New Orleans to Columbus Road Trip Guide
Introduction
The culture and nightlife of the lively city of New Orleans draw millions of tourists annually. It's an ideal starting point on your RV road trip to Columbus, Georgia - the gateway to exploring the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and central Alabama. With fantastic weather most of the year, except for hurricane season, follow your heart and embark on this weekend RV road trip full of scenic beaches, historical monuments, and outdoor activities.
The Big Easy is a cultural hotspot for Creole and Cajun history, art, and food. If you're lucky enough to have your road trip coincide with Mardi Gras, the city will be even more alive with events, crowds, and music. Highlights, aside from Mardi Gras, include Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, considered the city's historic center. Jazz and creole music lovers will find no end of live shows and should keep an ear out for New Orleans' unique dialect of Louisiana creole.
Another big plus to starting a road trip here is the abundance of RV parks close by. The New Orleans KOA is the perfect place to launch your unforgettable vacation. After an exciting time in this hotspot, you'll find plenty of opportunities on this eight-hour road trip to relax.
Point of Interest
Battleship Memorial Park
The port city of Mobile, Alabama is home to the USS Alabama, a WWII battleship. Part of Battleship Memorial Park and nicknamed the "Mighty A", the ship is open for guided tours. Learn all about the battleship's history and how it earned nine Battle Stars. One of the park's goals is to memorialize Alabamians who have participated in armed conflicts on behalf of the US.
There are many notable attractions at Battleship Memorial Park. Pay a visit to the oldest American submarine displayed for the public, the USS Drum. Head to the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion to view war artifacts, historic vehicles, and a large collection of aircraft. The Pavilion pays tribute to Alabama's recipients of the Medal of Honor, which is showcased with the site's memorial wall.
While in Mobile, if you're looking to drop your own anchor, you'll want to head to nearby Meaher State Park. It accommodates large RVs, is paved, has full hookups, and is adjacent to the beach. What more do you need?
Biloxi Lighthouse
The city of Biloxi, Mississippi, is probably best known for its casinos, but non-gamblers can find plenty here to justify a stop. A highlight of a pit stop in Biloxi is the Biloxi Lighthouse.
This cast-iron structure, erected in 1848, is a symbol of resilience since it has weathered countless storms. Most notably, Hurricane Katrina's storm surge enveloped the bottom 20 feet of the structure. Although it sustained interior damage, it re-opened to the public in 2010.
If you visit the lighthouse, you should also reserve some time to hang out at the adjacent Biloxi Beach. This wide, white sand beach is just across Beach Boulevard. If the weather is on your side, splash around in the surf or enjoy an impromptu picnic with amazing views.
If the mood strikes, the Beau Rivage Casino is a little way east on the boulevard. There are also RV parks dotted along this Gulf Coast if you want to stop overnight.
Montgomery Civil Rights Memorial and Alabama State Capitol
The Alabama capital of Montgomery offers countless things to do in the way of museums, a zoo, music memorabilia, and art galleries. For a real glimpse into the city's history, plan a trip to the Civil Rights Memorial and the State Capitol Building.
The Civil Rights Memorial is a monument designed by Maya Lin that honors 40 people who died in the name of equal rights between 1954 and 1968. Dedicated in 1989, it stands across from the street from present-day civil rights crusaders, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and just a block away from the State Capitol.
Parking at the Alabama State Capitol is generally limited to metered street parking, so arrive early to find space large enough for your RV. The building was completed in 1851 and is considered a National Historic Landmark. It's a museum dedicated to Alabama's history and politics.
Tuskegee National Forest
As you're making your way to Columbus towards the end of your weekend RV road trip, consider adding the Tuskegee National Forest to your itinerary. It gets overlooked as the smallest national forest, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. In a little over 11,000 acres, it has everything you need for a wilderness escape. It gets extra points for being just down I-85 from Chewacla State Park, where RV-friendly camping with full hookups is available.
Visitors generally flock to Chewacla Lake for fishing and other water-based activities like swimming. If you're not a fan of the water, stay on land and go hiking or cycling. Hiking trails range from easy one-mile loops around the lake to more than eight miles long. Mountain bikers can hit up the Dell's Trail at Chewacla Lake.
To further enrich your nature experience, bring your camera and binoculars to seek out the park's wildlife. Look to the skies for woodland songbirds and warblers. Check among the distinctive rock formations for wild turkeys, squirrels, chipmunks, white-tailed deer, and red fox.
Summary
Now that you've made it to Columbus, literally on the border of Alabama and Georgia, you'll still have plenty of things to do before your RV road trip from New Orleans is over. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the Chattahoochee Riverwalk. It's a great way to explore the city on foot adjacent to the Chattahoochee River. You can also head to the Columbus Dragonfly Trail, perfect for cycling and strolling.
If you like to learn and immerse yourself in culture, Columbus has you covered. Start at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center for the Mead Observatory, Challenger Learning Center, and the Omnisphere Theater. The Columbus Museum is also a tourist favorite showcasing local art and history.
The exciting nightlife and music of New Orleans, historical monuments, and pristine wilderness will all combine to create the best weekend RV road trip from Louisiana to Georgia.
