10 Best Plantation Tours New Orleans, LA Offers in 2025

If there was one experience to join in Louisiana, taking one of the plantation tours New Orleans has on offer should be the one to consider.

These tours offer a unique glimpse into the region’s Antebellum plantations and past, showcasing the architecture, landscapes, and complex histories of Louisiana’s famed estates.

There is a variety of tours available to visit the plantations, and those include a tour of the French Quarter, hotel pickup, and more. Yes, we shouldn’t celebrate the plantations and slavery as a whole, but taking one of the plantation tours in Louisiana is still a must-do.

10 Best Plantation Tours in New Orleans, LA

Let’s get right into the main topic, which is the best plantation tours in Louisiana. In case you didn’t know, Louisiana is home to countless plantations, but 10 of them are open for New Orleans plantation tours.

From the haunting stories of the Whitney Plantation to the stunning oak-lined paths of Oak Alley, an iconic estate known for its sobering past, each tour offers its own unique perspective on the South’s rich cultural tapestry.

Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Inclusions:

• Swamp boat tour
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Round trip transportation
• Tour of the plantation with a guide

This full-day tour starts in New Orleans, where you hop onto a comfortable coach that takes you through lovely views along Lake Pontchartrain.

Visit either Oak Alley, famous for its stunning row of magnificent oak trees, or Destrehan, known for its history as an indigo and sugarcane plantation.

Next, head to Manchac Swamp for a boat tour through scenic waterways filled with wildlife like alligators and birds.

A guide shares local stories and conservation efforts. The tour ends with a drive back to the French Quarter. At $109 per person, it’s a great way to experience Louisiana’s history and nature.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Inclusions:

• Local taxes
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Round trip transportation
• Guided tour of the plantation

This half-day tour transports you from the French Quarter of New Orleans to the iconic Oak Alley Plantation. It’s a similar tour as the one above, apart from the swamp part.

The drive itself is scenic, with views of Lake Pontchartrain and landscapes along the Great River Road.

Once you get to the plantation, you’re greeted by the stunning sight of 28 historic oak trees leading up to the plantation house. This 1839 mansion is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture and is preserved to showcase the elegance of the South before the Civil War.

Your guide will dress in period attire and lead you through the mansion and grounds, sharing stories of the people who lived there.

You’ll have time to explore the plantation on your own after the tour. Perhaps enjoy a snack at the café before the comfortable coach ride back to New Orleans?

To conclude, this is a great, affordable plantation tour from New Orleans, but keep in mind they often sell out, and I recommend booking now to secure your spot.

Louisiana Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch

Inclusions:

• Hotel pickups and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned van
• Unlimited gourmet buffet lunch with gratuity
• Guided tour of Houmas and Destrehan plantations
• Admission to 1811 Slave Revolt Exhibit at Destrehan

Set off from New Orleans in a cosy van for a more personal experience exploring Louisiana’s history in two different plantations.

Your first stop is Destrehan Plantation, the oldest recorded plantation in the lower Mississippi Valley, where a costumed guide provides a glimpse into the lives of both the estate’s former owners and enslaved people.

Special attention is given to the 1811 slave revolt, a crucial piece of history with a dedicated exhibit. Next, you’ll visit Houmas House Plantation, often called the “Sugar Palace.”

Here, walk through rooms filled with antiques and artwork, and hear stories of the past residents.

A highlight of the tour is a private, unlimited gourmet buffet lunch served at Houmas House, offering a variety of dishes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

After lunch, explore the mansion and learn more about the plantation’s architecture and history before heading back to your hotel in New Orleans.

Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation

Inclusions:

• All Fees and Taxes
• Round-trip transportation
• Professional Licensed Guide
• 2 hours tour around Whitney Plantation

The next option on this list of plantation tours from New Orleans is this one to Whitney Plantation.

This tour begins in the French Quarter, where you board an air-conditioned vehicle bound for Whitney Plantation, located along the banks of the Mississippi River.

As you travel, pass significant sites like the Evergreen, St. Joseph, and Felicity plantations, and get a glimpse of Lake Pontchartrain.

Upon arrival at Whitney Plantation, a site dedicated to understanding slavery in Louisiana, you’re given two hours for a self-guided tour. This allows you to explore at your own pace, with the aid of the Whitney Plantation app to learn about the mansion’s history and anecdotes.

