best plantations to visit in new orleans

The Traveling Twin Mama

The 6 Best Plantations Near New Orleans (from a local)

New Orleans is a city steeped in history, from its variety of architectural influences to its unique historical tapestry. In this post, we’ll explore the best plantations near New Orleans and the fascinating glimpses they offer into America’s past.

There are six plantations within an hour’s drive of New Orleans. These sites are more than just tourist destinations, they’re living monuments to an intricate and somber chapter in American history. Once you’ve seen one plantation, you’re guaranteed to want to explore more – trust me.

Each plantation tells its own story, offering a blend of beauty, culture, and real-life history. Despite being in rather close proximity to one another, each plantation is a unique destination, revealing different perspectives into the deep roots of the American South.

As a New Orleans local, each visit to one of these plantations has left me captivated by its specific story. In this post, we’ll take a journey through time, exploring six of the most storied plantations near New Orleans. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the region’s fascinating past and its cultural heritage – as well as determining which plantation(s) you want to visit!

The Short Version

Don’t have time to read this whole post? Don’t fret! There are many amazing plantations near New Orleans, but these two are my personal favorites:

• Whitney Plantation : Whitney Plantations is my all-time favorite. It does an excellent job of giving the perspective of the enslaved. They’ve done a lot of research on those who were enslaved on the plantation and presented that information in various unique exhibits.
• Oak Alley Plantation : Oak Alley is great for tourists. It’s absolutely beautiful, has a restaurant, and sells cocktails and beer on the tour. The main attraction is the “Big House” where visitors can learn how the owners lived on a guided tour. It also has a self-guided slave quarter.

The 6 Best Plantations Near New Orleans

Although there’s plenty to enjoy in this vibrant city (even on a NOLA Staycation !), nothing beats getting out and exploring the cultural history and significance of New Orleans and the surrounding regions. Thankfully, when using common sense, New Orleans is plenty safe, and visiting the city (as well as the best plantations near New Orleans) makes a great family-friendly trip. In fact, I visited all of the plantations with at least one of my twins with me.

Below you’ll find the six best plantations to add to your New Orleans itinerary. These are roughly ranked in order of popularity. I highly recommend trying to squeeze in as many as you can!

1. Oak Alley Plantation: The most stunning, and most photographed

Oak Alley Plantation is known for its remarkable Greek Revival mansion, or “The Big House”. It’s a masterpiece of antebellum architecture that is a true testament to the rampant opulence of the era. 

This grand manor is a National Historic Landmark, characterized by its stately columns and elegant symmetry. Oak Alley’s most iconic feature, though, is the breathtaking avenue lined by 28 towering, 250-year-old oak trees. 

The pathway stretches a quarter of a mile between the Mississippi River and the mansion. My son loved running down this stretch. Plus it was a great way to burn his energy.

Even more than for its splendor, Oak Alley is valued for its educational value. The plantation offers interpretive exhibits that delve into the brutal history of slavery.

These displays are a stirring reminder of the individuals who lived and worked under bondage on these grounds. They provide an unflinching look at the realities of plantation life. You’ll see the human cost of the antebellum South’s economic success.

The Oak Alley Plantation also sheds some light on Civil War history. Here, you’ll get to explore a turbulent period that reshaped the South along with the entire nation. You’ll learn about the plantation’s role in the war and the broader impact it had on society and the economy of the South.

Oak Alley even offers insights into the sugar industry, which was a cornerstone of the Southern economy at that time. The plantation’s sugarcane fields and the nearby ancient cypress swamp are living symbols of the region’s agricultural past.

In addition to the historical and educational experience, Oak Alley is very accommodating for tourists with a restaurant, coffee shop, and spirit shop. For those who may be interested, they also offer bed and breakfast experience in their cottages.

• A convenient and comprehensive tour including the ‘Big House’ : This tour will depart from a Toulouse Street meeting point in New Orleans. It includes a private guide and transportation in an air–conditioned vehicle (a necessary addition, especially if you’re visiting New Orleans in July ). You’ll see Lake Pontchartrain and the Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge during the drive.
• Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour : Not only will you get the opportunity to explore and learn about the antebellum lifestyle and history of the plantation, but you’ll also take a boat ride through a private Louisana swap with possible wildlife sightings.

Hours of Operation

• Open daily 8:30 am to 5:00 pm; exhibits close at 5:00 pm, and gates close at 5:30 pm.
• Closed: New Year’s Day, Mardi Gras , Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

How to Get There

Oak Alley Plantation is in Vacherie, Louisiana, along the Mississippi River. It’s about an hour drive west of New Orleans (53 miles). Below is the best way to get there when driving from New Orleans:

•  Take I-10 West from New Orleans.
• Exit onto I-310 South S toward Boutte/Houma.
• Take exit 10 toward Donaldsonville, LA-3127 N.
• Turn right onto LA-20 E.
• Turn right onto LA-18 to the plantation.

The address for Oak Alley Plantation is 3645 Highway 18, Vacherie, LA 70090, USA .

2. Whitney Plantation: The most focused on the history of slavery

The Whitney Plantation is another important site for American historical preservation and education. It distinguishes itself as the first museum in the United States solely dedicated to the history of slavery- and it does an excellent job doing so!

This plantation offers you a uniquely poignant perspective on the lives and legacies of the people who were enslaved there.

I was personally impressed by the detailed exhibits and memorials. These have been meticulously designed to honor and remember the lives of the enslaved people. 

The exhibits include not just artifacts and historical documents but also powerful art installations and narratives. The displays will enlighten you on the real, human stories often overshadowed by broader historical narratives.

The Whitney Plantation’s variety of memorials is just as powerful. For example, the “Field of Angels” honors the 2,200 Louisiana children born into slavery who died in St. John the Baptist Parish. Each of these young ones died before their third birthday. 

Another moving installation is the “Wall of Honor”. The display lists the known names of all enslaved people who lived on the plantation. It’s a harsh reminder of these individuals and the lives they led here.

• This guided plantation tour with transportation : This half-day (6.5 hour) trip takes care of the navigating for you! You will be picked up at your accommodation and driven down the scenic River Road. Your expert guide will provide a commentary on the sights, including Lake Pontchartrain and various film sites.
• Whitney Plantation and airboat tour : Offers hotel pickups and transportation to a self-guided exploration of Whitney Plantation. Afterward, take a high-speed airboat through a Louisiana swap, with potential wildlife sightings. 
• Open 9:30 am – 4:30 pm; No entry permitted after 3:00 pm.
• Guided tours begin at 10:45 am, 12:45 pm, and 2:45 pm. No reservations are necessary, but there are a limited number of spots. 
• Closed Tuesdays and certain holidays .

The Whitney Plantation is in Wallace, Louisiana, about a 50-minute drive from New Orleans (46 miles away). Below is a handy guide to getting there by car from New Orleans:

•  Start on I-10 West from New Orleans.
• Take Exit 194 for LA-641 towards Gramercy/Lutcher.
• Merge onto LA-641 South, then turn left onto LA-3125 West.
• Turn right onto LA-18 East/River Road, and follow it to Whitney Plantation.

The address for Whitney Plantation is 5099 Highway 18, Wallace, LA 70049, USA .

3. Laura Plantation: Focused on life in Creole Louisiana in the 1800’s

Laura Plantation offers a unique glimpse into the Creole lifestyle of the 1800s – before Louisiana was sold to the United States in 1803. It was a time when the French language was spoken and Roman Catholicism intertwined with a Latin-based society, comprising people of white, black, and mixed-race ancestry. 

The heart of the plantation’s story revolves around Laura Locoul. Laura’s mother, Elizabeth, inherited the plantation and ran it with an iron will for 47 years. 

As you wander through the plantation, you’ll be guided through the intricate details of Laura’s family history and get a vivid picture of the opulent lifestyle led by the Creole elite.

However, the Laura Plantation doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters of its history. The fully guided tour confronts the harsh realities faced by those enslaved on the sugar plantation from 1808 to 1860. 

It offers a sobering journey through time and an unfiltered look at the stark contrasts between the lives of the plantation owners and those who were enslaved. 

During the tour, you will explore the Big House, and stroll across the 200-year-old sugar plantation, Homestead, which includes three meticulously maintained gardens. 

The authenticity of the experience is further heightened when you step into an 1840’s slave cabin, a stark reminder of the lives once lived here.

For those who are particularly interested in the comprehensive history of Laura Plantation, the exhibit “From the Big House to the Quarters: Slavery on Laura Plantation” is a must-see. This exhibit offers an in-depth look at the complexities and intricacies of life on the plantation, drawing a vivid picture of the societal structures and day-to-day realities of the era.

• Book a guided tour of the well-maintained Creole estate, including the main house, slave quarters, and gardens.
• Great River Road is home to several plantations. As a result, tour companies offer combined tours with St. Joseph and Oak Alley Plantations with transportation from New Orleans. 
• Tours in English occur every 40 minutes, starting at 10:00 am, and ending at 3:20 pm.
• Tours in French occur at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
• Closed on New Year’s Day, Mardi Gras, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
• Closes at noon on July 4th and December 24th.

Laura Plantation is in Vacherie, Louisiana. Your drive from New Orleans will be about an hour or 50 miles. Below is how to reach it from New Orleans by car:

• Take I-10 West.
• Turn right onto LA-18 E to the plantation.

The address for Laura Plantation is 2247 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090, USA.4. St . 

4. Joseph Plantation: An operating sugarcane plantation

As one of the last operating sugarcane plantations in Louisiana, the St.Joseph Plantation gives you a rare and authentic glimpse into the agricultural legacy of the South. 

The gorgeous plantation is home to a well-preserved antebellum mansion, where you’re free to explore every extraordinary room.

What is now St. Joseph’s Plantation was once two separate properties: St. Joseph’s and Felicity Plantations. They were merged in 1901 and now form a sublime 2,500-acre showpiece. They can be toured together or separately, and are both full of period furniture and family heirlooms. 

There are also numerous outbuildings and structures scattered around the estate. You’ll have the opportunity to walk through the estate’s original slave quarters. This experience serves again as a stark reminder of the plantation’s history and the lives of those who labored there.

Then there is the authentic blacksmith shop and schoolhouse on the property, which are definitely worth a visit. They offer a first-hand look into the daily workings and the social structure of an antebellum South estate. 

Another special aspect of St. Joseph Plantation is its “Creole Mourning Tour”. This annual event is held from late September through November. The tour gives you a rare look into the mourning customs of the Creole culture. Take in the live re-enactments that bring history to life right before your eyes. 

The house is dressed in traditional mourning decor, and actors portray the plantation’s historical figures. It’s a colorful and enlightening experience you shouldn’t miss.

After spending some time here, you might recognize some areas of the plantation. Its authentic, well-preserved setting has made its way into several popular movies. These include Twelve Years a Slave and Skeleton Key , among many others. I personally was excited to see Ralph Angel’s home, from Queen Sugar.

• The Creole Mourning Tour : Unfortunately, this fascinating tour is an annual one that is only offered during October. If you’re visiting New Orleans during this time, be sure to set aside time for this one. Learn about the enigmatic funeral traditions and ceremonies of Creole Louisiana from the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Explore St. Joseph and Felicity Plantations separately or combine them into one tour . Many tours are given by the plantation owner’s family members, adding a more intimate air to the visit. Tour both homes and learn what life was like on a real sugarcane plantation.
• Make the most of your time by joining a small group tour that visits both St. Joseph and Whitney Plantations . Enjoy an included hotel pickup and historical commentary as you make your way to your final destination.
• Open daily during tour times: 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.

St. Joseph Plantation is in Vacherie, Louisiana. Your drive from New Orleans will be about an hour or 53 miles. Here’s how to reach it from New Orleans by car:

• Turn left onto LA-18 W to the plantation

The address for St. Joseph Plantation is 3535 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090, USA .

5. Destrehan Plantation: The closest plantation near New Orleans

Destrehan Plantation is the closest site near New Orleans, making it a convenient and popular day trip from the city. It also happens to be the oldest documented plantation in the Lower Mississippi Valley.

Its longevity gives it a unique perspective on the early history of Louisiana and plantation life. However, this is just one aspect of Destrehan that makes it stand out from the others in the area.

Another is the unusual French Colonial architecture of the mansion. It stands distinctively among the region’s predominant Greek Revival and Antebellum styles. The plantation’s home is a rare and truly stunning testament to early European influences in Louisiana. 

This architectural gem is not just a treat to look at but also offers a different historical perspective to visitors. It brings to our attention the area’s diverse cultural heritage, such as the beginnings of the Creole culture. We also see evidence here of the German influences on plantation operations.

As you explore the mansion, you’ll hear personal accounts and get the chance to admire authentic treasures of the Destrehan family. These elements bring a relatable human touch to the historical account. You’ll find it difficult to avoid feeling a personal connection with the lives that shaped the plantation over the centuries.

Destrehan is also known for its in-depth exhibits in the Miller-Haydel Museum, housed in what was once an overseer’s cabin. These describe the 1811 slave revolt, one of the largest in U.S. history. The plantation is one of three sites in the area where trials were held following the revolt. It was so cool to see this exhibit in person!

The displays represent a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights, one that’s often overlooked in historical accounts. The exhibits provide genuine artifacts, individual stories, and historical context in a heartfelt and vivid way.

In addition to the mansion’s historical distinction, you’ll love the exquisite, tranquil gardens. Unlike other, grander plantation grounds, Destrehan’s gardens offer a much more intimate setting. They invite you to meander and lose yourself in the fragrant green surroundings. 

• The Life at Destrehan Plantation Tour is the most popular tour you’ll find here. Your guide and the other interpreters dress in period costumes, telling tales of the lives that created the Destrehan world.
• Destrehan Plantation and Airboat Tour is a great way to experience a piece of Louisiana’s past and present with a guided tour of the Destrehan Plantation and an airboat tour of the bayou. This tour includes transportation to/from New Orleans.
• Or opt for the Destrehan Plantation Tour Haunted Night Tour ! This is the only nighttime plantation tour will take you from a New Orleans meeting point to the plantation house. Once there, learn the history and evolution of voodoo, and meet the spirits that remain in the home. Hear chilling stories from the estate’s past – an utter departure from the daytime tours.
• Open 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday.
• Open 10:00 am – 5:30 pm Friday through Sunday.

Destrehan Plantation is in the town of Destrehan, about 30 minutes, or 25 miles, from New Orleans. Due to its proximity to the city, both Lyft and Uber are good options for getting to this plantation. 

If you prefer to drive yourself, here’s how to get from New Orleans to Destrehan Plantation:

• Start on I-10 West from New Orleans.
• Take Exit 220 for I-310 South toward Boutte.
• Continue on I-310 South.
• Take Exit 7 for LA-18, River Road.
• Turn left onto LA-18 East/River Road and follow it to Destrehan Plantation.

The address for Destrehan Plantation is 13034 River Road, Destrehan, LA 70047, USA .

6. Houmas House Plantation: Beloved costumed guided tours and luxury

Houmas House Plantation is synonymous with Southern elegance, luxury, and hospitality. It’s best known for its beautifully costumed guided tours and its upscale ambiance. 

The Houmas House tours allow you to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the antebellum South. Guides dressed in period attire add an authentic touch to their historical commentary as they guide you through the mansion. 

If you’re anything like me, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with the plantation’s gardens. They’re masterpieces of landscape design, sprawling across the 35-acre estate. The flowers, ancient oaks, and water features create an incredible spectacle you can’t help but appreciate.

Adding to the ambiance of Houmas House are the peacocks that wander the grounds. Their brilliant plumage and regal bearing add to the majestic and magical setting. 

Another highlight of Houmas House is the impressive collection of artwork and antiques. A visit here is truly a cultural and historical treat for art connoisseurs! And don’t forget about the historical wine cellars and their fine selection of exquisite wines. 

The art and wine reflect the plantation’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the finer aspects of plantation living. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the cellars, adding a touch of luxury to your experience.

Along with the excellent wines, the culinary experiences at Houmas House are nothing short of exceptional. You have several dining options at Houmas House, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. 

A favorite of these is Latil’s Landing Restaurant, housed inside the original 1770’s structure. Indulge in fine dining with a menu that skillfully combines traditional Southern cuisine with modern culinary techniques.

Houmas House Plantation also offers elegant and luxurious accommodations . Stay in quaint cottages set in the gardens, with modern comforts full of Southern charm and historical ambiance.

Houmas House offers a great assortment of tours for you: 

• The Houmas House Mansion and Gardens Tour is the famous costumed tour. It takes about an hour to completely tour the manor, then guests will explore the 38-acre formal garden at their leisure. Of course, you’ll also want to sample the decadent dining options!
• The self-guided Garden Tour can take as long as you like during opening hours. Enjoy paved walkways, quiet alcoves for sitting, and 38-acres worth of exquisite plants and flowers. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for an excellent selection of gifts and souvenirs.
• Or combine tours ! Take the Houmas House Mansion Tour along with the Great River Road Steamboat Museum tour. Enjoy the entertaining costumed guided tour of the mansion, then get to know all about life on the Mississippi at the Steam Boat Museum. 
• Open daily 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
• Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Houmas House Plantation is in Darrow, Louisiana, about an hour’s drive, or 58 miles, from New Orleans. Here are directions to reaching the plantation from New Orleans by car:

• Begin on Interstate 10 (I-10) West from New Orleans.
• Continue on I-10 W.
• Take Exit 179 for LA-44 toward Burnside/Gonzales.
• Turn right onto LA-44 N/River Road and follow it to Houmas House Plantation.

The address for Houmas House Plantation is 40136 Highway 942, Darrow, LA 70725, USA .

FAQ: The Best Plantations Near New Orleans

Both Oak Alley Plantation and Houmas House Plantation offer overnight stays. Their accommodation is in the form of cottages right on the plantation grounds. 

Oak Alley Plantation is often considered the best choice for families visiting plantations near New Orleans. It offers tours that are suitable for all ages. The guides here make the rich history accessible and interesting for children.  The plantation’s grounds are also very spacious and include an iconic alley of oak trees. This provides an excellent outdoor space for kids to explore. And with amenities like restrooms and a cafe, the plantation is also well-equipped for the convenience of visiting families – especially those with young children.

Absolutely! One of the most highly rated tours is the Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans . Get picked up right from your hotel, enjoy a boat ride on the Louisiana Swamp, explore a private swamp, and tour the plantation – all with guided commentary.

Yes, Houmas House Plantation hosts special events and weddings . It’s known for its beautiful gardens and spaces and is a popular venue for such occasions. You’ll have a stunning and romantic setting that blends historical charm with the beauty of the Louisiana landscape.

Yes, many of these plantations, like Oak Alley and Houmas House, have gift shops where you can purchase local products, souvenirs, and books related to the plantation’s history and region.

Yes, Laura Plantation, St. Joseph Plantation, and Oak Alley Plantation are all located on Great River Road, within three miles of one another. Tours at each location take about 1-3 hours, depending on how long you want to explore.

In Conclusion

Exploring the plantations near New Orleans is an incredibly rewarding experience. Whichever plantation you visit, you’ll gain a unique insight into America’s history and cultural heritage. 

These historical plantations are shrouded in the complexities of the past. They present a one-of-a-kind blend of grand architecture, vivid landscapes, and poignant historical narratives. 

A visit to these plantations is a step back in time; a chance to walk through the history that has shaped the region. Touring these estates is an important experience for anyone looking to understand the deep, multifaceted tapestry of the American South.

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The 3 best new orleans plantation tours.

Learn about the Big Easy's role in slavery on one of these daytrips.

Best New Orleans Plantation Tours

Courtesy of New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours

Whitney Plantation's exhibits are largely devoted to the lives of the enslaved people who worked on the property hundreds of years ago.

Known for its Creole cuisine, Mardi Gras festivities and iconic architecture, New Orleans has something to offer every traveler, especially history buffs. The area's antebellum plantations offer a look at the lives of enslaved workers, how local landowners ran their farms using – and profiting off – the labor of the enslaved and how agriculture impacted New Orleans.

Picking the right tour means more than picking a plantation close to your hotel. (Many plantations are located within an hour's drive of the French Quarter .) You'll want to find a tour where first-person accounts depicting the brutal conditions enslaved workers had to endure are the focus. These stories help to provide a more complete picture of plantation life and provide context for why plantation owners were able to afford the luxurious mansions preserved on the property. Additionally, look for plantations that emphasize researching about the lives of enslaved workers, plantations that do not host weddings and those that employ descendants of former slaves.

Not sure where to start? Begin at Evergreen Plantation. This research-focused property is not open to the public, but you can explore its comprehensive website to learn more about the lives of the enslaved men, women and children who were forced to work on the plantation. Visitors can also peruse a slavery database, read biographies of slaves who labored at Evergreen and take a virtual tour.

Taking into account the above criteria – as well as traveler opinion and expert sentiment – U.S. News identified some of the top New Orleans plantation tours.

Gray Line – Whitney Plantation Tour

Price: Adults from $79; kids from $39 Duration: 5.5 hours

Opened to the public in 2014, Whitney Plantation offers a distinct look at the enslaved people who lived and worked at the site more than 200 years ago. This Gray Line tour, which lasts about 5.5 hours, allows access to museum exhibits, artwork and recorded first-person slave narratives. Reviewers say this tour is particularly powerful and important and describe it as a must-do activity. They also appreciate the bus drivers who share more tidbits of information on the drive to Whitney.

Tours depart Wednesday through Monday at noon and 1 p.m. Ticket prices start at $79 for adults and $39 for children 12 and younger. Gray Line offers other plantation tours, ghost tours, swamp tours and more.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours – Whitney Plantation & Swamp Kayak Tour Combo

Price: From $195

Duration: 8 hours

Travelers say this daylong tour is a wonderful way to experience two must-do New Orleans attractions. Half the tour is a kayak trip through Manchac Swamp to see cypress trees and local wildlife while learning about the history of the area. The other half is a moving visit to Whitney Plantation, where the experiences of enslaved workers are the main focus. In between the activities, you'll stop for lunch (at your own expense).

Fees start at $195 per person, regardless of age, and tours begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday through Monday. Transportation to and from New Orleans (pickup is near Frenchmen Street) is included. The company says the paddle is suitable for beginner kayakers. It also offers kayak excursions through Honey Island Swamp, among other options.

