Can\u2019t decide whether you want to see the sights in New York, go on an alligator spotting tour, tap your toes at a Broadway show, go hiking in a National Park, visit the mansion at Graceland, or party along Bourbon Street? When you travel from New York to New Orleans, you can do all these things and more in the one trip. With so many great activities and sights along this popular route, it can be hard to decide what to see and do. Here are six things not to miss on your way from New York to New Orleans.<\/p>\n
Visit Elvis Presley\u2019s former home<\/h2>\n![\"Graceland](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/USA-Memphis-Graceland-Mansion-306788546-ss-800x450-2.jpg\")
<\/a>Graceland Mansion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPerhaps surprisingly, you don\u2019t need to be an Elvis Presley fan to appreciate Graceland\u2019s kitschy glamour and over-the-top Southern charm. Along with touring the mansion, you\u2019ll see more shiny jumpsuits than you can point a camera at. Try one on to see how it looks (come on, you know you want to) with the \u201cElvis Yourself\u201d virtual dress up experience. You can also tour Elvis\u2019 private planes, including the 1958 Convair 880 named after his daughter which has a glamorous bedroom, suede chairs, leather covered tables, 24-karat gold-flecked sinks and gold-plated seat belts to keep everyone safe during the flight. For lunch, it\u2019s hard to go past the famous grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich.<\/p>\n
New York, New York<\/h2>\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/USA-NewYorkCity-Times-Square-800x450-2.jpg\")
<\/a>Hit the town in New York<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nYou\u2019ll need at least a few nights in New York to take a proper bite of the Big Apple. Join a local New Yorker for a walking tour of Brooklyn, checking out family-run businesses and eateries along the way, or visit the TKTS Ticket Booth where you can buy discounted or even half price same-day tickets for dozens of Broadway shows. Stroll through Central Park, soak up the old time charm at Coney Island, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, or marvel at the view from the top of the Rockefeller Centre.<\/p>\n
Go on a \u2018museum crawl\u2019 in Washington DC<\/h2>\n![\"Smithsonian](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/USA-Washington-Smithsonian-Museum-of-National-History-web-ZcIIcgjSCvU-800x450-2.jpg\")
<\/a>Visit the Smithsonian Museum of National History<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWashington DC is home to some of the world\u2019s best art galleries and museums, packed with fascinating displays, historical information and interactive exhibits. Even better, many of the best and most famous ones are free. Choices ranging from the National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of Natural History, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Gallery of Art, or the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Washington DC is a city that\u2019s easy to explore on foot so grab a few friends from your tour group or set off on your own for a day of independent exploring.<\/p>\n
FIND OUT MORE: EXPLORE THE ROUTE IN 31 PHOTOS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nCruise along the Skyline Drive<\/h2>\n![\"Scenery](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/USA-Virginia-Skyline-Drive-Shenandoah-National-Park-177046589-ss-800x450-2.jpg\")
<\/a>Cruise along Skyline Drive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIt\u2019s not a visit to the United States without checking out one of the country\u2019s superb national parks. If you\u2019re travelling from New York to New Orleans, one of the best ways to do it (especially if you don\u2019t fancy a long hike) is to cruise along the 170 kilometre (105 mile) Skyline Drive which travels through Shenandoah National Park, one of the highest and most scenic portions of the Appalachians. There are nearly 70 scenic overlooks along this spectacular stretch of road. Your local leader knows all the best ones and will ensure you don\u2019t miss any of the highlights along the way.<\/p>\n
Spot alligators and wild boars in the wild<\/h2>\n![\"Alligator](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/USA-Louisiana-HoneyIsland-Swamp-alligator-369202412-ss-800x450-2.jpg\")
<\/a>Alligator at Honey Island Swamp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHoney Island Swamp is anything but sweet if you\u2019re not safely inside a boat with your expert guide. One of the least-altered river swamps in the United States, this 647 square kilometre (250 square mile) swamp forms part of the Nature Conservancy\u2019s First Louisiana Nature Preserve. It\u2019s a great spot to enjoy a peaceful cruise and spot local wildlife. You\u2019re pretty much guaranteed to see alligators sunbaking as you glide through the swamp with your expert guide who provides commentary about this pristine natural wilderness area and the animals like nutrias (river rats), snakes and wild boars that call it home.<\/p>\n
Hit the town in New Orleans<\/h2>\n![\"Bourbon](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/USA-NewOrleans-Bourbon-street-web-800x450-2.jpg\")