Visit the Spanish Creole main house, the restored slave cabins, and learn about plantation life through the recorded narratives of slave labor.

The museum also includes exhibits that offer insights into the history of slavery in the American South.

All in all, this is the perfect tour if you’ve already visited Oak Alley Plantation or want to tour a less popular one with fewer crowds. Plus, it’s less than $100 per person, which is great.

Private Louisiana Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch

Inclusions:

• Transportation by air-conditioned van
• Gourmet, unlimited buffet lunch with all taxes
• Guided tour of Houmas and Destrehan plantations
• Visit the San Francisco Plantation with your local guide

Experience the rich history of the Antebellum South with a private tour of Louisiana’s famous plantations.

Your day starts with a visit to Destrehan Plantation, where guides in period dress immerse you in the 19th-century lifestyle and detailed histories of its residents.

Next, you’ll travel to Houmas House to enjoy a gourmet Southern-style lunch in the grand dining hall.

Here, you’ll explore the sugar plantation’s stunning Greek Revival architecture and beautifully appointed rooms, showcasing antiques and local artwork from the bygone era.

The tour also includes a weekend visit to San Francisco Plantation, celebrated for its opulent 1856 mansion with elaborate decorations and colourful, hand-painted ceilings.

In short, this full-day tour offers a deep dive into Louisiana’s historical wealth, with comfortable transportation from your hotel, ensuring a day both convenient and rich in education.

Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch

Inclusions:

• Fun airboat trip
• Gourmet, unlimited buffet lunch
• Tour of Houmas House and Laura Plantation
• Transportation by air-conditioned van with live narration

While slightly more expensive than other Creole plantation tours from New Orleans, LA, this experience is a real treat and you’ll get to visit Houmas House and Laura Plantation, as well as take a fun airboat trip.

This tour begins with a pickup from your downtown hotel, setting the stage for a day filled with history, nature, and gourmet Southern cuisine. First, journey over the Mississippi River into Cajun country where a local guide will lead you on a high-speed airboat ride through the remote cypress swamps.

This ride offers a chance to spot alligators, pelicans, and other wildlife, and you’ll learn about the swamp ecosystem, local flora, and Cajun history along the way.

After the airboat adventure, the tour continues to Laura Plantation, where you’ll explore the unique Creole heritage through stories of the plantation’s former inhabitants and their daily lives.

Next, visit the grand Houmas House, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Enjoy a gourmet buffet lunch here, featuring unlimited Southern favourites in an elegant setting.

The tour is perfect for those looking to experience the rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty outside the French Quarter, all within the comfort of a small group. What else could you ask for?

Whitney Plantation and Airboat Tour from New Orleans

Inclusions:

• Transportation from New Orleans
• Airboat ride through the swamps
• Tour of Whitney, Evergreen, Destrehan Plantations

Learn about the rich and complex history of New Orleans with an 8-hour tour that combines cultural depth with exhilarating adventure.

Start your day with a guided tour of the iconic Whitney Plantation, where you’ll spend 90 minutes exploring the grounds and museum.

This plantation is dedicated to understanding the realities of slavery, offering personal stories and historical insights. After the tour, enjoy additional time to visit the only plantation museum exhibits at your own pace.

Next, the tour takes you past the Evergreen Plantation, notable for its appearance in the film Django Unchained, and the miniseries Queen Sugar. You’ll also glimpse Destrehan, famous for its connection to the 1811 slave revolt, one of the largest in U.S. history.

The day ends with a fun airboat ride through Louisiana’s swamps and marshes, providing a high-speed adventure with the natural landscape as a background.

After a day out, you’ll get back to New Orleans with your guide to spend the evening, and transportation is included, which is great!

Oak Alley Plantation and 3-Hour New Orleans City Tour

Inclusions:

• 3-Hour New Orleans City Tour
• Transportation from New Orleans
• Guided tour of the plantation

Explore New Orleans’ history and architecture on a tour that combines city highlights with a visit to Oak Alley Plantation.

Start with a guided mini-bus tour of the French Quarter, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the French Market.

Visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 and drive through the Garden District, spotting historic homes. Then, head to Oak Alley to walk under 28 ancient oaks and tour the mansion and grounds.

With city sights and plantation history, it’s ideal if that’s your first time in Louisiana and you’re curious about New Orleans’ past.

