visiting outside of NOLA - places to go

Question

We have 4-5 days and rental car, land in NOLA and return there for second half of trip. We're planning to drive to Natchez and then from there trying to decide where to go. On my radar are

- lafayette

Beaux bridge

- st francisville

- swamp boat tour maybe with cajuncountry

We're there over new year's eve wondering if we have to book in advance - we dont care if we end up in a motel just want some flexibility. Interested in good food and good music. We have a 20 yr old with us will he have problems getting into some venues? All advice welcome

Answer

With 4–5 days and a rental car, you have a nice amount of flexibility to explore Louisiana beyond New Orleans. Starting with Natchez, you’re already on a route with rich history, beautiful antebellum architecture, and scenic river views.

Here’s how you might consider planning your trip and what to expect at each location:

Natchez: Spend some time exploring the historic homes and downtown area. Walking tours are informative, and the riverfront area offers nice views. Food options include classic Southern cuisine.
Lafayette: About a 3–4 hour drive from Natchez. Known for Cajun and Creole culture, music, and food. Consider visiting Vermilionville Historic Village or local music venues for live zydeco or Cajun music. Many restaurants and cafes are family-friendly and welcoming to younger adults.
Beau’s Bridge (likely referring to St. Martinville/Beau's area): This area offers a quieter, more authentic Cajun experience. Great for small-town charm, Cajun food, and some local cultural spots.
St. Francisville: About 2 hours from Baton Rouge. Known for historic plantations, gardens, and charming downtown. Excellent for scenic drives and walking tours. Food options are more laid-back but include good Southern cuisine.
Swamp tour: A swamp or bayou tour with companies like Cajun Country Swamp Tours is highly recommended. Tours typically last 1–2 hours and give a great introduction to Louisiana wildlife and landscapes. Many are family-friendly and allow all ages.

New Year’s Eve considerations:

Some restaurants and music venues may require reservations, especially in larger towns like Lafayette or Baton Rouge. For smaller towns, walk-ins are often possible.
Many live music venues in Louisiana are 21+ for alcohol service, so a 20-year-old may be limited at some bars or clubs. However, daytime or early evening shows, restaurants with live music, and family-friendly events are generally accessible.
Motels and inns may fill up quickly over the holiday, so while flexibility is possible, having at least one night booked in advance for New Year’s Eve can reduce stress.

Additional tips:

Plan your route to minimize backtracking; a loop from NOLA to Natchez, then Lafayette/Beaux Bridge, and back toward St. Francisville before returning to NOLA works well.
Prioritize live music experiences in the evenings but check age restrictions in advance. For good food, local Cajun restaurants, seafood spots, and historic diners are excellent choices.
Drive times can be longer than expected, so allow for flexibility and stops along the way for scenic views or quick bites.

Overall, with your timeframe, you can comfortably explore Natchez, Lafayette, and St. Francisville with one or two swamp experiences, enjoy local music and food, and have a memorable New Year’s celebration without being overly rigid about accommodations.

visiting outside of NOLA - places to go

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