The Open Road Travel

A road trip from  New Orleans to Boston takes you from one of the biggest and best cities in the south, to one of the oldest major cities in the United States. Along the way you’ll pass swamps, forests, mountains, and cities, experiencing incredible views and arrays of wildlife.

You’ll begin in Louisiana and travel through the 11 states of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, as well as Washington D.C, on the way to your destination in Massachusetts.

So, if you plan to take a trip from NOLA to Bean Town but don’t want to miss anything along the way, I highly recommend reading on.

A road trip from New Orleans to Boston is a mammoth journey, which covers 1,550 miles and requires a full 24-hours of driving to complete.

You begin by taking the I-10 east out of New Orleans and following it to the outskirts of Mobile, Alabama, where you use Exit 20 to join the I-65. You’ll then continue on it for 170 miles, until you reach Montgomery.

Use Exit 171 to join I-85 where it begins and proceed to follow it for the roads entire 666-mile duration, to its northern end in Petersburg, Virginia. From here, you’ll pick up the I-95 and follow it all the way across the George Washington Bridge, into New York City.

After using the Alexander Hamilton Bridge to enter The Bronx, use Exit 1 C-D then Exit C to join I-87. When you reach Exit 8, near Tarrytown, take I-287 east for around 7 miles, before using Exit 9N to head north on the Hutchinson River Parkway.

Once you cross into Connecticut, the road will become Connecticut Route 15, which you’ll follow for its 83.5-mile duration, until it merges with I-84 in East Hartford.

After following the I-84 to its termination in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, you’ll pick up the I-90 and follow it east the final 60 miles, to your destination in Boston.

When it comes to choosing the best time for a road trip from New Orleans to Boston, I am going to suggest two different options.

For most people, the period from late-April through to the end June is going to be the perfect option. It features pleasant temperatures throughout most of the route, avoids the peak of hurricane season in New Orleans.

It also gives you the chance to see one of the most famous events at your destination, the Boston Marathon, which takes place each year on the third Monday in April.

However, for people seeking a spooky adventure, the build-up to Halloween is another perfect option to make the journey.

Setting off from one best places in America to celebrate Halloween, the route then goes through or near two of the other best options, Sleepy Hollow, New York, and Salem, Massachusetts.

For anyone in the latter category, you can also find a separate article we wrote here , which details the exact locations and everything they offer, to provide you with a frighteningly good experience.

With a full day of driving ahead of you, this is one journey that even the most hardened travellers are going to need to break up.

The following are some of the absolute best places to stop on a road trip from New Orleans to Boston, which are guaranteed to offer plenty of bang for your buck.

Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the state of Georgia, as well as being considered by many to be the capital of the southern United States. Throughout history, it has been a location at the heart of issues that have divided the nation.

In the 1860s, its strategic position as an interchange of numerous railroads made it a crucial location during the American Civil War. Many famous speeches took place here and countless battles occurred in the surrounding areas.

Then, 100 years later, in the 1960s, it became a major organising point for the civil rights movement.

Famed leaders like Martin Luther King Jr and Ralph David Abernathy helped solidify the movement and gain support, kicking into motion something that would completely change the way of life for African Americans across the country.

With such a rich history and numerous places displaying the traditional culture that Georgia is known for, Atlanta is a stop that is an absolute must for anyone interested in learning more about the deep south of the United States.

The Stonehurst Place Bed & Breakfast is the perfect property to continue the historic theme of your stay in Atlanta. A 4-star bed & breakfast in a historic house, you will be surrounded by the style and culture that is synonymous with the region.

In contrast with the historic nature of the property, the rooms are filled with modern amenities and technology. A flat screen cable TV, DVD player, and iPod docking station come as standard in each room, while Wi-Fi is also present throughout the property.

A daily maid service ensures all of your towels and linens remain fresh, while the property operates a sustainability policy, to ensure this doesn’t negatively impact the environment.

All guests also receive access to free parking and a communal lounge, while airport transfers are available for an additional fee.

Washington D.C. is the capital city of the United States and a destination filled with landmarks revolving around the history, evolution, and operation of the country, as well as plenty of other fantastic attractions.

You have monuments dedicated to influential presidents like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.

