Swamps, Mardi Gras, Crawfish — Oh My!
Adventure into the Heart of Louisiana’s Bayou Country
Houma and the communities of Terrebonne Parish are deeply rooted in authentic Cajun culture and are home to breathtaking landscapes and rich history. From thrilling swamp tours to festive Mardi Gras celebrations and mouth-watering Cajun cuisine, Houma presents a unique blend of adventure, tradition and culinary delights.
Begin a mysterious and thrilling journey into the unknown and unexpected when you visit Houma — home to the very first swamp tour. Experience A Cajun Man’s Swamp Tour, led by Captain Billy, a native to the land, with plenty of tales of the Bayou legends and mysteries. The swamp and adjacent wetlands are home to the strange and unique: nutrias, rare and exotic birds, deer, wildcats, black bears, otters and a wide assortment of reptiles big and small, including the ancient and ferocious kings of the swamp — giant alligators.
Boasting the second largest celebration in the state, Mardi Gras in Houma is a spectacular affair — and one that is family-friendly. The streets come alive with vibrant parades, an atmosphere that is nothing short of electric as cheering crowds gather to catch beads, cups and other unique throws from festive double-decker floats, drawn in lights with all the familiar tunes of carnival season. Whether you are enjoying the spectacle of a late-night celebration with an evening parade or making a day out of tailgating with one of our world-famous King Cakes during a daytime parade, all you need to do to enjoy yourself is to hold your hands up and yell “throw me somethin’!”
Catch a show at the Le Petit Theatre De Terrebonne in Houma.
Experience a swamp tour by boat.
Enjoy delicious meals at local restaurants.
Enjoy brunch and tunes at Lumiere Blues & Jazz Bistro.
No visit to Houma is complete without indulging in our famous Cajun cuisine. Savor the delicious as you devour your way through the Bayou Country Crawfish Trail, a culinary pathway leading to all the best eats in Louisiana’s Bayou Country. Get your fill of hot, juicy, peel-and-eat crawfish with the fixin's all soaked in Cajun-spiced flavor at The Shack of Houma or warm your soul with a bowl of crawfish gumbo, jambalaya or étouffée at Melvin’s. No matter the dish, we’ve got authentic Louisiana-crawfish-filled-cuisine all year round.
Now that you’re as stuffed as a fried shrimp po-boy, discover the charm of Downtown Houma, one encapsulated with rich history and art. Catch a Broadway on the Bayou performance at Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne, where stories come to life on the stage, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit Rotary Centennial Plaza while shopping at local boutiques like Bloom West or grabbing fresh coffee and beignets at Downtown Jeaux.
Houma promises an unforgettable experience, one that resonates with the spirit of the bayou and Cajun culture. Plan your next adventure into the heart of Louisiana’s Bayou Country to experience the enchanting swamps of the South, the festive energy of Mardi Gras and the rich culinary traditions of crawfish cuisine. We can’t wait to see ya, sha’!