Road trip from Nashville to New Orleans
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Sights & Landmarks
Nightlife
Nature & Parks
Food & Drink
Museums
Concerts & Shows
Fun & Games
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ITINERARY
9h 22m518 miles25 stops
1
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
This 19 acre park in the heart of Nashville serves as a monument to the bicentennial celebration of the State of Tennessee. This park offers plenty of opportunities to learn about the long history of Tennessee while having a great experience in a beautiful green space. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.
2
Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is located at the corner of Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It is designed to bring history to life. It includes a “Tennessee Time Tunnel” chronicling the state’s rich history and leading visitors though the Museum’s permanent collection, a hands-on children’s gallery, six rotating galleries, a state-of-the art digital learning center and a two-story Grand Hall. Exhibitions include significant artifacts related to the state’s history, along with displays of art, furniture, textiles, and photographs produced by Tennesseans. The Museum's Civil War holdings of uniforms, battle flags and weapons are among the finest in the nation.There is no admission charge for visitors. Hours are subject to change. Please check our website at tnmuseum.org for the most up to date information on parking, exhibitions and events.
3
Lane Motor Museum
Lane Motor Museum in Nashville features the largest European collection of cars and motorcycles in the United States. Admission for adults aged 18-64 is $15; Admission for Youths aged 6-17 is $3; Admission for seniors 65+ is $10; Children under 5 are always free. There is plenty of FREE parking.
4
Downtown Murfreesboro
5
Bradley Academy Museum
Originally a school for white males only, the academy was turned over to African-Americans in the early 1900s. This restored National Register building serves as a cultural and heritage museum where visitors can learn about the importance of the United States Colored Troops and the legacy of African-American education in our country. Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am until 4 pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and $1 for children under 12.
6
Earlyworks Museum Complex
Interactive children's museum focused on teaching about Alabama history.
7
Huntsville Botanical Garden
The 118-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, and wetlands, as well as a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections. The Mathews Nature Trail contains the largest accredited trillium collection in the U.S. and the Anderson Education Center is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. The Native Plants Teaching Garden is a public space that highlights the way local plants, soil, pollinators, and birds create distinct communities and how they interact to form a diverse, sustainable, and attractive landscape. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association, the North American Plant Collections Consortium, and the American Horticultural Society, as well as an ArbNet-accredited arboretum.
8
Topgolf
Topgolf features fun and competitive golf games, climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort, a chef-inspired food and drink menu, private spaces for groups of any size, HDTVs to watch the big game and amazing music. There's no fee to come in and enjoy our restaurant, bar & rooftop terrace. For the game, each player pays a one-time fee of $5 and bay costs starting at $25/hr.
9
sojourns
Far trade store specializing in a unique variety of beautiful, hand crafted items, including journals, cards, jewelry, scarves, baskets, home decor, toys and games and much more from 59 countries. Fair trade means no sweat shop labor, child labor or forced labor. Artisans work in humane conditions and are paid fair and living wages. we provide hop and dignity to the world's poorest artisans.
10
McWane Science Center
Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX(R) Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder - from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. The energy and excitement of discovery spring to life through an extensive lineup of science demonstrations performed daily by talented educators. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX(R) Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers.
11
Lou's Pub and Package
12
Birmingham Rage Room
13
ZYDECO
14
Alabama Booksmith
15
Statue of Liberty Replica
Bronze replica measuring one-fifth the size of its sister statue located in New York City.
16
Cigars & More
17
Let's Play
Let’s Play is an indoor soft play center for children aged 0-12 years. We’ve created a kid-friendly indoor environment that is stimulating and enjoyable for your kids. Children enjoy our pirate ship themed soft play structure, shoot foam balls in our cannon area, have a blast climbing their way to the top of our spider web tower and conquer our multi-level and one of a kind obstacle net-course.
18
Villalobos Pitbull Rescue Center
19
Crescent Park
20
Palm Court Jazz Cafe
A stylish jazz spot in the French Quarter, which serves Cajun and Creole dishes.
21
The Presbytere
The Presbytere was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, alongside St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. It stands today as a beautiful reminder of both Louisiana's singular past and its vibrant present.The Presbytere, originally called Casa Curial or "Ecclesiastical House," was built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. The building was used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse. In 1911, it became part of the Louisiana State Museum. Two exhibitions are on display-"Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond" tells of rescue, rebuilding and renewal, and "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana" captures the fun and fantasy of the annual celebration.
