Discover the magic of the Big Easy beyond Bourbon Street with these exciting excursions

Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a city of unique beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From jazz to jambalaya, the Crescent City is world-renowned for its lively atmosphere and signature flair. While visiting iconic sites like the French Quarter and the Garden District are a must-do, there’s much more to explore beyond the city’s famous party scene. With a plethora of fantastic day trips, visitors can take their time experiencing the charm and culture of New Orleans in a more intimate and immersive way.

Whether you want to soak up the beauty of the bayou, delve into Louisiana’s Cajun heritage, or explore the city’s historic plantations, day trips from New Orleans offer an incredible range of experiences. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most unforgettable day trips from the Big Easy. So grab your camera, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to discover the best of New Orleans’ surrounding areas!

Discover the French Quarter

The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré, is the oldest and most iconic neighborhood in New Orleans. It was founded in 1718 by the French explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville and is now a National Historic Landmark.

Walking around the French Quarter is like taking a step back in time. You’ll be surrounded by stunning architectural gems, including the world-famous balconies and courtyards. The streets are lined with boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and the sounds of jazz music.

When you visit the French Quarter, make sure to stop by Jackson Square, the heart of the neighborhood. There, you’ll find street performers, artists, and musicians, as well as the stunning St. Louis Cathedral. You can also take a stroll down Bourbon Street, where you’ll experience the lively nightlife of New Orleans.

Must-see Attractions:

• Jackson Square
• St. Louis Cathedral
• Bourbon Street
• The Historic New Orleans Collection
• The French Market

The French Quarter is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New Orleans. It’s a place where you can experience the city’s rich history, culture, and traditions. So, make sure to put it at the top of your list when planning your day trips in New Orleans.

Explore Mardi Gras World

When it comes to Mardi Gras, there’s one thing that stands out – the colorful and elaborate floats that parade through the city. At Mardi Gras World, you can get up close and personal with these majestic works of art.

Mardi Gras World is a working warehouse that creates the floats and props for the city’s famous parades. Visitors can take a guided tour through the warehouse to see how the floats are made, from the initial design phase to the final product.

During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of Mardi Gras and the significance of the various floats. You’ll also have the opportunity to try on Mardi Gras costumes and sample some of the traditional food and drinks associated with the holiday.

For those looking for a truly immersive experience, Mardi Gras World also offers workshops where visitors can create their own Mardi Gras masks, hats, and costumes. It’s the perfect way to experience the charm and culture of New Orleans in a hands-on way.

• Location: 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl.
• Hours: Open Monday-Sunday 9:30am-5:30pm
• Admission: $22 for adults, $14 for children

Visit the Historic Plantations

One of the most popular day trips from New Orleans is visiting the historic plantations. These grand estates offer a glimpse into the antebellum South, including the lives of the wealthy plantation owners and the enslaved people who worked on the plantations.

Some of the most famous plantations in the area include Oak Alley, Laura Plantation, and Houmas House. Each plantation offers guided tours, beautiful gardens, and stunning architecture that will transport you back in time.

• Oak Alley: This plantation is known for its famous row of live oak trees that line the entrance. The antebellum mansion has been beautifully preserved and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the sugar barons who once owned the property.
• Laura Plantation: This plantation offers a unique perspective on plantation life through the eyes of the Creole people who lived and worked on the property. The guided tour includes stories of Laura Locoul’s family and the enslaved people who labored on the sugarcane plantation.
• Houmas House: Known as the “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road,” Houmas House offers a stunning view of 38 acres of formal gardens and a tour of the historic mansion that was built in 1840. This plantation was once one of the largest sugar plantations in the South.

Visiting the historic plantations is an excellent way to learn about the rich history and culture of the Southern United States. Take a break from the bustling city of New Orleans and immerse yourself in the charm and elegance of the antebellum era.

Take a Swamp Tour

Are you ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime? Take a swamp tour in New Orleans and get up close with the wildlife that inhabits the bayou. On a swamp tour, you’ll explore the beauty of the swamps and marshes that surround the city. You’ll have the opportunity to see alligators, snakes, turtles, and more. Plus, you’ll learn about the history of the area and the role it played in the development of New Orleans.

There are many swamp tour companies in the area that offer a variety of tours to suit your interests. You can choose from airboat tours, flatboat tours, and even kayak tours. No matter which tour you select, you’ll have the chance to experience the charm and culture of New Orleans in a unique and unforgettable way.

