New Orleans to Memphis Road Trip Overview
This Southern road trip takes you from the festive streets of New Orleans to the music-rich city of Memphis, linking together some of the most memorable destinations in Louisiana and Mississippi. Begin in New Orleans, where jazz, Creole flavors, and historic neighborhoods create an unforgettable start. Continue to Baton Rouge for river views, state history, and a lively local food scene, then head to Natchez, a charming Mississippi River town known for its grand historic homes and atmospheric streets.
As the journey continues, Vicksburg adds a powerful historical dimension with its Civil War landmarks and riverfront setting. Jackson offers important cultural stops, especially for travelers interested in museums, civil rights history, and Mississippi arts. Farther north, Tupelo brings a lighter musical stop with its connection to Elvis Presley and small-city Southern charm. The trip concludes in Memphis, where barbecue, blues, soul, and rock and roll come together in one of America’s great music capitals.
Along the way, this itinerary blends history, architecture, regional cuisine, and iconic music heritage into one rewarding drive. It is an ideal route for travelers who want to experience the depth of the Deep South through scenic roads, meaningful landmarks, and cities with strong local character.
Recommended Activities
- 1
New Orleans, LA
Known for its vibrant music scene, unique Creole cuisine, and historic architecture, New Orleans offers a rich cultural experience with events like Mardi Gras and places like the French Quarter. - 2
Baton Rouge, LA
As Louisiana's capital, Baton Rouge features a blend of political history and cultural attractions, including the beautiful State Capitol building and the lively riverfront area. - 3
Natchez, MS
Situated along the Mississippi River, Natchez is known for its well-preserved antebellum homes and historic sites, offering a glimpse into the Old South's history and architecture. - 4
Vicksburg, MS
Vicksburg is famous for its significant Civil War history, highlighted by the Vicksburg National Military Park, which offers visitors a chance to explore preserved battlefields and learn about the Siege of Vicksburg. - 5
Jackson, MS
As Mississippi's capital, Jackson boasts a diverse array of museums, such as the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, enriching visitors with its deep historical and cultural narratives. - 6
Tupelo, MS
Tupelo is best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and visitors can explore his childhood home and museum to learn more about the King of Rock 'n' Roll. - 7
Memphis, TN
Memphis is renowned for its influential music history, being home to iconic locations like Graceland, Sun Studio, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, as well as its famous barbecue cuisine.
Restaurants
The Carousel Bar & Lounge - New Orleans, LA
Located in New Orleans, this bar is famous for its slowly rotating carousel, offering unique ambiance while enjoying classic cocktails.The Chimes Restaurant & Tap Room
Situated in Baton Rouge, this restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive beer selection, featuring Southern classics with a twist.$$$$Mammy's Cupboard
Just outside Natchez, this quirky restaurant is housed in a giant mammy-shaped building, offering Southern comfort food beneath the innovative structure.Rusty's Riverfront Grill
Located in Vicksburg, this spot combines casual dining with a view of the Mississippi River, known for its fresh seafood and relaxed vibe.$$$$The Neon Pig Cafe
In Tupelo, this eatery offers a unique take on burgers, famed for its Smash Burger made from fresh local ingredients and served in a vibrant setting.$$$$
Hotels
Local Events & Happenings
Tre Floyd's Black Girl Therapy - A Stage Play
Every girl has a number. Do you know yours? Six black girls, strangers to each other, go to a group therapy session. They may be strangers going in but they'll never be the same coming out. The therapist has each girl to choose her number which will ...
Desi Banks: Your Favorite Cousin
The event will take place at Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson.
Ali Siddiq: The Custom Fit Tour
The event will take place at Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson.
United in Song: A Mississippi America250 Celebration
America250 Mississippi Commission?s premier celebration event is United in Song. On June 20, 2026, Mississippians will come together at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson for United in Song: A Mississippi America250 Celebration?a powerful musical tr...
Jake Worthington w/ JT McCaffrey - Intent To Tonk Tour
The event will take place at Duling Hall in Jackson.
An Evening with Claire Holley and Beth Ann Fennelly
Beth Ann Fennelly, poet laureate of Mississippi from 2016-2021, is the author of seven books, three of poetry and four of prose. Her newest book, The Irish Goodbye: Micro-Memoirs, was published by W.W. Norton on 2/24/26. She's won grants and awards f...
Ben Marney and Homecookin' w/ Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams
The event will take place at Duling Hall in Jackson.
Twurt Chamberlain presents: The Demonstration feat. Ben Strings
Twurt Chamberlain is a spirited musician from Lexington, Mississippi. He is a soulful vocalist and guitarist whose music is a fusion of blues, rock, and hip-hop. Twurt's revolutionary sound is matched by his uplifting and positive lyrics. He is an un...
Jennifer Lyn and the Groove Revival: Electric Eden
The event will take place at Duling Hall in Jackson.
An Evening with Patty Griffin
Patty Griffin is among the most consequential singer-songwriters of her generation, a quintessentially American artist whose wide-ranging canon incisively explores the intimate moments and universal emotions that bind us together. Over two decades, t...
GrooveFest 2026
Are you ready to catch the GROOVE? Meet us at Duling Hall for the grooviest time of the summer on August 14th. It's going to be an awesome night of music, dance, laughter, and culture and we can't wait to see you there. Catch amazing live performance...
Grace Gunn w/ Fuller
Singer/songwriter Grace Gunn, as her name implies, is a walking contradiction. With Mississippi roots and LA street smarts, vocals that are sensitive and soulful, rangy and powerful all at the the same, this brunette beauty is creating quite a stir i...
Damien Jurado w/ Special Guest St. Yuma
The event will take place at Duling Hall in Jackson.
Travel Gems from Reddit
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