Day-Trip Itinerary: Louisiana's River Parishes

At a Glance 

• The Louisiana River Parishes stretch along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, offering a blend of historic sites, culture and natural landscapes.
• Visitors can explore iconic plantations, riverfront towns and cultural landmarks that reflect centuries of French, Spanish, African and German influence.
• Outdoor experiences include swamp tours, fishing spots, bayous and wildlife viewing across Louisiana’s wetlands and waterways. 

Louisiana’s River Parishes encompass an area of Louisiana stretching from the outskirts of New Orleans and following the Mississippi River Road to just outside Baton Rouge. Here, visitors can explore historic plantation estates, delve into the mysteries of the swamps, eat their fill of andouille sausage, discover the history of perique (a rare, richly flavored tobacco native to the area) or even catch catfish at Lac des Allemands — the French translation for “Lake of the Germans.”

Breakfast Options

Coffee & Norco

Coffee & Norco is a 24-hour cafe and bakery serving up all the favorites, from donuts and specialty pastries to breakfast sandwiches, omelets, French toast, and shrimp and grits.

Chung’s Heavenly Cafe

Chung's Heavenly Cafe offers a variety of breakfast options. Grab a specialty pastry, a kolache or an order of beignets.

Morning Activities and Attractions

Swamp Adventures

Experience the Louisiana swamps in style with Swamp Adventures. With years of experience, Swamp Adventures has an ideal crew to share the area's culture and heritage with visitors. Take an intimate yet thrilling ride in their premium airboats, soak up the stories you won't hear anywhere else and see what critters you can spot! 

Oak Alley Plantation

Explore over 200 years of history at Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie. From its sprawling oaks and open spaces to its hidden nooks and crannies, Oak Alley’s landscape tells the story of a plantation in evolution. Wide pastures stand where a pecan grove once thrived, and a 1920s formal garden quietly preserves the remains of an 1830s kitchen hidden under its turf. Explore the “Big House” and Oak Alley’s exhibit on slavery, then see the overnight cottages — originally built around the turn of the century for farm workers, with three deluxe replicas added in 2015 for modern stays.

Lac Des Allemandes

This 12,000-acre freshwater lake is considered “the Catfish Capital of the Universe,” as it serves as the spawning grounds for three types of catfish. Flathead, channel and blue catfish all call this lake home from May through September. Go fishing, or enjoy the lake’s bounty at local restaurants.

Lunch Options

B&C Seafood

Check out B&C Seafood in Vacherie for an authentic taste of Cajun home cooking. For those looking for Louisiana classics, order up a bowl of seafood gumbo, while more adventurous eaters can try out frog legs or smoked rabbit gumbo.

Spuddy's Cajun Foods

The specialty of Spuddy's Cajun Foods in Vacherie is its house-smoked meats, including the regional favorite — andouille sausage. For a real treat, schedule the Spuddy's Cajun Cooking Experience, where you can go back into the kitchen and learn to make traditional Cajun food yourself.

Afternoon Activities & Attractions

Destrehan Plantation

Established in 1787 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Destrehan Plantation remains the oldest documented plantation home in the Lower Mississippi Valley. Special exhibits include an original document signed by Thomas Jefferson and an exhibit on the 1811 Slave Revolt. 

Cajun Pride Swamp Tours

Experienced local guides offer exciting tours of the Manchac Swamp when you book with Cajun Pride Swamp Tours. This is a memorable tour in a privately owned swamp with abundant wildlife.

Laura Plantation: Louisiana's Creole Heritage Site

The top-rated plantation tour at Laura Plantation transports you into the complex and intimate relationships of four generations of one Louisiana Creole family, both free and enslaved. Laura's permanent exhibit examines in biographical detail the lives of Africans on the plantation, from enslavement into the 20th century. 

Dinner Options

Frenier Landing Restaurant

Frenier Landing Restaurant is located on the west shore of Lake Pontchartrain in LaPlace. The alligator sausage with Creole mustard or fried crawfish tails are great appetizers, and notable entrées include Eggplant Napoleon or the whole stuffed flounder. Leave room for their bread pudding or a slice of rum cake for dessert!

The Seafood Pot

The Seafood Pot is a down-home seafood spot in New Sarpy, located on Louisiana’s famous River Road. Start your meal with a bowl of gumbo or stuffed artichokes, then enjoy the house special: crabmeat au gratin with crab cakes over pasta. Finish your meal with a slice of homemade cheesecake.

Nobile's Restaurant & Bar

At Nobile's Restaurant & Bar, you can enjoy fine River Road cuisine in a restored 1895 Victorian building. This spot has a ton of history and delicious menu options. Dig into gumbo, seafood, po'boys, steaks, and other specialties.

Discover more attractions in the Great River Road area.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the Louisiana River Parishes known for? 

The Louisiana River Parishes are known for their historic plantation homes, swamp ecosystems, Cajun and Creole cuisine, and cultural heritage along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The region blends French, Spanish, African and German influences that shaped its food, music and traditions. 

Where are the River Parishes located in Louisiana? 

The River Parishes are located along both banks of the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. They typically include St. Charles Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish and St. James Parish, with nearby areas often included in travel itineraries. 

How far are the River Parishes from New Orleans? 

Many River Parishes destinations are about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours from New Orleans, depending on the stop. Communities like LaPlace, Vacherie and Destrehan are especially convenient for day trips along the River Road. 

What are the best things to do in the Louisiana River Parishes? 

Top activities include touring historic plantations like Oak Alley Plantation and Destrehan Plantation, taking swamp tours, exploring the Mississippi River levee, visiting museums and sampling local foods such as andouille sausage, gumbo and Cajun seafood. 

Are swamp tours available in the River Parishes? 

Yes, the River Parishes are one of the best regions in Louisiana for swamp tours. Visitors can book airboat or guided boat tours through companies such as Cajun Pride Swamp Tours and Swamp Adventures to see alligators, birds and wetland ecosystems. 

What plantations can you visit in the River Parishes? 

Popular plantations in or near the River Parishes include Oak Alley Plantation, Destrehan Plantation, Laura Plantation, St. Joseph Plantation and Felicity Plantation. Many offer guided tours that explore architecture, agriculture and complex regional history. 

What is the best time of year to visit the River Parishes? 

Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to mild temperatures and lower humidity. These seasons are ideal for outdoor activities like swamp tours, plantation walking tours and scenic drives along the Mississippi River.