The White House then lets you see where every U.S. President except Washington has lived, and perhaps even get to see the current Commander In Chief in person.

Institutes like the Smithsonian National Museum Of American History and National Gallery Of Art give you even more information on America’s culture, history, and style.

Meanwhile, the United States Capitol and Washington National Cathedral demonstrate the evolution of the country’s architecture.

Across the river, you also have The Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery.

The former is where the headquarters of the United States Armed Forces is located, while the latter offers an opportunity to pay your respects to heroes who have fallen in battle since the nation’s founding.

The Willard InterContinental Washington is a beautiful, 4-star hotel, located on the edge of Presidents Park, just 550 yards from The White House. A historic building, it offers the ideal position from which to explore the vast majority of Washington’s most famous attractions.

The rooms are all luxuriously decorated and boast amenities like a coffee maker, flat screen TV, mini bar, stereo, and work desk. Many also offer incredible views of the iconic monuments and landmarks that surround it.

Guests are welcome to bring their pets, although additional charges may apply.

The hotel itself features both a café and restaurant, serving French cuisine and pastries, while a wine bar is also open of an evening.

A fitness centre, sauna, 24-hour lounge, as well as shops and a florist will take care of your every need, while concierge and private limo services are also on offer.

 New York City is the most populous city in the United States and one of the most famous in the entire world. From its incredible concrete jungle of iconic skyscrapers to natural locations like Central Park and Coney Island, New York City has it all.

Among the attractions you will find highlights like the legendary Empire State Building, Statue Of Liberty, and Grand Central Station. Tourists can take boat, bus, or helicopter tours, to see these iconic monuments first hand and learn all about them.

It is an ideal spot to treat yourself to a little luxury after such a long time on the road. With numerous 5-star hotels and gourmet restaurants, you can kick back and relax in style, to set yourself up perfectly for the final stretch of the journey.

The Plaza is an iconic hotel, located in the heart of New York City, on the edge of Central Park.

Guests will be treated to stunning views of the park from many of the rooms and communal areas. Meanwhile, locations like 5th Avenue and the Rockefeller Center are just a short walk away, where you will find incredible attractions, especially around Christmas.

Each of the spacious rooms feature a sophisticated, stylish décor, as well as a collection of modern amenities to keep you entertained and connected throughout your stay.

Throughout the property, a range of bars, restaurants, and shops, will keep you well fed and catered to, while a gym, spa, and salon should help take care of your every need.

With the style of a truly top of the range, 5-star hotel, and a history that includes being a filming location for popular movies like Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, there just simply isn’t another hotel in New York City that can compete with The Plaza.

With more than 1,500 miles to cover on a road trip from New Orleans to Boston, you won’t be surprised to hear there are plenty of exciting attractions to stop at along the way.

However, stopping at everything would lead to the journey taking weeks or maybe even months to complete.

That’s why I have compiled the following list, which features some of the absolute best locations along the route. This should help you decide which stops you absolutely have to make, to ensure you use your time wisely and have an enjoyable trip from start to finish.

A group of protected marshes covering 23,000 acres, Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is a perfect place to discover the iconic wildlife of southern Louisiana.

From alligators and marsh rabbits to a wide collection of birds that includes pelicans and bald eagles, the list of creatures you can see from the many walkways makes this a fantastic stop for nature lovers.

Located a mile from Pearl River itself, the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area is a network of bayous, flooded forests, and streams, covering 35,000 acres.

An incredibly popular destination for boating, fishing, and hunting, visitors can explore the waterways, taking in the scenery and hunting for unique wildlife.

Among the rarest of the inhabitants are a selection of turtles, birds, terrapins, fish, and frogs that are considered endangered.

You even have bears, bobcats, beavers, coyotes, deer, opossums, rabbits, raccoons, and squirrels, among an incredible selection that always leaves you unsure of exactly what wonders you will encounter.

Covering over 19,000 acres, the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge is designed to protect the endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane and its unique habitat.

This refuge is one of the only places in the world you have the opportunity to see this species in the wild.

Located on Mobile Bay on the Gulf Of Mexico, Mobile is the third most populous city in the state of Alabama.

The permanently moored USS Alabama in Battleship Memorial Park is one of the highlights of the city, dominating the view along the coast.

