Top New Orleans Plantation Tours

When it comes to plantation tours in New Orleans, you'll find plenty of choices, from half-day guided tours to full-day tours that incorporate other nearby attractions. Here are some of the best tours available now based on past travelers' reviews and ratings.

• Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

• Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

• Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

• Laura Plantation Tour

• Houmas House Plantation Guided Tour

You’ll find several New Orleans plantation tour options under US$70, although private tours can easily cost hundreds of dollars per person. More expensive tours tend to offer round-trip transportation from your New Orleans hotels and additional sightseeing opportunities. Some tours even feature a gourmet Southern-style lunch at the plantation house.

Most New Orleans plantation tours last between one and two hours including tours of the Destrehan Plantation and Oak Alley Plantation. Half and full-day tours are also available, and these tours often visit multiple plantations and include other popular activities like city tours or airboat swamp rides.

Oak Alley Plantation is one of the most famous plantations in New Orleans. This historic plantation is located on the banks of the Mississippi River, and its long lane of live oak trees leading to the mansions is especially picturesque. Other famous New Orleans plantations include Destrehan Plantation, Houmas House and Gardens, Laura Plantation, and Whitney Plantation.

Yes, several tours of the Whitney Plantation are available from New Orleans. These tours often include round-trip transportation from New Orleans and a guided tour of this former sugar plantation. The Whitney Plantation Museum is one of the few historic sites in Louisiana dedicated exclusively to telling the stories of the enslaved people who once labored on these lands.

Oak Valley Plantation is about 55 miles (89 kilometers) from downtown New Orleans, about an hour's drive. Unfortunately, public transportation options are limited in the area, so the easiest and most convenient way to get to the plantation is with a rental car or via a guided tour from New Orleans.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in New Orleans aside from plantation tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Dinner Cruises

• Ghost Tours

• Airboat Tours

• Bus Tours

• Wine-Tasting Tours

New Orleans plantation tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• Destrehan Plantation Tour

• Laura Plantation Tour

• Houmas House Plantation Guided Tour

• Destrehan Plantation Haunted Night Tour

• Oak Alley or Laura Plantation Tour From New Orleans

There are many New Orleans plantation tours to choose from, so be sure to do your research. Tours typically last 4–7 hours and often include round-trip transportation. Some tours visit one plantation, while others combine two, such as Oak Alley and Whitney. Read tour descriptions carefully—some focus on architecture, others on enslaved peoples’ histories. Most tours are partially outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, as tours mostly take place outdoors. Arrive early at the departure point, and bring water or snacks if not provided. Ask questions during guided tours—many focus on both the homes and the lives of enslaved people, offering powerful historical insight.

February to May is the best time to book plantation tours in New Orleans. The weather is mild, and gardens are often in bloom. These months are also popular (especially during Mardi Gras), so it’s smart to book early. Summer can be hot and humid, but tours still run year-round.