Where
we will be leaving canal street in New orleans..our plan...drive to Avery Island...tour the tabasco and outdoor gardens...check out Lafayette....maybe do lunch at Johnson's Boucaniere restaurant...then on to Houma for dinner at our Pal's place..Cajun Critters..then the short drive back to our hotel off Canal Street.....we do love BBQ shrimp and fedfish...so in Lafayette..and suggestions...and is it too much driving..we only have the day...crescent city fest friday..thanks to all
Your plan for a one-day road trip from New Orleans to Avery Island, Lafayette, and Houma is ambitious but doable if you start early and don’t linger too long at each stop. The total driving distance is roughly 250–270 miles round trip, which translates to about 5–6 hours of driving without accounting for stops. Since you’ll want to tour Avery Island, enjoy lunch in Lafayette, and have dinner in Houma, it will make for a long but scenic day immersed in Cajun culture and cuisine.
Here’s a suggested breakdown of your day:
- Depart from Canal Street early: Aim for 7–7:30 AM to maximize daylight and sightseeing.
- Avery Island: Tour the Tabasco factory and the Jungle Gardens. Give yourself around 1.5–2 hours. The gardens are beautiful and the factory tour is quick but informative.
- Lunch in Lafayette: Johnson’s Boucanière is a good choice for authentic Cajun flavors. If you want to focus on seafood, they often have local favorites including fried shrimp and redfish dishes. Alternative options for BBQ shrimp or fresh local seafood in Lafayette include:
- Prejean’s Restaurant – Cajun classics and seafood specialties
- Randol’s – Known for catfish, shrimp, and gumbo
- Café Vermilionville – Casual Cajun fare, quick service
- Drive to Houma: This leg is about 1–1.5 hours. Dinner at Cajun Critters is a great choice if you love shrimp specials. They are casual, authentic, and well-regarded by locals.
- Return to New Orleans: About a 1.5–2 hour drive back to your hotel off Canal Street. Expect some light traffic as you near the city.
Tips and considerations:
- This schedule involves a lot of driving, so be prepared for a full day (expect 12–13 hours including stops and meals).
- Try to minimize lingering too long at each location to stay on track.
- Snacks, water, and comfortable shoes for walking at Avery Island and Lafayette will make the day easier.
- Crescent City Fest the following day means you might be tired, so consider an early night upon returning to New Orleans.
Overall, the trip is feasible for a one-day adventure and will give you a taste of Cajun culture, cuisine, and scenery, but it is definitely a long day with extensive driving.