Further inland, the 19th century Cathedral Basilica Of The Immaculate Conception offers a glimpse of the city’s history from 100 years earlier, providing a beautiful display of America’s evolution.

Combined with museums like the Mobile Museum Of Art and the Mobile Carnival Museum, Mobile is truly one of the best places to discover what Alabama is really all about.

Montgomery is the capital and 4th most populous city in Alabama. It is among the most important locations in the country for those interested in the history of the civil rights movement.

The National Memorial For Peace And Justice and neighbouring Civil Rights Movement exhibition centre commemorate the movement. Legendary leader Martin Luther King Jr regularly also used to preach his sermons at the nearby Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.

The iconic Alabama State Capitol building is another highlight of the city. Designed in the Greek revival style, it is listed on the National Register Of Historic Landmarks as the First Confederate Capitol and has been declared a National Historic Landmark.

Covering just over 10,000 acres, the Tuskegee National Forest is the smallest national forest in the United States. Its landscape consists primarily of forests, ridges, streams, and floodplains.

Among its attractions are a collection of trails used for biking, hiking, and horse riding, two ponds popular for fishing, the Uchee Shooting Range, Tsinia Wildlife Viewing Area, Taska Recreation Area, and a number of rustic campgrounds.

Lake Hartwell State Park surrounds Lake Hartwell, a man-made reservoir created by the construction of the Hartwell Dam. It is one of the largest lakes in the south-eastern United States and is an incredibly popular destination for recreation.

It is most commonly used by fans of fishing, as an incredible collection of fish inhabit the lake, such as bream, catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and walleye.

Hiking and biking the trails around the lake is also popular, as is camping at any of the 9 campgrounds. Boating and swimming are common uses of the lake, while it also boasts a fabulous array of water sports like tubing, wake boarding, and water skiing.

Anyone interested in nature will also be delighted to find almost 300 different species of animals and birds that call the area home.

Greenville is the 6th largest city in South Carolina and is a fabulous place to discover more about the history of the state.

With the Greenville County Museum Of Art and the Upcountry History Museum, you can learn all about the style, culture, and past that makes this part of the south so special.

Those who want to see more of the landscape first-hand also have beautiful locations like Falls Park and Paris Mountain State Park to explore.

With trails, waterfalls, lakes, and suspension bridges, it gives you a great way to see what this part of the world would once have looked like.

Crowders Mountain State Park revolves around two peaks, Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle, both of which are around 1,700 feet tall. The sheer vertical cliffs are a popular destination for rock climbers, while hiking the foothills also offers some fabulous views.

The valley between the two peaks is filled with a great array of birds and animals, with many birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts camping in the park to make the most of the natural environment.

Settled in 1755, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. It is one of the best places to experience a big city in the south and is particularly prominent for its sporting history.

The state’s two largest sports teams, the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets, are both located here, making it a great stop for anyone planning to catch a game. Perhaps even more important though, is its history with NASCAR.

A sport that was invented in the state, it hosts numerous events on the calendar each year, as well as being the home of the NASCAR Hall Of Fame, making it the ultimate destination for NASCAR fans past, present, or future.

Greensboro is the third largest city in North Carolina and a destination best known for its connection to arts and culture.

Numerous art galleries, gardens, museums, parks, stadiums, and theatres are dotted around the city, while countless festivals are held here throughout the year.

It is a fabulous stop for anyone who really wants to get to grip with the history and style of northern North Carolina.

The town of Petersburg, Virginia is a fabulous destination for anyone interested in the history of the American Civil War.

Between Pamplin Historical Park and the Petersburg National Battleground, you have multiple historic battlegrounds, recreated camps and homes, and a museum displaying exhibits and artefacts from the conflicts.

It is also home to one of the oldest settlements of free black people in the United States.

With two of the oldest black churches in the nation and a museum situated on an important site on the Underground Railroad, Petersburg is a great place to learn about the history of black Americans too.

Richmond is the capital and 4th most populous city in the state of Virginia. One of the oldest cities in the United States, it is filled with locations that tell the story of the early days of the nation.

You have St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry uttered the famous phrase “give me liberty or give me death” to start the Revolutionary War.

Then you have the Virginia State Capitol building. Designed by Thomas Jefferson and built in the 1780s in Early Republic and Palladian styles, it is the home of the oldest elected legislative body in North America.