<\/a>Bourbon Street in New Orleans<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWith its fascinating mix of Creole, Cajun and European culture, delicious cuisine and thriving music scene<\/a>, you\u2019ll need more than one day (and one night) in New Orleans. Uncover the city\u2019s best bars on a New Orleans Cocktails and Jazz tour <\/a>or eat your way around the French Quarter on a food tour<\/a>. If you\u2019re looking for a whole lot of fun in the one place, the French Quarter is where you\u2019ll find it. Bourbon Street, one of the world\u2019s most famous party streets, comes alive after dark when the streets are filled with music and the sound of people having fun. With its raucous atmosphere and drink-as-you-stroll \u201cgo cups\u201d, get set for a night to remember (or perhaps forget) along this famous nightlife strip.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Perhaps surprisingly, you don\u2019t need to be an Elvis Presley fan to appreciate Graceland\u2019s kitschy glamour and over-the-top Southern charm. Along with touring the mansion, you\u2019ll see more shiny jumpsuits than you can point a camera at. Try one on to see how it looks (come on, you know you want to) with the \u201cElvis Yourself\u201d virtual dress up experience. You can also tour Elvis\u2019 private planes, including the 1958 Convair 880 named after his daughter which has a glamorous bedroom, suede chairs, leather covered tables, 24-karat gold-flecked sinks and gold-plated seat belts to keep everyone safe during the flight. For lunch, it\u2019s hard to go past the famous grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich.<\/p>\n
New York, New York<\/h2>\n<\/a>Hit the town in New York<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nYou\u2019ll need at least a few nights in New York to take a proper bite of the Big Apple. Join a local New Yorker for a walking tour of Brooklyn, checking out family-run businesses and eateries along the way, or visit the TKTS Ticket Booth where you can buy discounted or even half price same-day tickets for dozens of Broadway shows. Stroll through Central Park, soak up the old time charm at Coney Island, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, or marvel at the view from the top of the Rockefeller Centre.<\/p>\n
Go on a \u2018museum crawl\u2019 in Washington DC<\/h2>\n<\/a>Visit the Smithsonian Museum of National History<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWashington DC is home to some of the world\u2019s best art galleries and museums, packed with fascinating displays, historical information and interactive exhibits. Even better, many of the best and most famous ones are free. Choices ranging from the National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of Natural History, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Gallery of Art, or the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Washington DC is a city that\u2019s easy to explore on foot so grab a few friends from your tour group or set off on your own for a day of independent exploring.<\/p>\n
FIND OUT MORE: EXPLORE THE ROUTE IN 31 PHOTOS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nCruise along the Skyline Drive<\/h2>\n<\/a>Cruise along Skyline Drive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIt\u2019s not a visit to the United States without checking out one of the country\u2019s superb national parks. If you\u2019re travelling from New York to New Orleans, one of the best ways to do it (especially if you don\u2019t fancy a long hike) is to cruise along the 170 kilometre (105 mile) Skyline Drive which travels through Shenandoah National Park, one of the highest and most scenic portions of the Appalachians. There are nearly 70 scenic overlooks along this spectacular stretch of road. Your local leader knows all the best ones and will ensure you don\u2019t miss any of the highlights along the way.<\/p>\n
Spot alligators and wild boars in the wild<\/h2>\n<\/a>Alligator at Honey Island Swamp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHoney Island Swamp is anything but sweet if you\u2019re not safely inside a boat with your expert guide. One of the least-altered river swamps in the United States, this 647 square kilometre (250 square mile) swamp forms part of the Nature Conservancy\u2019s First Louisiana Nature Preserve. It\u2019s a great spot to enjoy a peaceful cruise and spot local wildlife. You\u2019re pretty much guaranteed to see alligators sunbaking as you glide through the swamp with your expert guide who provides commentary about this pristine natural wilderness area and the animals like nutrias (river rats), snakes and wild boars that call it home.<\/p>\n
Hit the town in New Orleans<\/h2>\n<\/a>Bourbon Street in New Orleans<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWith its fascinating mix of Creole, Cajun and European culture, delicious cuisine and thriving music scene<\/a>, you\u2019ll need more than one day (and one night) in New Orleans. Uncover the city\u2019s best bars on a New Orleans Cocktails and Jazz tour <\/a>or eat your way around the French Quarter on a food tour<\/a>. If you\u2019re looking for a whole lot of fun in the one place, the French Quarter is where you\u2019ll find it. Bourbon Street, one of the world\u2019s most famous party streets, comes alive after dark when the streets are filled with music and the sound of people having fun. With its raucous atmosphere and drink-as-you-stroll \u201cgo cups\u201d, get set for a night to remember (or perhaps forget) along this famous nightlife strip.<\/p>\n
<\/a>You\u2019ll need at least a few nights in New York to take a proper bite of the Big Apple. Join a local New Yorker for a walking tour of Brooklyn, checking out family-run businesses and eateries along the way, or visit the TKTS Ticket Booth where you can buy discounted or even half price same-day tickets for dozens of Broadway shows. Stroll through Central Park, soak up the old time charm at Coney Island, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, or marvel at the view from the top of the Rockefeller Centre.<\/p>\n
Go on a \u2018museum crawl\u2019 in Washington DC<\/h2>\n<\/a>Visit the Smithsonian Museum of National History<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWashington DC is home to some of the world\u2019s best art galleries and museums, packed with fascinating displays, historical information and interactive exhibits. Even better, many of the best and most famous ones are free. Choices ranging from the National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of Natural History, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Gallery of Art, or the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Washington DC is a city that\u2019s easy to explore on foot so grab a few friends from your tour group or set off on your own for a day of independent exploring.<\/p>\n
