New Orleans is a city like no other, you will find it difficult to find a place with as much culture, music, art, and funk as The Big Easy. In this blog, we will give you an extensive account of all the awesome, interesting, and cultural things to do in New Orleans. New Orleans nature is beautiful and here at Crescent City Tours, we have many different tours that show you the beauty of Louisiana. So let’s get started!
The first thing to do in New Orleans is check out the swamp! It’s no secret that New Orleans is located in the swamplands of the American South and thus has so much to explore. The local ecosystem surrounding New Orleans is crawling with interesting flora and fauna. Alligators, raccoons, spanish moss, cyprus trees, and nutrias can all be found enjoying the marshlands of Louisiana. If you want to see them all up close and personal then consider going on a Airboat swamp tour. In a similar vein, due to the robust and fertile lands of the Louisiana swamp, there are many plantation homes that line the Mississippi River. We at Crescent City Tours highly recommend you check out some of these plantations and learn about the harrowing history of enslaved African-Americans and pay respect to their stories by going on a plantation tour. Luckily for you, we have compiled the perfect itinerary of swamp and plantation tours in this swamp/plantation combo tour!
The next thing to do in New Orleans is visiting the Whitney Plantation is one of many found on River Road. Located about 1 hour and 10 minutes away from New Orleans, this plantation offers immersive tours of the grounds and tells the tales of the enslaved people who used to work in the plantation. You will learn extensively about the plantations owner, Ambroise Heidel, and what it means to work a typical day in the plantation. The Whitney plantation was a sugar plantation which was a lucrative crop in Antebellum Louisiana. The tour is a self-guided tour around the property and lasts about 90 minutes. Experiencing this tour serves as a humble reminder of the atrocities of the Antebellum era and learning about the history of the enslaved people who lived in this plantation is a way to pay respects to those who suffered to shape America.
Another popular thing to do in New Orleans is to visit the Laura Plantation, located along the Mississippi River. The Laura Plantation is renowned for its colorful Creole architecture and unique history. Unlike many other plantations, the Laura Plantation tells the stories of not only the enslaved people but also the Creole women who managed the estate for over 100 years. The plantation is a vibrant example of Creole culture, with its brightly painted structures and Creole gardens. The Laura Plantation Tour also delves into the stories and folklore that shaped the lives of those who lived on the estate, making it a perfect tour for history buffs and casual visitors alike.
Perhaps the most famous plantation in Louisiana is Oak Alley Plantation and it is another iconic thing to do in New Orleans. Its iconic alley of ancient oak trees, leading up to a grand Greek Revival mansion, is one of the most photographed spots in the state. Just an hour from New Orleans, Oak Alley is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the beauty and history of the region.
If you’re eager to see more than one plantation, we highly recommend the Double Plantation Tour. This tour allows you to visit two of the most famous plantations—Whitney and Oak Alley—in one day. You can also replace one or the other with Laura Plantation. It’s the perfect thing to do in New Orleans to absorb the cultural history and beauty of the region without missing out on any of the key landmarks. By visiting both plantations, you’ll gain a fuller understanding of the stark contrasts between the grandeur of plantation life and the harsh realities endured by the enslaved.
After immersing yourself in Louisiana’s history, it’s time to experience the natural wonders of the state. The Airboat Swamp Tour is a thrilling thing to do in New Orleans to explore the vast marshlands that surround New Orleans. Traveling by airboat allows you to venture deep into the swamp, where traditional boats cannot go. As you speed through the narrow channels, you’ll have the chance to spot alligators, turtles, and countless species of birds in their natural habitat.
The last thing to do in New Orleans is explore the city itself! While the swamps and plantations offer a glimpse into the natural and historical beauty of New Orleans, the city itself is a treasure trove of culture and life. New Orleans is a city best experienced on foot, and city tours provide an excellent way to soak up the atmosphere while learning about the city’s vibrant past.
The American Alligator Welcome to the fascinating world of the American alligator, scientifically named the Alligator Mississippiensis! This remarkable reptile has captivated the imaginations of people for centuries, leading to fascinating folklore and myths. Known for their prehistoric appearance and impressive size and presence, American alligators are often seen as symbols of the wetlands they […]
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