Oak Alley Plantation
Iconic Louisiana plantation famed for its breathtaking avenue of 28 live oaks and a beautifully restored 1830s mansion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Oak Alley Plantation
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Louisiana plantation famed for its breathtaking avenue of 28 live oaks and a beautifully restored 1830s mansion.
"The most iconic plantation in Louisiana, known for its picturesque tree canopy."
Book Guided Tours
Essential for understanding the full history. Tours are frequent but booking ahead is wise. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Avenue of Oaks
Main Driveway
A breathtaking, mile-long canopy of 28 ancient live oak trees, creating a stunning natural tunnel.
The Grand Mansion
The Big House
Explore the meticulously restored 1830s Greek Revival mansion and learn about its history.
Replica Slave Cabins
Grounds
Gain a deeper understanding of plantation life through the reconstructed slave quarters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours
Essential for understanding the full history. Tours are frequent but booking ahead is wise. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Stay Hydrated
Louisiana heat can be intense. Bring water or enjoy their iced tea. :droplet:
No Photos Inside
Photography is not allowed inside the Big House. Enjoy the moment! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours
Essential for understanding the full history. Tours are frequent but booking ahead is wise. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Stay Hydrated
Louisiana heat can be intense. Bring water or enjoy their iced tea. :droplet:
No Photos Inside
Photography is not allowed inside the Big House. Enjoy the moment! :camerawithflash:
Emotional Experience
Be prepared for a tour that is both beautiful and emotionally challenging. :heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty of the oak alley and the well-preserved mansion, finding the history insightful. However, some feel the tour duration and cost are not fully justified, with a few reporting negative interactions with staff.
"Beautiful grounds, enjoyed learning the history of this place, and the big house has AC during the tour, which is a nice little break from the heat outside. Wish we could take pics on the inside as there are a lot of pretty little pieces. This place also has a restaurant and a small area for grab and go foods and blue bell ice cream, which was the best after walking around in the heat. The ice tea was good as well. It's served outside the big house."
Maria Yeahquo
"This specific plantation does not worth that amount of money you paid for. $80 per person, one hour drive from New Orleans, only 30 minutes guided tour 😲. The place looks impressive on the photos, but in the reality it's a modest size building. We were dropped off and spent one hour walking around. There are a several replicas of slaves' houses, two small gardens, and the gift shop. Staff of the gift shop was amazing. Not much to see inside of the mansion. No photos taking allowed indoors. Our guide Makkenzie showed us only dining room and one of the bedrooms. We were rushed through the building, we didn't have possibility to ask the questions, and our guide skipped two rooms to show to us even she was talking about it as her favorite room. When we asked her to show us that missing exhibition, she called her manager David. He was very rude and intolerant. I couldn't believe such an unprofessional behavior. After we were pushed out of the building, we spent more than two hours walking around the grounds on the heat. You are not aloud into the building on your own. The duration of the trip door to door from your hotel is approximately 8 hours. Definitely, not worth that money and time we spent on this trip."
Victoria Feinberg
"Great site for history immersion! The self guide is nice for leisure strolls. If you want guided tours this are available on the grounds and in the home. The gardens are well kept as well and the botany placards are a wonderful addition. We got caught in the storm before making it to the gift shop so I'll save that for another trip but even in the rain the live oaks made a noise umbrella!"
