Top Louisiana Day Trips

Gain a deeper understanding of Louisiana—and combine two experiences in one—on this tour of the Whitney Plantation and a ride in the Manchac Swamp from New Orleans. Visit the plantation museum, view exhibits with an audio guide, and uncover the legacy of enslaved people as you explore. Afterward, ride a pontoon boat through a cypress swamp, look out for wildlife, and learn about Cajun culture from local guides.

Enjoy an only-in-New-Orleans experience when you embark on a paddle-wheel boat tour of the mighty Mississippi River. In the evening, hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel, the Riverboat City of New Orleans, and admire views of the city from the water's edge. This cost-saving package additionally includes a Creole‐inspired dinner (if option selected), plus live jazz music to set the mood.

Explore one of Louisiana’s last protected wetlands on a 2-hour boat tour that includes round-trip transport from New Orleans. Depart in the morning or afternoon for Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve teeming with critters such as 'gators, wild boar, snakes and birds. Ride through the swamp dripping with lush foliage and visit a boat-accessible Cajun village with an informative local guide who sheds light on the area’s inhabitants.

Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of New Orleans from two perspectives on a city tour and steamboat cruise that lets you escape the land-based crowds. Enjoy a narrated coach tour of historic landmarks, including the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the Garden District. Then, step aboard Steamboat NATCHEZ (or its sister vessel) for a journey along the mighty Mississippi River, complete with live jazz and optional Creole dining.

Experience different sides of Louisiana and its complicated history on this plantation tour and swamp boat ride from New Orleans. On this full-day journey, visit Oak Alley Plantation or Destrehan Plantation (depending on the time chosen), where you learn about antebellum life. Next, head into the marshy swampland for a boat ride and some wildlife spotting. Enjoy guided commentary as you snap photos of alligators, raccoons, snakes, and native birds.

Discover a different side of New Orleans—and admire a new perspective from the water's edge—on this steamboat tour down the Mississippi River. Board the historic riverboat—either the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel—for a morning or afternoon tour. Stroll the deck, admire the iconic paddlewheel, enjoy live music, and snap photos of the picturesque shoreline. This family‐friendly excursion offers an optional lunch (additional expense).

Explore Louisiana’s bayou landscape–and avoid a basic, beginner-friendly itinerary–on this kayaking tour of Manchac Swamp, designed for experienced paddlers and including round-trip transfers from a central meeting point in New Orleans. Spend four hours on the water with a local naturalist guide, keep a lookout for wildlife, and learn about the local wetland ecosystem along the way.

Gain a deeper understanding of American history–and avoid the crowds–on this private tour of the Whitney Plantation, including round-trip transfers from New Orleans. View important exhibits, hear powerful insights, and discover the legacy of enslaved people as you explore the landmark. Along the way, your driver-guide will share facts and point out other highlights, including filming locations from “12 Years A Slave” and “Interview with the Vampire”.

Explore the alluring beauty of New Orleans with a unique 5.5-hour private driving tour. Unearth secrets from this vibrant city and its history through an exciting guided excursion to the many sights and attractions. Make good use of your time in NOLA, and visit Destrehan Plantation, St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, and Hurricane Katrina Memorial, while passing through many of the well-known neighborhoods.

If you have a half day to spare in New Orleans, escape the city for Oak Alley, one of the most famous plantations along River Road. Take a guided tour of the antebellum mansion and learn about the free and enslaved families who once lived on the estate. The day includes free time to explore the plantation grounds and visit the café, plus transportation from New Orleans.

Visit the Whitney Plantation Museum—a former indigo and sugar plantation that is now dedicated to promoting an understanding of enslavement in Louisiana—on this hassle-free trip from New Orleans. Round-trip transit and admission tickets are included for your convenience. Upon arrival, learn about the brutal realities of plantation life through museum exhibits and an audio guide (6 languages available) as you explore the site independently. You can also choose to upgrade your experience to include a 90-minute swamp tour.

An easy day trip to take when in New Orleans, this tour takes you for a small airboat experience and Oak Alley Plantation tour. The exclusive tour site is the closest to the plantation, minimizing travel time. Ride in our small boat that accommodates up to nine passengers, ensuring an intimate experience away from idle zones and noise ordinances. No other boats are allowed in the private swamp, guaranteeing a serene and uninterrupted journey.

This private tour is designed for travelers with a keen interest in the supernatural. This tour, which departs from New Orleans and includes round-trip transport in a luxury SUV, takes you to St. Francisville, home to what’s hailed as one of the most-haunted houses in America. You’ll enjoy a relaxed mix of guided sightseeing and free time, and benefit from the insider knowledge of a guide.

Take a break from the bustle of New Orleans to explore the lifestyles and complex history of rural Louisiana on a day trip to the Oak Alley Plantation. Take a guided tour the opulent antebellum mansion, gardens, and enslaved people's cabins, and learn about the lives of the free and enslaved families who lived here. During the drive to River Road, learn about the region's history, from the Civil War to Hurricane Katrina.

Exploring outside the city limits of New Orleans can be difficult without a car. With this private tour, visit two of the best-preserved antebellum plantations—Oak Alley and Laura—without worrying about navigating or dealing with crowded tour buses. Take a docent-led tour at each site to learn about the complex and often dark history of the rural South, including the impact of enslavement in Louisiana.

Save time with a full-day tour from New Orleans that combines a boat tour of the Louisiana swamp with a visit to either Oak Alley Plantation or St Joseph Plantation. Both plantations are located within a short drive of the swamp, so you can make the most of your excursion. Learn about the swamp’s ecosystem and wildlife from your boat captain, and hear about the plantation’s history during a guided tour.

Get access to a privately owned wildlife refuge on the Manchac Swamp on this day tour from New Orleans. Step aboard a boat and embark on a wildlife tour to a pristine area where no other boats can go; you'll see and learn about swamp flora and fauna. Round-trip transportation from downtown New Orleans makes this trip an easy option to get out of the city for the day.

Discover several of the New Orleans area’s key natural and historical landmarks—and learn more about the area’s past—on this multi-stop tour. In the morning, meet your guide in New Orleans and set off via air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll stop at highlights like the Louisiana Swamp and Lake Pontchartrain before heading to the Laura Plantation. There, embark on a self-guided tour of the grounds and learn about the enslaved people who lived there.

See a different side of Louisiana on this ultimate swamp and plantation tour that showcases both Cajun and Creole culture in an all-inclusive package. Enjoy a private airboat ride through cypress swamps with a gator-hunting guide before exploring antebellum history at Houmas House and Laura plantations—two of the region’s best-preserved estates. Extras include a gourmet Cajun lunch at Houmas House and private transport from New Orleans.

Visit either St. Joseph Plantation or Oak Alley Plantation with this full-day tour from New Orleans that allows you to skip the hassle of renting a car. With door-to-door service from your hotel and departure at mid-day, you can visit your choice of plantation and have a free morning in New Orleans. Both plantations provide guided tours and time to explore the grounds on your own.

Visit a former plantation and ride through the swamp during this two-in-one tour. Start with a visit to Oak Alley Plantation for a tour of the antebellum mansion. Follow the oak-shaded paths to the blacksmith shop during your free time. Lunch is available to purchase at the restaurant on-site. Next, head to the dock for your swamp tour. Search for alligators and other wildlife and stop for photo ops while aboard an airboat. Round-trip hotel transport provided from New Orleans.

See more of New Orleans without navigating unfamiliar streets or planning your own itinerary. This private sightseeing tour pairs you with a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation to efficiently connect the city’s top neighborhoods and landmarks. Along the way, enjoy local stories and historical insights that bring each stop to life.

Visit Oak Alley Plantation, nestled in the heart of Louisiana’s historic sugarcane region. Famous for its breathtaking canopy of centuries-old oak trees, the site offers a powerful glimpse into the layered history of the American South. Tour the stately Greek Revival home and learn about the lives of the enslaved people who built and maintained the plantation. Knowledgeable guides share stories that reflect the stark realities of plantation life from multiple perspectives. This tour provides meaningful insight into one of the region’s most iconic estates. Gain a deeper understanding of the wealth it generated and the people whose forced labor made it possible. It’s a thought-provoking look at a legacy that still resonates today.