15 Best Plantation Tours from New Orleans

Step into the enchanting, complex world surrounding New Orleans, a city where every brick and cobblestone whispers tales of history. Beyond the vibrant jazz clubs and culinary delights of the French Quarter lies a different kind of allure: the majestic plantations dotting the Louisiana landscape. These grand estates offer a profound journey back in time, inviting you to explore the beauty, the architecture, and the poignant, often difficult, stories that shaped the American South.

You’ll discover antebellum mansions, sprawling oak alleys, and serene bayous, each with a unique narrative waiting to be uncovered. To truly immerse yourself, plan your visit during the spring (March to May) or fall (October to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring outdoor grounds. Avoid the scorching summer heat and the peak of hurricane season. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable exploration of history, culture, and natural beauty, just a short drive from the Crescent City.

New Orleans Oak Alley Plantation Half-Day Tour

Your journey into the past often begins with the iconic New Orleans Oak Alley Plantation Half-Day Tour. Oak Alley is arguably the most photographed plantation in Louisiana, famous for its breathtaking, quarter-mile-long alley of 300-year-old live oak trees that leads from the Mississippi River to the grand antebellum mansion. As you stroll beneath the canopy of these majestic trees, you’ll feel transported to a bygone era.

The guided tour of the “Big House” offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy sugarcane planters who once inhabited it, showcasing period furnishings and architecture. Beyond the grandeur, you can explore the slave quarters, which have been reconstructed to provide a more comprehensive and somber understanding of the lives of the enslaved people who worked the plantation. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to the region, history buffs, and anyone seeking that classic Southern plantation aesthetic. It’s a relatively short tour, making it easy to fit into a busy New Orleans itinerary.

Oak Alley and Laura Plantation Combo

For a more comprehensive and contrasting view of plantation life, the Oak Alley and Laura Plantation Combo tour is an excellent choice. This popular combination allows you to experience two distinct but equally significant historical sites in one day. While Oak Alley mesmerizes with its iconic tree tunnel and grand antebellum architecture, Laura Plantation offers a different, deeply personal narrative.

Laura is known for its Creole heritage, vibrant colors, and compelling stories told directly from the memoirs of its former inhabitants, including those who were enslaved. You’ll hear accounts of four generations of a Creole family and the enslaved people who lived and worked there. This combo tour provides a powerful juxtaposition: the architectural splendor of Oak Alley against the raw, human stories of Laura, giving you a much richer understanding of Louisiana’s complex past. It’s ideal for those who want a deeper dive into the region’s history beyond just the aesthetics.

Half Day Laura Plantation Tour

The Half Day Laura Plantation Tour focuses solely on the fascinating narrative of Laura Plantation, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of its unique Creole heritage. Unlike many other plantations that highlight the grand mansion and architectural beauty, Laura emphasizes the human stories, drawing from the extensive archives of the Duparc family, including the memoirs of Laura Locoul Gore. You’ll tour the brightly colored Big House, the “Maison Principale,” and learn about the lives of four generations of a Creole family and the enslaved people who lived and toiled on the property.

The tour also includes authentic slave cabins, providing a powerful and essential perspective on their daily lives. This tour is particularly compelling for those interested in social history, African American history, and the specific nuances of Creole culture in Louisiana. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking experience that moves beyond romanticized notions of the Old South.

New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation and Airboat Swamp Combo

Combine the grandeur of a plantation with the thrill of the wild on the New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation and Airboat Swamp Combo. This popular pairing gives you a taste of two distinct Louisiana experiences in one exciting day. After soaking in the beauty and history of Oak Alley’s iconic oak-lined avenue and historic mansion, you’ll head deep into the bayou for an exhilarating airboat tour.

These high-speed boats skim across the water, allowing you to get up close with Louisiana’s unique wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and various bird species, all while navigating through cypress swamps and marshlands. The knowledgeable guides often share fascinating facts about the ecosystem and local lore. This combo is perfect for adventurers, nature lovers, and families looking for a mix of historical immersion and outdoor excitement. It offers a well-rounded view of Louisiana’s diverse landscapes and heritage.

From New Orleans: Whitney Plantation Tour

The From New Orleans: Whitney Plantation Tour offers a unique and profoundly important experience, standing apart from other plantation tours by focusing almost exclusively on the history of slavery. Unlike plantations that emphasize the grandeur of the owners’ lives, Whitney Plantation dedicates itself to remembering the lives of the enslaved people.

