Laplace, Louisiana: 10 Must-Do Activities Near This River Parish Gem

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10 Fun Things To Do In and Around LaPlace, Louisiana

If you’re looking for a laid‑back Louisiana escape just outside New Orleans, LaPlace, Louisiana in St. John the Baptist Parish is a great pick. Locals call it the “Andouille Capital of the World,” but there’s more here than just great sausage. Whether you’re road‑tripping along I‑10, staying in nearby New Orleans, or visiting family in the River Parishes, LaPlace makes a perfect base for swamp tours, plantation history, and real small‑town Louisiana culture. Below are 10 things to do in and near LaPlace that give you a real taste of the area.

1. Take a Swamp Tour from LaPlace

You can’t visit south Louisiana and skip the swamp. Around LaPlace, you’ll find several tour companies offering boat rides through the cypress swamps and bayous. Expect to see:
  • Alligators sunning on logs
  • Egrets, herons, and other birds
  • Ancient cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss
  • Quiet, mirror‑like water that feels a world away from the highway
Most tours run about 1.5–2 hours. Many offer covered boats, which is helpful in summer heat or passing showers. If you’re visiting New Orleans, you can often book a tour that includes round‑trip transportation to LaPlace and the nearby swamp areas. Tip: Morning and late‑afternoon tours usually feel cooler and more active with wildlife.

2. Explore Historic Destrehan Plantation

Just a short drive east along the Mississippi River, Destrehan Plantation is one of the oldest documented plantations in the Lower Mississippi Valley. On a guided tour you’ll:
  • Walk through the main house and see period furniture
  • Hear stories about the families who lived here
  • Learn about the enslaved people who built and operated the plantation
  • See live demos like open‑hearth cooking or crafts, depending on the day
It’s not a light subject, but it’s an important part of Louisiana history. The grounds are peaceful, with old oak trees and views of the river, which makes it a powerful place to slow down and reflect. Allow about 2–3 hours for a visit, including the tour and some time to walk the grounds.

3. Visit Oak Alley Plantation’s Famous Live Oaks

A little farther west along River Road, you’ll find one of the most photographed spots in Louisiana: Oak Alley Plantation. The star of the show is the 300‑year‑old live oak alley leading from the river levee up to the house. Even if you’ve never been here, you’ve probably seen it in movies or photos. Things to do at Oak Alley:
  • Walk under the giant oaks and take in the view from the levee
  • Tour the plantation home with a guide
  • Visit the powerful exhibit on slavery and the lives of the enslaved
  • Stop by the café for a cold drink or dessert
If you can, visit early in the day, both to beat the heat and the tour buses.

4. Taste Local Flavor at the Andouille Festival

LaPlace proudly calls itself the Andouille Capital of the World, and the town celebrates that every fall at the Andouille Festival in St. John the Baptist Parish. If your trip lines up with this event, don’t miss it. You’ll find:
  • Booths serving gumbos, jambalaya, po‑boys, and more – all featuring andouille
  • Live music from local bands
  • Rides and games for kids
  • Cooking contests and cultural demonstrations
Even if you can’t make the festival, you can still sample LaPlace andouille at local butcher shops and meat markets. Try a pound or two to bring home – it makes amazing red beans and rice.

5. Walk (or Bike) the Mississippi River Levee

The Mississippi River is a big part of life in LaPlace and St. John the Baptist Parish. A simple but relaxing thing to do is head up on the levee and walk or bike along the top. From up there you can:
  • Watch huge cargo ships and tugboats move along the river
  • Catch sunsets over the water and sugarcane fields
  • Get a sense of just how wide the Mississippi really is
Bring water, a hat, and maybe a light jacket in cooler months. It’s an easy, free activity that feels very “local Louisiana.”

6. Visit San Francisco Plantation’s Colorful House

Not far from LaPlace, just upriver in neighboring St. John and St. James areas, is San Francisco Plantation, one of the most distinctive plantation homes in the state. Unlike the white‑columned look of many plantations, this house is:
  • Brightly painted in multiple colors
  • Full of ornate detail and Victorian flair
  • Nicknamed a “Steamboat Gothic” mansion
Guided tours cover the architecture, the sugar plantation’s history, and the enslaved people who worked the land. It’s smaller than some of the more famous plantations, but it feels unique and less crowded.

7. Eat Like a Local in LaPlace

You can learn a lot about a place just by sitting down for a good meal. In LaPlace and across St. John the Baptist Parish, you’ll find:
  • Andouille sausage in gumbo, jambalaya, and po‑boys
  • Seafood platters with fried catfish, shrimp, and oysters
  • Plate lunches with rice, gravy, and slow‑cooked meats
Look for small, family‑run spots and old‑school meat markets. Those are usually where the locals eat. If the parking lot is busy at noon, you’ve probably found the right place. Travel tip: Ask your server, “What do you cook best here?” You’ll often end up with the best thing on the menu, even if it’s not listed as a “special.”

8. Discover Local History at the St. John the Baptist Parish Library & Museums

For a quiet break from the heat or rain, stop by local museums or the parish library in LaPlace. You’ll often find:
  • Displays on the history of St. John the Baptist Parish
  • Old photos of the river, sugarcane fields, and early LaPlace
  • Information on the region’s Creole and Cajun culture
It’s a simple way to understand what life is really like here beyond the big tourist attractions. If you’re traveling with kids, it also gives them space to explore, read, and ask questions.

9. Make a Day Trip to New Orleans

One of the best things about staying in LaPlace is how close you are to New Orleans—only about 30–40 minutes by car, depending on traffic. That makes LaPlace a peaceful, more affordable base with easy access to the city. From LaPlace, you can spend the day in New Orleans:
  • Exploring the French Quarter and Jackson Square
  • Visiting the National WWII Museum
  • Eating beignets and drinking café au lait
  • Listening to live jazz on Frenchmen Street
Then, when you’re tired from the crowds and noise, you can head back to the quieter pace of St. John the Baptist Parish for the night.

10. Enjoy Fishing and Outdoor Time in the River Parishes

If you like being outdoors, the wetlands and lakes around LaPlace offer plenty of chances to fish or just enjoy nature. Common activities include:
  • Freshwater fishing in nearby lakes, canals, and bayous
  • Bird‑watching along quiet backroads and levees
  • Scenic drives through sugarcane fields and along River Road
If you’re new to the area, consider a guided fishing trip. Local guides know where the fish are biting and can handle most of the gear, which makes it easy even for beginners or families.

Planning Your Trip to LaPlace, Louisiana

Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall usually offer the most comfortable weather. Summers are hot and humid, with afternoon storms.
  • Getting around: You’ll want a car to explore LaPlace, the plantations, and the River Parishes.
  • What to pack: Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, bug spray for swamp tours, and a light rain jacket.
LaPlace may not be as famous as New Orleans, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a place where you can slow down, meet friendly locals, and connect with the real Louisiana—one bowl of gumbo and one swamp sunset at a time.

Share Your LaPlace Experience

Have you been to LaPlace or St. John the Baptist Parish? Did you try a swamp tour, taste local andouille, or visit one of the nearby plantations?
  • Drop a comment and share your favorite thing to do near LaPlace.
  • Planning a trip? Ask your questions below—I love helping travelers discover new spots in Louisiana.
  • If you found this helpful, share it with a friend who’s thinking about visiting New Orleans or exploring the River Parishes.
The more we share our stories, the easier it becomes for other travelers to experience this unique corner of Louisiana.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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