Oak Alley & Whitney Plantation Day Trip from New Orleans

Plantation day trip from New Orleans with local stories, oaks, and time to wander

You’ll step into Louisiana’s past on this day trip from New Orleans, with pickup included, and walk beneath Oak Alley’s famous oaks, hear real-life stories at Whitney Plantation, and have time to explore each site your own way. Expect moments of reflection, laughter with your guide, and plenty of space to take it all in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Whitney Plantation Museumpass by
2. Laura Plantationpass by
3. St. Joseph Plantationpass by
4. Oak Alley Plantation3h · entry included
5. New Canal Lighthousepass by

Oak Alley Plantation tour from New Orleans

• Board luxury passenger van
• Pick up guests around city
• Enjoy city mini-tour or film
• Be entertained by driver
• Pass by Whitney Plantation Museum
• Pass by Laura Plantation
• Pass by St. Joseph Plantation
• Explore Oak Alley Plantation grounds
• Tour big house and exhibits
• Have lunch at restaurant or deli
• Visit gift shop or bar
• Relax under oak trees
• Return to city via Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge
• Arrive back at hotel

The experience

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet stepping off the van at Whitney Plantation. The air out there is thick: humid, sure, but also heavy with all the history. Our guide, Miss Charlene, started right away with stories about the people who lived and worked here. Not just names on plaques either. She told us about children’s lives, what they ate, things they made with their hands. I caught myself staring at the sugarcane fields and thinking how different it must have looked back then. Sometimes you could hear nothing but cicadas and your own shoes in the gravel.

We stopped next at Laura Plantation, which is this wild yellow house that looks almost cheerful until you hear about four generations of Creole women running things there. There was a moment in one of the old kitchens where I swear I could still smell something sweet, maybe pralines? Or just my imagination running off. Li, our driver, kept us laughing between stops (he’s got opinions about every restaurant in New Orleans), but he also made sure we didn’t miss anything important. He even pointed out a little roadside stand selling boiled peanuts: didn’t try them this time, but maybe next.

Oak Alley was last and honestly… those trees are bigger than any photo can show. We had about three hours to wander under the oaks or tour the big house (I ended up just sitting for a while watching sunlight shift through branches). Lunch was simple (gumbo and iced tea at their restaurant), but it hit the spot after walking around in the heat. Some folks browsed the gift shop or grabbed a drink at the bar. I just needed that shady bench for a bit. The ride back over Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge gave us one last look at Lake Pontchartrain before city life crept back in. Still think about that hush under those trees sometimes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in New Orleans by air-conditioned van (with USB charging ports), bottled water along the way, admission fees for all plantation tours, including Oak Alley, and free time for lunch before returning over Lake Pontchartrain in the evening.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except ThursdayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (13 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (5 to 12 years) · Child (3 to 4 years): free · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “In front of Jackson Square”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by K's Luxury Transportation and Tours

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 12 years); Child (3 to 4 years): free; Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the Oak Alley & Whitney Plantation day trip?

The tour lasts most of the day including travel time from New Orleans and visits to multiple plantations.

Is hotel pickup included for this plantation tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or central location in New Orleans is included.

Which plantations are visited on this tour?

The tour includes Whitney Plantation Museum, Laura Plantation, St. Joseph Plantation, and Oak Alley Plantation.

How much time do you spend at Oak Alley Plantation?

You’ll spend about three hours exploring Oak Alley grounds and exhibits.

Is lunch included during the plantation day trip?

No set lunch is included but you’ll have time to buy lunch at Oak Alley’s restaurant or deli.

Are there guides at each plantation?

Yes, local guides share stories and history during your visit to each site.

Does the van have air conditioning?

Yes, transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle for comfort during travel.