• See alligators up close
• Learn about the history and ecology of the swamp
• Experience the thrill of gliding through the water on an airboat
• Get a unique perspective on the natural beauty of Louisiana

What to Bring:

When you take a swamp tour, be sure to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a camera. You’ll want to capture the awe-inspiring wildlife and stunning scenery of the swamp. Additionally, you’ll want to wear comfortable clothes that can get wet, as there’s a good chance you’ll get splashed during your tour.

Tour Company	Price Per Person	Tour Type
Swamp Adventures	$55	Airboat Tour
Bayou Boogie Tours	$65	Flatboat Tour
Paddle and Explore	$85	Kayak Tour

Learn About Jazz at Preservation Hall

One of the most iconic attractions in New Orleans is Preservation Hall, a historic jazz club located in the French Quarter. For more than 50 years, Preservation Hall has been a hub for jazz musicians and music lovers alike.

If you’re a fan of jazz music, visiting Preservation Hall is an absolute must. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to experience live jazz performances from some of the city’s most talented musicians.

But Preservation Hall is more than just a jazz club – it’s a cultural institution dedicated to preserving the unique musical heritage of New Orleans. Visitors can learn about the history of jazz in New Orleans through exhibits and educational programming offered by the nonprofit Preservation Hall Foundation.

Whether you’re a seasoned jazz aficionado or simply curious about the music that defines New Orleans, a visit to Preservation Hall is an unforgettable experience that will immerse you in the city’s vibrant culture. Make sure to add it to your itinerary the next time you visit New Orleans!

Indulge in Local Cuisine

One of the most delicious aspects of New Orleans is its cuisine. The city’s unique blend of French, African, and Caribbean influences form a distinctive Creole cuisine that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

The iconic dish to try is gumbo, a hearty stew made with a roux and often featuring seafood or smoked sausage. Jambalaya is another classic Creole dish, featuring rice cooked with various meats and vegetables in a spicy tomato-based sauce.

Be sure to also try traditional New Orleans dishes like red beans and rice, po’boy sandwiches, and beignets dusted with powdered sugar. And don’t forget to pair your meals with a refreshing Hurricane cocktail or a locally brewed beer.

For a truly unique experience, take a cooking class to learn how to make some of these dishes yourself. Or, book a food tour to sample a variety of dishes from different restaurants throughout the city.

New Orleans’ cuisine is a celebration of flavor and culture, and indulging in it is a must-do on any trip to the city.

Experience the Nightlife on Bourbon Street

If you are looking for a truly unique nightlife experience, Bourbon Street in New Orleans is a must-visit destination. Located in the heart of the city’s famous French Quarter, Bourbon Street is a vibrant and lively hub of bars, restaurants, and clubs that come alive after dark.

With a reputation for being one of the most lively and fun-filled areas in the city, Bourbon Street is synonymous with the New Orleans nightlife scene. Whether you’re looking to hear live music at one of the many jazz clubs, enjoy delicious cocktails at a trendy bar, or dance the night away at a hip nightclub, you’ll find something for everyone on Bourbon Street.

One of the most famous bars on Bourbon Street is the iconic Pat O’Brien’s. Known for its signature Hurricane cocktail, a visit to Pat O’Brien’s is a must for anyone visiting New Orleans. Another popular spot is the iconic Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, a former blacksmith shop turned bar that is rumored to be the oldest bar in the United States.

Aside from the bars and clubs, Bourbon Street is also home to numerous restaurants serving up traditional New Orleans cuisine such as gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys. And if you’re looking for something a little more unique, you can even find alligator dishes on some of the menus!

Overall, a visit to Bourbon Street is a must for anyone looking to experience the true charm and culture of New Orleans. With its lively atmosphere, unique bars and restaurants, and endless entertainment options, Bourbon Street is the perfect place to spend an unforgettable night in the Big Easy.

Attend a Second Line Parade

If you want to experience the culture and tradition of New Orleans, attending a second line parade is a must. Second line parades are a form of celebration rooted in African American and Creole culture, typically held in honor of a special occasion or event.

The parade consists of two parts: the first line, which includes the brass band and the official parade participants; and the second line, which includes everyone else who wants to participate in the celebration. People in the second line usually dance and twirl umbrellas or handkerchiefs to the music played by the band.

Second line parades take place throughout the city, and you can easily find one to attend. Some of the most popular parades are held during the Mardi Gras season, but there are also plenty of parades held throughout the year to honor different events and holidays.

• If you want to attend a second line parade, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
• Check the parade route and schedule ahead of time.
• Bring your own drinks and snacks, as most parades do not have food or drinks available for purchase.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will be walking and dancing for several hours.
• Respect the parade participants and their traditions.

Attending a second line parade is a unique and unforgettable experience that will give you a glimpse into the vibrant culture and community of New Orleans.