22
New Orleans School of Cooking
We teach the basics of Louisiana Cooking in a way you’ll never forget. Fun is a primary ingredient in our kitchen! Our Cajun / Creole experts teach New Orleans specialties such as Gumbo, Jambalaya and Pralines, seasoning them with history, trivia and tall tales! We offer demonstration classes and hands-on classes daily! DEMONSTRATION CLASS: Watch, learn & eat! Sit back and enjoy watching our skilled, entertaining chefs prepare a classic Cajun / Creole meal for you while learning about the vibrant history of New Orleans cuisine - enjoy all the demonstrated items, as well as local Abita beer with your meal! HANDS ON CLASS: Cook & eat an authentic Louisiana meal! In this highly interactive class, our guests prepare a complete dinner with one of our expert chefs, and afterwards they are able to sit down and enjoy the meal they have just created. Served with red & white wine.
23
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Nature reserve, consisting of several sections, preserves significant examples of the natural and cultural resources of the Mississippi Delta region.
24
The Courtyard Brewery
New Orleans' first nanobrewery serves handcrafted, small-batch beers made on site as well as specialty draught from around the world.
25
Tulane University
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee·
4.5
(969) review
This 19 acre park in the heart of Nashville serves as a monument to the bicentennial celebration of the State of Tennessee. This park offers plenty of opportunities to learn about the long history of Tennessee while having a great experience in a beautiful green space. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website.
2
Start:Tennessee State Museum
Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee·
4.5
(997) review
The Tennessee State Museum is located at the corner of Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It is designed to bring history to life. It includes a “Tennessee Time Tunnel” chronicling the state’s rich history and leading visitors though the Museum’s permanent collection, a hands-on children’s gallery, six rotating galleries, a state-of-the art digital learning center and a two-story Grand Hall. Exhibitions include significant artifacts related to the state’s history, along with displays of art, furniture, textiles, and photographs produced by Tennesseans. The Museum's Civil War holdings of uniforms, battle flags and weapons are among the finest in the nation.There is no admission charge for visitors. Hours are subject to change. Please check our website at tnmuseum.org for the most up to date information on parking, exhibitions and events.
3
Start:Lane Motor Museum
Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee·
4.5
(971) review
Lane Motor Museum in Nashville features the largest European collection of cars and motorcycles in the United States. Admission for adults aged 18-64 is $15; Admission for Youths aged 6-17 is $3; Admission for seniors 65+ is $10; Children under 5 are always free. There is plenty of FREE parking.
4
Start:Downtown Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro, Tennessee·
4.5
(9) review
Murfreesboro, TN
5
Start:Bradley Academy Museum
Murfreesboro, Tennessee·
5.0
(9) review
Originally a school for white males only, the academy was turned over to African-Americans in the early 1900s. This restored National Register building serves as a cultural and heritage museum where visitors can learn about the importance of the United States Colored Troops and the legacy of African-American education in our country. Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am until 4 pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and $1 for children under 12.
6
Start:Earlyworks Museum Complex
Huntsville, Alabama·
4.0
(92) review
Interactive children's museum focused on teaching about Alabama history.
7
Start:Huntsville Botanical Garden
Huntsville, Alabama·
4.5
(912) review
The 118-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, and wetlands, as well as a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections. The Mathews Nature Trail contains the largest accredited trillium collection in the U.S. and the Anderson Education Center is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. The Native Plants Teaching Garden is a public space that highlights the way local plants, soil, pollinators, and birds create distinct communities and how they interact to form a diverse, sustainable, and attractive landscape. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association, the North American Plant Collections Consortium, and the American Horticultural Society, as well as an ArbNet-accredited arboretum.
8
Start:Topgolf
Birmingham, Alabama·
4.0
(80) review
Topgolf features fun and competitive golf games, climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort, a chef-inspired food and drink menu, private spaces for groups of any size, HDTVs to watch the big game and amazing music. There's no fee to come in and enjoy our restaurant, bar & rooftop terrace. For the game, each player pays a one-time fee of $5 and bay costs starting at $25/hr.
9
Start:sojourns
Birmingham, Alabama·
5.0
(8) review
Far trade store specializing in a unique variety of beautiful, hand crafted items, including journals, cards, jewelry, scarves, baskets, home decor, toys and games and much more from 59 countries. Fair trade means no sweat shop labor, child labor or forced labor. Artisans work in humane conditions and are paid fair and living wages. we provide hop and dignity to the world's poorest artisans.