Through powerful exhibits, original slave cabins, a historic church, and moving memorials like the Wall of Names and the Field of Angels, you’ll gain a deep and often heartbreaking understanding of their daily struggles, resilience, and resistance. The guided tour is highly informative and emotionally resonant, providing a crucial perspective on a difficult but essential part of American history. This tour is a must-do for anyone seeking a comprehensive and honest look at the institution of slavery, making it suitable for serious history students, social justice advocates, and those committed to understanding the full scope of the past.

Louisiana Plantation and Swamp Boat Bayou Full Day Tour Combo

The Louisiana Plantation and Swamp Boat Bayou Full Day Tour Combo offers a robust and diverse exploration of Louisiana’s unique cultural and natural heritage. This comprehensive tour typically combines a visit to a prominent plantation (often Oak Alley or Laura) with an exciting swamp boat adventure. You’ll begin by stepping back in time at a historic plantation, learning about the antebellum era, the lives of the owners, and critically, the enslaved people who sustained these vast estates.

Afterward, you’ll transition to the wild beauty of the bayou, embarking on a swamp boat tour where you can spot alligators, egrets, and other indigenous wildlife in their natural habitat. This full-day excursion is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their experience, blending historical education with thrilling eco-tourism. It’s an ideal choice for families, groups, or anyone looking for a complete Louisiana immersion.

Double Plantation Tour

The Double Plantation Tour offers the opportunity to visit two different plantations, providing a comparative perspective on Louisiana’s antebellum history. While specific plantations can vary by tour operator, common pairings include Oak Alley with Laura, or Whitney with St. Joseph, allowing you to delve into contrasting narratives.

One plantation might focus on the architectural grandeur and the lives of the planter families, while the other might emphasize the daily lives and struggles of the enslaved people or the unique Creole culture. This type of tour is ideal for serious history enthusiasts, researchers, or anyone who wants a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of the plantation system. By visiting two distinct sites, you gain a broader perspective and can compare the different ways history is preserved and presented.

New Orleans: Plantation and Swamp Tour

The New Orleans: Plantation and Swamp Tour is a classic combination that encapsulates two quintessential Louisiana experiences in one convenient package. This tour typically starts with a visit to a grand plantation, often Oak Alley or a similar estate, where you can admire the historic architecture, stroll through manicured gardens, and learn about the lives of both the wealthy owners and the enslaved laborers.

Following this historical immersion, you’ll embark on an exciting journey into the bayou for a swamp boat tour. Here, you’ll glide through serene waterways, surrounded by cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, while your guide points out alligators, snakes, turtles, and various bird species. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to New Orleans who want to experience both the cultural history of the plantations and the unique natural beauty of the Louisiana wetlands without having to arrange separate transportation.

New Orleans: Plantation Brunch and Swamp Tour

Elevate your New Orleans experience with the New Orleans: Plantation Brunch and Swamp Tour. This luxurious twist on the classic combo offers a refined culinary experience alongside your historical and natural exploration. The tour typically begins with a visit to a beautiful plantation, where you’ll not only tour the grounds and mansion but also indulge in a delicious Southern brunch, often served in a charming setting on the plantation grounds.

Imagine enjoying classic Louisiana dishes amidst the elegance of an antebellum estate. After this delightful meal, you’ll head out for an exciting swamp tour, navigating the bayou and spotting local wildlife. This tour is ideal for couples, foodies, or anyone looking for a more upscale and leisurely way to experience Louisiana’s heritage. It combines historical insights, natural beauty, and a memorable dining experience into one seamless package.

New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour

While not a traditional “plantation” in the rural sense, the New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour offers a glimpse into a different kind of opulent past, right within the city limits. This historic neighborhood, developed in the 19th century by wealthy Americans who wanted to distance themselves from the Creole French Quarter, features stunning mansions, lush gardens, and grand architecture. As you stroll through its tree-lined streets, your guide will share fascinating stories about the prominent families who lived here, the architectural styles (Greek Revival, Italianate, Victorian), and the cultural significance of this elegant district.

You’ll see homes owned by celebrities, film locations, and experience the quiet grandeur that contrasts sharply with the lively French Quarter. This tour is perfect for architecture enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys a leisurely walk through beautiful surroundings. It provides a unique “urban plantation” feel, showcasing the wealth and social stratification of the era.

Guided Tour: Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery

The Guided Tour: Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery combines the elegance of the Garden District with the haunting beauty and historical significance of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. You’ll begin with a captivating walk through the Garden District, admiring its magnificent mansions and learning about the prominent families who built them.