View & Book Tickets: New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours

Legendary Tours – Laura Plantation Tour

Price: Adults from $79; kids from $45 Duration: 5.5 hours

Named for Laura Lucoul, a Creole member of the family who owned the plantation, Laura Plantation allows visitors not only to explore the lives of enslaved workers on the property, but to also learn more about Louisiana's Creole heritage. During this half-day outing with Legendary Tours, travelers will explore the plantation in depth, view slave quarters, see the great house and much more. Tourgoers commend their drivers and say the guides at Laura Plantation are excellent.

Tours last about 5.5 hours and operate Wednesday to Monday beginning at 10 a.m. (though keep in mind, transportation pickup starts at 8 a.m.) Tickets start at $79 for adults and $45 for children 5 to 12; kids 4 and younger explore for free. Fees include round-trip transportation from select areas of New Orleans. Legendary Tours also offers tours exploring other area plantations.

View & Book Tickets: Legendary Tours

You may also be interested in:

• Best New Orleans Tours
• Best New Orleans Cemetery Tours
• Best New Orleans Ghost Tours
• Best New Orleans Swamp Tours
• Best New Orleans Walking Tours

Tags: Tours , New Orleans , Travel , Vacations , Louisiana Vacations , Southeast Vacations , US Vacations

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The Best Plantation Tours To Take Near New Orleans - A guide from a local

When you think of the Big Easy, you might picture yourself dining on spicy Creole cuisine, partying it down at Mardi Gras , or making your way through the narrow rues of The French Quarter . What you may not know, is that a historic plantation tour is also one of the most unique things to do in New Orleans!

Plantations are central to NOLA’s culture because the wealth that built The French Quarter and Garden District all came from the exploitation of slaves. Tours explore the area’s former working estates and offer a look at the lives of enslaved workers, local landowners, and prominent Southern families and how this type of labor and agriculture helped shape New Orleans culture.

So, which New Orleans plantation should you tour?

Picking the right tour doesn’t necessarily mean choosing a location close to your hotel. This is because many of these estates are over an hour’s drive of The French Quarter or Garden District, where most tourists stay.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! These are the best plantation tours in and around New Orleans and how to get there-

How to Get to Plantations Near New Orleans

Although most estates are about an hour’s drive from the city, getting to your tour is relatively easy, with a few different options.

Here’s how to get your plantation tour near New Orleans-

If the idea of being jammed on a bus with a bunch of strangers doesn’t sound good. Another option is to rent a car. If you don’t mind driving, renting a car is a convenient option, especially if you plan on exploring not just plantations but all the fun day trips you can take from New Orleans. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to travel on your own time and pace.

This is an advantage over guided tours and shuttle buses, which start and end at specific times and follow strict itineraries. If you plan to drive yourself, note that making reservations in advance is critical because tours often sell out, especially during the busy season.

All major car rental agencies operate in the city, including at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Click here and check out discover cars to find the best deals on car rentals

Numerous tour companies in New Orleans offer guided plantation tours that include transportation. These tours almost always provide round-trip transportation from designated meeting points or top hotels in New Orleans to the plantations.

The reasons to book a guided tour are simple . Booking a guided tour allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey, while an expert gives you insights and highlights of the plantations!

Check out our overview of different tour bus options below.

Most tourists opt to take a bus like this to tour the Plantations.

Cajun Encounters

Cajun Encounters does a great job fitting in two very different plantations in one day. This tour lets you visit the Creole-style Laura Plantation and the Antebellum Oak Alley. Your guide will show you the highlights and history of each site, plus Louisiana’s natural landscape as you drive from New Orleans.

The prices for Cajun Encounters tend to be higher than others on this list but keep in mind their tour includes a guided tour of two plantations. One thing that tourists love about Cajun Encounters is that they have pickup services from popular French Quarter hotels.

Gray Line New Orleans

Gray Line is a tour company chain with a solid reputation throughout the US, and they’ve certainly treated New Orleans well. You can choose between the Laura, Whitney, or Oak Alley and leave from a convenient meeting spot in The French Quarter.

Like the Cajun Encounters tour above, Gray Line has an option to go through two plantations in one day. This tour allows you to choose between the Whitney, Laura, and/or Oak Alley plantations. You could also take Gray Line’s Plantation/Swamp Tour combo and check off two of Southern Louisiana’s great wonders (gators and plantations!) in one day.

A Brief History of Plantations Near New Orleans

The history of Southern Louisiana’s plantations is deeply intertwined with the area’s complex, muddied past.

These plantations were at the center of the Antebellum era, producing crops like sugarcane and cotton and relying heavily on slave labor. Slavery, in general, is a controversial part of American history, and it’s no secret that enslaved individuals lived harsh, short lives.

At the same time, these grand estates, with their opulent mansions and oversized gardens, represented the wealth and social status of the plantation elite. Modern society tends to romanticize these mansions, but the reality for most of its residents (slaves) was not sweet.

The Civil War and the abolition of slavery ended this lifestyle, and very few plantations remain. Today, the surviving estates remind visitors of a complex and often painful history, giving everyone an opportunity to learn about the lives of those who lived and worked there.

Sugar plantations were reliant on slave labor.

Closest to the City: Destrehan Plantation

Style: Greek Reval, French Colonial, Antebellum Distance from New Orleans: 23 miles Tour information: Destrehan Plantation Tour Address: 13034 River Rd, Destrehan, LA 70047

Destrehan Plantation is the closest plantation to New Orleans, making it one of the most popular choices.

Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, Destrehan Plantation is one of the oldest plantations in the state, created in 1787. The guided tour explores the plantation’s history, architecture, and role in the sugar industry.

The plantation was owned by Jean-Noel Destrehan, who was one of the most prosperous sugar barons during the antebellum period. It also happens to be one of three sites where trials took place after the 1811 German Coast Slave Revolt , a largely hidden part of US history.

Fun fact: The beloved New Orleans cult classic, Interview with the Vampire, used parts of the Destrehan’s decadent interior for filming.

Book now from only $26!

Fun fact: The beloved New Orleans cult classic, Interview with the Vampire, used parts of the Destrehan’s decadent interior for filming. .

Most Filmed: Oak Alley Plantation

Style : Greek Revival Distance from New Orleans: 54 miles Tour information: Oak Alley Foundation Address : 2247 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090

Oak Alley in Vacherie, Lousiana, is one of the most commonly visited plantations because it is beautifully preserved and iconically Southern antebellum.

On the West bank of the Mississippi River is a Louisana plantation that’s worn many hats over the years, known as Oak Alley. From a sugar plantation to an (almost) investment, a cattle ranch, and more-Oak, Alley has over 200 years of rich history.

Today, the plantation is a museum of its former selves, with a carefully preserved record of each chapter in its history. The Alley is absolutely gorgeous, lined by a breathtaking avenue of ancient oak trees that lead up to the striking Greek Revival manor. The property gets its name from its 28 columns that symbolize the 28 oak trees in the pathway leading up to the plantation. These iconic white columns peeking out from the oak trees are one of the best places to grab photos near New Orleans.

Oak Alley’s history, wise old oaks, and beautifully restored estate continue to captivate tourists worldwide, inviting them to step back in time and explore a significant chapter in Louisiana’s history.

The Oak Alley Plantation in Popular Media With its good looks, is it any wonder that Oak Alley has appeared in several famous pieces of media and film? Look for the watchful columns and their oak counterparts here-

Interview with The Vampire Netherworld Nightrider Red Dead Redemption 2

Book now for $69 includes a tour bus ride to the Plantation from the French Quarter

Run by Women: Laura Plantation

Style: French Creole Distance from New Orleans: 51 miles Tour information: Laura Plantation Address: 3645 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090

Also in Vacherie is the bright yellow Laura Plantation, run by four generations of women. One thing uniquely beautiful and equally profound about Southern Louisiana is the history of the land. The Laura’s timeline is a shining example of that-

For over a century, a Colapissa Indian Village thrived on beautiful, unspoiled wilderness. In 1804, a Frenchman named Guillaume Duparc came to own the land and built his massive sugar plantation, called l’Habitation Duparc, in the center of what was once the Indian Village. Duparc’s sugar farm would grow to over 12,000 acres at one point.

Today, the colorfully Creole Laura Plantation, renamed after a descendant of Guillaume, Laura Locoul, is a fully guided step through history. The tour includes looks at the Big House and its architecture, a walk through the gardens (Jardin Français, the kitchen potager, and BananaLand grove), plus the 12 buildings on the National Register, including animal barns, overseers’ cottages, 1840s slave cabins, and the Maison de Reprise.

Most Focused on the Lives of the Enslaved: Whitney Plantation

Style: Federal, French Creole Distance from New Orleans: 47 miles Tour information: Whitney Plantation Address: 5099 LA-18, Edgard, LA 70049

Considered one of the most ethical tour options near New Orleans, The Whitney Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana, takes a unique and modern approach by exclusively focusing on the history of slavery. The Whitney is also considered one of the most popular locations to tour, and tickets sell out; advanced reservations are highly recommended.

Most plantations offer tours focusing on the beautiful architecture, gardens fit for royalty, and the lives of the slave-owning families who lived in luxury. The Whitney Plantation is notable in that it’s the only plantation museum in Louisiana that focuses exclusively on the lives of the enslaved, honoring the 350 people who once forcibly lived and worked there.

The Whitney’s museum is a profound and eye-opening experience. Through exhibits, restored slave cabins, and memorials, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the harsh realities of slavery while honoring the resilience and strength of those who endured it.

Touring the Whitney is one of the most powerful and impactful experiences near New Orleans. Take the plantation’s self-guided audio tour to explore at your own pace.

Book now (includes a ride from New Orleans) $78

Fun fact : A few scenes from Quentin Tarantino’s movie Django Unchained were filmed at the Whitney Plantation. .

This sculpture honors those who lost their lives in the German Coast slave revolt.

Our guide to Planning your Trip to New Orleans

Let us help you plan your trip to New Orleans. We are experts of all things New Orleans and we’ve been putting our knowledge together into a guide. This guide is a collection of articles that can act as a free trip planning guide giving you an idea of some of the best things to do, tours that are worth your time and money, places to see and where to eat. So check out our free trip planning guide.

What we are about:

Nola Tour Guy is a collective of passionate guides, both men and women, who are experts in the history of New Orleans. Our goals are to give tours that are intellectually stimulating, historically accurate and FUN. We only offer walking tours because we believe that walking is the best way to see a city and learn about it and at a price everyone can afford. Nola Tour Guy offers no novelty tours only the real history brought to life by our passionate guides. Join us, you won’t be disappointed..

Author:  Courtney Lux

Courtney is a Dallas-based writer who spends more time living in the thrill of an adventure than in commonly accepted reality. She’s a travel blogger, a daydreamer, a poetry fanatic, and a lover of all things whimsical. Courtney writes early in the morning, then spends the rest of the day cuddling with her pets and planning more travel.

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Exploring the Gulf

8 Best Plantation Tours in New Orleans in 2024

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the captivating history and beauty of the Deep South is on one of the plantation tours in New Orleans. From the famous Oak Alley Plantation to the lesser-known gems like Whitney Plantation, these Louisiana plantation tours offer a glimpse into the region’s rich past and cultural heritage.

You will get to explore the grand antebellum plantation houses, stroll through some picturesque gardens, and learn about the lives of those who once inhabited these grand estates.

🏆 Best Plantation Tour in New Orleans

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The hands-down best choice for a great time is the From New Orleans: Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch .

For those seeking plantation tours near New Orleans, the Destrehan Plantation will be the closest option, conveniently located just a short drive away from the city.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a nature lover, these tours promise an unforgettable outing that pulls you back in time and an opportunity to learn more about the troubled past of these New Orleans plantations on this Big Easy adventure.

Quick Guide: Plantation Tours in New Orleans

From New Orleans: Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch ✔️ Guided visits to two plantations with gourmet Creole lunch ✔️ Learn about Cajun pride and Creole cultures from a Historian Guide

New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Airboat Swamp Combo Tour ✔️ A combination of Oak Alley historic plantation tour and swamp airboat adventure ✔️ Thrilling swamp airboat tour through the Barataria Basin & learn about Oak Alley’s Greek Revival architecture

New Orleans: Houmas House Plantation Tour ✔️  Period-dressed guides for an immersive experience ✔️ Extensively restored mansion with Live Oak trees, secret gardens, and water features

Best New Orleans Plantation Tours

1. from new orleans: whitney plantation ticket & transportation.

⭐️ RATING : 4.7 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 5 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Step into the historical charm of the Whitney Plantation in New Orleans with the From New Orleans: Whitney Plantation Ticket & Transportation tour . This highly-rated tour has earned an impressive rating throughout its numerous visitors, and it continues to ensure a delightful and enriching experience for those who book it.

Lasting approximately 5 hours, this round-trip bus tour provides convenient transportation to the Whitney Plantation, known for its stunning Spanish Creole plantation architecture.

Once you arrive, you’ll embark on a self-guided tour, allowing you to explore the plantation at your own pace. As the only plantation museum in Louisiana with a focus on the history of slavery, the Whitney Plantation tour offers a unique educational experience, shedding light on the lives of enslaved individuals and their contributions to history.

The tour itself was a self-guided audio which was fantastic, well structured, substantive, and comfortably paced. The drive out was also great! GetYourGuide Traveler (Read More Reviews )

You can immerse yourself in the rich history of the plantation as you stroll through its historic outbuildings, each holding its own intriguing story.

The well-structured self-guided audio tour provides substantive information about the plantation’s past, culture, and significance, ensuring you have an informative and captivating journey.

The opportunity to visit the Whitney Plantation in New Orleans, where Spanish Creole architecture, a focus on slave labor, and a variety of historic outbuildings come together to create an unforgettable eye-opening experience and powerful testimony of plantation life.

▶️ BOOK From New Orleans: Whitney Plantation Ticket & Transportation

2. New Orleans: Destrehan Plantation Tour

⭐️ RATING : 4.6 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : Valid for 1 Day | Check Rates and Availability

Explore the Closest Plantation to New Orleans with the New Orleans: Destrehan Plantation Tour . Approximately a 30-minute drive away from the heart of New Orleans, this highly-rated tour continues to impress its crowds, so make sure you don’t miss it!

The tour is valid for one day, allowing plenty of time to immerse yourself in the plantation’s rich history and culture.

Upon arrival at Destrehan Plantation, you will have the opportunity to explore the plantation store and gift shop, where you can find unique souvenirs and mementos. Throughout the tour, you will have a personal interpreter who will guide you through the plantation, sharing stories about both free and enslaved people who once lived here.

I enjoyed the whole tour from the history lessons to the artifacts and most especially the presentation. Will recommend this tour. – GetYourGuide Traveler (Read More Reviews )

One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to see an original document signed by historical figures Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, adding an extra layer of historical significance to the experience. Additionally, visitors can witness folk-life demonstrations that showcase traditional skills and crafts.

As you explore the plantation, don’t miss the Legacy Room, which displays original documents and artifacts from the family members who resided here, providing an intimate glimpse into their lives.

▶️ BOOK New Orleans: Destrehan Plantation Tour

3. New Orleans: Houmas House Plantation Tour

⭐️ RATING : 4.8 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 1 Hour | Check Rates and Availability

You can experience the grandeur of the Houmas House Plantation with the New Orleans: Houmas House Plantation Tour . This tour promises a fully immersive and captivating experience. Guides dressed in period attire enhance the authenticity of the tour, offering a glimpse into the plantation’s storied past.

As you explore the fully restored mansion, you will be transported back in time, enjoying a fully immersive experience that reflects the opulence and grandeur of the sugarcane plantation in the 1800s. The tour provides an opportunity to see rare and period artwork and artifacts, adding a rich layer of historical significance to the visit.

Absolutely loved the tour. The house is amazing and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and personable. The grounds are so vast and gorgeous. – GetYourGuide Traveler (Read More Reviews )

The Houmas House’s vast grounds are equally impressive, featuring water features, secret gardens, sculptures, and magnificent live Oak trees. Visitors can enjoy self-paced tours of the expansive gardens, taking in the natural beauty that surrounds them.

Whether you’re fascinated by history, appreciate architecture, or simply seek an escape into the beauty of the past, this tour promises to be an enriching and memorable experience.

▶️ BOOK New Orleans: Houmas House Plantation Tour

4. New Orleans: St. Joseph Plantation Guided Tour

🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 1 Hour | Check Rates and Availability

St. Joseph Plantation is one of the last operating sugar cane plantations in Louisiana, covering an impressive 2,500 acres in the River Parishes. During the guided tour , you will have full access to each room of the plantation home, allowing for a more detailed understanding of its history and significance.

Additionally, guests are encouraged to take a walking tour to explore the beautiful grounds and witness the plantation’s rich heritage firsthand.

The self-guided tour of numerous outbuildings, including original slave quarters, a detached kitchen, a blacksmith shop, a carpenter’s shed, and a schoolhouse, offers an intimate glimpse into the daily lives and struggles of the people who lived on the plantation.

If you consider yourself a history enthusiast or a movie buff, you will appreciate that St. Joseph Plantation, along with its sister property Felicity Plantation, has been featured in several notable films, such as “12 Years a Slave,” “All The King’s Men,” “The Skeleton Key,” and “Queen Sugar.”

There is also a very unique opportunity starting at the end of September from October 1st through November 3rd, where visitors can also witness the “Creole Mourning Tour.” During this time, the house is dressed for deep mourning, and live re-enactments portray the people who lived on the plantation and their mourning customs.

If you’re eager to delve into a lesser-known gem among the plantations near New Orleans, the New Orleans: St. Joseph Plantation Guided Tour is a fantastic choice.

▶️ BOOK New Orleans: St. Joseph Plantation Guided Tour

New Orleans Plantation and Swamp Tours

5. new orleans: single plantation and pontoon swamp day trip.

⭐️ RATING : 4.6 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 8 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

You can experience the best of both worlds with the New Orleans: Single Plantation and Pontoon Swamp Day Trip . This tour offers the opportunity to visit one of three plantations, including Laura, Oak Alley, or Whitney Plantation. With a tour length of 8 hours, it provides plenty of time to explore a plantation and venture into the enchanting swamp.

Explore one of the following plantations with this tour:

    •     Laura Plantation: Discover the Big House, gardens, and original slave cabins. Don’t miss the new museum exhibits offering insights into daily life on the sugar plantation.

    •     Oak Alley Plantation: Oak Alley house tour (including the Big House), Oak Alley exhibit, and visit an 1890s-era forge, providing a glimpse into historical craftsmanship.

    •     Whitney Plantation: Experience a French Creole Barn, a detached kitchen, and exhibits honoring the lives and struggles of enslaved individuals.

Everyone from the driver, tour guides were friendly, funny and knowledgable. – GetYourGuide Traveler (Read More Reviews )

The tour includes convenient transportation in a 14-passenger bus, making it a fantastic option for those seeking New Orleans plantation country tours with transportation included.

From the moment you board the tour vehicle, you can expect friendly, funny, and knowledgeable drivers and guides who will make your day truly enjoyable. Visitors have praised the tour for its well-organized itinerary and the engaging narratives shared by the guides.

With this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the rich history of one of these three distinct plantations and venture into the captivating Louisiana swamp to learn about the unique Wetlands ecosystem.

The combination of visiting a plantation and taking a pontoon swamp tour allows you to learn about the history of the region while also experiencing the beauty of the Wetlands and its wildlife. A day filled with cultural heritage and natural wonders awaits on this exceptional adventure.

▶️ BOOK New Orleans: Single Plantation and Pontoon Swamp Day Trip

6. New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Swamp Cruise Day Trip

⭐️ RATING : 4.6 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 7 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Set out on a captivating journey with this highly-rated tour that has earned an impressive rating and promises a memorable and enriching experience. With a tour length of 7 hours, visitors have ample time to delve into the history and beauty of the Oak Alley Plantation.

The Oak Alley and Swamp Cruise Tour combines the best of both worlds. It allows you to witness the breathtaking beauty of the famous plantation and the highlight of its alley of 28 evenly spaced live oak trees as well as the charm of the wetlands and its intriguing mystique is sure to not disappoint.

Along with exploring the plantation, you’ll enjoy a narrated ride across the swamps, taking in the unique scenery and spotting alligators, turtles, and water birds in their natural habitat. Our family absolutely loved our trip through the swamp and really enjoyed getting to see all of the wildlife, including alligators!

Great trip seeing the alligators and wildlife! We also were in awe of the plantation as well. So much history to learn from! – Robyn (Read More Reviews )

For a deeper understanding of local Cajun and Creole history, the boat tour through the swamps offers an immersive and informative experience on a flat-bottom boat. As an added convenience, this tour also includes pickup from your French Quarter hotel.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely day at the plantation, with picnic tables available if you want to prepare and bring your own lunch. However, there’s also a restaurant on-site for those who don’t want the stress of bringing along their own food . The plantation also has a gift shop and bar that certainly add more to the experience.

With so much history to learn from, this Oak Alley Plantation tour promises a comprehensive and unforgettable experience. So don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Oak Alley Plantation and the magic of Louisiana’s swamps!

▶️ BOOK New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Swamp Cruise Day Trip

7. New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Airboat Swamp Combo Tour

⭐️ RATING : 4.7 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 8.5 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Embark on a thrilling and immersive adventure with the New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Airboat Swamp Combo Tour . This highly sought-after tour is one of the most booked and highest-rated experiences, offering the best of both worlds—the beauty and history of Oak Alley plantation tours in New Orleans and the exhilaration of a swamp airboat adventure.

With a tour length of 8.5 hours, visitors can indulge in the captivating beauty and history of the iconic plantation, known for its Greek Revival architecture and antique farm equipment exhibits. Expert guides in period dress enrich the experience, providing insights into the plantation’s past.

Absolutely worth every cent. The swamp airboat with Capt. Rocky was great. His knowledge and comfort with the alligators was unbelievable. He educated us on the swamp environment, the flora and fauna. The plantation was very interesting and the tour guide knew the house history very well. Great experience! – Patricia (Read More Reviews )

On the swamp airboat tour, guests will ride through the Barataria Basin, witnessing swamps, marshes, and lakes, and have the chance to see gators, raccoons, and wild pigs in their natural habitat.

Capt. Rocky, the airboat guide, is known for impressing with his extensive knowledge of the swamp environment, flora, fauna, and alligators.

▶️ BOOK New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Airboat Swamp Combo Tour

8. From New Orleans: Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch

⭐️ RATING : 4.7 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 9 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

This exciting and diverse adventure with the From New Orleans: Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch tour is the one not to miss. It’s an unforgettable and enriching experience. With a tour length of 9 hours, this tour provides a full day of exploration and fun.

