I-10 Practically Runs Through All Of Louisiana And It's A Beautiful Drive
By Jackie Ann|Updated on April 26, 2024(Originally published January 20, 2023)
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
For many, I-10 in Louisiana is nothing more than a part of their daily commute, but what if we told you it’s actually one of the most scenic drives in the state? Next time you find yourself on this interstate driving through Louisiana, take a moment to look around and admire the view because no matter where along I-10 you are, you’re never too far away from some impressive scenery and some truly iconic bridges.
Interstate 10 is the southernmost cross-country highway in the United States.
It makes its way clear across the country, stretching from Santa Monica, California all the way to Jacksonville, Florida.
Running clear across the bottom half of the Pelican State, it connects several major cities in Louisiana, including Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.
Point to point, you're looking at about a four-hour drive, but as we all know, you'll encounter loads of traffic along this highway, so if you plan on taking this trip, plan for about six hours.
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We hope you like bridges because much of the drive along I-10 in Louisiana is over water.
Starting in the west, we've got the Calcasieu River Bridge, which is officially named the Louisiana Memorial World War II Bridge. This bridge connects Westlake with Lake Charles, crossing over where the Calcasieu River flows into Lake Charles. Louisiana has a total of 13,050 bridges, and at 70 years old, this is one of the oldest bridges still in use today. An estimated 55,000 people drive across it every day!
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As you make your way east, you'll be passing through the heart of Cajun Country.
Here's a fun fact for you: out of the world's 25 longest bridges, the United States is home to three of them, and all of them are in Louisiana. The Causeway clocks in at 126,122 feet and the Manchac Swamp Bridge is right behind that with 120,440 feet. The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge comes home with the bronze with a length of 91,600 feet.
Driving over the nation's largest river swamp is a surreal experience.
The state line is actually right down the middle of the river and bridge.
Seeing I-10 in a whole new light now, right? For more awesome adventures, keep the road trip going with a drive down the Creole Nature Trail, a 180-mile All-American Road in Louisiana. Before your trip, don’t forget to take a look at our ultimate road trip essentials!
Looking for more beautiful Louisiana scenery? Come take a tour of Fontainebleau State Park with us!
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