Dallas to Houston to New Orleans to Dallas

Hello All

My wife & I (in late 20s) are planing a 5-days road trip Dallas-Houston-New Orleans-Dallas. We will start on 03/19 morning from Dallas and be back to Dallas by 03/23 night. I'm looking for suggestions on things to do in Houston & New Orleans. I will also welcome interesting stops along the trip.
We are planning for one day at beach around Galveston & attending 03/22 St Patrick's day parade in N.O. I'm thinking to spend 2-days in Houston-Galveston & 2-days at New Orleans. Is this reasonable?

Also what are the recommended areas to stay in each of the cities?

Thank you.

Welcome to RTA!

First, let's look at the drives. It's about a 4-5 hour drive from the Dallas area to Houston, depending of course on traffic, and what parts of the cities you are starting from and going to. Then it's about a 6-7 hour drive from Houston to N.O., same issues. However, the return from New Orleans is going to be a very full day's drive at 520+ miles. So bear that in mind. Half day to drive to Houston, more than a half day to drive to N.O., full day home. That's 2 half-days driving and a full day drive, so you're looking at a half day and a full day in Houston, a half day and a full day in New Orleans, and a full day home.

My husband and I liked the area of Houston around the Space Center, and stayed at the Super 8 Webster this past summer. The prices were reasonable and there were plenty of places to eat around the area, though not necessarily within walking distance of the motel. Galveston was a short drive and there were several places down there to eat, recommended by our motel, but we decided not to drive there.

Donna

Thank you Donna for your response.

I'm aware of the driving distances. Depending upon the final itinerary, we may decide to leave early on Wednesday evening.

If you have time, you might want to check out some of the Cajun culture in western Louisiana. You can also visit where they make Tobasco at Avery Island.

Thank you RoadDog for the response.

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Originally Posted by RoadDog

If you have time, you might want to check out some of the Cajun culture in western Louisiana.

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Can you provide specific things to experience Cajun culture? Like stops along the way?

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Originally Posted by RoadDog

You can also visit where they make Tobasco at Avery Island.

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I like this suggestion. This is definitely going to be on my itinerary. These are the kind of interesting hidden gems that I would love to visit.

Native Houstonian here! Houston has so much to offer - it just depends on your interests! The rodeo will run through March 22! That's the major attraction of the month! You don't want to miss the beer can house while here! We have the zoo, Hermann Park, Memorial Park, Buffalo Bayou, museums, The Galleria (well, you have one of those!), a myriad of dining options and nightlife options! In Galveston, you must visit The Strand! The Strand is awesome! Shopping, eating, drinking, open-air cafes, carriage rides, and the candy factories! From The Strand you can walk to the bay side and have dinner overlooking the water. I would stay in Galveston rather than Houston! In Galveston, the San Luis Hotel is beautiful and they have a fabulous pool, located on the seawall, ask for a room facing the gulf! There's also the Galvez which is very nice. If you're not afraid of ghosts, the Tremont on The Strand is a beautiful, old hotel but rumor has it that it's haunted (from that horrible hurricane in 1900 or so). There are also lots of lower cost hotel options in Galveston.

In New Orleans, be prepared to eat, and eat!!!!! Those people take eating and drinking very seriously! If you haven't made reservations, try to stay on Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street is not as "scary" as I thought it would be. Just try to stay on the main streets and avoid alleys and dark side streets.

For the trip from Houston to NOLA, there are lots of plantation homes and historic markers! We loved touring The Myrtles in St. Francisville, LA. Supposed to be one of the most haunted houses in the USA. Nottoway (sp?) is also a magnificent plantation to tour! Oak Alley is another beautiful one. There are so many I can't remember the names. Google it! LOL Some of the tours take a couple of hours so you'll have to plan for those.

Have a great trip!

Rebecca

Hello Rebecca and welcome to RTA !

Thanks for jumping in and offering such good info on your first post, its much appreciated.

Dave.