Louisiana Full-Day Tours: Top 5 Picks
Louisiana, now, that’s a state with so much character, right? The culture there just sings, and it’s definitely something you should experience. If you’re like, trying to plan a visit, squeezing in all the good stuff can be a bit of a puzzle, in a way. A full-day tour, see, that might be your answer. We’re going to go over some of the top tours that, like, give you a real feel for Louisiana’s heart and soul. This way you’ll find some great daytours.
1. Oak Alley Plantation Tour
First up, Oak Alley Plantation; you’ve probably seen pictures, or really, like, pictures don’t even do it justice. This spot, it’s more or less dripping with history, okay? As a matter of fact the majestic alley of oaks that leads to the house is simply breathtaking, right? The story of the family that used to live there, that too is truly, totally fascinating. On your tour, it’s almost a sure thing that you’re going to learn, too, about the lives of the enslaved people who labored on the plantation, it’s very sobering. When people explore historic sites like Oak Alley, it brings out great thoughts.
Like your usual full-day tour, Oak Alley has these bits where they’ll, you know, cover some things that aren’t discussed enough. When you get a chance, too, take a stroll through the grounds, it really gives you a moment to reflect, honestly. Lunch on the grounds, that can really be a plus. You will get immersed in what is so compelling with the setting.
2. Swamp Tour through Honey Island
Next on the list; the Honey Island Swamp. Now, if you are really, very into nature, it might be right up your alley. This place, it has a reputation for being one of the least altered swamp areas in the United States, believe it or not. Think, like, moss-draped cypress trees and, of course, alligators! These tours, see, they’re typically led by locals who’ve basically, actually, known the swamp all their lives, as I was saying. Which means, in other words, they’ve got stories for days, right? This also translates to some really, extremely rich tours if they’re from around there.
On Honey Island, there are quite a few tour operators that actually will give you a peek at a real Louisiana landmark! While you are floating through the water, well, anyway, make sure you keep an eye out for wildlife. You could catch anything from wild boars to nutria – or just basically, really lots of birds, by the way! Basically, actually just bring your camera with the tour.
3. New Orleans City and Cemetery Tour
No trip to Louisiana is really, actually complete without spending some time in New Orleans. You could book, that, like, a full-day tour to hit all the main spots, you know? As a matter of fact; this would be great if you were kinda short on time. Now they usually cover spots, for example, like the French Quarter (obviously) plus the Garden District, which just has stunning architecture, and as well as those iconic above-ground cemeteries, too it’s almost spooky! Those things, well, sometimes that is just right for some people. Take some of New Orleans culture with you!
The guides are mostly just, really full of fun facts and historical tidbits. They’ll kinda show you the culture through that city’s vibrant music scene, and they cover, arguably, also just a bit of culinary delights! So bring some water; they actually kinda last all day in the humid Louisiana sun!
4. Laura Plantation and Creole History Tour
Another plantation, yes, but Laura Plantation has this really, very different feel than Oak Alley, is that not right? This spot tells, literally, honestly the story of a Creole family; just for instance this would include all kinds of family dramas along with its deep dives on slavery; Laura really, actually, almost offers some new perspective for us. That said, this can really, actually have an effect on what history means to you when you have Creole heritage.
What’s also so cool about this tour is mostly just, really the focus they, literally, honestly put on the women who ran the plantation; women always, honestly, kind of tend to get sidelined in history, usually! But you need to remember you will likely get all sorts of new info here! Don’t just listen though; see those old buildings still, honestly standing too, it’s all part of Laura Plantation’s magic touch.
5. Houmas House Plantation and Gardens Tour
Now, if you love, kind of just super beautiful gardens, Houmas House Plantation could be your jam. The grounds, these gardens are actually simply stunning, no matter what! With these lovely fountains, too, that is so picturesque. Anyway, just the house itself, well, you kinda also see lots of different architectural styles from over the years since then were added on and renovated.
As you stroll the grounds, sometimes what you feel really has is that very elegant feeling from the antebellum South days. In fact the history presented could easily just have you sitting back and reminiscing! It’s something else when your visit connects; so also; enjoy some food over here too at Houmas House.