The tour offers a perfect blend of history and nature, with guided visits to the Laura and Houmas House Plantations. You will learn about the rich Cajun and Creole cultures from your historian guide and admire the magnificent 300-year-old oak trees that line the path.

The adventure begins with a scenic, narrated drive out of New Orleans in a 13-seater high-roof van. Along the way, you will pass by Felicity Plantation and St. Joseph Plantation.

These areas are famous for being the filming location of the “12 Years A Slave” movie and “Queen Sugar” TV series, respectively. You will also stop in front of Oak Alley Plantation to admire its iconic rows of centuries-old oak trees.

Overall a wonderful experience with two different style of plantations, lunch and swamp airboat ride. Such a variety and fun, filled day! Truly enjoyable!!! – GetYourGuide Traveler ( Read More Reviews )

At the Houmas House Plantation, you will enjoy a gourmet Creole meal. The tasty lunch is a great way to break up the tour and refuel for the day’s continued adventures. Guides on this Houmas House Plantation tour are dressed in Antebellum costumes.

This is a fun touch that adds historical charm to your tour, making the experience even more compelling.

Many visitors have raved about the overall experience, describing it as a fun-filled day filled with variety and enjoyment. And, of course, the highlight of the tour is the thrilling small airboat ride with a Cajun boat captain.

▶️ BOOK From New Orleans: Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Are new orleans plantation tours worth it.

Absolutely! New Orleans plantation tours are definitely worth it! These tours offer a unique opportunity to delve into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Visitors can explore stunning antebellum houses and their beautiful gardens. It’s a wonderful way to gain insights into the lives of those who once lived on these grand estates.

What Is the Most Famous Plantation in New Orleans?

Oak Alley Plantation is one of the most famous and iconic plantations in New Orleans. It is renowned for its breathtaking alley of ancient oak trees. The line of trees creates a stunning avenue leading up to the majestic Greek Revival-style mansion.

Which Plantation Tour is Closest to New Orleans?

The Destrehan Plantation is the closest plantation to New Orleans, situated just a short drive away from the city. This spot offers a convenient and easily accessible option for those with limited time.

How Long Is the Plantation Tour in New Orleans?

The duration of plantation tours in New Orleans varies depending on the specific tour. Some tours may last as short as one hour, while others can be full-day excursions lasting up to nine hours. We recommend that you choose a tour that best fits your schedule and interests.

Conclusion: Plantation Tours Near NOLA

The best New Orleans plantation tours offer a captivating journey into the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty. From the grandeur of Oak Alley Plantation to the informative Whitney Plantation, each tour provides a unique and enriching experience.

Still haven’t decided? The hands-down best choice for a great time is the From New Orleans: Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch tour .

If you’re looking to explore more than plantations, there are many other tour options to consider. A handful of New Orleans plantation tours combine the best of both worlds with a plantation and swamp tour combo. Combo options include swamp airboat rides , adding a touch of adventure to their exploration.

Destrehan Plantation is a great spot to consider exploring if you are seeking a convenient and fascinating visit. It’s the closest plantation to New Orleans, rich with cultural and historical significance.

Whether you’re drawn to the fascinating stories, compelling history, stunning architecture, or breathtaking landscapes, these plantation tours in Louisiana and their New Orleans plantation house locations promise an unforgettable adventure through time.

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in New Orleans and want to learn more about the fascinating history in this area, we recommend looking into some of the New Orleans cemetery tours .

Candice Steele is the owner of Exploring the Gulf, a blog that helps travelers explore the Gulf Coast Region in the United States. Since 2015, she and her family have been providing valuable insider tips about travel experiences suitable for families traveling to the Gulf Coast. They love exploring the beaches and small coastal towns in this area.

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New Orleans  >  Plantation Mansion Tours Near New Orleans

‎ New Orleans Tourist Tips ‎ |  Suggested Itineraries For New Orleans

• New Orleans
• Top 10 Things To Do
• French Quarter Walking Tour
• Garden District Walking Tour
• Plantation Mansions
• Frenchmen Street
• Top 10 Must Eats
• Top Ten Must Drinks
• Other Sights
• Best Day Trips
• Helpful Tourist Advice
• Suggested Itineraries
• Madri Gras Tips

Plantation Mansion Tours Near New Orleans:

The best collection of large Antebellum Mansions in the United States lies in Plantation Alley along the Mississippi River just outside of New Orleans.  During your guided tours, you’ll get an amazing history lesson on Southern plantation life from the grand mansions to the tiny slave quarters.  While the slavery side of a visit can be emotional and somber, it is extremely important to highlight the real-life conditions of the time to contrast the romanticized Gone With the Wind-style part of the experience.  Overall, the plantation tours from New Orleans are very educational and are one of those things like Bourbon Street or a swamp tour that you simply must do to fully experience the Big Easy.

Group Tour -or- Car Rental:

There are a bunch of tour bus companies in New Orleans that will take you to various plantations, but you are better off renting a car.  You’ll save money with your own transportation and get to be on your own schedule.  With a car, you can better pick and choose which mansions to visit and will have extra time to explore the grounds or even stay overnight.  Having a car also opens up the option of visiting the drive-through safari North of New Orleans and will save you $20 a person on most of the swamp tours.

Prioritizing Your Time:

With 10 worthwhile plantation tours near New Orleans, it can be hard to prioritize.  We have the top 3 mansions all rated equally as high as each other, but for different reasons.  The  Laura Plantation  has the best tours, an amazing story, and a unique Creole viewpoint.   Nottoway Plantation  has the largest Antebellum mansion in the American South, the most beautiful interior, and is the only one you can stay overnight inside the main house.  And finally,  Oak Alley Plantation  has the most activities to do, a great tour with costumed guides, and storybook rows of oak trees.  To see it all, we suggest seeing Evergreen, Laura, & Oak Alley all in one day, then  stay overnight  at Nottoway, and on day two tour Nottoway, San Francisco and whatever else you can on the way back to New Orleans.

Top 10 Plantation Mansions Tours:

1. nottoway plantation :.

About Nottoway Plantation :  Built in 1859 for John Randolph, this  53,000 square foot  massive mansion is the youngest property on our list.  The Goliath size of Nottoway makes it the  largest Antebellum mansion still standing in the American South.  There is a lot of cool symbolism that attentive Randolph added including 365 openings ( 200 windows, 165 doors ) to match the days in a year.  The exterior of the home is a mash-up of an antebellum mansion and the White House with 22 columns surrounding tons of balconies that look amazing from any angle.  The inside of the 64 room Nottoway Mansion also impressive as the 3 story monster has  15 1/2 foot high ceilings , 11-foot-high exterior doors, and 12 hand-carved Italian marble fireplaces.   The mansion is large enough that it is actually divided into a boys’ wing and a girls’ wing for Randolph’s 11 kids.  Every single bedroom looks like it is straight out of a movie  and the magnificent White Ball Room, where 6 out of Randolph’s 7 daughters were married, will blow your mind.

Being built so close to the Civil War, it is amazing the masterpiece of a home only suffered a single bullet hole of damage while other mansions were trashed.  A Union gunboat almost did blow up Nottoway during the war, but at the last second the captain realized he had been a guest at the home before and spared it.  John Randolph had often had large parties at the house and was really lucky he had once invited that boat captain.  We are glad that everything is intact as today Nottoway is  our favorite place to stay in Louisiana  and simply a magical place.  While there are a series of cottages on the property you can also stay directly in the old overseer’s house and the bedrooms of the main mansion itself.  You can see the house from the road but it would be a shame to not tour the mansion or grounds.

General Hours :  Opens Daily at 9am.   Tours :  Daily every hour 9am-4pm; Thursday-Sunday 11am-4pm tours can add a traditional meal for only $2.99 extra.   Admission Cost :  $8 for grounds only; grounds plus Mansion tour is $20 for Adults & $6 for Children.   Plantation Website :  ( HERE ).

Rating :  10 out of 10.

2. The Laura Plantation :

About The Laura Plantation : Known for its award-winning tours, the Laura Plantation has a unique Creole twist and a rich history.  In 1804, just 1 year after the Louisiana Purchase, US President Thomas Jefferson “gave” Frenchman Guillaume Duparc the land for this plantation in exchange for the help he gave America in the Revolutionary War.  The only issue was there was a hundred-year-old Native American village  already located here when Duparc arrived.  Instead of just kicking the Natives out, as other plantation settlers did, Duparc paid them for moving and let them live on the back end of the  6,000-acre  property which they did until 1915.

The bright yellow main house, nicknamed The Big House, was built in the traditional  raised Creole style  making it different than other area plantations.  The first floor of the home is elevated on brick columns, not to protect against the nearby Mississippi River flooding, but to help regulate the temperature of the home and created cool dry good storage space below the home.  It was from this home that  4 generations of women  ran the family plantation after Duparc’s death in 1808 starting with his wife Nannette.  As Nannette later built a retirement mansion next to the main house, the younger generations expanded the property until it needed  69 slave cabins  housing 2 families each.   Even after the emancipation of slaves in Louisiana in 1866 many of the families continued to live and work on the grounds for over 100 more years as free men.   In 1870 one of the neighbors and author Alcée Fortier interviewed many workers to get a better idea feeling for the Creole lifestyle.  He later used his experiences to record the tales of Compair Lapin, known as  Br’er Rabbit  which was a hit story and was featured in Disney’s 1946 movie Song of the South.  The parents of American musician  Fats Domino , known for his song Blueberry Hill, had lived on the plantation for a time.

In 1891, Duparc’s great-granddaughter Laura, whom the family plantation had been renamed after, sold the property and moved to Saint Louis Missouri with her husband.  The socialite Laura, who lived to be 102, later wrote a book about her 1st hand experiences living on and running the plantation.  The book was published in 1936 and is the basis for much of the information covered in the Laura Plantation’s guided tours today.  Workers continued to live in the old slave cabins until 1977 and four years later the plantation operations closed.  Today the property is 13 acres, has 27 buildings including 12 original slave cabins, is surrounded by 1500 acres of active sugar cane farm, and is a delight to visit.

V isiting Hours :  Available by tour only.   Guided Tours :  Depart Daily every 40 minutes from 10am-4pm and take between 70 & 90 minutes to complete.  French tours added at 11am, 1pm, & 3pm.   Cost :  $20 for Adults; $6 Children; Under 5 free ( Cost Includes Tour ).   Plantation Website : ( HERE ).

3. Oak Alley Plantation :

About Oak Alley Plantation : An amazing alley of 300-year-old mega-sized oak trees leads the way to a true Southern belle, the Oak Alley Plantation.  If this beautiful estate looks familiar it’s because you may have seen it  in the prized films  Interview With a Vampire, Primary Colors, plus many others.  The  huge gnarly oaks  were mysteriously planted around 1725, over 100 years before the plantation was even established.  Perfectly framed by the alley, the beautiful Greek Revival mansion was built with 28 columns to match the number of mighty oaks.  With how perfect Oak Alley is, it is no wonder the family of Jacques Roman first called the mansion  Bon Séjour , or good living, when it was completed in 1837.

Touring the picture-perfect estate is tons of fun as the guides are all dress in  proper period clothing .   We love that Oak Alley also lets you free-roam parts of the grounds with a paid admission making taking the perfect photo even easier.  While exploring the grounds, make sure to check out the 20 re-constructed salve cabins sitting behind the mansion.  Even more famous than any of the plantation owners, we love the stories of a slave named Antoine.  He was a gardener who came up with and grafted the award-winning paper shell style of pecans still sold today.

If you really want to feel at home, Oak Alley has overnight cottages  from the 1800’s so you can stay right at the plantation.  There is also a very interesting Civil War Encampment, Blacksmith Shop, and 15 other exhibits on the ground to give you the full old-world experience.  If you are hungry, check out the restaurant for lunch or dinner which offers both Cajun and Creole cuisine.  You can see the oak alley leading up to the house from the road, but to truly see the property or walk among the amazing trees you’ll need to pay admission.

Grounds Hours :  March-October Daily 9am-5pm; Closes 30 minutes early on weekdays in Winter.  Colonial Tent on Monday and Fridays.   Guided Tours :  Depart every 30 minutes.   Cost :  $20 for Adults, youth $7.50, children $4.50 ( Cost Includes Tour ).   Plantation Website :  ( HERE ).

4. Evergreen Plantation :

About Evergreen Plantation : The front of the Evergreen Plantation mansion is visible from the road if you are in a hurry, but we really like their historic tour including the old slave quarters.  Built in 1790, the grounds of the Evergreen Plantation still hold 37 original buildings, making it one of the most completely preserved plantations in the country.  While the most iconic feature may be the elegant dual staircase  on the front of the Antebellum mansion, but the rest of the property will really put your visit over the top.  Behind the main house,  oak-lined alleyways  covered in hanging Spanish moss form tunnels leading to 22 former slave quarters.  Even after the slaves were freed in Louisiana in 1866, Evergreen kept free men of color on staff and worked their sugar farming all the way until 1930.  Because the Evergreen Plantation was kept in operation as a working farm for so long, it really helped to keep the buildings  extremely well preserved .

The grounds almost feel frozen in time which has led Evergreen Plantation to be part of numerous Hollywood films.  The plantation’s most noticeable exposure on the big screen came in 2013 when was featured in Quentin Tarantino’s smash hit movie  Django Unchained  starring Jamie Foxx and Leonardo Dicaprio.  In the film, the exterior of the mansion served as Bennett Manor which was home to the character Big Daddy.  The slave quarters on the back of the property were also heavily featured in numerous scenes in Django Unchained.  Although the owners do not tote the Hollywood connections much on the tours, fans of Django will love visiting, especially since the other main plantation mansion featured in the movie called Candie Land wasn’t a real place.

Visiting Hours :  Monday-Saturday 8:30am-2pm; Closed Sundays.   Guided Tours :  Depart at 9:30am, 11:30am, & 2pm.   Admission Cost :  $20 for Adults; Kids $6 ( Cost Includes Guided Tour ).   Plantation Website :  ( HERE ).

Rating :  9 out of 10.

5. San Francisco Plantation :

About The San Francisco Plantation :  The beautiful San Francisco Plantation was first started in 1822 by a  free man of color Elisée Rillieux who bought a bunch of land around the St. John neighborhood.  After just 3 years he sold the estate to Edmond Marmillion for $100,000 which was a huge amount of money back then.  Edmond spent the next couple of decades expanding the plantation’s growing operations to ensure his kids would be set for life.  As growing became more successful, the family built the colorful main house you see today.

From its  bright blue silos to the detailed woodwork on all sides of the house, the San Francisco is by far the most playful mansion in Plantation Alley.  If being the funkiest looking plantation building in the area wasn’t cool enough, San Francisco’s excellent guided tours are conducted in  classical Southern dress .  Highlights of a tour include 14 beautiful rooms in the main house and a couple of former slave quarters nearby.  Touring the mansion is easy and quick even if you pressed on time as it is right on the main road.  You can see the outside of the house from the road but it’s worth paying for the tour.

Visiting Hours :  Daily 9:30am-5pm ( 4pm in Winter ).   Guided Tours :  Departs every 20 minutes and lasts 45 minutes.   Cost :  $14 for Adults ( Cost Includes Guided Tour ).   Plantation Website :  ( HERE ).

Rating :  7.5 out of 10.

6. Houmas House Plantation :

About Houmas House Plantation : General Wade Hampton bought the land for the plantation and moved here from Virginia in 1810.  It took 15 years until his daughter Caroline and her husband took over for work to begin on the plantation’s Houmas House.  The result was a beautiful mansion with columns on all four sides complete with excellent gardens.  Caroline also greatly expanded the land holdings and built the plantation up to  over 300,000 acres .  It was so much land that she was able to sell the property for $1 million in 1857 to John Burnside.  Burnside quickly built up a train line called the Sugar Line to get his good to market while many competitors only relied on the Mississippi River Boats.  With the rail in place, the plantation worked 98,000 acres at a time and pushed the Houmas House as the  largest producer of sugar cane in the United States  by the Civil War.

The first time we went to the Houmas House there was a movie being filmed there which was quite cool.  It has been featured on many projects including a 2010 episode of the hit show Top Chef.  The outdoor gardens and grounds are worth a stop even if you don’t have time for the mansion tour.  To stay overnight, they have a collection of 4 room cottage houses on the grounds as well.

Visiting Hours :  Open Daily 9am-7pm.  Cost :  $20 for tour, gardens, & grounds; $10 for grounds & gardens only.   Plantation Website :  ( HERE ).

Rating :  7 out of 10.

7. Destrehan Plantation :

About Destrehan Plantation :  Built in 1787, the Destrehan Mansion is the  oldest major home on our Plantation Alley tour.  Jean Noel Destrehan’s family came to New Orleans from France in the early 1700s and got very wealthy growing sugar cane.  Noel was also very popular as he became the first Deputy Mayor of New Orleans in 1803.  It probably didn’t hurt that his brother-in-law was the acting Mayor at the time of his appointment.

Inside the large Destrehan Mansion, they have a display showing the  Jefferson Document .  The decree is from 1804, is actually signed by Thomas Jefferson, and was used to appoint Destrehan to the New Orleans Council.  In addition to the home, there are also former slave houses you get to tour.  Because of its 6 days a week live Carpentry exhibits, this plantation is one of the top ones visited by school groups.

Visiting Hours :  $18 for Adults; $7 for Kids.   Live Demonstrations :  Once a day they have costumed artisans performing carpentry or blacksmith methods from 1780 as educational exhibits.   Plantation Website :  ( HERE )

8. Malus Beauregard Mansion & Battlefield :

About Malus Beauregard Mansion & Battlefield : The Malus Beauregard Plantation Mansion is the closest one to New Orleans and part of the Chalmette Battlefield National Park.  It isn’t as impressive and the main gems on Plantation Alley, but history buffs will like the battlefield displays.  It was here that in 1815 one of the last battles of the War of 1812 took place called the Battle of New Orleans.  As an added bonus The Mississippi River paddleboat  Creole Queen  travels from New Orleans’ French Quarter to the battlefield in just 25 minutes; visit the  Creole Queen website  for sailing times and ticket information

Visiting Hours :  Open Tuesday-Saturday; Closed Sunday & Mondays.   Admission Cost :  Free.   Creole Queen Paddle Boat Rides Website :  ( HERE ).

Rating :  6.5 out of 10.

9. Whitney Plantation :

About Whitney Plantation : While many of the local plantation tours take time to cover the lives of the slaves on their properties, the Whitney Plantation solely focuses on the slave side of the story.  Originally called the Habitation Haydel, there has been a plantation on the property since the German Haydel started their business in 1752.  After WW1 the property was bought by Bradish Johnson who renamed it after his grandson.  If you have taken our Garden District Walking Tour , you may remember the beautiful home that Bradish built with his plantation profit which is now part of the Louise S. McGehee School of Girls.

Hours :  Wednesday-Monday 9:30am-4:30pm; Closed Tuesdays.   Cost :  Adults $22; kids 12 and under free.   Mansion Website :  ( HERE ).

10. Saint Joseph & Felicity Plantations :

About Saint Joseph & Felicity Plantations :  The Saint Joseph Mansion was built in 1830 as part of a 1,000-acre property.  While the grounds and mansion are not as grand as the others in Plantation Alley, the tours consistently get high reviews from guests.  On the edge of the property, the family also owns a sister mansion that was once part of the Felicity Plantation and seems to always have a film crew at it shooting various movies.

Hours :  Thursday-Tuesday with hourly tours 10am-3pm; Closed Wednesdays.   Cost :  Adults $18; Discounts for seniors, veterans, students, and kids.   Mansion Website :  ( HERE ).

Rating :  6 out of 10.

11. Bocage Plantation :

About Bocage Plantation :  The Bocage Mansion was a gift to Fanny Bringier from her dad in 1801 in celebration of her  marriage at only age 14 .  She married a guy named Christophe Colomb from France who claimed to be related to the sailor Christopher Colombus.  Living in a mansion was nothing new for Franny as she was born in the family White Hall Plantation Mansion and had always known wealth.  While the Bocage Mansion is a little smaller than others and a little plain on the outside, it is light on the tourist crowds and is very pretty inside.  Young Franny’s attention to detail is easy to see on the interior including the furniture, gold reliefs, and rich wood accents.  In 2016 the owners decided to  close the mansion  for tours and now are a venue for events and weddings.

Mansion Website :  ( HERE ).

Rating :  N/A.

Plantation Mansions Near Baton Rouge:

1.  Rose Down Plantation :  North of Baton Rouge in St Francisville is a 374-acre property that once covered 3,455 acres.  It is by far the most secluded of the Plantation Mansions you can visit in the area and is managed by the National Park Service.   Plantation Website : ( HERE ).

2.  Greenwood Plantation :  Roman Columns on all four sides is a recreation of the original mid-1800s Mansion that stood here but was burned in a lightning fire in 1960.  North to South was filmed here.   Plantation Website :  ( HERE ).

3.  Poplar Grove Plantation :  This beautiful mansion was built as the Bankers’ Pavilion at the World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition of 1884 in New Orleans.  Two years later it was bought and moved by barge to the Plantation to serve as a home for sugar planter Horace Wilkinson and his wife, Julia.    Plantation Website :  ( HERE ).

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Plantations in Louisiana

Beautiful mansions and grounds deserve to be explored.

Harking back to the days when cotton was king and there were more millionaires in New Orleans than any other American city, the Antebellum plantations along River Road are now tourist attractions offering windows into a bygone past.  Each plantation offers its own snapshot into the region’s agrarian history and most are within easy driving distance from New Orleans (however, please note, taxis and ride-sharing services are not available for pick up from most of these locations. Transportation options are available through all the plantations-- please book accordingly). Some have full restaurants and overnight accommodations if you want to linger longer. Here is a list. 

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Plantation Tours

The Antebellum south comes to life at the many plantations that line the Mississippi River, a throwback to the city’s agrarian past. Located as close as an hour outside of New Orleans, you can...

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Step over a threshold to the past when you visit one of the many historic New Orleans homes open to the public. These architecturally significant houses are lovingly furnished so you can imagine what...

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5 Best New Orleans Plantation Tours

Are you looking for the best plantation to visit in New Orleans? This article shares our 5 Best New Orleans Plantation Tours reviews. The best plantation tours in New Orleans provide important context about the history of slavery and enslaved people forced to work on these plantations. They show the brutal conditions of life of enslaved workers. It’s worth visiting some of them to learn about this important part of history. We made several tours like the famous Oak Alley Plantation, Laura Plantation, Whitney Plantation, and more. What is the best plantation to see in New Orleans? We share our opinions, photos, and tips from our favorites of the best New Orleans Plantations tours. This will help you decide which plantation tour to choose during your visit.