Timothy Paul
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oak Alley Plantation is located about an hour's drive from New Orleans. Many visitors rent a car or book a guided tour that includes transportation. Ride-sharing services can also be an option, though potentially more expensive for the round trip. :car:
Yes, there is ample parking available for visitors at Oak Alley Plantation. :parking:
Absolutely! Oak Alley Plantation is a popular day trip destination from New Orleans, offering a glimpse into Louisiana's rich history and stunning landscapes. :day_trip:
Many visitors opt for organized tours from New Orleans which often include transportation and guided experiences. Renting a car offers more flexibility if you plan to visit other sites. :bus: :car:
The drive from the French Quarter in New Orleans to Oak Alley Plantation typically takes around 60 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. :clock:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but expect to pay around $20-$30 for grounds access and house tours. Some reviews mention higher prices for specific packages. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing. :moneybag:
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred tour time. :ticket:
General admission typically includes access to the grounds and a guided tour of the Big House. Some packages may offer additional experiences. :scroll:
Yes, Oak Alley offers guided tours of the Big House, and self-guided tours of the grounds. Some specialized tours might be available seasonally. :walking:
Oak Alley Plantation is generally open daily, but hours can vary by season. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. :calendar:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the iconic avenue of oaks, tour the historic Big House mansion, visit replica slave cabins, and wander through the beautiful gardens. There's also a restaurant and gift shop on site. :camerawithflash:
No, photography is not permitted inside the Big House. This is to help preserve the historic interiors. :noentrysign:
The tour provides historical context that can be educational for older children. However, the subject matter of plantation life can be sensitive. Parents should consider their children's age and maturity. :child:
Families can enjoy exploring the grounds, learning about history, and the beautiful scenery. The replica slave cabins offer a tangible connection to the past. :family_restroom:
The guided tour of the Big House typically lasts about 30-45 minutes. Visitors can spend additional time exploring the grounds. :stopwatch:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Oak Alley Plantation has a restaurant on-site where you can enjoy Southern cuisine. It's a convenient option after your tour. :restaurant:
The restaurant typically serves Southern-inspired dishes. Visitors have mentioned enjoying iced tea and grab-and-go options like Blue Bell ice cream. :icecream:
While there's a restaurant, there are also grab-and-go options available, which might be more budget-friendly. Bringing your own snacks is also an option. :apple:
Outside food and drinks are generally permitted for consumption on the grounds, but it's always best to check their specific policies. :sandwich:
Dining hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Oak Alley Plantation website for the most current information on restaurant operating times. :forkandknife:
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic avenue of oaks is the most photographed spot. The mansion's exterior and the gardens also offer beautiful photo opportunities. :camera:
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check Oak Alley's specific drone policy. :drone:
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, especially for capturing the grandeur of the oak alley. :sunrise: :sunset:
The main restriction is no photography inside the Big House. Otherwise, feel free to capture the beauty of the grounds. :camerawithflash:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full scope of the oak alley. A standard zoom lens will be versatile for the mansion and grounds. :camera_lens:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking tours during cooler parts of the day to ensure comfort. The grounds offer space for children to move around, and the gift shop and restaurant provide convenient amenities. While photography is not allowed inside the mansion, the exterior and grounds offer plenty of photo opportunities for family memories.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to save on food costs, though the on-site restaurant and grab-and-go options are available if needed. Consider visiting during the off-season or on weekdays when crowds might be smaller and potentially less pressure for premium experiences.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While interior photography of the Big House is prohibited, the exterior of the mansion, the gardens, and the surrounding grounds provide ample opportunities for stunning shots. Wide-angle lenses are recommended to capture the grandeur of the oak alley, while a versatile zoom lens will be useful for details on the mansion and other structures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Complex History of Oak Alley
Visitors today can explore the meticulously restored 'Big House' and gain insights into the lives of the plantation owners. However, a crucial part of the Oak Alley experience involves understanding the lives of the enslaved individuals who worked the fields and maintained the estate. The site features reconstructed slave cabins, offering a more tangible, though still limited, perspective on their living conditions and the harsh realities of slavery. This duality of beauty and hardship is a recurring theme in discussions about Oak Alley.
Many visitors, like those on TikTok and Instagram, are drawn to the visual splendor of the oak-lined driveway, often featured in films and photography. Yet, as noted by some travelers, the experience can be emotionally challenging. It's important to approach the visit with an awareness of this historical context, recognizing that the picturesque scenery is intertwined with a difficult past. The tours aim to provide a balanced narrative, acknowledging both the grandeur and the human cost.
+1Navigating the Grounds and Tours
Beyond the mansion, the plantation grounds offer much to explore. Visitors can wander through the manicured gardens, which are well-maintained and add to the estate's charm. A significant part of the grounds includes the replica slave cabins, which provide a more somber but essential historical perspective. These reconstructions offer a glimpse into the living conditions of the enslaved population. Many visitors find these areas particularly impactful and recommend taking time to reflect here.
For those who prefer a more leisurely exploration, self-guided tours of the grounds are available. This allows visitors to set their own pace and focus on areas of particular interest. The plantation also features a restaurant and a gift shop, providing amenities for a more complete visit. Reviews suggest that the staff in the gift shop are particularly friendly and helpful.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit