Top Louisiana Outdoor Activities - page 2

Swap the hustle and bustle of New Orleans for the natural beauty of the Louisiana bayou—and leave the crowds behind—on this small-group airboat tour through the swamps near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Explore the lush landscape from the water, look out for native wildlife including alligators and turtles, and learn about the region’s unique ecosystem. Along the way, hear stories and insights from a local guide.

Experience the mysterious beauty of the Louisiana wetlands on a guided kayak tour through the legendary Maurepas Swamp. Voodoo Swamp Tours offers an immersive paddle through towering cypress trees, winding bayous, and one of the region’s most ecologically rich wetlands.

Discover the atmospheric swamps surrounding New Orleans on a fascinating airboat tour, led by a professional guide. In a group of 16 or less, climb aboard an airboat destined for the rich flora and fauna of the swamplands. Enrich your natural knowledge as you listen to intriguing commentary from your guide; scour the scenery for sightings of alligators; and feel your adrenaline levels surge as you accelerate and reach high speeds.

Explore New Orleans’ untamed bayou on an airboat tour that includes round-trip transportation and admission to an albino alligator exhibit. Cruise through marshes and swamps as your guide shares stories about the region’s wildlife and history that you won't get in the guidebook. Spot alligators, birds, and other native species, and stop at the remote village of Jean Lafitte, once home to the legendary 19th-century smuggler.

Take the party to the bayou on New Orleans’ only pedal bike bar boat. Gather a group of friends or your bridal or bachelor party, and bring your own beverages to celebrate in a totally unique, only-in-N’awlins way. Help move the boat by pedaling right at your bar seat, or simply soak in the riverside scenery while raising a glass.

Embark on a private kayak and canoe small-group tour through Louisiana's historic Manchac Swamp. A local naturalist guides you, providing explanations of historical information and the native ecosystem. Paddle through this slow-moving bayou, once home to the ghost town of Ruddock, and a passage for historic New Orleans explorers. Discover the swamp's rich history and diverse wildlife, creating an immersive and educational outdoor experience.

Sail down this Mississippi River on a classic Paddlewheeler boat on this New Orleans river cruise. Enjoy illuminating narration from the onboard historian and stop part-way through the trip to learn about the Battle of New Orleans. Then, get back aboard the vessel and enjoy a cash bar while admiring the views.

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.

Soak up the atmosphere of the bayou on this 8-hour cultural tour from New Orleans. Visit the Oak Alley Plantation House, dating from 1837, and view the stately row of 28 evenly spaced mature oaks that line the driveway. Follow your guide, dressed in period costume, through the mansion, the blacksmith shop and the onsite restaurant. You'll also learn about life in the bayou's waterways aboard a swamp and wetlands boat tour. See the amazing variety of flora and fauna native to the area and hear about life in the Barataria Swamps from your native guides. Round-trip transportation from New Orleans is included.

Exploring New Orleans in the evening can seem like an intimidating quest on your own, but this ghost, voodoo, and vampire walking tour takes you to the city’s eeriest sights at night in the safety of a group led by a guide. Stop by top attractions such as the LaLaurie Mansion and New Orleans Pharmacy Museum while listening to your guide’s detailed stories of the paranormal and beyond.

Experience Louisiana’s wild bayou country on an exciting, family-friendly airboat tour. This tour includes a ride on a small airboat (maximum 13 passengers) that zips through the tree‐lined marshes at speeds up to 45 mph (72 kph). While onboard, enjoy lively commentary from your guide as you view lush scenery and local wildlife, including alligators, nutria, and native birds. Pickup and drop-off from downtown New Orleans and French Quarter hotels included.

Go for a sunset cruise aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen on this boat trip. Listen to an on-board jazz band and choose to add on a Creole-style dinner buffet as the boat sails along the Mississippi River. Take in the views from the promenade deck and sip New Orleans-inspired cocktails.

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.

The bike tour is the ideal way to save time and see the highlights of the Garden District in a short space of time. Cycle under towering oak trees and learn about the history of the area from your guide. Highlights include a ride through the Irish Channel neighborhood to see its diverse architectural styles and a visit to St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

This haunted pub crawl combines two favorite New Orleans activities—ghost hunting and drinking! Slip on some Mardi Gras beads and join a storytelling guide at some of the French Quarter’s most famously haunted bars and pubs. Enjoy a cocktail or shot while standing on the very spot of grisly murders, disasters, and ghost sightings on this spooky and social night out.

Create memories that will last a lifetime on the mighty Mississippi River and experience the royal treatment about the Steamboat Natchez. Your experience begins with a complimentary Champagne cocktail and front-row access to the night’s entertainment, the Dukes of Dixieland. For dinner, indulge in a buffet dinner as you listen to live jazz performance. Take the chance to tour the historic vessel after dinner.

Take a wild ride through the bayous of Cajun Country on this airboat adventure from New Orleans. In a small group, wind through tree‐lined swampland and spot abundant local wildlife, including nutria, alligators, and giant catfish, and stop at Destrehan Plantation to get a taste of the elegant antebellum south.

Experience the charm of New Orleans on a two-hour Sunday jazz cruise along the Mississippi River. Enjoy live jazz music, stunning views from the top deck, and the option to savor a Louisiana-style buffet brunch featuring local favorites. This authentic paddle-wheel riverboat offers a perfect blend of history, ambiance, and relaxation for all ages. The legendary Steamboat NATCHEZ and her sister vessel Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will sail interchangeably, depending on bookings and private events.

Explore New Orleans’ diverse ecosystem along the Bayou Bienvenue by kayak for a unique and memorable experience in nature. See what makes the nature surrounding the Crescent City so special as you paddle through the swampy waterways surrounding the city. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, alligators, turtles, and more wildlife.

Discover a different side of New Orleans–and learn about wildlife you can’t spot anywhere else–with a ticket to the city’s famous Audubon Zoo, including the option to upgrade to include access to the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium located downtown. See endangered species including whooping cranes and Amur leopards, watch animal care demonstrations, and learn facts about the over 1,700 animals who live here.

Explore the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans' French Quarter on this half-day food tour. Sample traditional NOLA dishes such as gumbo, po-boys, jambalaya, and pralines while learning about the area's history. Your expert guide will lead you through local hotspots, offering cultural insights and tips on where to eat next. Upgrade to a small-group tour for a more intimate setting. Food offerings are subject to availability.

Explore the fascinating culinary history of New Orleans from the comfort and safety of a bicycle, covering much more ground than you would on foot. Follow your guide around hidden corners to discover their favorite eateries, where you’ll taste Louisiana delicacies and hear the stories behind each dish. Gain insight you won’t get in a guidebook as your tastebuds become immersed in traditional dishes without the hassle of restaurant reservations.

Experience New Orleans from a different perspective on a carriage ride through the French Quarter. In addition to navigating for you, your guide tells anecdotes about the historic landmarks from Jackson Square to Bourbon Street. Booking a private tour ensures the itinerary is customized to your own interests, whether it be a food–themed tour or a quiet, romantic ride.

Put New Orleans in context without the self-drive hassles on this enriching full-day tour. First, immerse in the city’s dark history on a self-guided tour of the Whitney Plantation, with time to explore the museum independently. Next, pass by the Evergreen Plantation, where Django Unchained was filmed, and board an airboat for a high-speed swamp adventure. Your package includes small-group transfers from most New Orleans hotels.