5 Best New Orleans Plantation Tours – Introduction

In this article, we describe only those plantations and places that Chris and I had the opportunity to see ourselves. Chris and I share our subjective opinions. We want to emphasize that this is not a sponsored post. On each visit to New Orleans, we purchased the plantation tours ourselves. So, we share first-hand tips and our observations. Moreover, we present you with photos that we took during these trips.

We present our list of the 5 Best New Orleans Plantation Tours and the best plantations near the NOLA area. We focus on the best tours, which allow you to learn the history of slavery.

These are trips to places that move you deeply. You will hear stories that will make you shiver, and many tears will run down your cheeks. So, check our reviews, photos, and tips. If you don’t have time to read the whole article, our favorite tour is below.

Oak Alley Half-Day Trip

During this half-day trip from New Orleans, you can visit the most famous Oak Alley Plantation . This is one of the best plantations we have experienced, so we highly recommend it.

New Orleans Activities

New Orleans is a wonderful city that mesmerizes with its charm, architecture, flavors, and music. We’ve described it in depth in two other articles that you can check out if you plan to visit. We have prepared a New Orleans 3-day Itinerary and Mardi Gras Festival Itinerary. We recommend places worth seeing and activities worth taking advantage of in NOLA.

But Louisiana also has a dramatic history of slavery. A past where people were enslaved and forced to work hard on plantations. It is a history of the pain and suffering of slaves, working in harsh, inhuman conditions, being beaten cruelly, and being humiliated. We believe facing this complex history and getting to know it is worth facing. It is possible during some best plantation tours from New Orleans.

The Best New Orleans Plantations

Visit to NOLA will not be complete without New Orleans plantations tours . The history of Louisiana is difficult, often touching to tears. If you want to really learn the history of slavery, go on a guided tour of the New Orleans plantations.

Only this way, you have a chance to understand the history and how this dark racial segregation system worked and how it finished. All people should learn about slavery history for a better perspective on everyday life.

Below, we describe and present our pictures of the best plantations near New Orleans. We hope our reviews help you select which plantation tour best suits your interests and needs. Most importantly, Chris and I personally visited these places and recommended what we checked.

Oak Alley Plantation New Orleans

In our opinion, Oak Alley Plantation is the best plantation to visit in New Orleans. It is also the most famous and popular plantation, so book your Oak Alley Plantation tour with transportation well in advance.

Yes, you can get there on your own without a guided tour, but a tour allows you to learn more about the place’s history.

Unfortunately, due to its popularity, the plantation can be crowded. A guided tour will save you time and prevent you from waiting in line at the entrance.

History of Oak Alley Plantation New Orleans

Oak Alley Plantation is located among the Great River Road sugar plantations alongside the Mississippi River. It’s famous due to its 300-year-old oak trees. The Oak Alley Plantation features 28 towerings of oak trees. It was originally called Bon Sejour Plantation and was established to grow sugar cane. The Greek Revival architecture of the Big House was built in 1837-1939. The mansion was restored in 1925.

The luxurious mansion, striking entrance, oak alley made the property the perfect setting for films and TV shows. Oak Alley, you can see in the movie Interview With The Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles and on the first season of True Detective.

After entering the date of your trip to New Orleans, you can check the price and availability of this tour!

The best Oak Alley Plantation tours from New Orleans

This half-day trip to Oak Alley Plantation from New Orleans is a perfect choice. During this trip, you will tour the mansion with a costumed guide. The interior of the plantation property makes a great impression.

On the plantation, you will also visit the interiors of a dozen slave houses. You will see under what conditions they lived and how terrible their fate was. You will see a blacksmith shop and exhibits on slavery and the Civil War.

However, the Oak Alley is the fame and popularity of this plantation. Alley of centuries-old oaks leading up to the antebellum Big House. The alley is impressive. Photogenic, green oaks spread their branches over a huge space, giving shade to visitors.

Due to the size of the plantation, the number and variety of exhibits, and the richness of the mansion house’s interior, it is one of the best New Orleans plantation tours.

One of the reviews on this trip is: “The house was lovely and you get a good feel for the antebellum lifestyle. Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us excellent information on the history of the home. The slave quarters were eye-opening and gave a look at the slavery lifestyle on the plantation too. But the most beautiful thing of all was the majestic 200+-year-old oak trees….breathtaking! I would highly recommend this tour”.

You can check more reviews and availability of the Oak Alley Plantation tour from NOLA by entering your trip date below:

Whitney Plantation New Orleans

History of whitney plantation new orleans.

It was one of our most significant and touching museum experiences. Whitney Plantation is one of the best plantations near New Orleans. It is a museum of slavery on a historical sugar, rice, and indigo plantation established in 1752. On your tour, you will learn about the lives of people held in bondage for over 100 years. Whitney Plantation Tour was most touching for us.

In 2014, Whitney Plantation opened its doors to the public for the first time in its 262-year history – the only plantation museum in Louisiana with a focus on slavery. You will see memorials honoring over 100,000 people held in slavery in Louisiana, original slave cabins, outbuildings, and an owner’s house built in 1790.

But what is most touching about Whitney Plantation is its children’s slave statues and the history of children’s slavery. Whitney Plantation owner John Cummings commissioned artist Woodrow Nash to create a series of sculptures that represented the former slaves who lived here.

The statues – modeled using original photos – are set in the church, sitting on porches and outside of buildings. You shudder as you look into their empty eyes. You can imagine the suffering of slaves. Check out availability of this tour by entering your trip date below:

The best Whitney Plantation tours from New Orleans

We can highly recommend this Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans . It’s a guided tour that has huge knowledge and introduces you to slavery and Louisiana plantation history. Pack a tissue for rubbing the tears. It is one of the best plantations to visit in New Orleans.

This tour and plantation are a bit different from Oak Alley Plantation. Whitney Plantation presents a lot more in-depth history from the perspective of the slaves. It is a very emotional and informational tour. In our opinion, it is one of the best New Orleans plantation tours which touch you deeply.

On the way to the Whitney Plantation, you will see the marsh of Lake Pontchartrain and an elevated expressway going through the Louisiana swamp.

One of the reviews of this trip is: “This was an excellent tour. It is self-guided with a device and headphones but I loved that because I could go at my own pace. Our bus tour guide John was awesome and told us so much about New Orleans! Definitely recommend this place to visit.”

Laura Plantation New Orleans

History of laura plantation new orleans.

Laura Plantation is named after its owner, Laura Locoul, who lived to almost 100 years old. Originally purchased by Laura’s family in 1804, this over 200-year-old sugar plantation has three gardens, Creole architectural accents, and colors. The Laura Plantation Big House is full of antiques, artwork, and decorated rooms. Four generations of Creole families lived here, with four generations of women running the plantation.

The best Laura Plantation tours from New Orleans

If you want to visit this plantation, choose the Laura Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans . This Creole plantation is notable for its colorful manor house. It is one of the best historic plantations in the region. You can admire unique Creole architecture, gardens, and sugar cane fields. It is one of the best plantations to visit in New Orleans.

However, if you have your own car, you can get there on your own. Just book an entrance ticket with a 75-minute guided tour to skip the line.

Combo New Orleans Plantation Tours & Swamp Tours

If you only have one day for additional trips during your visit to New Orleans, combine the plantation tour with a swamp boat trip. In a separate article, we describe and show photos of alligators, raccoons, and turtles from the best swamp tours in Louisiana .

It’s a fabulous wildlife adventure, and swamp boat trips are an amazing experience; you can combine those two activities!

Oak Alley & Airboat Swamp Tour

On a guided day trip, Oak Alley Plantation & Airboat Swamp Combo Tour , you can visit the iconic Oak Alley Plantation and enjoy an exciting airboat tour in the Barataria Basin. This combo tour from New Orleans includes tickets and pickup.

After entering the date of your trip to New Orleans, you can check the price and availability of the combo tour!

Moreover, you can consider the Whitney Plantation and Swamp Tour Combo or Oak Alley Plantation and Large Airboat Swamp Tour . It depends on which plantation you want to see most.

We love Oak Alley and highly recommend visiting it, as it’s an iconic place, especially for a first visit to New Orleans. Our second choice is Whitney Plantation and Swamp Tour Combo because you have an additional stop at Evergreen Plantation, where Django Unchained was filmed .

Moreover, it’s a place where Queen Sugar, the miniseries on the Oprah Winfrey Network, was filmed. In our opinion, it is one of the best New Orleans plantation tours combined with Louisiana swamps.

How to prepare for New Orlenas plantation tours?

Most of the time, plantation tours are outside, so we recommend preparing for the weather appropriately. Take comfortable walking shoes, a light windshield jacket, or a hoodie. Also, pack an umbrella or raincoat. During summer visits, also remember about sunscreen, sun hut, and bug spray.

New Orleans plantation homes make a great impression. These places will remain in your memory forever. For sure, they are a must-see during the New Orleans trips.

If you are interested in the history of slavery, it is also worth visiting The Historic New Orleans Collection . THNOC is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South.

A list of plantations in Louisiana and plantation houses in Louisiana that are National Historic Landmarks, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or are otherwise significant for their history can check here .

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Agnes Stabinska is a writer, photographer, and co-founder of The Van Escape. She loves wildlife, landscape photography, and outdoor adventures, especially hiking, camping, and exploring U.S. national parks. Although she has traveled to many countries for almost 20 years, her favorite places are Alaska, the American Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest, which she often visits and explore with her partner, Chris. Their travel tips, itineraries, and recommendations will help you get away from it all and plan a wonderful vacation.

18 Comments

Now I am going to have to admit, about twenty years ago plantation and similiar places like this did not interest me in the slightest. Then my youngest brother moved over to the USA to work at a plantation (we are from the UK), I visited it whilst he was there and got a tour and I was amazed! It is so much different (and bigger) in the states. This plantation I would certinaley do a visit when I eventually get to New Orleans (it is on the list), but here, there is more history. I know slaverly can still be a hot topic and it is something I would want my young children to know, why it is wrong and why it is part of the history of the UK/USA, the lessons to learn from it. It is a huge subject, but to understand something like this, I always say you learn more at the places where events took place or in museums (much better than stuck at a desk in a classroom). I can understand what you felt when you saw the children slaves here, the only experience of this I have had (but not slaverly), was at Auschwitz in Poland and seeing photos of children at the death camps and reading what they experienced and what the Nazi Doctors did to them still haunts to me to this day. Great blog post and would love to explore here.

Wow, I think visiting a plantation is a wonderful idea for self-education on racial injustices that occurred not too long ago. It must have been a very emotionally moving journey. So great that New Orleans keeps these tours available for long-standing public education. Thanks for sharing!

The swamp tour sounds very interesting. I am certainly going to watch True Detective and The Vampire Diaries now. The children’s statues are heart wrenching though. The plantation looks beautiful but the slavery past is a little overwhelming.

I have always wanted to visit New Orleans one day, but to be honest I never thought of visiting a Plantation. It’s definitely something I feel a bit hesitant about visiting, but at the same time I think it is important that people are educated about the dark history of slavery and the lasting impacts that it has had. 

On the other hand, the swamp tour sounds really interesting, that would be so cool to see an alligator up close!

Those old houses in New Orleans are quite similar to many old Victorian houses and buildings here in Australia. It is amazing that New Orleans has preserved these places. So much history that tells a story, that needs to tell the new generation and not to forget.  

As someone who loved public street art & sculptures, I’m really intrigued by the ones here in New Orleans, depicting the difficult past of the region and the people. Oak Alley Plantations is indeed picturesque. No wonder it was used for filming movies. The Children Slave Statues are just so touching indeed. The imagine the difficulties that they have endured, it is just so heart-wrenching. 

Learning about the slavery past pained me quite a lot. But this destination is otherwise fabulous. Being inside a plantation area has it’s own charm and I can feel it right here. Reminds me of our visit to a tea plantation although the experience was a whole lot different. Would love the Swamp tour which would be a good change as have never experienced anything like this before.

Woah! I did not realize there are many plantation tours available in New Orleans. I am particularly interested in visiting the Oak Alley Plantation and see those centuries-old oaks. Thank you for sharing these. 

I’m in the southern US, but I haven’t even been to New Orleans. I need to change that! It’s so good that they honor the slaves by teaching the history. It’s so important to focus on them b/c they were such a huge part of daily life. I also had no idea you could take a swamp tour – so fun! 

I had no idea there were so many plantations available to tour in NO.  I love your photos and how they help to tell the story of the dark time in our country for slaves.  

I have never been to New Orleans and would love a chance to visit to learn more about the history. Thank you for making recommendations on places as well as tips for visiting. Very thorough post.

We have not yet taken a plantation tour on our visits to New Orleans.  But those views certainly bring up echos of Gone With The Wind in my mind.  A great way to get a glimpse of a different era in the south.  I would love to do a combo tour although I may be too freaked out about the idea of alligators to be that close to the water in the swamp.

Loved this post. The plantations have always been something that has fascinated me but i think i’d find myself crying too. 

My first trip to the US was to the so-called Deep South and the still existing ‘segregation’ was quite shocking for a European. Since I wasn’t all wrapped in the gone-with-the-wind-feel but was mainly interested in how ‘the other half’, hence the slaves, lived, I go asked if I was doing studies. Yet, New Orleans was one of the less rassist cities on that trip – and I also went on a tour to the plantations and the bayous. No matter what – inspiring memories.

Those tree tunnels are so iconic! I have not been to Louisiana yet, but it’s high up on my list. Definitely going to visit for the food, and also to learn about the history, even though it’s sad I feel that it’s important in the history of our country. 

This is the side of New Orleans we have not explored. I will remember the Oak Valley Plantation Tour. Those photos are awesome!

I love plantation tours. And New Orleans seem to have quite a lot of them! A comprehensive guide I must say!

Thanks for this post . I am very interested in learning about the history of slavery in Lousiana. I visited museums in West Africa, in Togo and Senegal, where the journy of many slaves started. Are the plantation tours done by PoC?

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Louisiana (LA) » 15 Best Plantation Tours from New Orleans

15 Best Plantation Tours from New Orleans

The vibrant, colorful and culturally rich city of New Orleans is a favorite among many travelers visiting the southern United States of America. The music, the food, the mix of languages, dialects and influences from across Europe, Africa and the Americas all combine to create an intense fusion that’s loved by visitors.

The city has its diverse roots based in a history that is not nearly as vibrant as the culture is today. An important part of a visit to eclectic New Orleans is to experience that history firsthand because surrounding the city, you can find the darker legacies of slavery in the plantations.

Although today they are beautiful estates to look at, within the grounds you will be able to explore the darker side of New Orleans that is usually hidden beneath the surface. Visit the plantations, enjoy the outdoors and the grand architecture, but learn too about the past that built New Orleans into the diverse destination you find today.

Here are the best plantation tours from New Orleans.

1. New Orleans Oak Alley Plantation Half-Day Tour

Oak Alley is one of the most famous plantations found along the Mississippi River. The historic plantation dates back to 1839 when it was built by one of the South’s richest landowners to add to his sugar empire.

The plantation takes its name from the extravagant line of trees found along the grand entranceway to the main house. These elegant trees grow over the top of the path, providing shade in the fierce heat for the long walk into the estate.

The house has featured in several movies and in many ways is the quintessential southern plantation, an example of riches and opulence that few other plantations could outdo. On this half-day tour, learn about southern culture during the slave era, from knowledgeable guides who won’t sugarcoat the truth.

2. Oak Alley and Laura Plantation Combo

This long tour takes you not only to the aforementioned Oak Alley plantation but also to the Laura Plantation, giving you the chance to experience two of the South’s most intriguing estates in the same trip.

After exploring the oak-lined avenues and grand opulence of Oak Alley, you are transported to the Laura Plantation. The restored house is a wonderful example of early 19th-century architecture in the south. Inside, you will find some intriguing relics from daily life that bring the history into perspective.

The Laura Plantation was relatively unique for the times; for a large part of its slaving history, it was run by women. At the plantation, learn about this and more on this combo tour from New Orleans.

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3. Half Day Laura Plantation Tour

If you have plenty of time during your stay in New Orleans and would rather take things slow, join this tour that just takes in the Laura Plantation, rather than rushing through Oak Alley beforehand.

This half day tour will see you visiting the famous Laura Plantation. Your local guides can tell you stories of the women who ran the estate, and unfortunate stories of the slaves who lived their lives here too.

4. New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation and Airboat Swamp Combo

On this great day tour from New Orleans, travel first to the famous Oak Alley Plantation to learn more about life and slavery in the Mississippi during the 19th century. After you’ve had your fair share of history, this tour takes visitors out into the swamps to experience another side of Louisiana.

The state is famed for its wildlife and unique ecosystems. On this tour, you head out on an iconic local airboat through the dense swamps of the Mississippi. Chances are that you will get close enough to see alligators in the wild, as the local guides know the areas and these dangerous animals well.

5. From New Orleans: Whitney Plantation Tour

For anyone with an interest in learning more about slavery in Louisiana during the 19th century, a visit to the Whitney Plantation is a must. Although many of the other plantations in the area touch upon the issue of slavery and the history that allowed such fabulous wealth into the south, few go into as much detail as the Whitney Plantation.

The Whitney Plantation only opened in 2014, but already, due to its unique confrontation of the darker side of the region’s history, it has become a popular tourist attraction. Privately funded by a local who wanted others to learn more about the state’s darker history, this is an impressive example of the slavery era – but it may leave you shocked.

The Big House – the centerpiece of the estate – is one of the best-preserved plantation houses in the United States, so much so that you may recognize it from many Hollywood movies set in the era – Django Unchained being one.

6. Louisiana Plantation and Swamp Boat Bayou Full Day Tour Combo

This excellent tour takes visitors on a full-day trip through the best of Louisiana. Start the day by visiting a plantation; you can choose between either the Oak Alley Plantation or the Laura Plantation, making this a perfect opportunity to mix and match between estates and the swamplands for those spending several days in the region.

After exploring your plantation of choice, head out into the wilds of the bayou to search for alligators and wildlife. The local guides on this tour will be on hand ready with intriguing stories of the people who have called the swamps home through Louisiana’s history, giving this trip a unique angle.

7. Double Plantation Tour

This tour will pick you up in New Orleans and take you out to the Mississippi, where you have a choice of visiting two of the major plantations in the region.

The Double Plantation Tour takes a full day but gives you the choice of visiting two out of the Oak Alley, Laura, and Whitney Plantations.

8. New Orleans: Plantation and Swamp Tour

This unique tour takes visitors to the little known Destrehan Plantation. Not quite as famous as the likes of Oak Alley, this plantation still dates far back to the end of the 18th century. It’s one of the oldest surviving estates in Louisiana that few people travel to, despite its well-preserved nature and intriguing history.

After exploring the Destrehan Plantation, head out to a nearby wildlife reserve for a cruise through the swamps.

9. New Orleans: Plantation Brunch and Swamp Tour

This tour takes you to both Oak Alley and Laura Plantation, before providing travelers with the opportunity to indulge in a delicious brunch on the grand estates.

Try local Cajun delicacies, including crawfish and local meats, before heading into the swamps to find alligators.

10. New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour

In New Orleans itself, this walking tour takes you through the Garden District to explore the history of what was once part of a huge plantation.

Stroll past the huge, grand colonial mansions and marvel at the wealth of the plantation owners that turned this into one of the most lavish areas in Americas.

11. Guided Tour: Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery

This interesting guided tour will show you the history of the Garden District. Local guides will tell you the stories of the plantation owners that built the district, before showing you the Lafayette Cemetery, where many of the most famous local characters were laid to rest.

12. New Orleans: Destrehan Plantation and Swamp Combo

After exploring the history of the Destrehan Plantation, this tour takes you out into the swamps of Louisiana. Not only are you looking for wildlife and alligators, but this tour will also take you to Indian burial mounds and the ruins of Cajun villages for a unique, historical perspective on the region’s indigenous culture.

13. Oak Alley and Evergreen Plantation Tour

As well as visiting well-known Oak Alley, this day tour from New Orleans takes you out to the incredibly well preserved Evergreen Plantation too.

Explore the house and the history of the slave owners and slaves who lived and worked here.

14. Myrtles Plantation Tour

Visit Myrtles Plantation from New Orleans on this tour that takes you to the charming grounds of a historic estate. The plantation dates back to 1796 and has seen its fair share of history and strange events over the centuries.

The house is said to be one of the country’s most haunted destinations. With the help of a local guide, you can learn exactly why it’s supposed to be so spooky.

15. Whitney Plantation and St Joseph Plantation History Tour

Delve into the darker side of Louisiana history with a tour that first takes in the Whitney Plantation before moving onto the St Joseph Plantation.

This is where the iconic movie 12 Years a Slave was filmed. With knowledgeable guides, you will see first-hand the troubled past of the region.

15 Best Plantation Tours from New Orleans:

• New Orleans Oak Alley Plantation Half-Day Tour
• Oak Alley and Laura Plantation Combo
• Half Day Laura Plantation Tour
• New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation and Airboat Swamp Combo
• From New Orleans: Whitney Plantation Tour
• Louisiana Plantation and Swamp Boat Bayou Full Day Tour Combo
• Double Plantation Tour
• New Orleans: Plantation and Swamp Tour
• New Orleans: Plantation Brunch and Swamp Tour
• New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour
• Guided Tour: Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery
• New Orleans: Destrehan Plantation and Swamp Combo
• Oak Alley and Evergreen Plantation Tour
• Myrtles Plantation Tour
• Whitney Plantation and St Joseph Plantation History Tour

Black History: The Best New Orleans Plantation Tours For Adults & Kids

• Published on July 13, 2020
• by The Mom Trotter
• in North America , Travel , Travel Destinations , USA States

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Although these New Orleans plantations are well manicured and beautiful estates to look, years ago, they housed slaves who worked endlessly and tirelessly day in and day out. So, it was very important for us to go on a New Orleans Plantation tour while in New Orleans.

This wasn’t Aiden’s first time learning about his history. When we visited Ghana , learning about slavery first hand was very important. Aiden was about four years old when I started talking to him about the slavery and the real truth about it.

We visited the Whitney Plantation and it was upsetting, painful and eye opening to see the conditions that slaves lived in, and everything that they had to endure without much of a choice.

If you are planning to take your kids on a plantation tour, I highly suggest that you start of by reading a book from this collection with your kids reaching them about slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges and more.

