Southwest® flights from Dallas (Love Field) to New Orleans from $59

When you land at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, you’re just a quick car or bus ride away from downtown New Orleans and your steamy bayou adventure. The Big Easy has a strong pull, the alluring cultural history intertwined with the local lore and legends lulling visitors into their distinctive spell. What voodoo might the Crescent City cast upon you? The magic you’ll encounter is unlike anything you’ll have seen in Dallas—or anywhere else, for that matter.

Everyone knows about Mardi Gras, of course, but this annual celebration is not the only reason to visit New Orleans. The French Quarter and the city at large have plenty of party atmosphere year-round, not just during the two weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday. Live music, from jazz to big band to zydeco, can be heard on any night of the week, spilling from hole-in-the-wall clubs and big, famous concert halls alike. Indulge in traditional, local food and drink—red beans and rice, jambalaya, gumbo, muffaletta, po-boys, and top it off with a pair of beignets.