Explore plantation country, as you travel back in time. New Orleans is home to the most substantial antebellum estates of Louisiana. Learn about famous local families, their operations, and the history of slavery. We’ll show you the plantations with guided tours, transportation, and hotel pick-ups. Some plantations even have on-site accommodation, a fitting end to a day trip. To help you choose, here are the best New Orleans plantations with tours.
1. Oak Alley Plantation
Quite popular among tourists, visiting this beautiful plantation landscape is a must. Oak Alley is named after its iconic driveway framed by oak trees. Tour the ‘Big House’ to hear the intriguing stories of past dwellers. Then, explore the grounds, lush greenery, and lovely gardens. Combined tours of the plantation and the surrounding swamp are favored as well. For a quick bite, head to the Plantation Café. Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant and Inn also serves up delicious Louisiana-style delicacies. Book one of the on-site, century-old cottages to unwind as a family.
- Opening Hours: 9am-4:30pm daily
- Address: 3645 Highway 18, Vacherie, LA 70900, United States
2. Laura Plantation
Take a look at this unique plantation, run by four generations of women. An hour away from New Orleans, Laura Plantation can be easily reached by car. Some tours even offer shuttle services from any hotel in the city. The fully guided experience of Laura Plantation covers extensive grounds. It includes visits to the Mansion, sugar plantation, gardens, and outhouses. You also get special insight into an authentic slave cabin. A picnic area is set up for anyone wanting to have a meal outside. Come harvest season, the caretakers even put together fruit baskets for guests.
- Opening Hours: Tours every 40 minutes from 10am-3:20pm daily
- Address: 2247 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70900, United States
3. Destrehan Plantation
The closest plantation to New Orleans awaits all wanting a country escape. It is located near the airport and only a 25-minute ride from the city. Tours at Destrehan Plantation are specially held by costumed interpreters. As locals, they can give you a broader perspective on its historical events and architecture. Don’t miss the demonstrations of folk life staged daily. After the tour, take a scenic walk around the land, amongst evergreen trees. For couples, renting one of the two secluded cottages is a perfect romantic getaway.
- Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:30am-3pm, Fri-Sun 9:30am-4pm
- Address: 13034 River Rd, Destrehan, LA 70047, United States
4. Whitney Plantation
If you prefer to go on a self-guided tour, then Whitney Plantation is the best place to visit. Exclusively focused on the legacies of slavery, it is a one-of-a-kind exhibit. However, if you prefer to follow a local guide, wear appropriate clothing since the tours take place outdoors. Make sure to download the special app, which helps to recapture the past of the plantation. Drop by the visitors center for more info about the area. Spend a full day here, with the added perks of a swamp airboat ride and hotel pick-up.
- Opening Hours: Wed-Mon 10am-3pm
- Address: 5099 LA-18, Edgard, LA 70049, United States
5. St. Joseph Plantation
Get a glimpse of what the lifestyle was like at a working Sugarcane Plantation. Built in 1830, St. Joseph Plantation is still operating for its original purpose. This family-owned plantation welcomes visitors daily on its grounds. Your tour guides will be family members, who proudly showcase their heritage. They take you around their ancestral home, rich farmland, and original slave cabins. While there are tours throughout the year, October is the best time to visit. They have morning tours with live re-enactments of a traditional mourning ritual.
- Opening Hours: 10am-3pm daily
- Address: 3535 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090, United States
6. Houmas House
Participate in a costumed guided experience at the elegant Houmas House. Surrounded by lush gardens, this plantation is great for a family day out or even a romantic date. While you’re exploring outside, you may come across a few peacocks. When you head indoors, the staff takes you down to the wine cellars that are still in use today. Numerous restaurants are on-site for lunch. For fine dining, the 5-course tasting menu at Latil’s Landing Restaurant is recommended. Book one of the charming cottages and enjoy the beautiful scenery to make the visit extra special. Time your visit around Christmas to see Houmas House decked out with decorations.
- Opening Hours: 9:30am-7pm daily
- Address: 40136 LA-942, Darrow, LA 70725, United States
7. Nottoway Plantation and Resort
Nottoway Plantation and Resort is the largest antebellum estate in Louisiana. Repurposed to operate as a hotel, this is one of the best places to stay if you want the complete experience. Whether you travel with family or your partner, there are rooms suitable for you. Different rooms are located at the Mansion, Boys Wing, Garden, and Carriage House. Make sure you check out the cottages if you want the most luxurious amenities. For dining, the on-site Mansion Restaurant serves delicious Creole-style dishes. To truly take in the views, dine on the outdoor balcony. Tours happen on Fridays and Saturdays if you want to get more insights into the area.