Regardless of race, background, ethnicity, it is important to talk to your children about slavery. Talking to your kids about these topics and being open with them will give them a solid foundation and a better understanding of what they will see and learn about at the plantations.

List Of New Orleans Plantations

There are eleven plantations in New Orleans:

• Whitney Plantation
• Laura Plantation
• Oak Alley Plantation
• Houmas House Plantation
• San Francisco Plantation
• Nottoway Plantation
• Destrehan Plantation
• Ormond Plantation
• Malus Beauregard House
• St. Joseph Plantation
• Madewood Plantation

Want to know which plantation to visit – then click here to read more about each New Orleans plantation individually.

If you haven’t talked to your kids about slavery yet, then you absolutely should, and while in New Orleans make sure that you also show them as well.

Visiting The Whitney Plantation With Kids

The doors of this museum were opened for public in 2014 for the very first time in the entire history of the museum and this is the only New Orleans plantation which is based on the views of slaves and everything that they endured.

The museum at the Whitney Plantation exhibits memorial artwork, plenty of first-person slaves’ narratives, restored buildings, and can give a unique perspective of the enslaved people who lived there.

From New Orleans you can drive to the plantations or go with a tour group. We went with a tour group because we didn’t rent a car and it went well.

Reading this below made my heart ache thinking about all the slaves had to endure and how strong and resilient they were.

Booking A New Orleans Plantation Tour

There are plenty of New Orleans plantation tours so it is important to make sure that you are booking a tour to the specific plantation that you want to see.

All the tours below include pick up from New Orleans, so make sure to inquire where exactly the pick up location is for your tour when you book it.

Do note that you can visit some of these plantations on your own, however an advance purchase ticket is a must. I do however highly recommend a tour especially because you get a more in depth explanation of everything.

• Whitney Plantation tour – this half day 5 hour tour includes a full visit to one of the most popular plantations. It includes museum exhibits, restored building and offers a first hand experience from a slaves point of view. This is the tour we booked.
• Swamp boat adventure and plantations full day tour – this nine-hour tour is a full day tour which includes visiting secluded areas of the bayous to witness Cajun living. This tour also includes Oak Alley Plantation and Laura Plantation.
• Swamp boat ride and southern plantation tour – this is a five and a half hour plantation tour which includes viewing wildlife and a visit to Destrehan Plantation.
• Double plantation tour – this five-hour tour includes a combined visit to Oak Alley, Laura Plantation or Whitney Plantation. When you book this tour you have the option to choose any two plantations that you’ll like to visit.
• Plantation brunch and swamp experience tour – this eight and a half hour tour not only includes a visit to Oak Alley and Laura Plantations, but it also includes a delicious Cajun brunch as well.

Here is a compiled list of New Orleans Plantation Tours you can choose from.

Have you ever gone on a plantation tour? Or taken your kids on one?

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New orleans’ most famous plantation tours (updated september 2024).

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History comes alive on a New Orleans Plantation Tour with Cool New Orleans. For a classic New Orleans experience, choose from our selection of New Orleans’ most famous plantation tours and take an amazing trip back in time through the New Orleans Plantation Country. Spend a day away from the city hustle and bustle exploring one of America’s most historically and culturally rich regions just a short, scenic ride outside New Orleans on the Great River Road along the banks of the Mississippi.

A New Orleans plantation tour takes you beyond the urban setting and into an older world where expansive agricultural lands and verdant natural wetlands still dominate the view. One of the most renowned historical destinations in the USA, the New Orleans Plantation Country is home to a number of unique, beautifully designed, and authentically preserved plantation homes dating back as far as the 1700s.

Beauty and Darkness in the Old South An incredible dive into colonial and U.S. history will immerse you in the culture of the hardworking European planters who sought to draw fortunes from the raw swamplands, and in the heartbreaking stories of the African slaves who powered the plantation economy. Tour awesome antebellum mansions with period furnishings, rustic slave cabins, and many types of plantation outbuildings in an educational and emotional experience that is captivating for all ages and a must for history buffs.

All the New Orleans plantation houses have been designated as National Historic Landmarks and offer many types of historical documentation and museum exhibits that help tell the stories of the people who lived in them. Once huge working farms producing sugar cane and other crops, the plantations still feature immaculately groomed grounds and gardens; some have agricultural land in production to this day.

Stroll under ancient oak and pecan trees and relive the legends of the South in locations that have been production sites for many films and television shows. Imagine daily life in the Big Houses and “out back” in the unpainted slave cabins. Visit America’s first museum dedicated to slavery, view one-of-a-kind works of art that pay tribute to the human cost of plantation agriculture, and pay your respects at slave memorials and cemeteries.

New Orleans’ Plantation Tours for Every Interest and Itinerary Pick your favorite from a great selection of single and multiple plantation visits, swamp and nature/plantation tour combinations, and a variety of transportation options. Choose full-day or part-day itineraries; if you love history, you might want to spend a couple of days visiting these glorious plantation homes.

• Oak Alley Plantation – A stunning Greek Revival home built in 1839 and a walkway lined with 28 massive 250-year-old oak trees make Oak Alley a legend. The plantation features various exhibits dedicated to slavery, Civil War history, and the sugar industry as well as fields of sugar cane and an ancient cypress swamp along the nearby river edge.
• Laura Plantation – A Creole Plantation named after one of the women who operated it, Laura features some of the most detailed historical documentation of any New Orleans plantation. Material from the French National Archives and family memoirs provide the basis for fascinating exhibits about the French settlers who built the plantation on the site of a Native American village and the slaves who worked the farm for so many years.
• Whitney Plantation – The Whitney Plantation dates back to 1803 and is home to the first U.S. museum dedicated to the history of slavery in the South. Whitney features a slave memorial, many imaginative exhibits, and original art including life-size sculptures representative of people born into slavery.
• Houmas House Plantation – The Houmas House reflects the opulence and wealth of an 1880’s sugarcane farm. A Classical Revival mansion with massive Tuscan columns, immaculate period artifacts and furnishings, lush gardens, and three top-rated restaurants have earned Houmas House a reputation as the crown jewel of plantation country.
• Destrehan Plantation – Built in 1790 from native materials, the French Colonial-Style Destrehan Plantation is the oldest documented plantation home in the Lower Mississippi Valley. Once one of the most prosperous and important sugar plantations in St. Charles Parish, the Destrehan Plantation features an exhibit dedicated to the 1811 slave revolt, one of the largest in American history.

Inspiring and Educational New Orleans Plantation Tours Do not miss this opportunity to enjoy a guided glimpse into the incredible history of colonial and antebellum Louisiana. Comfortable and convenient round-trip transportation options, with pick-up available at points close to most downtown hotels, make the scenic ride out of the city fun and interesting. Book your New Orleans Plantation tour now!

Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

Experience the grandeur of New Orleans’ antebellum south on a half‐day tour of Oak Alley Plantation. Take a journey through time to the manicured estate and... Read More

Whitney Plantation Tour

Visit the Whitney Plantation of New Orleans and step back in time as you explore the 18th-century plantation museum, the only one of its kind... Read More

Oak Alley and Laura Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

Tour both Oak Alley and Laura Plantation during one trip. This day trip from New Orleans is perfect for the traveler looking to see two... Read More

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• Third-party Social Media Service  refers to any website or any social network website through which a User can log in or create an account to use the Service.
• Facebook Fan Page  is a public profile named Cool New Orleans specifically created by the Company on the Facebook social network.
• Personal Data is any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual. For the purposes of GDPR, Personal Data means any information relating to You such as a name, an identification number, location data, online identifier, or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity. For the purposes of the CCPA, Personal Data means any information that identifies, relates to, describes, or is capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with You.
• Cookies  are small files that are placed on Your computer, mobile device, or any other device by a website, containing the details of Your browsing history on that website among its many uses.
• Device  means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone, or a digital tablet.
• Usage Data  refers to data collected automatically, either generated by the use of the Service or from the Service infrastructure itself (for example, the duration of a page visit).
• Data Controller , for the purposes of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), refers to the Company as the legal person which alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of the processing of Personal Data.
• Do Not Track  (DNT) is a concept that has been promoted by US regulatory authorities, in particular the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), for the Internet industry to develop and implement a mechanism for allowing Internet users to control the tracking of their online activities across websites.
• Business , for the purpose of the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), refers to the Company as the legal entity that collects Consumers’ personal information and determines the purposes and means of the processing of Consumers’ personal information, or on behalf of which such information is collected and that alone, or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers’ personal information, that does business in the State of California.
• Consumer , for the purpose of the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), means a natural person who is a California resident. A resident, as defined in the law, includes (1) every individual who is in the USA for other than a temporary or transitory purpose, and (2) every individual who is domiciled in the USA who is outside the USA for a temporary or transitory purpose.
• Sale , for the purpose of the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), means selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a Consumer’s Personal Information to another business or a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration.

Collecting and Using Your Personal Data

Types of data collected.

Personal Data While using Our Service, We may ask You to provide Us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify You. Personally identifiable information may include, but is not limited to:

• Email address
• First name and last name
• Phone number
• City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal code, Country

Usage Data Usage Data is collected automatically when using the Service.

Usage Data may include information such as Your Device’s Internet Protocol address (e.g. IP address), browser type, browser version, the pages of our Service that You visit, the time and date of Your visit, the time spent on those pages, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data.

When You access the Service by or through a mobile device, We may collect certain information automatically, including, but not limited to, the type of mobile device You use, Your mobile device unique ID, the IP address of Your mobile device, Your mobile operating system, the type of mobile Internet browser You use, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data.

We may also collect information that Your browser sends whenever You visit our Service or when You access the Service by or through a mobile device.

Information from Third-Party Social Media Services The Company allows You to create an account and log in to use the Service through the following Third-party Social Media Services:

If You decide to register through or otherwise grant us access to a Third-Party Social Media Service, We may collect Personal data that is already associated with Your Third-Party Social Media Service’s account, such as Your name, Your email address, Your activities or Your contact list associated with that account.

You may also have the option of sharing additional information with the Company through Your Third-Party Social Media Service’s account. If You choose to provide such information and Personal Data, during registration or otherwise, You are giving the Company permission to use, share, and store it in a manner consistent with this Privacy Policy.

Tracking Technologies and Cookies

We use Cookies and similar tracking technologies to track the activity on Our Service and store certain information. Tracking technologies used are beacons, tags, and scripts to collect and track information and to improve and analyze Our Service.

You can instruct Your browser to refuse all Cookies or to indicate when a Cookie is being sent. However, if You do not accept Cookies, You may not be able to use some parts of our Service.

Cookies can be “Persistent” or “Session” Cookies. Persistent Cookies remain on your personal computer or mobile device when You go offline, while Session Cookies are deleted as soon as You close your web browser. Learn more about cookies in Wodu’s  “What Are Cookies”  article.

We use both session and persistent Cookies for the purposes set out below:

• Necessary / Essential Cookies Type: Session Cookies Administered by: Us Purpose: These Cookies are essential to provide You with services available through the Website and to enable You to use some of its features. They help to authenticate users and prevent fraudulent use of user accounts. Without these Cookies, the services that You have asked for cannot be provided, and We only use these Cookies to provide You with those services.
• Cookies Policy / Notice Acceptance Cookies Type: Persistent Cookies Administered by: Us Purpose: These Cookies identify if users have accepted the use of cookies on the Website.
• Functionality Cookies Type: Persistent Cookies Administered by: Us Purpose: These Cookies allow us to remember choices You make when You use the Website, such as remembering your login details or language preference. The purpose of these Cookies is to provide You with a more personal experience and to avoid You having to re-enter your preferences every time You use the Website.
• Tracking and Performance Cookies Type: Persistent Cookies Administered by: Third-Parties Purpose: These Cookies are used to track information about traffic to the Website and how users use the Website. The information gathered via these Cookies may directly or indirectly identify you as an individual visitor. This is because the information collected is typically linked to a pseudonymous identifier associated with the device you use to access the Website. We may also use these Cookies to test new advertisements, pages, features, or new functionality of the Website to see how our users react to them.

For more information about the cookies we use and your choices regarding cookies, please visit our Cookie Policy .

Use of Your Personal Data

The Company may use Personal Data for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain our Service , including to monitor the usage of our Service.
• To manage Your Account:  to manage Your registration as a user of the Service. The Personal Data You provide can give You access to different functionalities of the Service that are available to You as a registered user.
• For the performance of a contract:  the development, compliance and undertaking of the purchase contract for the products, items or services You have purchased or of any other contract with Us through the Service.
• To contact You:  To contact You by email, telephone calls, SMS, or other equivalent forms of electronic communication, such as a mobile application’s push notifications regarding updates or informative communications related to the functionalities, products or contracted services, including the security updates, when necessary or reasonable for their implementation.
• To provide You  with news, special offers and general information about other goods, services and events which we offer that are similar to those that you have already purchased or enquired about unless You have opted not to receive such information.
• To manage Your requests:  To attend and manage Your requests to Us.

We may share your personal information in the following situations:

• With Service Providers:  We may share Your personal information with Service Providers to monitor and analyze the use of our Service, to advertise on third party websites to You after You visited our Service, for payment processing, to contact You.
• For Business transfers:  We may share or transfer Your personal information in connection with, or during negotiations of, any merger, sale of Company assets, financing, or acquisition of all or a portion of our business to another company.
• With Affiliates:  We may share Your information with Our affiliates, in which case we will require those affiliates to honor this Privacy Policy. Affiliates include Our parent company and any other subsidiaries, joint venture partners or other companies that We control or that are under common control with Us.
• With Business partners:  We may share Your information with Our business partners to offer You certain products, services or promotions.
• With other users:  when You share personal information or otherwise interact in the public areas with other users, such information may be viewed by all users and may be publicly distributed outside. If You interact with other users or register through a Third-Party Social Media Service, Your contacts on the Third-Party Social Media Service may see Your name, profile, pictures and description of Your activity. Similarly, other users will be able to view descriptions of Your activity, communicate with You and view Your profile.

Retention of Your Personal Data

The Company will retain Your Personal Data only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. We will retain and use Your Personal Data to the extent necessary to comply with our legal obligations (for example, if we are required to retain your data to comply with applicable laws), resolve disputes, and enforce our legal agreements and policies.

The Company will also retain Usage Data for internal analysis purposes. Usage Data is generally retained for a shorter period of time, except when this data is used to strengthen the security or to improve the functionality of Our Service, or We are legally obligated to retain this data for longer time periods.

Transfer of Your Personal Data

Your information, including Personal Data, is processed at the Company’s operating offices and in any other places where the parties involved in the processing are located. It means that this information may be transferred to — and maintained on — computers located outside of Your state, province, country or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ than those from Your jurisdiction.

Your consent to this Privacy Policy followed by Your submission of such information represents Your agreement to that transfer.

The Company will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that Your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy and no transfer of Your Personal Data will take place to an organization or a country unless there are adequate controls in place including the security of Your data and other personal information.

Disclosure of Your Personal Data

Business Transactions If the Company is involved in a merger, acquisition or asset sale, Your Personal Data may be transferred. We will provide notice before Your Personal Data is transferred and becomes subject to a different Privacy Policy.

Law enforcement Under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to disclose Your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or a government agency).

Other legal requirements The Company may disclose Your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

• Comply with a legal obligation
• Protect and defend the rights or property of the Company
• Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the Service
• Protect the personal safety of Users of the Service or the public
• Protect against legal liability

Security of Your Personal Data

The security of Your Personal Data is important to Us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While We strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect Your Personal Data, We cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Detailed Information on the Processing of Your Personal Data

Service Providers have access to Your Personal Data only to perform their tasks on Our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.

Analytics We may use third-party Service providers to monitor and analyze the use of our Service.

• Google Analytics Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. Google uses the data collected to track and monitor the use of our Service. This data is shared with other Google services. Google may use the collected data to contextualize and personalize the ads of its own advertising network. You can opt-out of having made your activity on the Service available to Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on. The add-on prevents the Google Analytics JavaScript (ga.js, analytics.js, and dc.js) from sharing information with Google Analytics about visits activity. For more information on the privacy practices of Google, please visit the Google Privacy & Terms web page:  https://policies. google .com/privacy?hl=en .

Email Marketing We may use Your Personal Data to contact You with newsletters, marketing or promotional materials, and other information that may be of interest to You. You may opt-out of receiving any, or all, of these communications from Us by following the unsubscribe link or instructions provided in any email We send or by contacting Us.

Behavioral Remarketing The Company uses remarketing services to advertise on third party websites to You after You visited our Service. We and Our third-party vendors use cookies to inform, optimize, and serve ads based on Your past visits to our Service.

• Google Ads (AdWords) Google Ads (AdWords) remarketing service is provided by Google Inc. You can opt-out of Google Analytics for Display Advertising and customize the Google Display Network ads by visiting the Google Ads Settings page:  http://www.google.com/settings/ads . Google also recommends installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on –  https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout  – for your web browser. Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on provides visitors with the ability to prevent their data from being collected and used by Google Analytics. For more information on the privacy practices of Google, please visit the Google Privacy & Terms web page:  https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en .
• Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads) Remarketing Bing Ads remarketing service is provided by Microsoft Inc. You can opt-out of Bing Ads interest-based ads by following their instructions:  https://advertise.bingads.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/policies/personalized-ads . You can learn more about the privacy practices and policies of Microsoft by visiting their Privacy Policy page:  https://privacy.microsoft.com/en-us/PrivacyStatement .
• Twitter Twitter remarketing service is provided by Twitter Inc. You can opt-out from Twitter’s interest-based ads by following their instructions:  https://support.twitter.com/articles/20170405 . You can learn more about the privacy practices and policies of Twitter by visiting their Privacy Policy page:  https://twitter.com/privacy .
• Facebook Facebook remarketing service is provided by Facebook Inc. You can learn more about interest-based advertising from Facebook by visiting this page:  https://www.facebook.com/help /1649686938 37950 . To opt-out from Facebook’s interest-based ads, follow these instructions from Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/help /5681374933 02217 . Facebook adheres to the Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioural Advertising established by the Digital Advertising Alliance. You can also opt-out from Facebook and other participating companies through the Digital Advertising Alliance in the USA  http://www.aboutads.info/choices/ , the Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada in Canada  http://youradchoices.ca/  or the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance in Europe  http://www.youronlinechoices.eu/ , or opt-out using your mobile device settings. For more information on the privacy practices of Facebook, please visit Facebook’s Data Policy:  https://www.facebook.com/privacy/explanation .
• AdRoll AdRoll remarketing service is provided by Semantic Sugar, Inc. You can opt-out of AdRoll remarketing by visiting this AdRoll Advertising Preferences web page:  http://info.evidon.com/pub_info/573?v=1&nt=1&nw=false . For more information on the privacy practices of AdRoll, please visit the AdRoll Privacy Policy web page:  http://www.adroll.com/about/privacy
• Perfect Audience Perfect Audience remarketing service is provided by NowSpots Inc. You can opt-out of Perfect Audience remarketing by visiting these pages: Platform Opt-out (http://pixel.prfct.co/coo) and Partner Opt-out (http://ib.adnxs.com/optout). For more information on the privacy practices of Perfect Audience, please visit the Perfect Audience Privacy Policy & Opt-out web page:  https://www.perfectaudience.com/privacy/index.html .

We may provide paid products and/or services within the Service. In that case, we may use third-party services for payment processing (e.g. payment processors).

We will not store or collect Your payment card details. That information is provided directly to Our third-party payment processors whose use of Your personal information is governed by their Privacy Policy. These payment processors adhere to the standards set by PCI-DSS as managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which is a joint effort of brands like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. PCI-DSS requirements help ensure the secure handling of payment information.

• Stripe Their Privacy Policy can be viewed at  https://stripe.com/us/privacy .

When You use Our Service to pay for a product and/or service via bank transfer, We may ask You to provide information to facilitate this transaction and to verify Your identity.

GDPR Privacy

Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data under GDPR We may process Personal Data under the following conditions:

• Consent:  You have given Your consent for processing Personal Data for one or more specific purposes.
• Performance of a contract:  Provision of Personal Data is necessary for the performance of an agreement with You and/or for any pre-contractual obligations thereof.
• Legal obligations:  Processing Personal Data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the Company is subject.
• Vital interests:  Processing Personal Data is necessary in order to protect Your vital interests or of another natural person.
• Public interests:  Processing Personal Data is related to a task that is carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the Company.
• Legitimate interests:  Processing Personal Data is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the Company.

In any case, the Company will gladly help to clarify the specific legal basis that applies to the processing, and in particular whether the provision of Personal Data is a statutory or contractual requirement, or a requirement necessary to enter into a contract.

Your Rights under the GDPR The Company undertakes to respect the confidentiality of Your Personal Data and to guarantee You can exercise Your rights.

You have the right under this Privacy Policy, and by law, if You are within the EU, to:

• Request access to Your Personal Data.   The right to access, update, or delete the information We have on You. Whenever made possible, you can access, update, or request the deletion of Your Personal Data directly within Your account settings section. If you are unable to perform these actions yourself, please contact Us to assist You. This also enables You to receive a copy of the Personal Data We hold about You.
• Request correction of the Personal Data that We hold about You.   You have the right to have any incomplete or inaccurate information We hold about You corrected.
• Object to processing of Your Personal Data.   This right exists where We are relying on legitimate interest as the legal basis for Our processing and there is something about Your particular situation, which makes You want to object to our processing of Your Personal Data on this ground. You also have the right to object where We are processing Your Personal Data for direct marketing purposes.
• Request erasure of Your Personal Data.   You have the right to ask Us to delete or remove Personal Data when there is no good reason for Us to continue processing it.
• Request the transfer of Your Personal Data.   We will provide to You, or to a third-party You have chosen, Your Personal Data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format. Please note that this right only applies to automated information which You initially provided consent for Us to use or where We used the information to perform a contract with You.
• Withdraw Your consent.   You have the right to withdraw Your consent on using your Personal Data. If You withdraw Your consent, We may not be able to provide You with access to certain specific functionalities of the Service.

Exercising of Your GDPR Data Protection Rights You may exercise Your rights of access, rectification, cancellation, and opposition by contacting Us. Please note that we may ask You to verify Your identity before responding to such requests. If You make a request, We will try our best to respond to You as soon as possible.

You have the right to complain to a Data Protection Authority about Our collection and use of Your Personal Data. For more information, if You are in the European Economic Area (EEA), please contact Your local data protection authority in the EEA.

Facebook Fan Page

Data Controller for the Facebook Fan Page The Company is the Data Controller of Your Personal Data collected while using the Service. As the operator of our Facebook Fan Page, the Company and the operator of the social network Facebook are Joint Controllers.

The Company has entered into agreements with Facebook that define the terms for use of the Facebook Fan Page, among other things. These terms are mostly based on the Facebook Terms of Service:  https://www.facebook.com/terms.php .

Visit the Facebook Privacy Policy  https://www.facebook.com/policy.php  for more information about how Facebook manages Personal data or contact Facebook online, or by mail: Facebook, Inc. ATTN, Privacy Operations, 1601 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States.

Facebook Insights We use the Facebook Insights function in connection with the operation of the Facebook Fan Page and on the basis of the GDPR, in order to obtain anonymized statistical data about Our users.

For this purpose, Facebook places a Cookie on the device of the user visiting Our Facebook Fan Page. Each Cookie contains a unique identifier code and remains active for a period of two years, except when it is deleted before the end of this period.

Facebook receives, records and processes the information stored in the Cookie, especially when the user visits the Facebook services, services that are provided by other members of the Facebook Fan Page and services by other companies that use Facebook services.

For more information on the privacy practices of Facebook, please visit Facebook Privacy Policy here:  https://www.facebook.com/full_data_use_policy .

CCPA Privacy

Your Rights under the CCPA Under this Privacy Policy, and by law if You are a resident of California, You have the following rights:

• The right to notice.   You must be properly notified which categories of Personal Data are being collected and the purposes for which the Personal Data is being used.
• The right to access / the right to request.   The CCPA permits You to request and obtain from the Company information regarding the disclosure of Your Personal Data that has been collected in the past 12 months by the Company or its subsidiaries to a third-party for the third party’s direct marketing purposes.
• The right to say no to the sale of Personal Data.   You also have the right to ask the Company not to sell Your Personal Data to third parties. You can submit such a request by visiting our “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” section or web page.
• The categories of Personal Data collected
• The sources from which the Personal Data was collected
• The business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling the Personal Data
• Categories of third parties with whom We share Personal Data
• The specific pieces of Personal Data we collected about You
• The right to delete Personal Data.   You also have the right to request the deletion of Your Personal Data that has been collected in the past 12 months.
• Denying goods or services to You
• Charging different prices or rates for goods or services, including the use of discounts or other benefits or imposing penalties
• Providing a different level or quality of goods or services to You
• Suggesting that You will receive a different price or rate for goods or services or a different level or quality of goods or services.

Exercising Your CCPA Data Protection Rights In order to exercise any of Your rights under the CCPA, and if you are a California resident, You can email or call us or visit our “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” section or web page.

The Company will disclose and deliver the required information free of charge within 45 days of receiving Your verifiable request. The time period to provide the required information may be extended once by an additional 45 days when reasonably necessary and with prior notice.

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

We do not sell personal information. However, the Service Providers we partner with (for example, our advertising partners) may use technology on the Service that “sells” personal information as defined by the CCPA law.

If you wish to opt out of the use of your personal information for interest-based advertising purposes and these potential sales as defined under CCPA law, you may do so by following the instructions below.

Please note that any opt-out is specific to the browser You use. You may need to opt-out on every browser that you use.

Website You can opt-out of receiving ads that are personalized as served by our Service Providers by following our instructions presented on the Service:

• From their “Cookie Consent” notice banner
• Or from their “CCPA Opt-out” notice banner
• Or from their “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” notice banner
• Or from their “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” link

The opt out will place a cookie on Your computer that is unique to the browser You use to opt out. If you change browsers or delete the cookies saved by your browser, you will need to opt out again.

Mobile Devices Your mobile device may give you the ability to opt out of the use of information about the apps you use in order to serve you ads that are targeted to your interests:

• “Opt out of Interest-Based Ads” or “Opt out of Ads Personalization” on Android devices
• “Limit Ad Tracking” on iOS devices

You can also stop the collection of location information from Your mobile device by changing the preferences on your mobile device.

“Do Not Track” Policy as Required by California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA)

Our Service does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

However, some third party websites do keep track of Your browsing activities. If You are visiting such websites, You can set Your preferences in Your web browser to inform websites that You do not want to be tracked. You can enable or disable DNT by visiting the preferences or settings page of Your web browser.

Children’s Privacy

Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13. If You are a parent or guardian and You are aware that Your child has provided Us with Personal Data, please contact Us. If We become aware that We have collected Personal Data from anyone under the age of 13 without verification of parental consent, We take steps to remove that information from Our servers.

Your California Privacy Rights (California’s Shine the Light law)

Under California Civil Code Section 1798 (California’s Shine the Light law), California residents with an established business relationship with us can request information once a year about sharing their Personal Data with third parties for the third parties’ direct marketing purposes.

If you’d like to request more information under the California Shine the Light law, You can contact Us using the contact information provided below.

California Privacy Rights for Minor Users (California Business and Professions Code Section 22581)

California Business and Professions Code section 22581 allows California residents under the age of 18 who are registered users of online sites, services, or applications to request and obtain removal of content or information they have publicly posted.

To request removal of such data, and if you are a California resident, You can contact Us using the contact information provided below, and include the email address associated with Your account.

Be aware that Your request does not guarantee complete or comprehensive removal of content or information posted online and that the law may not permit or require removal in certain circumstances.

Links to Other Websites

Our Service may contain links to other websites that are not operated by Us. If You click on a third party link, You will be directed to that third party’s site. We strongly advise You to review the Privacy Policy of every site You visit.

We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third party sites or services.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify You of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.

Log in or sign up

Welcome to cool new orleans.

Log in to add things to your wishlist and access your bookings from any device.

By creating an account, you agree to our Privacy Policy .

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Cool New Orleans wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool New Orleans over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Accessibility

Accessibility modes, online dictionary, readable experience, visually pleasing experience, easy orientation.

Cool New Orleans Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Statement

• www.coolneworleans.com
• September 6, 2024

Compliance status

Screen-reader and keyboard navigation.

• Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all of the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
• Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside of it.Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Disability profiles supported in our website

• Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
• Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
• Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
• ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
• Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
• Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

• Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
• Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over 7 different coloring options.
• Animations – epileptic users can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
• Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
• Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
• Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
• Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

Browser and assistive technology compatibility

Notes, comments, and feedback.

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Review of New Orleans Plantations Tours

Reviewed by plantation tour guides.

This post reviews the top plantation tours near New Orleans and reviews the tour operators that can transport you there in comfort. 

This guide includes overviews of plantations, provides you tips on how to save money with concessionary entries, whether a tour includes hotel pickup, and much more.

If you have arrived at this post, you probably have questions about the plantations around New Orleans.

Lucky for you, several of our tour guides have worked at one of these plantations, and in the video below, they detail their experiences.

Robi and Andrew, tour guides with us, Tours by Foot New Orleans, take you to four plantations frequently visited by New Orleans travelers and compare the experiences each of them offers.

They visit Oak Alley Plantation, Laura Plantation, Whitney Plantation, and St. Joseph Plantation and give you insider perspectives.

• Laura: A Creole Plantation
• Oak Alley Plantation

Whitney Plantation

• Other Plantation Homes
• Plantation, City + Swamp Tour Combos
• Tours from New Orleans

LAURA PLANTATION

Known as a top travel attraction in Louisiana, Laura Plantation will educate guests on the traditional Creole plantation.

Built in 1805 and a working plantation for over 180 years, you will see the inside of this practical home that was run by four generations of Creole women.  

Read below to learn more about Gray Line's Laura Plantation Tour

The “Tales of Br’er Rabbit”, a famous American folktale, were based on folklore told by the West African freedmen working on the Laura Plantation in the 1870s.  

You will get to tour the “Big House” of this sugarcane plantation, the tropical gardens, and also the slaves' quarters that are still included in the property.

Below are our 3 recommended tour companies. All prices included admission to Laura Plantation.

Click here for information on visiting on your own .

CAJUN ENCOUNTERS

(Laura Plantation + Oak Alley Plantation)

You’ll cover a lot of ground with the Cajun Encounters combo tour! See Laura AND Oak Alley Plantations on this combination tour. 

There won’t be much time to roam the grounds, as the tour guides use as much available time as they have to show you all that these locations have to offer.  

While their price may seem high, keep in mind that it is the price for two plantations.  

Bonus: Cajun Encounters offers hotel pick-up .  Read about all Cajun Encounters tours .

Dates/Times: Daily. 8:30 am and 11:45 am pickup times

Duration: 6 hours, 30 minutes (including travel time; paired with Oak Alley Plantation.)

Tour Price:

• $95.75 - Adult
• $70.75 - Child (4 - 11 years old)
• Click here to book this tour .

Much like its competitors, Cajun Encounters also enjoys a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor.

Cajun Pride Tours

If you’d rather spend more time exploring one location, this company offers a half-day tour focused entirely on Laura Plantation with New Orleans hotel pick-up .

A tour guide will narrate the experience, explaining some of the historical significance of this beautiful old home.

Each trip includes transportation and admission to the plantation house.

Ticket prices are lower than similarly structured tours in the area, so this might be one of the most affordable options on our list.

They also offer combo deals for anyone interested in both plantation and swamp tours.   Read our detailed post reviewing all of Cajun Pride's tours .   

Dates/Times: Daily. 12:30 pm departures from New Orleans

Destinations: Laura or Oak Alley Plantations

Duration: 5-6 hours

• $62 - Adult 
• $40 - Child (3-12 years old)
• Tour Not Currently Available

Cajun Pride has earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide.

GRAY LINE TOURS

Gray Line is a trusted name in the bus tour industry, so you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be treated well. 

Gray Line does not offer hotel pick-up, but the buses will depart on time, and you won't wait to pick up other guests at area hotels.

NOTE: Gray Line is currently only offering tours of Oak Alley and Whitney Plantation. We'll let you know when they start offering tours to Laura Plantation once again.

Dates/Times: Daily. 12 pm departures from New Orleans

Duration: 5 hours (including travel time)

Plantation Life (Choose 2 of 3 plantations - including Whitney)

• 9 am on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat
• 7.25 hours (including travel time)
• $89 - Adults
• $60 - Child (6-12)
• $83.50 Seniors 65+

Gray Line has received a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

OTHER LAURA PLANTATION TOURS

If you're looking for even more options, there are a few other tour companies that currently offer tours of Laura Plantation.

N'awlins Luxury Tours

• $78/Adults | $68/Children
• Purchase tickets or learn more .
• $140/Adults | $120/Children

Crescent City Tours

• $78/Adults | $65/Children

Southern Style Tours

• $69/Adults | $42/Children

Before you buy… The Laura Plantation offers its own tour with admission price, should you travel on your own to the site (taxis/Ubers do not travel here).

No self-guiding is permitted, but the tour guides have excellent reviews for their engaging history anecdotes.

Laura Plantation Admission/Tour costs for self-travel:

Dates/Times: Daily 10 am to 4 pm

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

• Adult (18+) $30.00
• Youth (13 - 17 years old) $20.00
• Child (6 - 12 years old) $12.00
• Infant (0 - 5 years old) FREE
• Purchase tickets here .

OAK ALLEY PLANTATION

Oak Alley, originally called Bon Sejour (pleasant sojourn), is another elaborate home you can tour.

It is famous for its 28 live oak trees that make up a quarter-mile of the property.

Many guests recognize it as being the location of several scenes from the iconic film Interview With a Vampire .  

The Greek Revival home is one of the most impressive in the Southern United States.  

Read more on our full post dedicated to Oak Alley Plantation .

This tour is great for families, your children will learn about the customs of the Southern part of the United States while adults will appreciate the impressive grounds and architecture.

See the Blacksmith Shop, Civil War Encampment, “Slavery at Oak Alley” exhibit, and over a dozen more!

They also have breakfast and lunch dining options.  

Pro tip: Have a car? You can drive to this plantation on your own! Free parking available onsite. See below for admission costs/tour information.

Read our post dedicated to Oak Alley Plantation . 

Popular Tour Companies for the Oak Alley Plantation:

Time will fly by as you are guided by knowledgeable, friendly staff members at the Oak Alley Plantation. Great for families, groups, or the individual.

Gray Line does not offer hotel pick-up, but the buses will depart on time, so you won't wait to pick up other guests at area hotels.

Dates/Times: Daily. 12 pm departure from New Orleans

• $79 - Adult
• $39 - Child (6-12)
• $63.90 - Groups of 10+
• More information or to book .

As we previously mentioned, Gray Line has received a rating of 4 ½ out of 5  on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ).

CAJUN ENCOUNTERS

(Laura Plantation or + Whitney Plantation)

Cajun Encounters offers several options for Oak Alley, a stand-alone visit, or combining Oak Alley with either Laura or Whitney Plantations.

There won’t be much time to roam the grounds, as the tour guides use as much available time as they have to show you all these locations have to offer.  

While their price seems high, keep in mind that it is the price for two plantations.  

Bonus: Cajun Encounters offers hotel pick-up .  Read our post reviewing all of Cajun Encounters offerings .

Dates/Times: Daily. 8:30 am, 11:45 am pickup times

Duration:   5.5 hours for Oak Alley only or   6.5 hours for combinations (includes travel time)

Tour Prices:

Oak Alley (Stand-alone)

• $67.75 - Adult
• $50.75 - Child (4-12)
• Free for infants.

Oak Alley + Laura Plantation

• $70.75 - Child (under 12)

Cajun Encounters has received mostly excellent reviews for their Oak Alley Plantation Tour.

Much like their Laura Plantation Tour, this tour is also a half-day trip to one of the most historic homes in Louisiana.

This excursion includes transportation and admission to Oak Alley Plantation with hotel pick-up .

Rather than cramming a visit to two separate plantations in one day, Cajun Pride finds that their customers prefer having more time to explore the grounds of just one location.

Their tour guides provide a plethora of interesting information along the way, making the experience much more educational.

With ticket prices lower than some of their competitors, this could be one of the more affordable plantation tours on the list.  

• $66 - Adult 
• $43 - Child (3-12)

OTHER OAK ALLEY PLANTATION TOURS

In addition to all the other companies offering outings to Oak Alley Plantation, these services are also available from other tour operators.

Louisiana Tour Company

• $70/Adults | $45/Children
• $59/Adults | $39/Children

Legendary Tours

• $78/Adults | $65/Youth | $45/Children

Before you buy… The Oak Alley Plantation offers its own tour with admission price, should you travel on your own to the site (taxis/Ubers do not travel here). No self-guiding is permitted without admission.

Oak Alley Admission/Tour costs for self-travel :

Dates/Times: Daily. 9 am - 5 pm (exception: M-F closes at 4:30 pm Nov-Feb). Tours are offered every half hour beginning at 9:30 am.

Duration: Times vary. Guided tour of the Big House. Self-guided tour of grounds.

• $25 - Adults (19 yrs & older)
• $10 - Youth (13 to 18 yrs old)
• $7 - Children (6 to 12 yrs old)
• Learn more .

TIP: AAA Members, Military, and Seniors all receive a 10% off on tickets.

Read our detailed post reviewing all of Cajun Pride tours .  

WHITNEY PLANTATION

Opened in 2014, the Whitney Plantation is unlike any other experience you will find in Louisiana.

Focusing on the history of slavery, you’ll get a personal look at the life and conditions of slaves at this plantation museum.

In addition to the architecture and newly restored spaces, there are exhibits, artwork, narratives, and more than describe first-hand experiences at Whitney.

Pro tip: Have a car? You can drive to this plantation on your own! Free parking is available onsite. See below for admission costs/tour information.  

Popular Tour Companies for the Whitney Plantation:

You can visit Whitney Plantation on its own or through Gray Line's Plantation Tour which includes Whitney and a choice of one other plantation. 

• Daily at 12:00 pm
• 5 hours (including travel time)
• Child (6-12) $35
• Groups of 10+ $63.90
• Click here to book .

Plantation Life (Whitney + Laura or Oak plantations)

• 9 am Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat
• Adults $89 
• Child (6-12) $60 
• Seniors (65+)  $83.50

Their separate tours of Whitney Plantation and Oak Alley are still available.

We recommend checking their website to see if the tour is available because it could be added back onto their itinerary at any point in time.

Reviews for this Whitney Plantation tour are pretty impressive. 

As we mentioned above , Cajun Encounters offers a combination of Oak Alley and Whitney Plantations every day at 12:30 pm.

OTHER WHITNEY PLANTATION TOURS

Tours By Isabelle

• $135/Adults | $67.50/Children
• $70/Adults | $45/Children | $65/Seniors

2nd Line Tours

• $70/Adults | $50/Children

Whitney Plantation Admission/Tour costs for self-travel:

Dates/Times: Daily. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm every day but Tuesday. Tours are given every hour between 10 am and 3 pm.

• $22.79 - Adult
• $20.97 - Seniors, Students, Military Personnel
• $10.03 - Youth (6-12)
• $13.67 - St. James Parish Residents

Reviews for the tours provided by Whitney Plantation are surprisingly good.

Although they have received a few negative comments from unhappy customers, most people really enjoy this closer look at the plantation.

Some visitors felt that the information provided by their tour guide was a bit too opinionated, but an overwhelming majority of guests were very impressed with the friendly and helpful attitude of the staff. 

HOUMAS HOUSE PLANTATION AND GARDENS

The Crown Jewel of River Road, Houmas House reflects the history of the original Houmas Indian landowners through the Louisiana purchase, when it was largely known for its sugar production, and onwards through the Civil War.

This gorgeous property is filled with history and offers much to see and learn within the property limits.  

We also offer a more in-depth review of Houmas House .

Houmas House Daily Tours

For visitors with vehicles, Houmas House staff provides a tour to their guests.

Dates/Times: Daily, 9 am - 7 pm

Duration: personalized and variable times

TIP : The Houmas House Mansion + Garden ticket is included for free with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass . This could be a great way to save money on admission if you plan to do anything else that is included with the tourist pass.

• $35 + Tax – Adults (18 & older)
• $25 + Tax – Teenagers (13-17)
• $15 + Tax – Children (6-12)
• Kids 5 and under are free
• Click here to purchase tickets .

Tours of Houmas House have received mostly impressive ratings on TripAdvisor.

Unfortunately, there have been a few negative reviews, but they don't appear to reflect the typical experience with this plantation. 

Guided Tour from New Orleans

This day trip includes admission to both Houmas House and the Destrehan Plantation, as well as a stop for lunch in a grand dining hall.

• Ticket Prices: $179 for Adults | $89.50 for Children (3-11) | $30/Infants (1-3)
• Duration: 7 ½ hours total for both plantations.
• Availability: Almost every day at 8:30 AM

Reviews for this tour are excellent on both TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews here ). 

DESTREHAN PLANTATION

Located just outside of New Orleans, the Destrehan Plantation is full of historic exhibitions and they provide informative tours with costumed guides to help immerse visitors into the experience.

This plantation is a bit closer to the city than most of the others, so it's easier to reach in under an hour.

If you're short on time, this is an excellent option.

Among the most interesting items on display here is an original document signed by both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

Fans of American history will be well rewarded for making a trip to this noteworthy site.

Destrehan Plantation Daily Tours

Whether you're visiting with a vehicle or taking a shuttle/guided tour from New Orleans, this plantation offers tours every day except holidays.

Dates/Times: Every 30-60 minutes, 9:30 am - 3 pm

• $13/Children
• $21/Military
• $20/Seniors
• Kids 6 and younger are free

Tour Price w/ Transportation:

• $40/Children
• Kids 3 and younger are free

SAN FRANCISCO PLANTATION HOUSE

As of May 2024, The San Francisco Plantation House is no longer open to the public.

This antebellum sugar plantation was built in 1854 and the schoolhouse, slave cabins, and large estate remain open to over 100,000 annual visitors.  

The name ‘San Francisco’ comes from a mispronunciation of the French phrase “sans fruscins“ or “without a penny in my pocket”, which was the initial nickname of the plantation based on the cost of the estate for the proprietor.

Evergreen Plantation

Evergreen Plantation is no longer open to the public. It is now a research facility, find out more: https://www.evergreenplantation.org/

The Evergreen Plantation rose to popularity after being used in the film Django Unchained directed by acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino in 2012. 

The Greek Revival property constructed in 1832 is expansive. 

It was an active sugarcane plantation until 1930.

For this reason, it touts itself as having the most contributing structures of any plantation in the state and the South at 37 inclusive structures, including a  garconnière and 22 slaves quarters . 

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Home » North America » USA » Four New Orleans Plantations to Visit

Four New Orleans Plantations to Visit

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: May 20, 2021

Just 45 minutes from the jazz of Bourbon Street and the spectacle of Jackson Square is another world entirely outside New Orleans—a world of colonnaded mansions, grand antique furnishings, and 300-year-old oaks with Spanish moss whipping in the wind. These are the River Road plantations in Louisiana.

The owners of the antebellum “Big Houses” were some of the wealthiest people in the South. They built successful businesses, acquired massive estates, and bought the finer things in life. But the story of the New Orleans plantations is much more complex than a tale of gorgeous homes and carefully-tended gardens. It is a story with two very different sides that requires acknowledging the dehumanizing conditions of slavery that allowed for the very existence of these impressive estates. Neither simple nor pretty, it is an essential story to hear.

On our 3 day trip to New Orleans , we visited four plantations that approach the story differently.

New Orleans Plantations on the River Road

Oak alley plantation, whitney plantation, houmas house, san francisco plantation, tips for visiting.

The Mississippi River is so close you could practically touch it. That’s the feeling you get in the front yards of the plantations here. If not for the levees holding back the water, you might very well be in the river. The same is true along a span of about 70 miles between New Orleans and Baton Rouge known—for obvious reasons—as the River Road.

The plantations near New Orleans date back to the early 1800s. They were built in the economic heyday of the American South, especially when it came to the sugar production that fed this area. One by one, the monumental Southern plantation homes—most in the Greek Revival style, with their beautiful, white columns—took their place along the river.

Although the Big House was often the showpiece of the antebellum plantations, the estates originally had numerous buildings that were integral to their existence. Far from the charming, bucolic view of a verdant plantation that has been romanticized in books and movies, sugarcane plantations were hotbeds of activity, often functioning like independent villages and factories.

The buildings and people moving at a frenetic pace all worked toward one goal: producing crops to make money. The plantations were tightly run organizations, with a collection of quarters for the enslaved, a sugar house (small sugar mill), overseer’s quarters, storage buildings, and more, all operating together to generate income.

After the war, sugar mills became centralized and the ones on individual properties fell into disrepair. The hundreds of mills and thousands of cabins that had housed enslaved workers decayed and were ultimately removed from many properties. Today, there are few left.

