An ideal spot for a weekend escape is New Orleans with its exciting culture, fascinating history and delicious food. We’ve got the ideal two-day schedule for seeing the city’s most famous landmarks as well as its lesser-known treasures. Whether you’re a seasoned tourist or just passing through, our RV vacation guide will be your go-to for all things New Orleans.
When planning your trip to New Orleans, an RV rental is the best option for a combination of comfort and convenience. You can go where you want when you want, making it easy to see the city at your leisure. Renting an RV is a great way to customize your trip to your specific plans.
Search RV rentals in the New Orleans area.
Preparing for Your New Orleans RV Trip
You can find a variety of RV rental options in New Orleans from drivable motorhomes to towable travel trailers. If you want to drive your own vehicle, there are towable choices such as travel trailers and fifth wheels. Drivable RVs like Class A, B or C motorhomes offer a more integrated solution as they include living amenities. Finding and reserving the ideal RV for your New Orleans excursion is a breeze with RVshare.
Reserve your RV with peace of mind and get a head start on preparing for your trip preparation:
• How to Choose the Best RV Size for Your Trip
• The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Louisiana
• Glamping in Louisiana
• Convenient RV Rental Delivery: Bringing the Adventure to You
For a trouble-free journey, make sure you book an RV campground in New Orleans in advance. There are many excellent sites to choose from. The French Quarter RV Resort is a favored choice for those who want easy access to the city’s top attractions while Pontchartrain Landing is popular for those wanting riverfront views and full-service amenities. New Orleans KOA Holiday is another great option thanks to its contemporary amenities and welcoming setting.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in New Orleans.
Day 1: Starting Your Vacation the Right Way
Morning: Explore the French Market
When you visit the French Market first thing in the morning, you can join the lively atmosphere by chatting with vendors and watching street entertainers. If you want to experience real local life, you should stop by this historic market and wander through the various stalls selling fresh produce, homemade items and unique gifts. The world-famous Café du Monde is the perfect spot to enjoy a hot mug of coffee and some warm beignets while taking in the city’s distinctive flavors.
Lunch: Mouthwatering BBQ
Famous for its succulent barbecue, The Joint is a favorite among RV travelers looking for a New Orleans lunch destination. The eatery is a casual, laid-back restaurant in the Bywater neighborhood that serves juicy smoked meats, hearty sides and tasty sauces. There is plenty of parking close by, making it ideal for RVers seeking genuine Southern cuisine.
Afternoon: Explore the City on Foot
One of the best ways to see the architectural and historical treasures of New Orleans is on a walking tour of the Garden District. As you stroll at a leisurely pace, you’ll see magnificent antebellum homes with beautiful gardens and elaborate ironwork. Guests can learn more about the charming neighborhood’s distinctive character — a synthesis of Southern grace and Creole influence — on guided excursions.
Setting Up Camp
Arriving at the campground office or registration area is the first step in checking in and settling into an RV campsite. You’ll need to present the necessary identity documents together with your reservation details. For help choosing a spot and connecting utilities, check the campground’s directions. You can further streamline the check-in process by taking advantage of RV delivery services, which allow you to have your rental RV set up at your preferred campsite before your arrival.
Dinner: Head Back to the Garden District
After you hook up your RV at the campsite, Commander’s Palace is a great spot to eat dinner in New Orleans. The Garden District is home to this famous eatery, which specializes in refined Creole cuisine, including turtle soup and Gulf seafood amandine. This eatery is perfect for a post-city-exploration feast of superb Southern cuisine thanks to its historic decor and friendly, attentive service.
Day 2: Art, History and Creativity
Morning: Immerse Yourself in Art
Start your second day in New Orleans by making your way to the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) to fully experience the city’s thriving art culture. You can explore the breathtaking Beaux-Arts architecture and picturesque park grounds while browsing the museum’s varied collection of works spanning classical to modern art. To see a stunning outdoor exhibition of contemporary sculptures set in verdant landscapes, make sure to visit the adjacent Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
Lunch: Enjoy a Relaxed Meal
Parkway Bakery & Tavern is another fantastic dining option in New Orleans, particularly for RVers looking for a quick bite to eat. Parkway, in the heart of Mid-City, is well-known for its delicious po’boy sandwiches and laid-back, inviting vibe. It’s the ideal rest stop on your way to or from your New Orleans excursion due to its convenient location, large parking lots and authentic local cuisine.
Afternoon: Immerse Yourself in the City’s History
To fully appreciate the city’s storied past, one must pay a visit to the Historic New Orleans Collection. Housed in the heart of the French Quarter, this museum and research center features a wealth of objects and displays that trace the cultural history of New Orleans from its colonial era to its Creole customs and American contributions.
Evening: Get Creative on Frenchman Street
For a night of live music, unique art galleries and a raucous ambiance in New Orleans, Frenchmen Street is the place to be. It’s here that you can feel the creative pulse of the city as you tour art galleries displaying modern crafts and listen to local bands perform jazz, blues and funk. Frenchmen Street is a vibrant hub of nightlife, art and music that keeps people coming back for more.
Day 3 and Beyond in New Orleans
Upon waking up after spending two days in New Orleans, there’s a good chance you’ll want to stay longer. There are plenty of activities to enjoy if you decide to extend your stay.
• Jackson Square: Discover the vibrant energy of Jackson Square, where you can see classic New Orleans architecture while mingling with street artists, musicians and entertainers. With the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral serving as a backdrop, the area is a hive of activity that provides tourists with a taste of history, culture and entertainment.
• Magazine Street: Browse the one-of-a-kind shops, galleries and cafes that line Magazine Street, a lively street known for its unique character. Discover the wide variety of art galleries that display the works of local artists from modern pieces to classic Southern art.
Summer Activities
In the heat of summer, cool down with a sno-ball, a local favorite that’s like a snow cone but made with finer ice and available in a rainbow of flavors. If you’re looking for something really out of the ordinary to do in New Orleans, one choice is to go to one of the numerous music festivals, like Satchmo Summerfest in August.
Indoor Activities
Visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum to learn about the fascinating spiritual traditions and cultural heritage of the city while delving into the magical world of voodoo and Louisiana mythology. At the National WWII Museum, you can immerse yourself in the heartbreaking history of World War II through interactive exhibitions and relics.
With its pulsating culture, rich history and mouthwatering cuisine, New Orleans is the perfect place to spend a 2-day vacation. Make sure to take advantage of the freedom and luxury of an RV rental as you plan your trip, ensuring you can see the city’s special attractions at your own pace.
