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Updated: April 25, 2025
 By Sarah Hester

This post covers the top plantation tours near New Orleans and includes reviews of the tour operators that can transport you there in comfort. 

This guide includes overviews of plantations, provides tips on how to save money with discount tickets, whether a tour includes hotel pickup and much more.

If you have landed on this post, you probably have questions about the plantations around New Orleans.

Lucky for you, several of our tour guides have worked at one of these plantations, and in the video below, they detail their experiences.

Robi and Andrew, tour guides with us, Tours by Foot New Orleans, take you to four plantations frequently visited by New Orleans travelers and compare the experiences each of them offers.

They visit Oak Alley Plantation, Laura Plantation, Whitney Plantation, and St. Joseph Plantation and give you insider perspectives.

LAURA PLANTATION

Known as a top travel attraction in Louisiana, Laura Plantation will educate guests on the traditional Creole plantation.

Built in 1805 and a working plantation for over 180 years, you will see the inside of this practical home that was run by four generations of Creole women.

It is one of just 15 plantation complexes with several complete structures in Louisiana and due to its historical significance, Laura Plantation is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail.

Read below to learn more about Gray Line's Laura Plantation Tour

The “Tales of Br’er Rabbit”, a famous American folktale, were based on folklore told by the West African freedmen working on the Laura Plantation in the 1870s.  

You will get to tour the “Big House” of this sugarcane plantation, the tropical gardens, and also the slaves' quarters that are still included in the property.

Below are our 3 recommended tour companies. All prices included admission to Laura Plantation.

Click here for information on visiting on your own.

CAJUN ENCOUNTERS

(Laura Plantation + Oak Alley Plantation)

You’ll cover a lot of ground with the Cajun Encounters combo tour! See Laura AND Oak Alley Plantations on this combination tour. 

There won’t be much time to roam the grounds, as the tour guides use as much available time as they have to show you all that these locations have to offer.  

While their price may seem high, keep in mind that it is the price for two plantations.  

Bonus: Cajun Encounters offers hotel pick-up. Read about all Cajun Encounters tours.

Dates/Times: Daily. 8:30 am and 11:45 am pickup times

Duration: 6 hours, 30 minutes (including travel time; paired with Oak Alley Plantation.)

Tour Price:

Much like its competitors, Cajun Encounters also enjoys a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor.

Cajun Pride Tours

If you’d rather spend more time exploring one location, this company offers a half-day tour focused entirely on Laura Plantation with New Orleans hotel pick-up.

A tour guide will narrate the experience, explaining some of the historical significance of this beautiful old home.

Each trip includes transportation and admission to the plantation house.

Ticket prices are lower than similarly structured tours in the area, so this might be one of the most affordable options on our list.

They also offer combo deals for anyone interested in both plantation and swamp tours.  Read our detailed post reviewing all of Cajun Pride's tours.   

Dates/Times: Daily. 12:30 pm departures from New Orleans

Destinations: Laura or Oak Alley Plantations

Duration: 5-6 hours

Tour Price:

  • $62 - Adult 
  • $40 - Child (3-12 years old)
  • Tour Not Currently Available

Cajun Pride has earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide.

GRAY LINE TOURS

Gray Line is a trusted name in the bus tour industry, so you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be treated well. 

Gray Line does not offer hotel pick-up, but the buses will depart on time, and you won't wait to pick up other guests at area hotels.

NOTE: Gray Line is currently only offering tours of Oak Alley and Whitney Plantation. We'll let you know when they start offering tours to Laura Plantation once again.

Dates/Times: Daily. 12 pm departures from New Orleans

Duration: 5 hours (including travel time)

Plantation Life (Choose 2 of 3 plantations - including Whitney)

  • 9 am on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat
  • 7.25 hours (including travel time)
  • $89 - Adults
  • $60 - Child (6-12)
  • $83.50 Seniors 65+

Gray Line has received a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

OTHER LAURA PLANTATION TOURS

If you're looking for even more options, there are a few other tour companies that currently offer tours of Laura Plantation.

