This 650-mile, 10-hour journey will take you through Alabama on your way from Florida to Louisiana.
We’re going to transform this long drive into a two-day, one-night adventure with plenty of interesting stops and detours along the way! Whether you’re craving to see a new city or enjoy some incredible nature, the trip from Tampa to New Orleans will please any traveler!
Make sure you’re ready for any car-related issues with the roadside assistance program from
You could drive straight from Tampa to New Orleans with one long day of driving, but we think it’s worth stopping along the way to see some great sights, eat fantastic food, and create some awesome memories.
Itinerary
Tampa, FL—Half a day
Tallahassee, FL—1 to 2 days
Mobile, AL—Half a day
New Orleans, LA—1 to 2 days
Tampa, FL to Tallahassee, FL
275 miles, 4 hours
Finish packing, hop in the car, and say goodbye to Tampa! It’s time to head to the jazziest, French-iest, swampiest city in America: New Orleans!
Day one of this two-day road trip will take you along Florida’s western coast. With only five hours in the car, that leaves plenty of time for Florida sightseeing!
: If you feel like resting up before the next leg of your trip, the Seven Hills Suites provides comfort, cleanliness, and accessibility all at an affordable price. Cost per night: from $130.
(White Springs, $): For some traditional Southern fare and comfy vibes, Fat Belly is the perfect pit stop. Try their fried catfish fingers and their sweet tea for guaranteed good eats.
(Tallahassee, $$-$$$): A must for affordable and generously-proportioned pizza and calzones—their catchphrase is "Slices As Big As Your Head!". Momo’s is sure to fill your tummy with their delicious eats.
(Tallahassee, $-$$): This brewery has recently expanded into a full-fledged brewhouse, and is a popular spot amongst locals for their innovative creations. We recommend trying out their Purple Telescope sour of their Laminar Flow IPA.
What to do from Tampa to Tallahassee
Manatees of Crystal River: If you’re traveling in the winter months, be sure to stop at this town an hour and a half outside Tampa. The eponymous Crystal River will be full of manatees that have fled the Gulf of Mexico for warmer waters, and you can even snorkel beside them—but no touching!
Stop at charming White Springs: This northern Florida locale is on the Suwannee River and is perfect for hikers, bikers, paddlers, and nature lovers! Known as Florida’s original tourist destination, quaint White Springs has a long, colorful history. Check out *Big Shoal trail** to hike and see some river rapids!
: Home to one of the nation’s largest collections of unique and antique cars, this museum has been a must-visit for any car enthusiast since its opening in 1996.
Wake up in Tallahassee for day two of your drive to New Orleans. An hour's drive will take you out of Florida and into neighboring Alabama. It’s here that you’ll make your final stop before reaching New Orleans—in Mobile!
To get to Mobile, follow the I-10 W towards Pensacola, taking exit 26B.
(Mobile, $$-$$$): You can’t beat the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that make up this local hotspot. We’d recommend trying their shrimp pickle and deviled eggs!
What to do from Tallahassee to Mobile
Soak in the sun at Pensacola Beach: Get a great start to the drive with three hours in the car before enjoying a little sunshine at your last Florida stop of the trip: Pensacola Beach. This resort community on Santa Rosa Island is known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water. Walk down the pier, or lay out a towel and relax before continuing your drive.
: Take a tour of this retired battleship from WWII, which has been declared a National Historic Landmark, and is an impressive sight to see, especially for any history buffs!
: A museum chronicling over 200 years of carnival and mardi gras history, see for yourself the intricate designs and artistry of costumes, floats, and so much more.
Your final stretch of driving will get you to your final destination: New Orleans!
There are historic districts to see, delicious Louisiana fixings to eat, and masked bacchanals and haunted house tours to experience. No matter what you choose to see, do, and eat, you’ll have a great time in NOLA.
Getting there means continuing on the I-10 W and taking exit 12D from US-90 BUS W to arrive in New Orleans!