Then, the tour delves into Lafayette Cemetery, one of New Orleans’ oldest and most atmospheric “cities of the dead.” Unlike ground burials, New Orleans cemeteries feature elaborate above-ground tombs due to the high water table. Your guide will explain the unique burial customs, symbolism, and fascinating stories of the notable figures interred there, including voodoo practitioners and historical legends. This tour is ideal for those intrigued by New Orleans’ unique funerary traditions, architectural history, and local lore. It’s a perfect blend of beauty, history, and a touch of the macabre.

New Orleans: Destrehan Plantation and Swamp Combo

The New Orleans: Destrehan Plantation and Swamp Combo offers a compelling blend of historical insight and natural adventure, featuring the oldest documented plantation in the Lower Mississippi Valley. Destrehan Plantation provides a unique perspective, as it was established in 1787 and has a rich, complex history that predates many other grand estates. You’ll explore the main house, original slave cabins, and learn about the infamous 1811 Slave Revolt, one of the largest slave rebellions in U.S.

history. After your historical immersion, you’ll head out for a thrilling swamp tour, gliding through the bayou on a flat-bottom boat or airboat, spotting alligators and other wildlife. This combo is excellent for those seeking a deeper historical context, particularly related to the early days of Louisiana and the experiences of the enslaved, combined with the excitement of a bayou excursion.

Oak Alley and Evergreen Plantation Tour

The Oak Alley and Evergreen Plantation Tour offers a unique and powerful pairing, contrasting the picturesque grandeur of Oak Alley with the stark, preserved reality of Evergreen Plantation. While Oak Alley draws you in with its iconic tree tunnel and beautifully restored mansion, Evergreen Plantation stands out for its remarkably intact complex of 22 original slave cabins, recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

This tour provides a profound dual perspective: the idealized image of the antebellum South at Oak Alley, and the unvarnished, authentic history of the enslaved at Evergreen. At Evergreen, the focus is heavily on the lives of the enslaved people, with detailed narratives and a sense of solemn preservation. This combination is particularly recommended for those who want to move beyond the romanticized view of plantations and engage with the full, complex history, including the difficult truths of slavery.

Myrtles Plantation Tour

While not a plantation tour in the traditional sense, the Myrtles Plantation Tour offers a chilling and captivating experience for those fascinated by the paranormal. Located in St. Francisville, about an hour and a half drive from New Orleans, Myrtles Plantation is famously known as “one of America’s most haunted homes.” The tour focuses less on the antebellum history and more on the numerous ghost stories, unexplained phenomena, and legends associated with the property.

You’ll hear tales of spirits like Chloe, a former enslaved woman, and other spectral residents who are said to still roam the grounds and the house. Visitors can take guided tours, and for the truly brave, even stay overnight in one of the haunted rooms. This attraction is perfect for ghost hunters, paranormal enthusiasts, and those looking for a unique, spooky, and memorable experience that diverges from typical historical tours.

Whitney Plantation and St Joseph Plantation History Tour

The Whitney Plantation and St. Joseph Plantation History Tour offers a powerful and comprehensive look into the lives of both the enslaved and the enslavers, providing a deep dive into the human stories of the antebellum South. You’ll first visit Whitney Plantation, dedicated solely to the history of slavery, where you’ll walk through original slave cabins and moving memorials, gaining a profound understanding of the brutal realities faced by enslaved people. Following this impactful experience, you’ll proceed to St.

Joseph Plantation, a working sugarcane plantation that offers a more intimate, family-oriented perspective. St. Joseph, still owned by descendants of the original family, provides insights into the lives of the planter class while also acknowledging the enslaved labor that sustained it. This tour is ideal for serious history buffs and those seeking a nuanced, balanced, and deeply human exploration of Louisiana’s plantation history, combining the essential narratives of both freedom and bondage.

Plan Your Visit

New Orleans and its surrounding plantations offer a journey unlike any other, a captivating blend of beauty, history, and profound human stories. From the iconic grandeur of Oak Alley to the solemn narratives of Whitney Plantation, and the thrill of a bayou airboat ride, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of experiences that reveal the soul of Louisiana. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique adventure, these tours provide unparalleled insights into the region’s complex past and vibrant present.

Don’t just visit New Orleans; truly immerse yourself in its heritage by exploring these remarkable sites. Remember to plan your trip during the pleasant spring or fall months, book your tours in advance, and factor in transportation costs. By embracing the diverse offerings, from historical mansions to haunting cemeteries and thrilling swamps, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary corner of the world, inspired by its resilience and unforgettable charm.