The top places to see when driving from Arizona to Louisiana

Are you planning a road trip from Arizona to Louisiana? Great idea! This area of the United States offers incredible landscapes, historic sites, culinary specialties and unique city experiences. It's worth taking a few detours and making stops along the way. To help you plan the perfect itinerary, we've put together a list of the top places to see when driving from Arizona to Louisiana.

So buckle up, turn up the radio and let's hit the road!

Explore New Mexico's Enchanted Circle

Our first recommendation is for nature lovers and those who appreciate stunning scenery. The Enchanted Circle is an 83-mile loop in northern New Mexico that takes you through forests, mountains and charming towns.

The drive starts in Taos, known for its adobe architecture and vibrant art scene. Make sure to visit the picturesque Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been inhabited for over a thousand years.

From Taos, drive to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which spans 650 feet above the Rio Grande. The view is breathtaking! You can also go bungee jumping or hiking nearby.

Ahead, you'll find the village of Questa, with a historic church and access to hiking trails. The town of Red River is a popular ski resort in winter and offers plenty of outdoor activities in summer. Finally, make a stop in Angel Fire, known for its alpine scenery and golf courses.

Discover Texas's cowboy culture

Texas is a massive state with lots to see and do, but we recommend focusing on its cowboy culture. After all, it's impossible to visit Texas without getting a taste of this iconic aspect of American history.

Drive to Fort Worth, a city that celebrates its western heritage. Visit the Stockyards, where you can watch a cattle drive, take a horseback ride or attend a rodeo. For a taste of Texas barbecue, head to Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. Prepare to leave with a full stomach!

Next, head to Dallas, to visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Dallas Heritage Village, which displays life in Texas in the 19th century. Finish your Texan experience with a visit to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Explore Louisiana's plantations

Louisiana is famous for its distinctive Creole and Cajun cuisine, its jazz music and its plantations. Take a few days to explore these historic landmarks and learn about sugar cane and cotton production in the antebellum era.

Visit the Oak Alley Plantation, one of the most photographed in Louisiana, thanks to its stunning alley of oak trees. Tour the house and gardens, then enjoy a mint julep on the veranda. Laura Plantation offers tours focused on the life of the enslaved people who worked in the sugar cane fields. Meanwhile, the Bellemont Plantation has a serene setting by a lake and offers insight into the life of the Creole elite.

Finally, head south to New Orleans for a taste of Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, but also to explore the city's rich history and culture. See the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral, and take a paddlewheel boat ride on the Mississippi River. Don't forget to try beignets and chickory coffee!

Visit Oklahoma's National Parks

Oklahoma may not be the first state you think of when it comes to National Parks, but it has some beautiful ones that are worth a visit.

Start with the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which offers hot springs, lakes and hiking trails. The Great Plains State Park is another natural gem, with bison herds, sandstone cliffs and a lake. Finally, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is a unique place to drive through: it's home to 2,500 bison and requires a bit of patience, as they sometimes block the road!

Stop in Albuquerque for the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Our final recommendation requires some timing, but it's worth it. If you're traveling in October, make a stop in Albuquerque for the International Balloon Fiesta. It's the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, with over 500 balloons taking off each morning.

The festival also features balloon races, music, food vendors, and a fireworks show. It's a colorful and magical experience that will certainly stay with you for a while.

Conclusion

Driving from Arizona to Louisiana is a unique opportunity to discover some of the United States' most intriguing landscapes, cities and cultural landmarks. From New Mexico's Enchanted Circle to Louisiana's plantations, from Texan cowboy culture to Oklahoma's National Parks, there's something for every interest and taste. Make sure to take plenty of breaks along the way and enjoy everything that this route has to offer. Safe travels!