Oak Alley or Laura Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Inclusions:

• Professional tour guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Tour of Laura or Oak Alley Plantation

Take a 4-hour tour from New Orleans to explore Louisiana’s plantation history, with transportation and free time included.

Choose Oak Alley to stroll under 300-year-old oak trees and tour the ‘Big House,’ slave quarters, and gardens.

Or visit Laura Plantation, a Creole site showcasing plantation life and the harsh realities of slavery.

Both include guided tours, entrance tickets, and round-trip hotel transport, offering a convenient and meaningful glimpse into the region’s complex past.

Laura, Oak Alley or Whitney Plantation Tour

Inclusions:

• Driver and local guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Tour of Whitney, Laura, or Oak Alley

Take a half-day trip from New Orleans to visit one of three historic Louisiana sugar plantations: Whitney Museum Plantation, Laura Plantation, or Oak Alley Plantation.

Learn about the everyday lives of the people who lived and worked on these plantations for 5 to 6 hours, which makes an excellent day trip from New Orleans.

1. Whitney Plantation (Closed on Tuesdays) – This plantation focuses on the experiences of enslaved people. Tour the old kitchen, a Creole barn, and the ‘Big House,’ all built by slaves. You’ll see exhibits and memorials that honour their lives and stories.
2. Laura Plantation – Awarded for its rich history, this plantation offers a look at original slave cabins and the main house. Discover the real-life settings where the famous Br’er Rabbit tales were first recorded. There’s also a museum exhibit about the daily routines of both free and enslaved people.
3. Oak Alley Plantation – Famous for its beautiful row of ancient oak trees, this plantation tour includes a visit to the main house, the slave quarters, and other exhibits that share the history of the people who lived there.

Each tour is about 2 hours and 15 minutes long and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, but keep in mind that you can only pick one plantation.

Lastly, the tour only costs $80 per person, and that is a bargain for the value you get!

Factors to Consider on Plantation Tours in Louisiana

What is the Best Time to Visit the Plantations in Louisiana?

The best time to check out the plantations in Louisiana is from late October to early May. The weather’s cooler, so you’re not melting under that Southern heat, and everything feels a bit more relaxed.

Autumn brings some stunning foliage, while springtime offers blooming gardens that are seriously worth seeing. Plus, these months avoid the peak of hurricane season, which is a nice bonus.

What to Expect on a Plantation Tour?

Plantation tours in New Orleans let you explore Louisiana’s history up close. You’ll see historic buildings like the “Big House” and slave quarters, hear stories from guides, and check out museum exhibits with artifacts and photos.

Tickets usually run between $20 and $100, depending on the tour. It’s a powerful way to connect with the past, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

What are Louisiana Plantations?

A sugarcane plantation in Louisiana is a large estate that was historically devoted to agriculture, predominantly cultivating crops like sugarcane and cotton.

During the Antebellum period, these plantations were powered by enslaved African Americans whose labour was crucial to the economy of the South.

Today, many of these plantations have been preserved as museums and historic sites part of the National Register of Historic Places. They offer guided tours that provide insight into the architectural styles of the period, the daily lives of the people who lived and worked there, and the complex history of slavery and its enduring impact on American society.

Are the Plantations in Louisiana Worth it?

Visiting the plantations in Louisiana provides a valuable educational experience that combines both beauty and history.

These tours not only showcase the iconic estate’s architecture but also confront the harsh realities of the plantation system and its reliance on enslaved labour. Plus, the ticket prices are reasonable.

What is the Best Plantation to Visit?

The best plantation to visit in Louisiana really depends on what you’re into, but Oak Alley is a favourite for a reason. Its iconic oak tree-lined path and historic home are stunning.

You’ll learn about the lives of both the owners and the enslaved people. Other plantations are worth visiting too if you have the time.

Where to Stay in New Orleans?

Here’s a list of great places to stay in New Orleans to make your trip around the United States unforgettable:

Luxury: Virgin Hotels New Orleans

Mid-Range: The Jung Hotel and Residences

Budget: India House Hostel

Conclusion

These were the best New Orleans plantation tours that you have to consider, and remember, it’s more than just a walk through beautiful historic sites; it provides a deep insight into the narratives that shaped the region.

Each plantation tour invites you to reflect on the legacy of the Antebellum South and the enduring impact of its history on today’s society.

Yes, there is a sobering side to visiting plantations, but it’s a journey you just can’t skip when coming to New Orleans.