N'awlins Luxury Tours

Crescent City Tours

Southern Style Tours

Before you buy… The Laura Plantation offers its own tour with admission price, should you travel on your own to the site (taxis/Ubers do not travel here).

No self-guiding is permitted, but the tour guides have excellent reviews for their engaging history anecdotes.

Laura Plantation Admission/Tour costs for self-travel:

Dates/Times: Daily 10 am to 4 pm

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Tour Price:

  • Adult (18+) $30.00
  • Youth (13 - 17 years old) $20.00
  • Child (6 - 12 years old) $12.00
  • Infant (0 - 5 years old) FREE
  • Purchase tickets here.

OAK ALLEY PLANTATION

Originally called Bon Sejour (pleasant sojourn), this plantation is another elaborate home you can tour.

Oak Alley was renamed after its standout feature, the canopied path (alley) of 28 live oak trees planted in the early 18th century.

The ‘oak alley’ occupies a quarter-mile of the property and predates the house. The Greek Revival home is one of the most impressive in the southern United States.  

The entire property was designated a National Historic Landmark for its landscaping and architecture.

Many guests recognize it as being the location of several scenes from the iconic film Interview With a Vampire.  

Read more on our full post dedicated to Oak Alley Plantation.

This tour is great for families, your children will learn about the customs of the Southern part of the United States while adults will appreciate the impressive grounds and architecture.

See the Blacksmith Shop, Civil War Encampment, “Slavery at Oak Alley” exhibit, and over a dozen more!

They also have breakfast and lunch dining options.  

Pro tip: Have a car? You can drive to this plantation on your own! Free parking is available onsite. See below for admission costs/tour information.

Read our post dedicated to Oak Alley Plantation. 

Popular Tour Companies for the Oak Alley Plantation:

GRAY LINE TOURS

Time will fly by as you are guided by knowledgeable, friendly staff members at the Oak Alley Plantation. Great for families, groups, or the individual.

Gray Line does not offer hotel pick-up, but the buses will depart on time, so you won't wait to pick up other guests at area hotels.

Dates/Times: Daily. 12 pm departure from New Orleans

Duration: 5 hours (including travel time)

Tour Price:

As we previously mentioned, Gray Line has received a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide (read the reviews).

CAJUN ENCOUNTERS

(Laura Plantation or + Whitney Plantation)

Cajun Encounters offers several options for Oak Alley, a stand-alone visit, or combining Oak Alley with either Laura or Whitney Plantations.

There won’t be much time to roam the grounds, as the tour guides use as much available time as they have to show you all these locations have to offer.  

While their price seems high, keep in mind that it is the price for two plantations.  

Bonus: Cajun Encounters offers hotel pick-up.  Read our post reviewing all of Cajun Encounters offerings.

Dates/Times: Daily. 8:30 am, 11:45 am pickup times

Duration:  5.5 hours for Oak Alley only or 6.5 hours for combinations (includes travel time)

Tour Prices:

Oak Alley (Stand-alone)

Oak Alley + Laura Plantation

Cajun Encounters has received mostly excellent reviews for its Oak Alley Plantation Tour.

Cajun Pride Tours

Much like their Laura Plantation Tour, this tour is also a half-day trip to one of the most historic homes in Louisiana.

This excursion includes transportation and admission to Oak Alley Plantation with hotel pick-up.

Rather than cramming a visit to two separate plantations in one day, Cajun Pride finds that its customers prefer having more time to explore the grounds of just one location.

Their tour guides provide a plethora of interesting information along the way, making the experience much more educational.

With ticket prices lower than some of their competitors, this could be one of the more affordable plantation tours on the list.  

Dates/Times: Daily. 12:30 pm departures from New Orleans

Destinations: Laura or Oak Alley Plantations

Duration: 5-6 hours

Tour Price:

OTHER OAK ALLEY PLANTATION TOURS

In addition to all the other companies offering outings to Oak Alley Plantation, these services are also available from other tour operators.

N'awlins Luxury Tours

Louisiana Tour Company

Southern Style Tours

Legendary Tours

Crescent City Tours

Before you buy… The Oak Alley Plantation offers its own tour with admission price, should you travel on your own to the site (taxis/Ubers do not travel here). No self-guiding is permitted without admission.

Oak Alley Admission/Tour costs for self-travel:

Dates/Times: Daily. 9 am - 5 pm (exception: M-F closes at 4:30 pm Nov-Feb). Tours are offered every half hour beginning at 9:30 am.

Duration: Times vary. Guided tour of the Big House. Self-guided tour of grounds.

Tour Price:

  • $25 - Adults (19 yrs & older)
  • $10 - Youth (13 to 18 yrs old)
  • $7 - Children (6 to 12 yrs old)
  • Learn more.

TIP: AAA Members, Military, and Seniors all receive a 10% off on tickets.

Read our detailed post reviewing all of Cajun Pride tours.  

WHITNEY PLANTATION

Originally known as Habitation Heidel (Heidel Plantation), this plantation was established on land purchased by a German immigrant in 1752.

It was renamed Whitney Plantation in 1867 when the plantation was sold to a new owner, Bradish Johnson, who named it Whitney for his daughter.

Focusing on the history of slavery, you’ll get a personal look at the life and conditions of slaves at this plantation museum.

A wooden house on the Whitney Plantation used as slave quarters

In addition to the architecture and newly restored spaces, there are exhibits, artwork, narratives, and more than describe first-hand experiences at Whitney.

Pro tip: Have a car? You can drive to this plantation on your own! Free parking is available onsite. See below for admission costs/tour information.  

Popular Tour Companies for the Whitney Plantation:

GRAY LINE TOURS

You can visit Whitney Plantation on its own or through Gray Line's Plantation Tour which includes Whitney and a choice of one other plantation. 

Whitney Plantation

  • Daily at 12:00 pm
  • 5 hours (including travel time)
  • Adult $71
  • Child (6-12) $35
  • Groups of 10+ $63.90
  • Click here to book.

Plantation Life (Whitney + Laura or Oak plantations)

  • 9 am Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat
  • 7.25 hours (including travel time)
  • Adults $89 
  • Child (6-12) $60 
  • Seniors (65+)  $83.50
  • Click here to book.

Their separate tours of Whitney Plantation and Oak Alley are still available.

We recommend checking their website to see if the tour is available because it could be added back onto their itinerary at any point in time.

Reviews for this Whitney Plantation tour are pretty impressive. 

CAJUN ENCOUNTERS

As we mentioned above, Cajun Encounters offers a combination of Oak Alley and Whitney Plantations every day at 12:30 pm.

OTHER WHITNEY PLANTATION TOURS

N'awlins Luxury Tours

Tours By Isabelle

Crescent City Tours

Legendary Tours

2nd Line Tours

Whitney Plantation Admission/Tour costs for self-travel:

Dates/Times: Daily. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm every day but Tuesday. Tours are given every hour between 10 am and 3 pm.

Tour Price:

  • $22.79 - Adult
  • $20.97 - Seniors, Students, Military Personnel
  • $10.03 - Youth (6-12)
  • $13.67 - St. James Parish Residents
  • Learn more.

Reviews for the tours provided by Whitney Plantation are surprisingly good.

Although they have received a few negative comments from unhappy customers, most people really enjoy this closer look at the plantation.

Some visitors felt that the information provided by their tour guide was a bit too opinionated, but an overwhelming majority of guests were very impressed with the friendly and helpful attitude of the staff. 

HOUMAS HOUSE PLANTATION AND GARDENS

The Crown Jewel of River Road, Houmas House reflects the history of the original Houmas Indian landowners through the Louisiana Purchase.

The plantation was established in the late 1700s and was named after the native Houma people, who originally lived in this part of Louisiana.

It became a working sugarcane plantation by 1803 and continued production through the Civil War.

This gorgeous property has 8 buildings and a main house erected in 1840.

It was designed in the elegant Greek Revival style and is surrounded by 14 monumental Doric columns on three sides.

Read our in-depth review of Houmas House.

Houmas House Daily Tours

For visitors with vehicles, Houmas House staff provides a tour to their guests.

Dates/Times: Daily, 9 am - 7 pm

Duration: personalized and variable times

TIP: The Houmas House Mansion + Garden ticket is included for free with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass. This could be a great way to save money on admission if you plan to do anything else that is included with the tourist pass.

Tour Price:

  • Mansion + Gardens
    • $35 + Tax – Adults (18 & older)
    • $25 + Tax – Teenagers (13-17)
    • $15 + Tax – Children (6-12)
    • Kids 5 and under are free
    • Click here to purchase tickets.

Tours of Houmas House have received mostly impressive ratings on TripAdvisor.

Unfortunately, there have been a few negative reviews, but they don't appear to reflect the typical experience with this plantation. 

Guided Tour from New Orleans

This day trip includes admission to both Houmas House and the Destrehan Plantation, as well as a stop for lunch in a grand dining hall.

  • Ticket Prices: $179 for Adults | $89.50 for Children (3-11) | $30/Infants (1-3)
  • Duration: 7 ½ hours total for both plantations.
  • Availability: Almost every day at 8:30 AM
  • Purchase tickets or learn more.

Reviews for this tour are excellent on both TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide (read the reviews here). 

DESTREHAN PLANTATION

Located just outside of New Orleans, is one of the oldest homes in the state, Destrehan Plantation was constructed beginning in 1787 and completed in 1790.

When Louisiana became a U.S. territory after the Louisana Purchase, the Destrehan Plantation was one of the sites of a major slave revolt, the 1811 German Coast Uprising.

The plantation is full of historical exhibitions and provides informative tours with costumed guides to help immerse visitors into the experience.

This plantation is a bit closer to the city than most of the others, so it's easier to reach in under an hour.

If you're short on time, this is an excellent option.

Among the most interesting items on display here is an original document signed by both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

Fans of American history will be well rewarded for making a trip to this noteworthy site.

Destrehan Plantation Daily Tours

Whether you're visiting with a vehicle or taking a shuttle/guided tour from New Orleans, this plantation offers tours every day except holidays.

Dates/Times: Every 30-60 minutes, 9:30 am - 3 pm

Tour Price:

Tour Price w/ Transportation:

SAN FRANCISCO PLANTATION HOUSE

As of Feb 2025, The San Francisco Plantation House is no longer open to the public.

This antebellum sugar plantation was built in 1854 and the schoolhouse, slave cabins, and large estate remain open to over 100,000 annual visitors.

Built between 1853 and 1856, San Francisco Plantation House is one of the most architecturally distinctive plantation houses in the southern U.S.

The intricate and ornate house inspired novelist Frances Parkinson Keys to write “Steamboat Gothic”.

It became a National Historic Landmark in 1974.

The name ‘San Francisco’ comes from a mispronunciation of the French phrase “sans fruscins“ or “without a penny in my pocket”, which was the initial nickname of the plantation based on the cost of the estate for the proprietor.

Evergreen Plantation

Evergreen Plantation is no longer open to the public. It is now a research facility, find out more here.

The Greek Revival property constructed in 1832 is expansive. It was an active sugarcane plantation until 1930.

Evergreen is the most intact plantation complex in the South with 37 buildings, including 22 slave cabins.

Though no longer open to the public, Evergreen maintains a digital slave database of the more than 400 individuals that were purchased and put to work here over 150 years.

The database includes a large collection of primary source documents that put together the story of those enslaved here.

The Evergreen Plantation rose in popularity after being used in the film Django Unchained directed by acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino in 2012.

Today the plantation is used for research.

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