New Orleans Citywide and Destrehan Plantation Driving Tour — From French Quarter Streets to River Road History
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walking segments and one guided house tour.
Overview
This five-hour driving tour pushes beyond the French Quarter into Treme, City Park, St. Charles Avenue and a guided visit to Destrehan Plantation on River Road. Expect a mix of street-level neighborhood history, WWPA-era anecdotes, and a sober, informative look at plantation life along the Mississippi.
New Orleans Citywide and Destrehan Plantation Driving Tour — From French Quarter Streets to River Road History
Select participants and date
You step into the back seat and the city unfolds like a map of contradictions: shotgun houses with ironwork porches, grand live oaks arcing over St. Charles Avenue, and the Mississippi River—broad, brown and unapologetic—running like a highway for barges and history. The guide drives out of the French Quarter, windows down, voices low as they unspool stories of jazz, creole society, and the peculiar topography that makes New Orleans a city literally built on shifting ground.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Confirm elevator and accessibility
Call the guide before booking to verify the Destrehan Plantation elevator and any post-pandemic limits to inside-house tours.
Dress respectfully for the plantation house
Wear comfortable, modest clothing and closed-toe shoes for wooden floors and lawn areas during the house tour.
Hydration and sun protection
South Louisiana sun and humidity add up — bring a refillable water bottle and sunscreen even for a mostly driving tour.
Bring small bills for snacks and tips
Stops for beignets, lunch in the Garden District, or gratuities are easier with cash on hand.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- great egret
- raccoon
History
The Destrehan Plantation dates to the late 18th century and is one of the oldest documented plantation homes on the Mississippi’s River Road, connecting river commerce to city life.
Conservation
River Road and Lake Pontchartrain habitats are sensitive—stay on paths, avoid disturbing shoreline vegetation, and support local preservation efforts when possible.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Support for short walks on lawns, boardwalks, and uneven plantation grounds.
Refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated is essential in New Orleans heat and humidity.
summer specific
Sun hat and sunscreen
Covers exposed skin during lakeside stops and walking between sites.
summer specific
Light rain jacket or umbrella
Afternoon showers are common—be prepared for sudden rain.
spring specific