Top New Orleans Day Trips - page 2

Full Day Plantation and Swamp Tour in New Orleans

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Travel through Cajun Country on this full-day New Orleans city tour and swamp adventure. Journey with your professional guide in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus as you learn about the history, culture and highlights of southern Creoles. You'll see major city highlights, areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, and tour the inside of a cemetery to see the above-ground tombs. Afterward, you'll head to the bayou for your choice of a leisurely pontoon boat ride or thrilling airboat ride.

New Orleans City, Cemetery and Swamp Full-Day Tour

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Oak Alley Plantation and Small Airboat Tour from New Orleans

Gain deep, meaningful insights into American history on this combination full-day tour. After being collected from your New Orleans hotel in an air-conditioned van, you’ll arrive at the Whitney Plantation and tour Louisiana’s only museum dedicated to enslaved people with an audio guide. Afterwards, head back to the city and join the Soul of New Orleans tour, for a deep dive into the move from plantation to city life, showing how enslaved people turned their struggle into the powerful music, food, and culture that still defines the city today.

Whitney Plantation and Soul of New Orleans City Tour Combo

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover more of Louisiana on a full-day tour to the Whitney Plantation from New Orleans. Ride by minivan past the marshes of Lake Pontchartrain and along River Road, passing filming locations for the popular TV series ‘Queen Sugar’ and other productions. Then, join an audio guided tour of the Whitney Plantation and learn about the history of the enslaved and free people who once lived on the plantation.

Whitney Plantation Tour with New Orleans Hotel Pickup

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Uncover Louisiana’s rich and complicated past on this small-group plantation tour. Travel along Lake Pontchartrain to the Whitney Plantation, where a self-guided app offers powerful insight into enslavement and history. Then explore the Creole heritage of Laura Plantation with a guided visit. Along the way, stop for photos at Evergreen and other historic sites, passing through scenic sugar cane fields and iconic oak-lined roads that tell stories of the South.

Small-Group Laura and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Whitney Plantation and Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour Combo

Whitney Plantation & Museum Tour | Pickups from New Orleans

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

Airboat Swamp and Destrehan Plantation Tour from New Orleans

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Oak Alley or St. Joseph Plantation with Shuttle From New Orleans

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Get an overview of New Orleans, and visit a classic plantation and cemetery, on this full-day driving tour. Explore Oak Alley Plantation, about an hour from downtown New Orleans, on a guided tour; visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 and learn about the city's above ground burial practices; and discover New Orleans, including areas affected by Katrina, on a driving tour with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.

Oak Alley Plantation and New Orleans City and Cemetery Tour

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Visiting New Orleans' plantations and swamps in one day means coordinating drives out of the city, plantation entries, and airboat bookings across the river parishes. This tour combines all three into a single itinerary with hotel pickup, stops at Laura, Evergreen, and Whitney plantations, and an airboat ride through Bayou Segnette State Park, where alligators and other wildlife are commonly spotted.

Laura Plantation and Airboat Tour Combo with Hotel Pickup

Leave New Orleans behind for a half-day excursion to Laura Plantation—with all the driving and logistics taken care of. After being picked up from your hotel, travel to Laura Plantation to learn about what life was like on an old sugar plantation, both for owners and enslaved people. Hear the history and culture of Louisiana Creole women. On the roundtrip drive you’ll see several other plantations as well as scenic Lake Pontchartrain.

Laura Plantation Half-Day Tour from New Orleans

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Gain a deeper understanding of American history on this two-in-one visit to Oak Alley Plantation and a Louisiana swamp tour on this day-long trip from New Orleans. You’ll pass other notable sites including Evergreen, Laura, and St. Joseph Plantations before exploring Oak Alley Plantation at your own pace. Afterward, join an airboat swamp tour and pass the site of the 1811 German Coast Uprising of enslaved people.

Oak Alley Plantation and Airboat Combo Tour

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.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Hotel Pickup

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Small Airboat and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Henley's Private Tours - "Educational-Comfortable-Entertaining"

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Manchac Swamp Extended 4-Hour Kayak Tour with Pickup

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Oak Alley Plantation and New Orleans City Tour

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Guided Laura Plantation Tour from New Orleans

5 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Laura Plantation Tour with Transportation

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Private New Orleans Double Plantation Tour: Oak Alley and Laura

Price varies by group size

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.

Private Citywide Driving Tour with Destrehan Plantation

Private Citywide Driving Tour with Destrehan Plantation

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.

Oak Alley Or St. Joseph Plantation Plus Swamp Tour Combination

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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What are people saying about New Orleans

Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

Almira_L, Aug 2026

Loved it!

I came to New Orleans for my birthday weekend and wanted to be immersed in history. This tour did just that. From the moment you board the bus Kate H talks you through New Orleans history. It’s topped off by experiencing history through the perspective of the enslaved and a swamp tour

Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Boat Tour from New Orleans

Jennifer_H, Aug 2026

Plantation & bayou tour

Our drivers Barbara & Keith were fantastic & great drivers. The plantation tour was very interesting & informative. The bayou cruise with captain Bobby was great & a highlight. Only one thing from the whole day I’d like to see change -I found it disturbing the feeding of marshmallows to the wildlife to encourage interaction. Personally I’d prefer less interaction to protect their health, wellbeing & environment. That aside the tour was a great day out & will recommend.

Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Kelly_M, Jul 2026

Interesting, educational & fun!!!

Family with 2 teenagers. We enjoyed the Whitney Plantstion tour very much. It was moving and very educational for all of us. We absolutely LOVED the swamp boat tour with Captain Dan. It was pouring rain at first and that added to the magic. The swamp was beautiful, relaxing and teeming with interesting creatures. We saw alligators, raccoon, wild pigs and a variety of birds. It was magical.

Whitney Plantation and Airboat Tour from New Orleans

Marguerite_P, Jul 2026

I’m glad we did it!

Our tour guide was excellent. As we traveled to the plantation, he not only shared info about it and slave practices in general, but also on Hurricane Katrina. As a native of New Orleans, he had an excellent perspective on the city. He was a knowledgeable historian ac well.

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

Bonnie_M, Jul 2026

Bayou tour on Monday, 7/6/26 for the McCulloughs

Rickey and Ben are very knowledgeable, courteous and friendly. Rickey had much interesting information during our bus rides to and from and Ben was very professional and expresses in his conversations that he loves the Bayou and his job. Office tracked us down to change or tour time which was much appreciated.

Oak Alley Plantation Half-Day Tour from New Orleans

Lachele_B, Jul 2026

Great visit

I visited Oak Alley Plantation over the weekend, and I really enjoyed my experience. The grounds are absolutely beautiful and well maintained, making it a great place to explore and take photos. The first part of the visit was self-guided, which gave us time to walk around and take everything in at our own pace. The guided tour of the Big House was the highlight of the visit. Our tour guide, Anthony, was incredibly informative, friendly, and welcoming. He shared so much history and answered questions in a way that kept everyone engaged. Overall, I had a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend visiting if you’re in the New Orleans area. The beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and excellent tour made it a memorable visit.

Whitney Plantation (Guided Tour) with Bus Ride To & From N. O.

Quentin_N, Jun 2026

A needed history lesson on the south.

Kin is a world-class entertainer and host who will make the trip out and back fly by. The guides at the plantation are amazing as well, with a deep education on the history of the area and the lineages that came through Whitney. We were able to hear several stories direct from people that lived on or had family on the plantation- truly a look back into the history and the life of slaves in the south. A needed history lesson for the fully history of this unique area.

Oak Alley Plantation and Large Airboat Swamp Tour from New Orleans

seadreamer, May 2026

A great experience. Highly recommended

This was a great day. The plantation tour was fascinating. It is good that the reality of the past is kept for us to learn from. We must honour and give tribute to all those slaves who lived in such devastating conditions. The aliigator tour was great fun. I was very impressed by the care and respect our tour guide has for these awesome critters. I don't remember his name, but he grew up in the area, still lives there and has a teenage daughter. He was terrific. We saw lots of alligators and saw so much. I have no idea how the tour guides do not get lost in the swamp :)

Whitney Plantation Tour with New Orleans Hotel Pickup

Anna_S, Apr 2026

The best and most informative tour ever!

First, pick a nice day. You'll be outside 95% of the time. Second, pick your tour package carefully. Some may just be a ride, others, like mine with Crescent City Tours, was fun filled and very informational not only on where we were going but what has happened in the area. Being at the plantation was an amazing experience. To be able to see and walk among where so many had been before and learn what actually happened to them and not some watered down version was very impactful. The last stop in the church was the hardest for me. When I was in there and everyone had left, the weight of the place came down on me and I was not able to stay longer. If you are at all sensitive to the blight of others, this will have a profound affect on you and your outlook on life from thereafter.

Whitney Plantation & Museum Tour | Pickups from New Orleans

Sophia_Y, Apr 2026

Whitney plantation

Basic but extremely informative. Timely. No bells and whistles so use a different tour if you want someone to explain it all. The plantation is very interesting. And has incredible sculptures and written explanations. The audio tour was excellent and our bus and guide, who was sweet, was timely.

Oak Alley Plantation and Small Airboat Tour from New Orleans

Laura_M, Mar 2026

Oak Alley Plantation is...

Oak Alley Plantation is beautiful. The grounds are lovely. It seems funny to mention this but the public restrooms are the cleanest I've been in. The Best part of the tour was the Airboat ride. Rocky, our guide, was amazing. He got us up close to gators and let us touch a baby one. It was awesome. I would definitely recommend.

Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

Carolyn_T, Nov 2025

Fantastic Day out!!

We really enjoyed this tour. Giselle was our tour guide and was fantastic. She was very informative all through the tour even we while we were travelling between locations she continued to tell us about the history of New Orleans. We started the day with an airboat ride where we met many of the alligators inhabiting the swamp and our operator was very entertaining and informative. We learnt a lot about the swamp and experienced a fun ride as well. We then headed to Laura plantation where we had a lovely guide who was extremely knowledgeable, and we learnt a lot about Lauras family history and their life on the plantation as well as some of the known history of the slaves who lived there. Houmas house was our next destination where we had a lovely buffet lunch where I (who is usually a bit fussy) was pleasantly surprised with how nice it was. The tour of the house was great which is full of antiques and interesting pieces from a bygone era. The tour guide took us through the home explaining life in this house and we then explored the beautiful gardens complete with beautiful old Oak Trees hundreds of years old and fantastic sculptures throughout to be discovered as you walk through. We even encountered peacocks, swans and turkeys along the way. The van was comfortable and the small group who were lovely was a great way to do this type of tour. We would highly recommend this tour.