Despite the massive economic changes following the Civil War, the plantations remained largely as they were for over 50 years. During the 1920s, the Sugarcane Mosaic Virus nearly collapsed the industry in the southern US and economically devastated many of the Louisiana plantations. Unable to continue with bills and upkeep, many plantation owners abandoned their homes and their land, consigning many Big Houses to disrepair and demolition.

While some plantations could not survive the economic downturn, others looked for new ways to make money such as turning the sugarcane fields into cattle farms. Today, these historic estates are scattered along the River Road, interspersed with housing developments, strip malls, chemical plants, and other signs that life has moved on. At some of them, the majesty of the Big House remains. At others, the stories of the enslaved people who lived and worked there are elevated. Some plantations have both.

Here’s a look at four different experiences we had while visiting the plantations around New Orleans.

Oak Alley is the very picture of what most people imagine as a plantation in the South. It has soaring columns, a wrought iron balcony, and a white exterior meant to look like marble. The quarter mile of oak trees enrobed in Spanish moss and stretching out toward the Mississippi River is one of the most iconic images not just of New Orleans plantations but of plantations anywhere.

Standing under the oaks and gazing back at the house, it’s easy to understand how the idealized view of plantations came to be.

Just a few steps away, the six replica cabins for enslaved workers give a different look at life on the plantation. Three large kettles perched on logs hang from a crossbeam as the primary kitchen the enslaved people were allowed to have at Oak Alley . Inside the cabins, there are wood frame beds with thin mattresses hovering over rope. There are a few simple tables and basic items—a sharp contrast to the massive mansion.

Displays around living quarters and the sick house give some insight into the lives of the enslaved. Not much is known about the personal stories of the 220 men, women, and children who worked on the plantation between 1836 and the Civil War because they were not treated like people. In most instances, a name is all that remains, but Oak Alley is now making an effort to ensure that those names are recognized.

A tour of Oak Alley focuses on the time it was owned by Jacques Roman and his wife Celina. Roman acquired the plantation—then known as the Bon Séjour plantation—from his brother-in-law in 1836. A year later, he began construction of the mansion at the edge of the oak lane that already existed on the property.

Like many of the other plantation owners in Louisiana, the Romans made their money from growing sugarcane. Backbreaking work for those who worked in the fields led to prosperity for the Romans. They flaunted it not only through the size of their house but with the number of enslave people who cared for the home and traveled with the family.

Touring Oak Alley offers an unvarnished look at the dichotomy between the Romans and their enslaved workers. As we walked through the rooms of the Big House, we were struck by the stories about the “connected but separate” lives they led.

In the sitting room, the guide spoke about Celina’s hosting dinners and parties for other members of the local elite. At the same time, she listed what a house worker named Pognon would be doing while the masters were busy entertaining. Dresses representative of what each woman might have worn stood side-by-side.

Similar stories followed about caring for children, taking care of the house, and sleeping. Further emphasizing the tremendous differences between the Romans and those they owned, there is a list showing the prices of items purchased for entertaining compared to the prices paid for the enslaved workers. Seeing that, our tour group let out a collective gasp.

Throughout the mansion, there are period furnishings, sumptuous carpets, and delicate drapes all reflecting a great period of prosperity for the Romans. It was a life of excess and fun. That period didn’t last for long, and Jacques Roman died of tuberculosis in 1848. By 1866, Oak Alley was sold at auction.

The next 50 years brought a series of owners who could not afford the upkeep and maintenance that the grand estate required. In 1925, Andrew and Josephine Stewart purchased it and began undertook restorations. When she died in 1972, Josephine left the historic plantation to the Oak Alley Foundation, which is responsible for opening it to the public.

See other plantations we’ve visited in Nashville , near Charleston , and beyond

Whitney Plantation is the place to go for the slavery story. While other estates have incorporated information about workers on the plantations, Whitney is the first to approach antebellum life entirely from the perspective of enslaved people. Unlike the other plantations where the Big House remains among the central attractions, here, the grounds and the story of the people are the tour. The house is nearly an after-thought.

Information about the owners of Whitney Plantation is captured in the museum that you can visit before the tour begins. Along with offering a detailed look at the history, economics, and realities of growing sugarcane, the museum tells the history of the Haydel family who founded Whitney Plantation.

Ambroise Heidel, a German immigrant, bought the original land for the plantation in 1752 and made the family’s initial fortune growing indigo. By the early 1800s, the main house was built. As of 1820, Heidel’s grandsons Marcellin and Jean Jacques were running one of the most successful sugar plantations in the area, then known as Habitation Haydel.

After Marcellin Haydel died in 1839, his widow bought the plantation at auction and increased production further. During just one season, Habitation Haydel produced a staggering 400,000 pounds of sugar. The success came at a high cost to the hundreds of enslaved people who did the grueling work. The tour is their story.

At the first stop on the Whitney Plantation tour, we met the children. They waited expectantly; they gazed off in the distance. They were unobtrusive in their manner and yet stole the spotlight. The life-sized clay statues were immediately haunting.

The Children of Whitney are a series of sculptures positioned throughout the grounds that are intended to represent the enslaved children who lived and worked on the farm. Their stories come to life through the words of formerly enslaved people who were interviewed for the Federal Writers’ Project (FWP), one of the agencies created by the Works Progress Administration following the Great Depression.

By the time of the interviews in the 1930s, the only formerly enslaved people still living had been children at the time of the Civil War. Thus, the stories reflect the memories of those who spent their childhoods in slavery. To say the displays are moving is an understatement.

From the introduction to the children, we moved on to the Wall of Honor. Inspired by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial—granite in which visitors can see their reflection—the wall shows the names, ages, and skills of more than 350 enslaved people who lived at the plantation. Quotes from the FWP interviews add color about the kinds of things workers experienced on the plantations.

The Whitney has numerous original outbuildings, but its quarters for the enslaved were demolished in the 1970s. Today, cabins from nearby plantations fill that gap and give visitors an idea of the harsh conditions of daily living during slavery on plantations.

In addition to seeing the cabins, there are also vivid stories about the working conditions. Working the sugarcane fields that drove the economic engine of Louisiana was some of the harshest work an enslaved person could do.

From planting to irrigating and weeding, there were tasks to be done year-round, but the worst was grinding season. Most worked around the clock during grinding season, harvesting cane with machetes, hauling, and transferring boiling sugar across a series of large, open kettles. As our tour guide told us, “there was brutality in cotton, but there was death in cane.”

The last stop on the tour was the Big House. One of the best surviving examples of Spanish Creole architecture, it has seven rooms on each level—large but not as grand as the others we visited. Each room has period furnishings, but they are more functional and subdued than the antique filled-rooms we saw elsewhere.

The house is the one place on the plantation where the conversation involved the masters, but even that was balanced. The Children of Whitney remind visitors that enslaved people lived here, too, caring for their masters at all hours of the day and night.

Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is a carnival of colors. There are red poppies, purple pansies, and pink lilies floating in a koi pond by a Japanese tea house. Yes, a Japanese tea house. With a koi pond. It’s not your typical plantation experience.

Visitors don’t come to Houmas House for the slavery story. They come for elegant architecture, fine dining, and the 38 acres of gardens complete with water features and plenty of places to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

The first thing that caught our attention here were the sculptures. There are women in togas, Kabuki dancers, and Greek gods. Nestled among hedges, as the centerpieces of fountains, or just playfully jumping on the lawn, they’re everywhere across the grounds at Houmas House .

Another of its most distinguishing features are the oak trees. Many of the 600-year-old giants were lost when the levee was built and another gave in during Hurricane Harvey, resulting in the beautiful reflecting pool. Those that remain frame the house, combining to give the estate much of its traditional look from the front.

Once part of the largest slave holding in Louisiana, the history of Houmas House is long and highly influenced by the sugarcane trade, as with the other historic estates we visited. Unlike the other estates we saw, its tour focuses on architecture and the many curious antiques inside the Greek Revival-style mansion rather than the story of how it came to be.

The current owner, Kevin Kelly, is the seventh owner of Houmas House and has renovated and transformed it into a destination for weddings, dining, and enjoying the outdoors. Though few of the details of the plantation’s past are highlighted, the stately Big House remains a huge part of the property’s appeal.

The plantation itself dates to the 1700s when the land was purchased from the Houmas Indians who originally occupied the area. Construction on the mansion began around 1810, though it was added to and significantly altered over the years to account for changing tastes and styles as well as modern needs. It has been restored it to its 1840 appearance.

On our tour, we saw the replaced crown mouldings and climbed the swirling, three-story staircase. There is a wall-sized 1848 Louisiana census map that belonged to a previous owner, which was hidden in the attic for 140 years, and original, gold-trimmed china from the same year with the Houmas name.

All the brightly-colored rooms at Houmas House are stuffed with period antiques. There are more typical pieces like a Steinway piano, dark wood tables, and stunning candelabras. From a solid silver statue of Abraham Lincoln cast by the sculptor of Mount Rushmore to portraits of Kelly’s dogs who rule the roost, there are also many exceptional things to see.

Behind the mansion are three restaurants. The casual Café Burnside is open for a quick lunch, and Latil’s Landing is the fine dining restaurant in the property’s original 1700s manor house. We enjoyed breakfast and dinner at the Carriage House Restaurant, which is full of character and unique details.

Splashed with bright turquoise, pink, and shades of yellow, San Francisco Plantation looked more like the candy-colored houses of Colmar than what we expected from a New Orleans plantation. There was so much going on with the ornate home, we didn’t know where to start.

We saw twin staircases sweeping up to the second floor and twin cisterns topped with Oriental domes on either side of the house. There were bright shutters with lace curtains peeking through and even a string of glimmering gold stars just beneath the roof line. It’s fair to say that nothing about this place was common.

Inside, presenters in period dress brought the details of San Francisco’s history to life.

The origins of San Francisco Plantation date to 1830. Elisée Rillieux, an entrepreneurial free man of color, sold the land he had amassed to Edmond Bozonier Marmillion for an astonishing $100,000 ($2.7 million in today’s money). In debt from day one, Edmond set a precedent that he and his heirs were never really able to shake.

Edmond built a sugar cane plantation and became a successful planter. During the prosperous 1850s, San Francisco’s fortunes looked momentarily bright. Using expert builders and highly skilled enslaved workers, Edmond built and lavishly decorated the estate’s house with painted door panels, faux marbling, faux wood graining, and hand-painted ceilings. The construction and flourishes were expensive, though. When Edmond died in 1856, he left the just-finished home and its tremendous debt to his oldest son Valsin and Valsin’s wife, Louise.

Valsin and Louise raised a family and ran the plantation but never financially prospered. Then came the Civil War, and situations certainly did not improve. It is believed that the very name of the plantation is derived from a comment Valsin made about his extraordinary debt, saying he was sans fruscins , or “without a penny in my pocket.” After Valsin died and Louise and the children left the plantation in 1879, new owners christened it St. Frusquin and, ultimately, San Francisco.

San Francisco Plantation has been open to the public since 1954. Renovations brought back the beautifully painted ceilings and the touches that Edmond had tried to leave as a legacy. The house now reflects the late 1850s, a time when things were good for the owners, as evidenced by the colorful gentlemen’s quarters, brocade fabrics in the bedrooms, and fine china all around.

The situation was not the same for everyone who lived at San Francisco.

An inventory of enslaved people at the plantation in 1856 shows more than 80 workers and their children owned by the Marmillion family. From the 60-year-old blacksmith Ben to the 35-year-old cook Marie Gally described as a “mulatto Creole,” these people endured brutal conditions to ensure that the plantation continued to make money and to keep the family comfortable. Snippets of their lives are seen throughout the tour.

Behind the house is a restored slave cabin from the 1840s of the kind that would have lined the property near the sugarcane field as well as an historic schoolhouse dating from the 1830s. A display gives a glimpse of their meager provisions and the backbreaking work required in the field. There are also details about the Code Noir , the French laws governing slavery in Louisiana.

Specifics are sparse about the enslaved people who made San Francisco run thanks to customs and time. But the quality of their work is obvious and endures in the magnificence of the house they did not get to live in.

There are 10 plantations to visit in the River Parishes. It’s possible to see two or three in one day if you plan your schedule carefully.

In general, tours leave on the hour–and possibly on the half-hour, depending on the property. House tours take about 45 minutes, though you’ll want to leave time to explore the grounds on your own. The guided tour at Whitney Plantation, which includes the house, several memorials, and outbuildings, takes 1.5 hours.

Booking ahead is possible at some of the plantations, including Whitney, Houmas House, and San Francisco. This is particularly advisable if your visit falls on a weekend or during other busy times. If you can’t book ahead and a house tour is a priority, get in line or put your name on the list as soon as you arrive because the capacity is often capped.

We were the guests of Louisiana River Parishes . All opinions are our own.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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New Orleans Plantation Tours

Visit these architectural emblems and learn about the african-american history of louisiana on the best new orleans plantation tours..

• User All Ages
• Hour Glass 5 Hours

Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Legendary tours.

A powerful testimony to the rich history of the antebellum south, Oak Alley invites visitors to explore all facets of her plantation past as they tour the grounds, exhibits, and museums.

Whitney Plantation Tour

Crescent city tours.

Whitney plantation is the only plantation Museum in Louisiana with an exclusive focus on the lives of enslaved people. Enter the world of Louisiana sugar plantation and to remember those built and worked this property.

Laura Plantation Tour

Tour Laura Plantation, one of only 15 Plantation complexes in Louisiana with this many complete structures. Because of its historical importance, the Plantation is on the National Registry of historic places!

Oak Alley Or Laura Plantation Tour

Southern style tours.

Come take a journey back in time and see Louisiana’s beautiful plantations. Over the years these plantations inspired many people to write books, screen plays and feature them in movies.

Tour the Historic Plantations Around New Orleans

Just outside of New Orleans, elaborate Antebellum-era plantation houses line Louisiana’s famed River Road. Built by sugar plantation owners, the homes feature marvelous piazzas, manicured gardens, and stately pillars. Many of them still standing today, the plantations of the Antebellum South pay homage to the state’s agrarian past and slave culture. From the impressive architectural marvels of the big homes to the surviving outbuildings where slaves lived in close quarters, every inch of these plantation homes is rich with history that brings the stories of enslaved people to life. Visit these architectural emblems and learn about the African-American history of Louisiana on a New Orleans plantation tour.

Learn About Louisiana's Popular Plantation Homes

• Chevron down Whitney Plantation

One of the most famous plantations near New Orleans, the Whitney Plantation features a museum that is the only of its kind with an exclusive focus on the lives of enslaved people. On a self-guided plantation tour, you can learn all about the history of this fascinating sugarcane plantation, as well as the stories of slavery and the people who lived there.

Founded by German immigrants in the 1700s, the Whitney Plantation first produced indigo, an important crop in Louisiana’s economy. At the time, there were about 20 enslaved Africans working the land. But by the 1800s, over 100 enslaved workers lived at the plantation, producing as much as 400,000 pounds of sugar in a single season. 

Before the Whitney Plantation opened to the public in 2014, it underwent 15 years of restorations and is now a beautiful testament to the history of slavery in Louisiana. There are at least 12 historic structures on the property as well as memorials, examples of Spanish Creole architecture, the slave quarters, and a church. Don’t miss a chance to visit this amazing property on a NOLA plantation tour.

• Chevron down Oak Alley Plantation

Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, Oak Alley Plantation is a must-visit plantation near New Orleans. It gets its name from the impressive alley of 28 live oak trees that line the path leading up to the main entrance of the house. The grounds at Oak Alley are a sight to behold, with wide pastures, a formal garden as well as several others, and agriculture crops. The big house is an architectural marvel, with beautiful columns, wrought-iron balconies and a lavish interior that sends visitors back in time to the days of working plantation homes.

The most important aspect of the Oak Alley Plantation’s legacy is its slavery exhibit, which details the lives and living conditions of the men, women, and children who were kept on the property. Built on slavery, Oak Alley was established as a sugar cane plantation, but it was also a cattle ranch at one point in its history. 

Today, you can explore the grounds and the interior of the big house, as well as the slavery exhibit, Civil War exhbiti, sugarcane theater, and 300-year-old alley of oaks. On a tour of Oak Alley plantation, discover the history of the home throughout the years and the enslaved people who kept it running.

• Chevron down Laura Plantation

The Laura Plantation is one of the best plantations to visit. It’s a restored Louisiana Creole plantation that is open for day tours from New Orleans. At its largest, its grounds covered 12,000 acres and produced rice, pecans, sugar cane, and indigo. Though it was originally called l’habitation Duparc, after the family that owned it, it was later renamed the Laura Plantation after one of the family members.

The Laura Plantation is significant to Louisiana and New Orleans for its early 19th-century Creole style big house and outbuildings, where slaves dwelled in cabins. The Laura Plantation is actually one of only a handful of Louisiana plantation complexes with so many surviving structures. In fact, it’s one of only 30 Creole raised houses in Louisiana. The floor plan is unique in that its two rows of five rooms all open directly into each other without hallways. Inside, you’ll find a collection of family heirlooms from the owners, as well as period apparel and additional relics of the plantation’s history.

Various displays throughout the plantation highlight the lives of enslaved people, both Creole and American, and how they spent their days at the plantation. See documents and rare photographs that bring their stories to life. One of the people you can learn about is Creole brick mason, Edouard, who left the plantation to fight in the Union Army. Experience the Laura Plantation on a guided tour.

Explore More Things to Do in NOLA

Swamp tours.

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French Quarter Tours

Cemetery tours.

Best Plantations to Visit Near New Orleans

By: Author Corinne Vail

Posted on Published: 5 Apr 2023  - Last updated: 3 Jan 2024

Are you looking for those vestiges of days gone by, where the land was manicured, and the mansions were luxurious? On my visit to Louisiana, I visited three fantastic plantations, took the guided tours, and learned a lot.

On our last epic trip to Louisiana , we spent most of our time in New Orleans and Lafayette , but we also got out into the countryside a little and had some fun doing swamp tours , taking a Cajun cooking lesson , and of course, visiting some grand plantations.

During our stay, I had the opportunity to visit three plantations: Houmas House, Laura Plantation, and Destrehan Plantation. All of these had superb guides taking us around the beautiful grounds, telling us stories and the history of the plantation. I was most impressed that they did not skim over the darker part of their history at all.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure I would be okay with visiting all the plantations because of their history with slavery. It was due to slave labor that the plantation owners were able to amass large fortunes, and the owners did everything in their power to keep the slave trade going.

Best Plantations near New Orleans

There are plenty of plantations to visit, all along Plantation Alley which follows the Louisiana River Road. I was able to visit three outstanding examples of these historical plantations. Most of the plantations are only a short ride from New Orleans, and if you are going to go exploring, it’s probably prudent to rent a car, as we did, or make it even easier and take a day tour.

Houmas House

Built in the late 1830s, Houmas House is a great place to learn about plantations in Louisiana and there are several great tour options available from New Orleans. As you enter the main building, you will come right into a museum listing out all the plantations in the area, some of which are not active anymore.

The histories, like the crops they grew, are varied, but all of the plantations made their money on the backs of slaves. Luckily today, they don’t shy away from their dark history and the guides really tell you what a hardship, horrible life was for a slave.

After the museum, we took a guided one-hour tour through the mansion. Our docent was dressed in a period costume and really knew her stuff. She told us both local history as well as stories of the people who used to live there.

Afterward, I wandered the grounds, enjoying the over 38 acres of flowers and shrubs, building up my appetite for lunch.

We took lunch in the Dixie Café where they serve a variety of Cajun and Creole dishes on their buffet. I loved everything from the crawfish pasta to the obligatory bread pudding with caramel sauce, and the surroundings were really comfy and beautiful.

One note if you travel with your pets, Houmas House allows them on the property and around the gardens as long as they are leashed at all times.

Laura Plantation

My next plantation tour was at Laura . The mansion on Laura Plantation really is a museum telling the history of the Creole peoples, African slaves, and the owners which are all entwined. While being guided around the mansion, we headed to the basement where the food stores were kept, the main floor with lots of documents, photos, and written histories, as well as the top floor where the family mostly lived.

One of the things that sets Laura Plantation apart from the others, is that when the first owner, Guillaume Duparc died, his wife took over running the estate. This was basically unheard of during her time, but she wielded lots of power and was extremely successful.

On top of that, Nanette Prudhomme Duparc was only the first of four generations of women to run the estate. You can read their stories as you walk through the various rooms of the mansions. There is also a video to watch which tells much of the story as well.

One of the most interesting documents to see on the plantation is the “Slaves Register.” This document lists seventeen enslaved people, their skills, and their worth. It is a stark reminder of the horrors of the enslaved plantation workers.

Destrehen Plantation

The closest plantation to New Orleans, Destrehan Plantation, grew sugar cane and indigo, two of the most profitable crops in the 1800s. Of course, all the labor was done by enslaved peoples, up to 200 at the height of production.

Maybe because of this Destrehan really does a good job detailing the history of the enslaved. There are information placards detailing life for slaves all around the slave camp where you can see mock-ups of old slave quarters and read about the atrocities they lived with.

The plantation, along with many more on the Louisiana River Road, subscribed to the Code Noir, Black Code which governed what slaves could or could not do. One edit in the Code Noir was that church-married blacks could not be separated, but to get around this owners just would not allow couples to marry.

This eventually led up to one of the most significant events on the plantation, the Slave Revolt where many enslaved men marched on the owners, killing a few and wounding many more. That revolt ended with the leaders being hanged, a tragic demise.

All of these stories and more were told to us by our very knowledgeable docent as we walked the mansion and the grounds. During this tour, we also learned about the Black Masking Indians and the colorful and expensive costumes they make each year.

The entire Destrehan Plantation tour was fascinating.

Even though the luxurious Louisiana plantations have a dark and sordid history, making money off the backs of enslaved peoples, I think they are well worth the trip. I learned so much more about this part of American history that we only skimmed only during our history classes. It was very educational.

Author Bio – Corinne is an avid camper and traveler. She’s been to all 50 of the US states and has four more Canadian provinces to visit. However, she’s not stopping yet. There’s always more to see of this great continent! Corinne loves local foods, getting outdoors, landscape photography, and road trips.

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The 5 Best New Orleans Plantation Tours [2024 Reviews]

During your visit to New Orleans, you’ll find no lack of attractions and activities. One of the area’s most popular activities is a visit to one its majestic plantations, where guided tours make history come to life.

Tour operators offer transportation from New Orleans to a variety of nearby plantations. Some of these tours combine other activities as a package.