10
Start:McWane Science Center
Birmingham, Alabama·
4.5
(963) review
Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX(R) Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder - from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. The energy and excitement of discovery spring to life through an extensive lineup of science demonstrations performed daily by talented educators. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX(R) Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers.
11
Start:Lou's Pub and Package
Birmingham, Alabama·
5.0
(9) review
726 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233-2810
12
Start:Birmingham Rage Room
Birmingham, Alabama·
5.0
(8) review
2617 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233-2605
13
Start:ZYDECO
Birmingham, Alabama·
2.5
(9) review
2001 15th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205-3811
14
Start:Alabama Booksmith
Birmingham, Alabama·
5.0
(8) review
2626 19th Pl S, Birmingham, AL 35209-1918
15
Start:Statue of Liberty Replica
Birmingham, Alabama·
4.0
(97) review
Bronze replica measuring one-fifth the size of its sister statue located in New York City.
16
Start:Cigars & More
Birmingham, Alabama·
4.5
(7) review
4647 Highway 280, Birmingham, AL 35242-5089
17
Start:Let's Play
Birmingham, Alabama·
3.5
(8) review
Let’s Play is an indoor soft play center for children aged 0-12 years. We’ve created a kid-friendly indoor environment that is stimulating and enjoyable for your kids. Children enjoy our pirate ship themed soft play structure, shoot foam balls in our cannon area, have a blast climbing their way to the top of our spider web tower and conquer our multi-level and one of a kind obstacle net-course.
18
Start:Villalobos Pitbull Rescue Center
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(97) review
4525 N Galvez St, New Orleans, LA 70117-4628
19
Start:Crescent Park
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(95) review
Piety St. at Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70117
20
Start:Palm Court Jazz Cafe
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(99) review
A stylish jazz spot in the French Quarter, which serves Cajun and Creole dishes.
21
Start:The Presbytere
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(999) review
The Presbytere was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, alongside St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. It stands today as a beautiful reminder of both Louisiana's singular past and its vibrant present.The Presbytere, originally called Casa Curial or "Ecclesiastical House," was built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. The building was used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse. In 1911, it became part of the Louisiana State Museum. Two exhibitions are on display-"Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond" tells of rescue, rebuilding and renewal, and "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana" captures the fun and fantasy of the annual celebration.
22
Start:New Orleans School of Cooking
New Orleans, Louisiana·
5.0
(9878) review
We teach the basics of Louisiana Cooking in a way you’ll never forget. Fun is a primary ingredient in our kitchen! Our Cajun / Creole experts teach New Orleans specialties such as Gumbo, Jambalaya and Pralines, seasoning them with history, trivia and tall tales! We offer demonstration classes and hands-on classes daily! DEMONSTRATION CLASS: Watch, learn & eat! Sit back and enjoy watching our skilled, entertaining chefs prepare a classic Cajun / Creole meal for you while learning about the vibrant history of New Orleans cuisine - enjoy all the demonstrated items, as well as local Abita beer with your meal! HANDS ON CLASS: Cook & eat an authentic Louisiana meal! In this highly interactive class, our guests prepare a complete dinner with one of our expert chefs, and afterwards they are able to sit down and enjoy the meal they have just created. Served with red & white wine.
23
Start:Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(999) review
Nature reserve, consisting of several sections, preserves significant examples of the natural and cultural resources of the Mississippi Delta region.
24
Start:The Courtyard Brewery
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(98) review
New Orleans' first nanobrewery serves handcrafted, small-batch beers made on site as well as specialty draught from around the world.
25
Start:Tulane University
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(97) review
6823 Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118-5698
CHECKLIST
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Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Nashville and New Orleans?
The distance is 518 miles
What's the travel time between Nashville and New Orleans?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 9h 22m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Nashville and New Orleans?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to New Orleans?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to New Orleans
What’s the weather like in New Orleans?
The weather in New Orleans is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in New Orleans in January
Weather in New Orleans in February
Weather in New Orleans in March
Weather in New Orleans in April
Weather in New Orleans in May
Weather in New Orleans in June
Weather in New Orleans in July
Weather in New Orleans in August
Weather in New Orleans in September
Weather in New Orleans in October
Weather in New Orleans in November
Weather in New Orleans in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in New Orleans?
Plan your dream New Orleans trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in New Orleans
A 2-day itinerary in New Orleans
A 3-day itinerary in New Orleans
A 4-day itinerary in New Orleans
A 5-day itinerary in New Orleans
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Nashville?
We have a lot of great trip options for Nashville! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you