Experience the Thrill of Exploring New Orleans by Motorcycle
New Orleans, Louisiana – the birthplace of jazz, po’boys, and legendary festivals – is a city that begs to be explored. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back for a second round of sightseeing, one of the best ways to experience the city is on two wheels, exploring New Orleans by motorcycle.
Escape to the Bayou
Heading out of the city and towards the lush bayous of southern Louisiana will recharge your soul and provide a unique perspective of the bayou’s unique beauty. Painted with ancient live oaks dripping in Spanish moss, sprawling green marshes, and winding waterways, these bayous and freshwater wetlands are an enchanting part of Louisiana’s beauty.
The beauty of the bayou is only a thirty minute ride from the French Quarter. Just follow the Tchoupitoulas Trace road upriver. As the city streets dissolve behind you, the quaint fishing villages and timeless landscapes of the bayou come into view. To get a more detailed view, a boat tour will provide the bird’s eye view of the wetlands and all their inhabitants.
The Byways of the Deep South
For motorcyclists, the backroads of Louisiana offer one of the most thrilling and exhilarating journeys in the South, as you meander over high bridges, through forests, and along winding roads. Rougeau and Jeanerette, Louisiana are two towns popular amongst riders filled with old-fashioned charm and quaint diners. If you have the time, spend a night catching up with the locals around a cozy fire.
As you head further west, stop off in the small towns of Avery Island and Kaplan, where you’ll find rolling hills, a plantation, and plenty of stretches of beauty. By night, the sky turns into a sky filled with stars, which you can enjoy while taking in the sounds of crickets and frogs.
Voodoo Connection
Motorcyclists visiting in New Orleans, should take a ride through Voodoo Street and make a stop at the Marie Laveaus Voodoo Spiritual Temple. Here, you can learn about the spiritual practices of the voodoo religion, and even pick up offerings for the protection of your motorcycle. A unique and often overlooked part of New Orleans, an exploration of Voodoo Street will take you out of the festive party scene of Bourbon Street, and into a world of spiritual traditions and ancient rituals.
Tastes of the Big Easy
Along the way, you’ll come across some of New Orleans’ most popular dining spots! Joann’s Corner of Heaven Restaurant in Jeanerette serves up some of the best home-cooked Cajun cuisine around. Reenergize your ride with fried catfish and a sweet potato biscuit while enjoying conversations with locals.
You can also take a break and enjoy some of the city’s iconic foods – po’boys, muffulettas, and Louisiana gumbo. Delis throughout Louisiana specialize in these flavorful foods, particularly the City Putt on Carlyle Boulevard. Get a tasty to-go lunch and savor it overlooking the waterfront on the great lawn of the City Putt.
A Final Stop at Mardi Gras World
For a truly unique experience, swing by Mardi Gras World, a one-of-a-kind museum and event space. Here you’ll get the chance to explore the history, artistry, and pageantry of the legendary Mardi Gras celebration. You’ll also experience an array of wild masks, beads, and bona-fide Carnival costumes.
A Thrilling Journey of the Senses
The beauty of exploring New Orleans by motorcycle is that it combines the thrills of the open road with the unique sights, sounds, and tastes of New Orleans. The journey will introduce you to some of the city’s most spectacular views, quaint villages and towns, and diverse cuisines. And while the journey never ends, arriving back in the French Quarter refreshed and reenergized, you’ll be sure to have experienced the thrill of a lifetime.