Houma, Louisiana Weekend Escapes: 10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips

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10 Easy Road Trips from Houma, Louisiana: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Terrebonne Parish

If you live in or around Houma, Louisiana, you probably know how easy it is to fall into the same weekend routine. Maybe it’s a quick drive to the store, a seafood dinner, and then back home. But what if you could hop in the car and, in under an hour or so, be somewhere that feels completely different? The good news: you can. Houma sits in a great spot for short, out-of-parish road trips. In just 30–60 minutes you can explore Assumption Parish, Lafourche Parish, and St. Mary Parish—all packed with swamp tours, plantations, Cajun culture, and waterfront views. Below are 10 short road trips from Houma that take you outside Terrebonne Parish and into the heart of south Louisiana. These are perfect for day trips, lazy weekends, or showing out-of-town visitors the “real” Louisiana.

1. Step Back in Time at Madewood Plantation (Assumption Parish)

If you’re craving a classic Louisiana plantation experience, point your car toward Madewood Plantation near Napoleonville in Assumption Parish. It’s about a 40–50 minute drive from Houma, depending on where you start. This Greek Revival mansion looks like something straight out of a movie—tall white columns, giant oak trees, and a long, dramatic driveway. Walking up to it, you can almost picture carriages rolling in 150 years ago.
  • Tour a beautifully preserved plantation home
  • Learn about sugarcane history along Bayou Lafourche
  • Stroll the grounds and take plenty of photos
It’s a calm, quiet place, and the drive from Houma along rural roads is surprisingly relaxing. If you enjoy history and architecture, this one should be near the top of your list.

2. Ride a Swamp Tour in Pierre Part (Assumption Parish)

Looking for a true Louisiana swamp adventure? Head up to Pierre Part in Assumption Parish, about an hour from Houma. The area is surrounded by swamps and bayous, with cypress trees rising right out of the water. Several tour operators run airboat and pontoon swamp tours here. You’ll likely see:
  • Alligators sunning on logs
  • Snowy egrets and herons
  • Old fishing camps tucked along the bayou
If you’ve watched any Louisiana reality shows, parts of this area might feel familiar. It’s a fun trip for kids, visitors, or really anyone who wants to see what “the swamp” actually looks like up close. Tip: Bring a light jacket, even in warmer weather—the breeze on the water can be cooler than you expect.

3. Explore Historic Downtown Thibodaux (Lafourche Parish)

Just about 30–35 minutes from Houma, Thibodaux in Lafourche Parish makes an easy half-day or full-day escape. This small city has a laid-back vibe and a compact historic downtown that’s easy to walk. You can:
  • Grab coffee or a po-boy at a local café
  • Walk along Bayou Lafourche and enjoy the view
  • Check out historic buildings and old storefronts
On some weekends, you might run into festivals, live music, or markets. Thibodaux is also a great spot for Cajun food, so don’t be shy about asking locals where they eat. If you like road trips that don’t feel rushed, this short drive from Houma is perfect.

4. Visit Laurel Valley Village – A Glimpse of Plantation Life (Lafourche Parish)

Just outside Thibodaux, still in Lafourche Parish, you’ll find Laurel Valley Village, one of the largest surviving sugarcane plantation villages in the United States. From Houma, you’re looking at about a 35–40 minute drive. Here you’ll see:
  • Old worker cabins and barns
  • Historic plantation structures
  • A small country store with local goodies
This isn’t your typical polished plantation mansion tour. It’s rougher around the edges and feels more like you’re stepping into a real, working past. It’s a powerful place to think about the people—enslaved and free—who built the sugarcane economy. If you’re looking for something that feels authentic and a bit off the usual tourist trail, this is it.

5. Relax on the Water in Golden Meadow (Lafourche Parish)

Want to feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world without driving all day? Take Highway 1 southeast to Golden Meadow in lower Lafourche Parish. It’s roughly a 1 to 1.25 hour drive from Houma, but it goes by fast. On the way, you’ll see shrimp boats, canals, and miles of marsh. In Golden Meadow itself, you can:
  • Launch a boat or book a fishing charter
  • Watch shrimp and fishing boats move through the waterways
  • Take photos of the wide-open marsh and big Louisiana sky
It’s the kind of place that reminds you just how close Houma is to the Gulf. If you like quiet, wind, and water, this drive will hit the spot.

