Louisiana Cajun Country
Head west from New Orleans to explore River Road plantations, swamps, and Tabasco Island.
Perfect for those who have already visited New Orleans or want to add a countryside extension. Spend three nights in Lafayette, exploring the swamps and the Bayou Teche area by day, and listening to Zydeco music by night. The best season for crawfish is spring. A rental car is required as sights are scattered. This itinerary excludes New Orleans proper, so you can easily add 2–3 days there beforehand.
Crawfish season runs from about February to May. Summers are hot, humid, and buggy.
Day by day
Day 1 · River Road Plantations to Lafayette
New Orleans（Oak Alley Plantation） → Acadiana (Cajun Country)（Downtown Lafayette & Parc International、Blue Moon Saloon）
About 45 minutes from the airport to Oak Alley, then another 1.75 hours via Interstate 10 to Lafayette.
Stay: Downtown Lafayette
Day 2 · Swamps and Breaux Bridge
Acadiana (Cajun Country)（Breaux Bridge、Lake Martin、Atchafalaya Basin Swamp Tours）
About 20 minutes from Lafayette to Breaux Bridge, plus another 10 minutes to Lake Martin.
The swamp boat tour takes about two hours; book in advance.
Stay: Downtown Lafayette
Day 3 · Tabasco Island and Bayou Teche
Acadiana (Cajun Country)（Avery Island & Tabasco Factory、Jungle Gardens、Shadows-on-the-Teche、St. Martinville & Evangeline Oak）
About 40 minutes from Lafayette to Avery Island, returning north along Bayou Teche.
Avery Island is private property and charges an admission fee.
Stay: Downtown Lafayette
Day 4 · Vermilionville and Return East
Acadiana (Cajun Country)（Vermilionville）
Visit the historic village in the morning, then drive about 2.25 hours back to New Orleans Airport in the afternoon.
The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge section of Interstate 10 is prone to traffic jams; allow plenty of time.