Combined with numerous other historical institutions and being just a short drive from Jamestown, the oldest permanent English settlement in the Americas, Richmond is a destination any history fans simply can’t pass up the opportunity to visit.

Baltimore is the most populous city in the state of Maryland and the largest independent city in the United States. Historically, the city was one of the most important transport hubs in the country.

The Port Of Baltimore was one of the earliest established in the country when it opened in 1706, making it essential for Americas importing of goods. To this day, it remains the largest port in the country for specialist cargo and passenger facilities.

You then also have the oldest railroad in the U.S, the Baltimore And Ohio Railroad, which opened in 1830 and began in the city.

Beyond its transport links, Baltimore is also responsible for many other important moments in American history. This includes being where “The Star-Spangled Banner” was written, as well as where prominent events in both the Revolutionary and Civil wars took place.

Susquehanna State Park is situated on the west bank of the Susquehanna River, the longest river on the east coast of the United States, which runs for 444 miles.

The park is filled with trails offering stunning views of the river and its valleys, which are frequently used for biking, hiking, and horse riding. Boating and fishing along a fabulous stretch of the river, as well as camping in the surrounding forests are also popular pastimes.

The most iconic attractions in Susquehanna State Park are the Rock Run Grist Mill and neighbouring Carter-Archer Mansion, which was historically one of the most important locations for milling in the region.

You also have the Steppingstone Museum, which houses historic arts and crafts from the area.

Wilmington is the largest and most populous city in the state of Delaware. It was founded in 1638 and built on the site of Fort Christina, the oldest Swedish settlement in the United States.

Anyone interested in this unique history can explore the Old Swedes Church, to experience a culture not common anywhere else in the country.

Wilmington is also a central location for anyone interested in the history of the Du Pont Family, one of the richest families in America, who have been prominent since the 1700s.

Locations like the DuPont Building, DuPont Gunpowder Works, and Hagley Museum, as well as the family’s Georgian style home, offer numerous sites, artefacts, and exhibits which show you how the family has grown through the generations and explain why they are so important in this city.

Newark is the most populous city in New Jersey and makes up part of the New York Metropolitan Area. As a major transport hub, with air, rail, and sea terminals, it is often used by visitors to New York City as a cheaper alternative.

While many people overlook Newark, due to its more famous neighbour, it is a destination filled with historic sites. This is perhaps unsurprising when you consider it is among the oldest cities in the United States, first established in 1666.

Among its most popular attractions are beautiful structures like the Cathedral Basilica Of The Sacred Heart and the Mount Olive AME Church, and historic institutions like the Newark Museum Of Art and the Jewish Museum Of New Jersey.

You also have iconic sites like the Justice Sculpture, Dock Bridge, and Branch Brook Park.

Located in the Hudson Valley. Sleepy Hollow is best known as the setting for the Washington Irving novel “The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow”. The author himself is buried in the cemetery, giving fans the opportunity to visit his grave.

The town is also known as one of the most haunted places in America. As a result of this and the book, it has numerous spooky attractions dedicated to the creepy and supernatural, making it a great stop for those who love a good scare, especially around Halloween.

Hartford is the capital city of Connecticut and among the oldest cities in the United States, first established in 1635.

The State Capitol building is one of the most iconic in the nation, built in the 1870s in Eastlake Movement, Victorian Gothic, and Renaissance Revival styles with a stunning gold domed spire.

A city that thrives on its history, it is the location of the oldest public art museum, public park, and continuously published newspaper in the United States.

Literary fans will also enjoy the Mark Twain House, a museum dedicated to the legendary writer in the house where he wrote some of his most famous works.

A road trip from New Orleans to Boston may not be a trip for the faint hearted but it is certainly one with plenty of incredible things to do and see along the way.

This becomes even truer for anyone hoping to take the trip around Halloween, as you tick off some of the nation’s spookiest destinations along the way.

Hopefully, this article will have helped you work out the best way to make your own trip. From the time you take the journey, to the things you see and places you stay along the way, you should now be armed with all the information you need.

All that’s left is to start the ball rolling and get things booked, so you don’t let the opportunity to make the expedition during your chosen season pass you by.