Ohio To New Orleans Road Trip Trip Itinerary

06 Jun 2026Updated last time

Ohio to New Orleans Road Trip Itinerary Overview

Embark on an unforgettable road trip adventure from Ohio to the vibrant city of New Orleans, journeying through the heart of the American South. Start in Columbus, Ohio, a city celebrated for its energetic urban vibe and dynamic arts scene. Next, discover the riverfront charm and historic districts of Cincinnati before rolling onward to Louisville, Kentucky, famed for its horse racing legacy and bourbon culture. As you head south, immerse yourself in the lively country music atmosphere of Nashville, Tennessee, and uncover the soulful roots of blues and rock ‘n’ roll in Memphis, where music legends left their mark. Journeying into Mississippi, explore Jackson’s significant role in American civil rights history and savor authentic Southern cuisine. Finally, cap off your trip in the eclectic and spirited city of New Orleans, where Creole heritage, jazz rhythms, and world-renowned festivals create a destination unlike any other. Each stop on this itinerary offers a unique blend of culture, history, and regional flavor, promising memories and discoveries at every turn.


Recommended Activities

  • 1

    Columbus, Ohio

    Columbus is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and attractions like the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Zoo, and the trendy Short North Arts District.
  • 2

    Cincinnati, Ohio

    Cincinnati offers historic neighborhoods, top-rated museums such as the Cincinnati Art Museum, the unique Over-the-Rhine district, and the scenic riverfront with Great American Ball Park.
  • 3

    Louisville, Kentucky

    Louisville is famous for the Kentucky Derby, bourbon distilleries, and a lively cultural scene with attractions like the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Waterfront Park.
  • 4

    Nashville, Tennessee

    Nashville is known as the heart of country music with iconic sites like the Grand Ole Opry, live music on Broadway, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
  • 5

    Memphis, Tennessee

    Memphis is famous for its rich musical heritage, especially the blues and rock 'n' roll, with must-see spots like Graceland, Beale Street, and the National Civil Rights Museum.
  • 6

    Jackson, Mississippi

    Jackson offers deep historical significance in the Civil Rights Movement, fascinating museums like the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and Southern cuisine.
  • 7

    New Orleans, Louisiana

    New Orleans is renowned for its unique blend of cultures, vibrant live music scene, historic French Quarter, Creole cuisine, and festive atmosphere especially during events like Mardi Gras.

Restaurants

  • Picture for The Pearl
    641 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
    A celebrated spot in Columbus, The Pearl offers upscale comfort food and fresh oysters, making it a must-visit for food lovers.
    4.6
    $$$$
  • Picture for Sotto
    118 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
    Located in downtown Cincinnati, Sotto is famed for its rustic Italian cuisine and intimate ambiance, delivering an unforgettable dining experience.
    4.7
    $$$$
  • Picture for Jack Fry's
    1007 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204, USA
    A Louisville staple since 1933, Jack Fry's is lauded by Eater for its refined Southern fare and historic jazz-era décor.
    4.7
    $$$$
  • Picture for Hattie B's Hot Chicken

    Hattie B's Hot Chicken

    112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
    A Nashville legend for spicy fried chicken, Hattie B's is a must for anyone wanting to experience authentic Nashville hot chicken.
    4.5
    $$$$
  • Picture for Coquette
    2800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
    Located in New Orleans, Coquette offers creative Southern cuisine in a charming Garden District setting, highly ranked by Eater for its seasonal menu.
    4.6
    $$$$

Hotels

  • Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph

    620 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States

    A luxury hotel in the heart of Columbus' Short North Arts District, praised for its stylish rooms and location near great nightlife and galleries.
  • 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

    609 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

    This unique boutique hotel doubles as a contemporary art museum and offers sleek accommodations in downtown Cincinnati.
  • The Brown Hotel

    335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202, United States

    A Louisville landmark known for elegant Southern charm and the iconic Hot Brown sandwich, located downtown near major attractions.
  • The Hermitage Hotel

    231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, United States

    Nashville's most historic luxury hotel, famed for its opulent architecture and outstanding service in a prime downtown location.
  • The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

    130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States

    An opulent hotel just steps from the French Quarter, lauded for classic New Orleans glamour and its legendary Sazerac Bar.

Local Events & Happenings

  • Picture for Studio Tenn Presents: Jesus Christ Superstar

    Studio Tenn Presents: Jesus Christ Superstar

    Turner Theater in Franklin (24.96 mi)28 May 2026
    The event will take place at Turner Theater in Franklin.
  • Picture for The Red Wheel

    The Red Wheel

    Turner Theater in Franklin (24.96 mi)26 Jun 2026
    This one-of-a-kind songwriter series brings you closer to the music than you've ever been. On a rotating center stage, the writers behind some of country music's biggest hits perform the songs you know and love, and tell the stories behind how they c...

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Ohio to New Orleans...stops along the way?

    /r/roadtrip

    My friend and I are road tripping down to New Orleans the last week in July. What are some cool things to check out along the way? We enjoy hiking

  • Road trip to New Orleans

    /r/memphis

    29 votes, 42 comments. Hi "y'all". Aussie here. After a couple of days in Memphis, my daughter and I are doing a road trip to New Orleans. I was

  • Road trip to New Orleans

    /r/roadtrip

    Planning a road trip to New Orleans from upstate New York mid-November. I am trying to take my time and utilize carside camping as much as possible

  • Memphis to New Orleans road trip advice please

    /r/mississippi

    Hi We are driving from memphis to new orleans and not sure where we should stay over on the way. Currently we leave memphis on a sunday and arrive in