FIND OUT MORE: EXPLORE THE ROUTE IN 31 PHOTOS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nCruise along the Skyline Drive<\/h2>\n<\/a>Cruise along Skyline Drive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIt\u2019s not a visit to the United States without checking out one of the country\u2019s superb national parks. If you\u2019re travelling from New York to New Orleans, one of the best ways to do it (especially if you don\u2019t fancy a long hike) is to cruise along the 170 kilometre (105 mile) Skyline Drive which travels through Shenandoah National Park, one of the highest and most scenic portions of the Appalachians. There are nearly 70 scenic overlooks along this spectacular stretch of road. Your local leader knows all the best ones and will ensure you don\u2019t miss any of the highlights along the way.<\/p>\n
Spot alligators and wild boars in the wild<\/h2>\n<\/a>Alligator at Honey Island Swamp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHoney Island Swamp is anything but sweet if you\u2019re not safely inside a boat with your expert guide. One of the least-altered river swamps in the United States, this 647 square kilometre (250 square mile) swamp forms part of the Nature Conservancy\u2019s First Louisiana Nature Preserve. It\u2019s a great spot to enjoy a peaceful cruise and spot local wildlife. You\u2019re pretty much guaranteed to see alligators sunbaking as you glide through the swamp with your expert guide who provides commentary about this pristine natural wilderness area and the animals like nutrias (river rats), snakes and wild boars that call it home.<\/p>\n
Hit the town in New Orleans<\/h2>\n<\/a>Bourbon Street in New Orleans<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWith its fascinating mix of Creole, Cajun and European culture, delicious cuisine and thriving music scene<\/a>, you\u2019ll need more than one day (and one night) in New Orleans. Uncover the city\u2019s best bars on a New Orleans Cocktails and Jazz tour <\/a>or eat your way around the French Quarter on a food tour<\/a>. If you\u2019re looking for a whole lot of fun in the one place, the French Quarter is where you\u2019ll find it. Bourbon Street, one of the world\u2019s most famous party streets, comes alive after dark when the streets are filled with music and the sound of people having fun. With its raucous atmosphere and drink-as-you-stroll \u201cgo cups\u201d, get set for a night to remember (or perhaps forget) along this famous nightlife strip.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Washington DC is home to some of the world\u2019s best art galleries and museums, packed with fascinating displays, historical information and interactive exhibits. Even better, many of the best and most famous ones are free. Choices ranging from the National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of Natural History, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Gallery of Art, or the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Washington DC is a city that\u2019s easy to explore on foot so grab a few friends from your tour group or set off on your own for a day of independent exploring.<\/p>\n
FIND OUT MORE: EXPLORE THE ROUTE IN 31 PHOTOS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s not a visit to the United States without checking out one of the country\u2019s superb national parks. If you\u2019re travelling from New York to New Orleans, one of the best ways to do it (especially if you don\u2019t fancy a long hike) is to cruise along the 170 kilometre (105 mile) Skyline Drive which travels through Shenandoah National Park, one of the highest and most scenic portions of the Appalachians. There are nearly 70 scenic overlooks along this spectacular stretch of road. Your local leader knows all the best ones and will ensure you don\u2019t miss any of the highlights along the way.<\/p>\n Honey Island Swamp is anything but sweet if you\u2019re not safely inside a boat with your expert guide. One of the least-altered river swamps in the United States, this 647 square kilometre (250 square mile) swamp forms part of the Nature Conservancy\u2019s First Louisiana Nature Preserve. It\u2019s a great spot to enjoy a peaceful cruise and spot local wildlife. You\u2019re pretty much guaranteed to see alligators sunbaking as you glide through the swamp with your expert guide who provides commentary about this pristine natural wilderness area and the animals like nutrias (river rats), snakes and wild boars that call it home.<\/p>\n With its fascinating mix of Creole, Cajun and European culture, delicious cuisine and thriving music scene<\/a>, you\u2019ll need more than one day (and one night) in New Orleans. Uncover the city\u2019s best bars on a New Orleans Cocktails and Jazz tour <\/a>or eat your way around the French Quarter on a food tour<\/a>. If you\u2019re looking for a whole lot of fun in the one place, the French Quarter is where you\u2019ll find it. Bourbon Street, one of the world\u2019s most famous party streets, comes alive after dark when the streets are filled with music and the sound of people having fun. With its raucous atmosphere and drink-as-you-stroll \u201cgo cups\u201d, get set for a night to remember (or perhaps forget) along this famous nightlife strip.<\/p>\nCruise along the Skyline Drive<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Spot alligators and wild boars in the wild<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Hit the town in New Orleans<\/h2>\n
<\/a>