6. Go All the Way Down to Grand Isle (Lafourche Parish)

If you don’t mind driving a little longer, continue past Golden Meadow to Grand Isle, Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island. It’s usually about a 1.5 hour drive from Houma, and it’s worth every mile. Grand Isle is all about the outdoors:
  • Walk the beach and look for shells
  • Fish from the pier or book an offshore charter
  • Watch pelicans and seabirds skim the water
On a sunny day, the bridge into Grand Isle gives you sweeping views of open water and marsh. It’s a great day trip if you’re craving a beach but don’t want to travel to Florida or Texas. Pack sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water. There are local places to eat, but services can be spread out.

7. Discover Morgan City’s Waterfront and Shrimping History (St. Mary Parish)

Head west from Houma and in about 1 to 1.25 hours you’ll reach Morgan City in St. Mary Parish. This small city sits where the Atchafalaya River meets the Gulf, and it has a strong connection to shrimping and offshore oil. Things to check out:
  • Walk along the riverfront and watch the boats
  • Visit local museums that highlight the area’s maritime history
  • Grab seafood at a local restaurant
If you time it right, the city hosts festivals and events that celebrate the shrimping industry and local culture. It’s a nice mix of working waterfront and small-town charm.

8. Stroll the Historic District in Franklin (St. Mary Parish)

About 1.25 hours from Houma, Franklin is one of those quiet, pretty towns that surprise you. The downtown area is lined with live oaks, old homes, and historic storefronts. Here’s what makes Franklin a great day trip:
  • Beautiful oak-lined streets perfect for walking or slow cruising
  • Historic homes with classic southern architecture
  • Small shops and local eateries
If you enjoy taking photos, this place is a dream. The old buildings and trees give it a movie-set feel, but without the crowds. This is a good “slow day” getaway when you want to move at an easy pace and just enjoy being somewhere different.

9. Paddle or Fish Near Patterson and the Atchafalaya (St. Mary Parish)

Just a bit east of Morgan City, the Patterson area opens up to parts of the Atchafalaya Basin, one of the largest river swamps in the United States. From Houma, you’re looking at about a 1–1.25 hour drive. Once there, you can:
  • Launch a kayak or canoe and paddle through calm bayous
  • Go fishing in backwater areas
  • Watch for birds, turtles, and maybe even gators
If you’ve ever wanted to feel tiny in the middle of Louisiana’s wild wetlands, this is your spot. The cypress trees, Spanish moss, and still water make it feel like another world. Just be sure to check local conditions and bring safety gear. The basin is beautiful, but it’s still wild country.

10. Cruise the Bayou Lafourche Scenic Byway (Assumption & Lafourche Parishes)

Instead of having just one destination, why not make the drive itself your main attraction? Bayou Lafourche runs from Donaldsonville all the way down through Assumption and Lafourche Parishes, eventually reaching the Gulf. You can start from the Thibodaux area (about 30–35 minutes from Houma) and slowly follow the bayou south or north. Things you’ll see along the way:
  • Sugarcane fields stretching to the horizon
  • Colorful homes and camps along the water
  • Small churches, local stores, and quiet boat launches
This is a great “no schedule” road trip. Stop when you see something interesting. Grab boudin or cracklins from a roadside shop. Talk to locals if you get the chance—they often have the best tips. If you’ve ever wanted to really see how people live along the bayou, this is one of the easiest ways to do it.

Tips for Planning Your Houma Road Trips

To make your day trips from Houma smoother and more fun, keep these simple tips in mind:
  • Check the weather: South Louisiana can change quickly. Storms, heat, and fog all affect driving and outdoor plans.
  • Bring cash: Some small shops, boat launches, or older gas stations may not take cards.
  • Pack the basics: Water, sunscreen, bug spray, hats, and maybe a light rain jacket.
  • Call ahead: For tours, charters, and some attractions, it’s smart to confirm hours and availability.
A little planning goes a long way, especially when you’re headed into more rural areas.

Ready to Hit the Road from Houma?

You don’t have to go far from Houma to feel like you’re on vacation. In under two hours, you can:
  • Walk through historic plantations
  • Glide through swamps filled with cypress and wildlife
  • Relax on a Gulf barrier island
  • Explore charming small towns and bayou communities
The best part? These short road trips near Houma let you rediscover what makes south Louisiana special—its water, its history, its food, and its people. Which of these trips are you planning to try first? If you’ve already been to any of these places, share your experience below. Did I miss one of your favorite out-of-parish spots near Houma? Drop a comment with your tips, and share this post with friends and family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do this weekend.” There’s a whole lot to do—just a short drive from home.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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