Riding the Lake Pontchartrain Loop

First person view of a motorcycle ride

If you’re ever in New Orleans, you can’t miss the Lake Pontchartrain loop motorcycle ride. There are many scenic roads to travel, historical sights to see, and awe-inspiring views you won’t find anywhere else. Along the way, don’t forget to stop and take in Louisiana’s famous cuisine and vibrant culture.

The Route

There’s plenty to see and do along the Lake Pontchartrain loop and around the New Orleans, LA, area. City traffic can be a nightmare, but that doesn’t take away from the pleasant route and roadside attractions.

Esplanade Avenue is one of the quietest and most historic streets in New Orleans. It leads you past beautiful Louisiana homes and up to Wisner Boulevard. From there, you can ride through the scenic parts of City Park and Bayou St. John to the shore of Lake Pontchartrain.

Riding to Lake Pontchartrain

If you’re starting in the French Quarter for your Lake Pontchartrain loop motorcycle ride, we recommend heading out from Jackson Square on Decatur Street. It’s right beside the Mississippi River and provides an excellent landmark for directions. Here’s how to get to the lake from there:

  • Follow Decatur Street and turn left on Esplanade Avenue
  • Turn right onto Wisner Boulevard
  • Continue straight onto Beauregard Avenue
  • At the traffic circle, take the second right onto Lakeshore Drive

Lakeshore Drive will take you along the edge of Lake Pontchartrain past a plethora of restaurants and sights. We recommend grabbing a bite at a seafood restaurant in West End.

Returning From Lake Pontchartrain

Getting back to Jackson Square is simple. You can use these directions to return to the French Quarter:

  • Turn left off of Lakeshore Drive onto Robert E. Lee Boulevard
  • Turn right onto Canal Boulevard
  • Take a right onto City Park Avenue
  • Make an immediate left turn onto Canal Street
  • Go past Rampart Street and make a U-turn
  • Turn right onto Rampart Street
  • Turn right onto Ann Street

The Attractions

The New Orleans area provides an enjoyable, scenic trip for many motorcyclists. Following the French Quarter route, you can ride down famous roads like Esplanade Avenue and Canal Street. However, there’s a lot more to see around Lake Pontchartrain.

Jackson Square

Jackson Square is a National Historic Landmark overlooking the Mississippi River. The site played a significant role in New Orleans history before and after the U.S. signed the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, making it one of the top places to visit. Don’t forget to snap a photo of Andrew Jackson’s statue with St. Louis Cathedral in the background.

City Park

If you need a break from your Lake Pontchartrain loop motorcycle ride, visit City Park. This public park is larger than New York’s Central Park and features lush greenery and trails for bikers and pedestrians. In the oldest section of the park, you’ll find oak trees that have stood for hundreds of years.  

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

The Causeway spans Lake Pontchartrain, running approximately 24 miles and rising only about 15 feet above the water. It’s the world’s longest bridge over a body of water, and you won’t want to conclude your Louisiana motorcycle trip without riding across it.

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway might be a little too much for some bikers. Still, there are other popular bridges in the area, including:

  • Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
  • Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge
  • Calcasieu River Bridge
  • Horace Wilkinson Bridge

Need a Motorcycle Lawyer? Reach Out to Law Tigers

No one plans to be involved in an accident, but if you or a loved one has experienced one the team at Law Tigers is here to help. We are a group of motorcycle attorneys who also love to ride, so we are particularly passionate about protecting the rights of riders across the USA. Please feel free to contact us at 1-888-863-7216 for a free consultation.