardi Gras celebration before New Orleans ever did, making it the unofficial birthplace of the American Mardi Gras tradition.

Although getting to Houston for the weekend takes a fair bit of time behind the wheel (around five hours, to be precise), it’s well worth the drive to visit this famously fun city. NASA’s Space Center Houston alone is reason enough to visit (particularly for families), but there's plenty more to experience here for travelers of all stripes.

You can easily devote an entire weekend to visiting the Houston Museum District, where most of the city's key museums and galleries are situated, or simply spend your time sampling the city's famous Tex-Mex and barbecue fare, either on a food tour or as you explore the city at your own pace.