Best Plantation Tours From New Orleans

Quick answer: the 5 best rated new orleans plantation tours.

• Small-Group Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
• Oak Alley & Laura Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans
• Small-Group Louisiana Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
• Oak Alley Plantation Day Tour from New Orleans
• Oak Alley Plantation and 3 Hour New Orleans City Tour

We have reviewed the 5 top rated plantation tours from New Orleans to help you select which one best fits your interests and needs.

New Orleans Plantation Tour Reviews

1. small-group airboat and plantations tour with gourmet lunch from new orleans.

• Departure point : Hotel pickup and drop off included
• Start time : 8:00 AM
• Duration : 8.5 – 9 hours
• Includes : Transportation to and from New Orleans, guided tour of Laura Plantation, plantation gourmet lunch and tour of Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, swamp tour with native Cajun guide

We recommend this tour for those who prefer a small group dynamic. It’s a perfect fit for romantics, foodies, and adventurers alike.

You’ll be whisked back into time on this tour that takes you from New Orleans to Louisiana Creole country. Your guides will point out historical sites and provide interesting facts about the area en route to your three separate stops.

The boat ride to the Manchac Swamp is narrated by friendly locals who go out of their way to make sure you see plenty of gators up close and personal; but don’t worry, your safety is their first concern!

After your exciting tour through the swamp, you’ll be guided through the 200-acre Laura Plantation where you’ll get an in-depth look into the Duparc family, the original owners of this plantation, and their slaves. Laura is celebrated for its early 19th-century Créole-style big house. Several of its structures are on the National Historic Registry.

Finally you’ll finish at the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens where you will dine on scrumptious creole brunch items like chicken and smoked sausage gumbo and crawfish etouffee.

Meander beneath the moss-draped oaks on this plantation, which has been the filming site for several productions, including the movie “Interview with a Vampire”. You’ll have a guided tour of the inside of the plantation big house.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. oak alley & laura plantation tour with transportation from new orleans.

• Departure point : 317 N Rampart St, New Orleans
• Start time : 10:00 AM
• Duration : 8 hours
• Includes : Admission to two plantation homes, guided tours, live commentary, round-trip coach transportation from New Orleans

We recommend this trip for those who’d like to squeeze in two of New Orlean’s stately plantations into a one-day outing. It’s ideal for those who are comfortable in larger groups and looking for a full day of history.

While this tour will take you from New Orleans to two plantations: Oak Alley Plantation, Laura Plantation. These are the two most popular and well known plantations in the area.

You’ll start your day by boarding a comfortable coach which will transport you alongside the Mississippi River to the two plantations of your choice. Your driver will offer informational and amusing tidbits, which makes the short ride fly by!

Oak Alley Plantation sits on 25 acres and is located 55 miles west of New Orleans . Once a functioning cattle ranch, it was purchased in the 60’s and renovated to its previous splendor. At Oak Alley visitors will meander through its lovely gardens and under majestic oaks, explore the antebellum mansion, and learn about the plantation’s history as working sugarcane plantation.

Laura Plantation, formerly known as “Duparc Plantation”, is a 200-year-old sugar cane plantation, boasting a big house, several surviving outer buildings, including 2 slave cabins, and three gardens. It’s also situated less than 60 miles west of New Orleans. Laura Plantation provides guided tours and a self-guided exhibit that details the Duparc family history.

Borrowing from first-person slave narratives, memorial artwork, and restored buildings, informative tour guides will give you a moving perspective into that dark time period of American history. This tour may not be appropriate for younger children.

3. Small-Group Louisiana Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

• Departure point : Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Start time : 8:30 AM
• Duration : 7.5 hours
• Includes : Hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation to Destrehan Plantation, Houmas House Plantation, guided tour and admission ticket, gourmet lunch at Houmas House

We recommend this tour for those travelers who are looking for a small group experience to a restored historic Creole plantation, especially those who are interested in the personal accounts of plantation slaves.

Sit back and relax while your driver transports you 75 minutes from New Orleans to Destrehan Plantation. The drive out will be a learning experience in itself, as your driver is knowledgeable about the area’s history and highlights.

Destrehan Plantation is a 200-year-old Creole plantation. With it’s many structures that have been preserved and renovated, you will get a good sense of how life was for its inhabitants when the sugarcane plantation was in its heyday. A guided tour will take you through the Big House, three vibrant gardens and the kitchen potager.

You will be moved by the focus on slaves’ experience during this plantation tour, where you will visit an authentic slave cabin that dates back to the 1840’s. Destrehan Plantation is the only one in this area that has an exhibit dedicated to sharing the stories of enslaved individuals.

After your tour you will then head over to the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens for an authentic gourmet lunch consisting of dishes like Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, Red Beans, Sausage and Rice with White Chocolate Bread Pudding for dessert. After your delicious lunch you will have a tour of the stately mansion and its artwork.

4. Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

• Departure point : Hotel pickup included
• Start time : Pickups begin at 8:30 AM
• Duration : 5.5 hours
• Includes : Hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation to plantation, admission ticket to plantation, professional guide, walking tour

We recommend this tour for those visitors who are looking for a half-day trip to take in one of southern Louisiana’s most picturesque plantations.

On your way to Oak Alley Plantation, once known as Bon Séjour, you’ll be entertained by your friendly, informative driver as you travel alongside the Mississippi River.

Once you’ve arrived at the plantation, experienced docents will lead you on a tour that will take you back in time to the days when the property functioned as a sugarcane producer. You’ll be captivated by plantation’s Big House, a Greek Revival-style mansion; the canopied-pathway that’s lined by enormous southern oaks; and the property’s onsite garden.

Learn about the history that landed Oak Alley on the National Historic Registry. A slave exhibit educates visitors and pays tribute to the enslaved men, women, and children who were responsible for building the Roman family’s wealth.

5. Oak Alley Plantation and 3 Hour New Orleans City Tour

• Duration : 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
• Includes : Hotel pickup and drop-off, driving tour of New Orleans, transportation to plantation, admission ticket to plantation

We recommend this tour for those who are short on time but don’t want to scrimp on sightseeing and learning about the fascinating history of New Orleans and its grand sugarcane plantations. The two parts of this tour may take place on two separate days.

Your day will start with a 3-hour tour in a mini-bus. Visit all the must-see locations throughout historic New Orleans. Get a better sense of how the area was affected by Hurricane Katrina and how the community has forged ahead to rebuild.

Some of the key areas you’ll visit in the city include: Jackson Street, the French Quarter, the French Market, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Cabildo Museum. Your licensed, informative tour guide will share interesting tidbits about the St. Louis Cemetery, an above-ground cemetery, while you wander among the tombs.

The second portion of this tour takes visitors to Oak Alley Plantation, the 25-acre restored sugarcane plantation that lies approximately one hour from New Orleans. At Oak Alley you will be given a professional guided tour of the Big House, a Greek Revival-style mansion.

The sugarcane exhibit offers a glimpse into how the original owners built their empire on sugarcane production. The slavery exhibit relates how the plantation was built and supported by enslaved men, women, and children.

FAQs About New Orleans Plantation Tours

How do i get to the plantations.

Most plantations are about an hour or so from downtown New Orleans. There is no public transportation so you will need a car or take a tour bus. We recommend booking a guided tour to get the most of the experience as well as the convenience.

How long are the tours?

The duration of the tours may vary depending on the plantation and the tour operator. Generally, they last between 4 to 8 hours, including travel time. Some tours may also include lunch or other attractions, such as swamp tours or food tours of New Orleans .

What will I see on the tours?

You will see the plantation house and its rooms, which are usually furnished with antiques and artifacts from the period. You will also see the gardens, outbuildings, slave quarters, and other features of the plantation. The tours will give you the history of the plantation owners and the enslaved people who worked the plantations. Most of the plantations have exhibits, museums and demonstrations that how life was for the enslaved people.

What is the history of the plantations?

The plantations along the Mississippi River were built by French, Spanish, and American settlers who established large estates for growing crops with the labor of enslaved Africans. Today the plantations have been preserved as museums that showcase the history of the people that lived and worked them.

What is the cheapest New Orleans plantation tour?

To get a cheap tour to a plantation you will have to go to the closet plantation and go on a bus with a large tour group. If you don’t mind getting a less personal experience, we recommend the Oak Alley Plantation Day Tour from New Orleans.

What is the best New Orleans plantation tour?

If you don’t mind spending a little more money you can go on a private tour with only your group. You will travel in a minivan and get a much more personal experience.We would recommend a Oak Alley Plantation and 3 Hour New Orleans City Tour.

What are the most common visited plantations near New Orleans?

• Whitney Plantation : This plantation is unique in that it focuses on the lives of the enslaved people who worked on it. It has original slave cabins, a slave jail, a slave memorial and a museum that displays artifacts and documents related to slavery. It also has a restored Creole-style plantation house.
• Oak Alley Plantation : This plantation is best known for its alley of 300-year-old live oak trees that lead to the Greek Revival-style mansion. It has guided tours of the house and grounds. There are exhibits on slavery, sugarcane cultivation and Civil War history. If you are interested in staying overnight there are bed-and-breakfast cottages.
• Nottoway Plantation : This massive plantation is the largest antebellum mansion in the South. It has 64 rooms with 53,000 square feet. It was constructed in 1859 by John Hampden Randolph who was a wealthy sugar planter. At its peak there were over 800 slaves working the plantation. It has a mix of Greek Revival and Italianate styles, with elaborate details and furnishings.
• Laura Plantation : This plantation is a Creole-style plantation that was owned by four generations of women all from the same family. It was built in 1805 by Guillaume Duparc who received the land as a grant from Thomas Jefferson. It has a colorful exterior and interior and still has original furniture and artifacts.
• Evergreen Plantation : This plantation is one of best preserved plantations in the South. There are 37 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Construction on it started in 1790 by Pierre Clidamant Becnel, a French settler who grew indigo and sugar cane. It has a French Creole-style plantation house with a double-pitched roof and a wraparound porch. There are 22 original slave cabins that form a double row along the oak alley.

Travel Guide For New Orleans

Getting there.

Flights arrive at the Louis Armstrong International Airport from all over the U.S. and international destinations. Rental cars from the airport are one of a few options. Traveling from the airport to the French Quarter will take 25 minutes by car.

The area’s regional transit system offers an airport bus from the airport to two locations: mid-city and downtown. Catching a taxi or other car-for-hire service such as Uber or Lyft are other options.

Amtrak has a station in New Orleans and the route runs from Chicago through Memphis.

Planning Tips

Consider what you’d like to do before packing your suitcase. Do you plan to explore the area’s swampy bayou, perhaps by taking an airboat tour? Will your trip focus on other outdoor activities like attending a Jazz Festival? Maybe you see yourself enjoying fine dining on the area’s unique Creole cuisines. In that case, make sure to pack your most elegant attire.

Having a general idea of your preferences and plans will help you plan what to bring and what to leave behind. Consider whether you’ll be outdoors a good amount of time. New Orleans can be muggy and hot during the summer months, so dress accordingly.

Not only should your plans guide you in what to pack, you should also purchase tour tickets and make reservations in advance for the things you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Heavily influenced by Cajun and Creole cuisine and soul food, New Orleans-style fare is a must try while you’re there. For authentic local food we recommend the following establishments.

The Atchafalaya Restaurant is a cute, quirky place with a lot of excellent food options at reasonable prices.

The Commander’s Palace is an upscale (no shorts allowed!) eatery that’s well-known for its local cuisine and specifically for its bread pudding soufflé.

For a bite on a budget, give Faubourg Bistro a try. They have your standard burgers and pizza and some southern options, like fried catfish sandwich; or consider Cajun Mike’s Pub & Grub where you can get po’boys, crawfish kickers, and seafood gumbo.

Nightlife & Entertainment

No trip to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the French Quarter, but the city is so much more than the 13 block area, originally known as Vieux Carré. Try out these other hot spots to get a better perspective of the city.

Performances at the The Jazz Playhouse, located on Bourbon Street, wow their audiences with the quality of musicians and nice ambience. The drinks can be a little pricey, but we feel the expense is worth the experience.

If you’re looking for a bar that’s gay-friendly, the Good Friends Bar & Queens Head Pub is worth checking out. Bartenders and friendly and fun. There’s an upstairs bar that is smaller, with a good sized balcony. Their creamy drinks are fabulous.

Why not bowl while you enjoy a few drinks? At Rock n Bowl – Mid City Lanes you can do just that. And the fun isn’t limited to bowling. There’s a music venue and a dance floor as well.

If you plan to make room for some culture during your visit to New Orleans, the Saenger Theatre features a nice variety of concerts and shows. The theater itself is worth seeing for its beautiful architecture alone.

Tour Guides

The Plantation Brunch and Swamp Experience from New Orleans is our top pick with its sites seen and value

Krysha Thayer

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OAK ALLEY PLANTATION

Tour a historic plantation near new orleans, louisiana.

Open Daily: 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Guided “Big House” tours are offered daily from 9:00 am-4:30pm. Times are assigned when tickets are purchased.

Select your Ticket Type

• Most Popular!
• 9am-4:30pm daily

Site with “Big House” Exhibit

This admission includes access to the historic site and ALL exhibits including the “Big House” exhibit. Please allow 2 hours for exploring including reserved visit of the “Big House”.  All guests must purchase admission for entry to the historic site.

Site without “Big House” Exhibit

This admission includes access to the historic site and exhibits excluding the “Big House” exhibit. Please allow 2 hours for exploring.  This admission does not grant access to the “Big House” exhibit. All guests must purchase admission for entry to the historic site.

Plan your Visit to Oak Alley Plantation

Admissions & hours.

Learn More »

Plantation Overview

Maps & transportation, dine. sleep. explore., over 200 years of history.

A sugar plantation; an abandoned investment property; a cattle ranch; a landscape of defiance in the face of the Army Corps of Engineers–Oak Alley has been many things in its over 200 years of history. Today it is a historic site, dedicated to preserving and interpreting each chapter of this plantation’s memory.

Open to the public since 1976, our institutional values include complete respect for the National Landmark with which we have been entrusted. This not only is evident in our dedication to its preservation and maintenance but in our complete adherence to narrative integrity, in deference to this iconic historic site whose past includes serving as a place of enslavement even as it was celebrated for its stunning landscape.

Get Involved and Support Oak Alley

Photography contest, support the foundation, top-rated historic attraction in vacherie, louisiana.

I really enjoyed my visit to the Oak Alley Plantation. Decided to stop by on my way to New Orleans, which I'm so glad I did. The architecture and the plantation grounds are just breathtaking with so much beauty that you would have to just see to believe. The tour was very informative and quite interesting. Very highly recommended tourist attraction!

This is such a beautiful, informative and cultural place to visit. Not only is everything about the grounds and main house befuddled to look at, you learn so much about the history of the families, area, state, slavery, progression and even descents from the main family as well as the slaves and their freedom.

Very cool place to visit. The tour was shorter than expected but the history shared was great. We toured the enslaved people’s exhibit and thy did an excellent job of relaying the information. Very much worth the drive from New Orleans.

Lovely grounds! We only had a chance to tour the grounds this time before heading home, but so worth it! We plan to go back this fall and tour the main house. We got some stunning photos! The trees are so old! Just unbelievable! Sooo much rich history here and can't imagine what these trees have seen in their lives.

We had an amazing experience visiting the Oak Alley plantation. Both the outside and the house tours were really well done, well explained, and overall well organized. The guides on site were very open to some questions, even the painful ones.

Oak Alley Plantation is an amazing place to visit. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. The home tour was fascinating. After the tour we walked around the grounds. Great information on slave quarters. Our entire family, including our teenage sons, enjoyed it. Thank you for a wonderful time.

The Happiness Function

3-day itinerary new orleans in december + where to stay & eat.

If you’re like me, you’ve binge-watched every vampire show on the planet (I see you, The Originals fans), and now you’re ready to visit New Orleans to live out your vampire fantasies. My husband laughs when I tell him this, but the allure is real.

If you’ve been itching for a trip to New Orleans, I’ve got you covered because it is my favorite city in the U.S. Something about the history, supernatural lore , music, and food lures many to visit. Mix all this with holiday lights, Réveillon dinners , and cooler weather, and December is the best time to visit.

How To Get Here

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If you’re not within driving distance, fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

You don’t need to rent a car to get around, so grab a Taxi, Uber, or Lyft, and they’ll take you to your hotel.

Where To Stay

If this is your first time in New Orleans, I recommend staying close to the French Quarter. That way, you will be within walking distance of many top restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions, like Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and the Voodoo Museum. 

If you don’t want to walk, you can always grab a ride somewhere else, like to Frenchman Street (the jazz music area).

We stayed at the Hotel Monteleone . They decorate the lobby beautifully for Christmas, and the Carousel Bar is famous. The hotel is said to be haunted, but we had a pleasant stay.

Book your stay at the Hotel Monteleone on Expedia.

The Best Hotels for Christmas Lights

If you visit during December, the Hotel Monteleone , the Roosevelt Hotel , the Windsor Court , the Royal Sonesta , the Ritz Carlton , the Bourbon Orleans , and La Pavillon all spectacularly decorate their lobbies for Christmas.

Find hotels in the French Quarter, New Orleans, on Expedia.

Day 1: Arrive, Dinner + Holiday Lights

Welcome to NOLA! You’ve arrived at your hotel, and the streets are buzzing.

If you’re staying at the Hotel Monteleone or nearby, head down to the Carousel Bar , find a seat, and grab a drink. Heads up, this bar is quite famous, so finding a spot to sit can be tricky.

Depending on when you’ve arrived, if you have time, go for a stroll down Bourbon Street and then grab dinner at the Criollo Restaurant in the Hotel Monteleone. The turtle soup is to die for; after all the places we ate in New Orleans, this is one of our favorites.

After dinner, walk to the Roosevelt to see the holiday lights and grab a cocktail.

You’ll want to dress up a little because these places are classy.

Day 2: Explore the French Quarter and Bourbon Street

We’d heard Café du Monde was THE place for breakfast, so we kicked the day off walking there – it’s in the French Quarter. Pablo ordered their famous beignets, and I grabbed a coffee.

If you’re gluten-free, like me, Café du Monde only serves beignets, which are (obviously) not gluten-free. If you can eat gluten – you’ll enjoy this place. Pablo loved their fluffy beignets covered in powdered sugar.

Café du Monde is across the street from Jackson Square , so you can mosey over and walk through the St. Louis Cathedral .

Afterward, wander around the Woldenberg Riverfront Park .

Next, we headed towards Bourbon Street to visit the Voodoo Museum . It was a little darker than I realized, but it was interesting. There are some neat Voodoo shops in the area, too. Yes, I got a voodoo doll (also called a Gris Gris doll), and contrary to what we are told on TV, they  can  bring good luck and protection — depending on the magic spell.

When you’re hungry, have lunch at Maspero’s . It’s known for its authentic NOLA vibes, and it is affordable.

Wrap up the day enjoying dinner at your leisure. We headed to dinner at Brennan’s . This upscale restaurant is famous for its Creole food, and December is one of the best times to eat here because they serve Réveillon specials.

Day 3: Oak Alley Plantation, Swamp Boat Ride, Psychic Reading, & Frenchman Street

We didn’t just want to bar-hop and eat the entire time we were in New Orleans, so we booked a tour to see Louisiana’s Oak Alley Plantation and go on a swamp boat ride. We’re not from the South and wanted to do as much as possible. Let me tell you, it was worth it.

You’ll want to plan before you arrive in New Orleans to do day 3’s activities.

Visit the Oak Alley Plantation

A small tour bus picked us up from our hotel and drove us to the Oak Alley Plantation . I’m from out West and had never seen a plantation before this trip. It was surreal.

In one moment, you see such a beautiful property that looks like it should be in a movie, with a driveway meticulously lined by giant oak trees. Still, at the same time, you’re on a tour learning about the people horribly enslaved here not that long ago. It’s worth going on a tour to get educated.

There’s also a place on the property to try mint juleps — we’d never had one before, and they were strong. We pretended to like them, but we aren’t bourbon fans.

Cruise in the Swamp

After touring the plantation, our guide drove us to the next stop for a swamp boat ride . It was colder than usual during our December trip in 2017, so we didn’t see any ‘gators, but the swamp was beautiful in its own right, and it was fun to ride an airboat for the first time and hear stories from our Cajun captain.

If I look cold in most photos, it’s because I am. They had an unusual cold snap in 2017. So be sure to check the weather before you pack to ensure you have the correct clothes for your adventures.

After the day’s events, the bus dropped us off at our hotel.

Try a Psychic Reading

I had always wanted to do a psychic reading, so I Googled the best psychics in New Orleans, and Cari Roy popped up .

She managed to get me into her schedule, but I recommend booking months in advance. Psychic readings are very personal, and Cari Roy was welcoming, kind, and shockingly spot-on.

After the reading, we grabbed dinner at a hole-in-the-wall oyster place. Then, we caught a taxi and hit up Frenchman Street and a few jazz clubs.

Where To Eat

Over the years, I’ve had a handful of friends from Louisiana who have suggested the following restaurants (yes, I took notes for you all). Here are some of the best places to eat in New Orleans.

• Stanley : It is in Jackson Square and is authentic to New Orleans and affordable.
• Cafe du Monde for beignets and coffee
• Brennan’s : It is well-known but upscale and pricey.
• Court of Two Sisters is great for brunch. It’s also authentic to NOLA but pricey.
• Maspero’s : It has authentic NOLA vibes, and it is affordable.
• Central Grocery is THE place for muffulettas.
• Drago’s has amazing, chargrilled oysters.
• Mr. B’s Bistro is another popular lunch (and dinner) spot.

All the restaurants below are NOLA’s famous “greats.” They are all pretty expensive to eat at (but it’s worth it).

Use your hotel concierge to help you make reservations. If you try calling yourself, you won’t get on the list unless you plan way in advance.

• Antoine’s
• Galletoire’s
• Commander’s Palace
• Arnaud’s
• Brennan’s
• Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse

If you’re in the mood for drinks, check out:

• Pat O’Brien’s
• The Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone.
• Cat’s Meow is fun for karaoke

More Things To Do

If you have more time to spend in New Orleans, people love going on a ghost tour , seeing one of the famous cemeteries, and visiting the National WWII Museum .

You can also shop on Royal Street, look for antiques on Magazine Street, or take the trolley .

I hope you have a great time visiting New Orleans in December.

❤️ Images captured with love from our December trip in 2017 . I thought you’d appreciate them more than stock images.

Ashlee Fechino