- Guest Rating: 7.3
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Room: Deluxe king cottage
- Opening Hours: Tour times 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
- Address: 31025 Highway 1, White Castle, LA 70788, United States
Best Places To Stay Near New Orleans Plantations
- Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn [for families] – The plantation’s two-bedroom cottages are ideal for families who want to extend their tour into an overnight stay. Big enough for four, each cottage includes a full country breakfast, and kids under 12 stay for free. Each cottage includes a living room, dinette, kitchen, and a jacuzzi tub in the bath for the adults.
- The Inn at Houmas House [for couples] – The Inn at Houmas House’s king room with a balcony is the perfect accommodation for a romantic getaway on a New Orleans plantation. This cozy room features a private entrance and an intimate porch with rocking chairs. As you can see in the photo, rooms are decorated with old-world furnishings. A breakfast buffet for two is also included.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriot LaPlace [best value] – Fairfield Inn & Suites is an affordable hotel offering a range of rooms, including singles, doubles, and suites. Located in LaPlace, LA, it’s within driving distance of many of the New Orleans plantations. Amenities include an outdoor pool and a daily breakfast buffet.
- Nottoway Plantation & Resort [best plantation] – Nottoway Plantation and Resort is the largest antebellum Mansion in Louisiana. It’s been redone as a hotel and it’s the best place to stay if you want the complete plantation experience. From the Mansion to the Boys Wing to the Carriage House, you’ll find luxury rooms for couples, families, and special events.
Best Time To Visit New Orleans Plantations
The plantations outside New Orleans are a look back at the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. These antebellum mansions with oak-lined landscapes offer visitors a first-hand look at the area’s plantation era. To make the most of your trip, it’s important to consider the best time to visit these historic landmarks.
- Spring (March to May) – This is one of the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and pleasant. Plus, blooming flowers and lush greenery create a stunning backdrop. You’ll miss the Mardi Gras crowds, but with lots of spring festivals, prices may be higher.
- Fall (September to November) – This is also a great time to visit with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Autumn foliage adds a touch of charm to the plantations, with stunning views and great photo opportunities.
- Winter (December and January) – These two months prior to Mardi Gras are considered off-peak with fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather is mild with the occasional chill, so it’s an ideal time for touring the plantations.
- Weekdays/Early Morning or Late Afternoon – Visiting the plantations on weekdays allows you to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience. Opting for morning or late afternoon visits is more comfortable and less hectic. Plus, softer lighting makes for better photo opportunities and casts a warm glow on these historic estates.
The Closest Plantation To New Orleans
- Destrehan Plantation – The closest plantation to New Orleans, it’s about 25- minutes away. This plantation is close to the city and the airport as well. Enjoy the lush surroundings, as costumed tour guides bring the past to life.
Best New Orleans Plantation With Self Guides Tours
- Whitney Plantation – At Whitney Plantation, you can self-tour at your own pace. It’s a unique experience, focusing on plantation life from the slave’s perspective. You can download their app to learn more about their exhibits.
- Houmas House – The Self-Guided Garden Tour is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the fresh air and the outdoors. Garden enthusiasts will love the year-round tropical flowers, plants, and wandering peacocks. There are plenty of sitting nooks throughout, so visitors can relax and take in the views.
Which New Orleans Plantation Has Tours With Hotel Pickup
- Laura Plantation – Most plantation tours offer transportation from downtown New Orleans. For direct hotel pick-ups, Laura Plantation is strongly recommended. Tours at Laura Plantation offer a shuttle from any hotel in the city.
- Oak Alley Plantation – For a direct hotel pick-up, Oak Alley Plantation Tour offers transportation from any major downtown New Orleans Hotel. After pick-up, you’ll drive straight to Oak Alley Plantation on the Great River Road alongside the Mississippi.
New Orleans Plantations Map
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Summary
| New Orleans Plantations | Opening Hours |
| Oak Alley Plantation | 9am-4:30pm daily |
| Laura Plantation | Tours every 40 minutes from 10am-3:20pm daily |
| Destrehan Plantation | Mon-Thurs 9:30am-3pm, Fri-Sun 9:30am-4pm |
| Whitney Plantation | Wed-Mon 10am-3pm |
| St Joseph Plantation | 10am-3pm daily |
| Houmas House | 9:30am-7pm daily |
| Nottoway Plantation & Resort | Tour times 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm |
