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Go on the Oak Alley Plantation tour in New Orleans

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The New Orleans Oak Alley Plantation is one of Louisiana’s most popular day experiences, especially when paired with a scenic swamp boat ride. This tour lets you step into the grandeur of a historic sugarcane plantation and wander beneath the famous 28 live oak trees that have shaded the grounds for nearly three centuries.

Where is it located?

Oak Alley Plantation sits along the Mississippi River in Vacherie, about 1 hour west of New Orleans.

How to access?

Round-trip transportation from New Orleans is included with your New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour, making it easy to visit both the plantation and the swamp without arranging separate travel.

Oak Alley Plantation in a nutshell

Visitor reading information at Oak Alley Plantation, Louisiana.
  • Must-see highlights: Walk the legendary oak-lined pathway, tour the Greek Revival mansion, and explore exhibits on enslaved communities, sugarcane farming, and Creole heritage.
  • Unique fact: The branches of some oaks stretch nearly 130 feet across, making them wider than the plantation mansion itself.
  • Current use: A preserved historic site and cultural landmark offering guided and self-guided tours, educational exhibits, and restored period buildings.

What to do inside the Oak Alley Plantation

Oak Alley Plantation path lined with oak trees, part of Swamp Tour & Oak Alley Plantation Tour.
Alley of ancient oak trees leading to a grand mansion in Vacherie, Louisiana.
Rustic cabin and outhouse by a swamp, part of the Swamp Tour & Oak Alley Plantation Tour.
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Walk the iconic Oak Alley

The plantation’s most famous feature is its quarter-mile tunnel of live oak trees. As you walk beneath their sweeping branches, you’ll feel transported into Louisiana’s antebellum past. This walkway is one of the most photographed spots in the entire state.

Tour the historic Big House

Step inside the beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, known for its Greek Revival architecture and wrap-around balconies overlooking the oak canopy. Inside, guides share stories from the plantation’s history, from wealthy sugar planters to the lives of enslaved families who built and maintained the estate.

Explore the exhibits and grounds

Wander through the reconstructed slave quarters, blacksmith shop, and interpretive displays that give a deeper look into the plantation’s complex past. You’ll also find gardens, sugarcane fields, and other period structures that offer context to daily life in the 1800s.

A timeless landmark: The story of Oak Alley Plantation

  • 1830s: Oak Alley is established by Jacques and Celina Roman as a working sugarcane plantation, with the Big House built between 1836 and 1839 in Greek Revival style.
  • Late 1800s: After changing ownership several times, the plantation goes through periods of decline, though the iconic oak trees remain a defining feature.
  • 1925: The Stewart family acquires the estate and begins extensive restoration to preserve the home and surrounding structures.
  • 1970s: The plantation opens to the public and becomes a key filming site for movies, series, and documentaries featuring Louisiana plantation life.
  • Present: Oak Alley operates as both a historic site and preservation landmark, offering tours that highlight its architectural beauty while acknowledging the experiences of enslaved communities who lived and worked on the plantation.

Know before you go

Man pushing woman in wheelchair along Jardin Secret path.

Timings

  • Open: Daily from 8:30am to 4:45pm
  • Guided “Big House” tours: Daily from 9am to 4:30pm
  • Duration: The New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour begins in the morning, with a full experience lasting around 7.5 hours including round-trip transportation, the plantation tour, and the swamp boat ride.

Location

  • Address: 3645 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090, United States | Find on Maps

Accessibility

  • Most exhibits are handicapped accessible.
  • The second floor of the ‘Big House’ exhibit is not wheelchair accessible.
  • For guests unable to climb the 22 stairs, a video tour is available in the media room with limited seating.

Facilities

  • You’ll find restrooms, a gift shop, museum displays, and a café serving classic Southern dishes and snacks.
Row of oak trees at Oak Alley Plantation, Louisiana.
  • The grounds at Oak Alley are larger than you’d expect, so having at least an hour for the outdoor exhibits helps you enjoy everything at a comfortable pace.
  • Early mornings (8:30am) tend to be the quietest time around the slave quarters, making it easier to take in the stories and displays without crowding.
  • Look out for the heritage sugarcane varieties that can be spotted in small patches near the outbuildings, offering a glimpse of how sugar was grown historically.
  • The temperature inside the Big House is noticeably cooler than outside, which can be refreshing but may feel chilly after walking the grounds.
  • Pick up a map from the entrance desk. It will come in handy since several exhibits and smaller structures sit off the main path.
  • The café’s house-made pralines are a local highlight and make for a sweet treat or souvenir for the ride back.
  • The oak-lined walkway offers very different photo angles depending on whether you’re facing the river or the mansion, and both are worth capturing.

Frequently asked questions about Dole Plantation tickets

Is transportation included with this tour?

Yes,the New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour includes round-trip transportation from New Orleans, making it easy to visit both the plantation and the swamp without driving or parking.

How long does the full tour take?

Expect the experience to last around 6 to 7 hours, including travel time, the guided swamp boat ride, and free time to explore Oak Alley Plantation.

Can I explore Oak Alley Plantation on my own?

Yes, you can enjoy both guided and self-paced exploration. The grounds, exhibits, and reconstructed quarters are open for you to walk through before or after your Big House tour.

Is the plantation suitable for kids?

Yes, the sweeping oak trees and large open grounds are enjoyable for families. The exhibits are informative but easy to follow, making it a great cultural experience for children.

Do I need separate tickets for the swamp and plantation?

No, your single ticket includes both the Oak Alley Plantation visit and the swamp boat ride, along with transportation.

Can I buy food or drinks at Oak Alley Plantation?

Yes, the plantation has a small restaurant and café where you can enjoy Southern dishes, snacks, and refreshments during your visit.

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