Looking to get out of Baton Rouge for a weekend? You don’t have to book a flight — or drain your bank account — to make it happen. Within a few hours’ drive, you’ll find cities, beaches and quick day trips that feel like a real reset.
Austin
Austin, Texas, is around a seven-hour drive from Baton Rouge. The epitome of the urban-cowboy aesthetic, Texas’s capital offers the perfect balance for city lovers and country music fans alike. Spend weekend nights in the “Live Music Capital of the World” attending concerts, especially country shows, and quiet summer mornings strolling through shopping areas like South Congress Avenue. Austin also offers a wide variety of health and wellness options, from rooftop yoga venues to scenic running routes. The city’s diverse cuisine ranges from classic Tex-Mex to international dishes inspired by Thai, Filipino, Mediterranean, Ethiopian and Brazilian cultures.
Houston
A little closer to home, Houston provides a different layout but a similar big-Texas-city vibe. Frequently ranked as one of the most diverse large cities in the United States, Houston’s restaurant scene reflects that global mix. Approximately a five-hour drive from Baton Rouge, sports fans can catch an Astros baseball game while fashion lovers window shop — or splurge — at the Galleria. If you’re planning a move in the fall, spend a day at IKEA browsing room displays and gathering decorating inspiration.
New Orleans
Day trips can be just as refreshing as weekend getaways. A quick escape can be found in the approximately one-hour drive to New Orleans. How you spend your time once you arrive is up to you. For a more traditional tourist experience, head to the French Quarter for a stroll and stop at Café Du Monde for iconic beignets. Magazine Street offers interior décor shops, boutiques and restaurants, while the Riverwalk provides additional shopping, food and views of the Mississippi River. If you’d rather spend the day enjoying fresh air and scenery, go for a run around Audubon Park and grab a coffee afterward while strolling through Tulane University’s historic campus across the street.
Destin
Florida’s Emerald Coast is around five hours away, and the drive is worth it for the calm, family-friendly atmosphere and pristine beaches. For mystery lovers, Escapology offers the chance to end a beach day with an escape room adventure followed by a quick walk to Ben & Jerry’s for dessert. Of course, you can always spend the entire day lounging in the sand and head back out at night with a flashlight to go ghost crabbing. Destin gives visitors the freedom to make their own fun while also offering landmark beach shops like Alvin’s Island and Silver Sands Premium Outlets. For the perfect waterside dinner, head to The Bay and snap sunset pictures from the pier.
Baton Rouge Staycation
If a road trip isn’t in the cards, check out the “Summer Staycation” article for ideas on how to make Baton Rouge feel like its own mini getaway.
