A day trip suggestion: plantations or Barataria swamp
From InterContinental New Orleans you can do either a Plantation drive (Oak Alley, Whitney, Laura and others along the River Road) or a Barataria/Jean Lafitte swamp visit in a single day. Plantations are farther (roughly 45–75 minutes by car depending on which you choose); Jean Lafitte/Barataria swamp options are generally closer (about 25–30 minutes from downtown).
In this guide
- Overview: plantations vs. Barataria swamp — which fits a day trip?
- How to get there from InterContinental New Orleans
- Plantation day trip: what to expect
- Barataria swamp option: what you’ll do and see
- Suggested day schedules (two options)
- Practical tips, pack list, and hotel services to use
- Return, dining, and after‑trip options at the hotel
- Booking and confirmations — what to check before you go
Overview: plantations vs. Barataria swamp — which fits a day trip?
Plantation visits focus on historic homes and riverfront landscapes along Louisiana’s Great River Road; many are 45 minutes to about 1 hour from downtown New Orleans by car. Popular sites include Oak Alley and Whitney Plantation, each with different themes and tour styles.
A Barataria-area swamp trip can be shorter. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park’s Barataria Preserve has boardwalk trails that are roughly 25 minutes from downtown, and commercial swamp-boat tours launch from sites approximately 20–45 minutes away depending on operator and launch point.
- Plantation travel time: commonly 45–75 minutes one way (varies by plantation and traffic).
- Barataria/Jean Lafitte swamp sites: commonly about 25–30 minutes from downtown for the preserve; some commercial launch sites can be as quick as 15 minutes.
- Both options are doable as day trips from InterContinental New Orleans; pick plantations for history and gardens, swamps for wildlife and waterway scenery.
| Experience | Typical drive time from downtown | What you’ll see |
|---|---|---|
| River Road plantations (e.g., Oak Alley, Whitney) | About 45–75 minutes | Historic homes, gardens, exhibits |
| Barataria/Jean Lafitte swamp | About 25–30 minutes (preserve); 20–45 to boat launch sites | Cypress swamp, boardwalks, wildlife |
| Closest quick swamp launch | As little as 15 minutes (operator-dependent) | Short boat cruises, marsh & bayou |
How to get there from InterContinental New Orleans
The hotel sits on St. Charles Avenue in the Central Business District, making it easy to leave downtown by car or arranged transport. The property does not provide an airport shuttle, but concierge and tour/ticket assistance can help arrange tours, private cars, or shared-van excursions.
Public transit and streetcar are good for downtown sightseeing but are not convenient for plantation or swamp day trips because most launch sites and plantations sit outside the city and are best reached by car.
- Ask the hotel concierge for recommended tour operators and pickup options; they offer tours and ticket assistance.
- Rent a car or use a rideshare/taxi for the most flexible schedule — plantations are scattered along Highway 18/Great River Road.
- Many commercial swamp tours include hotel pickup; confirm pickup location and return time with the operator.
| Option | When to pick it |
|---|---|
| Organized tour with pickup | If you prefer not to drive or want commentary and set schedules |
| Self-drive or rideshare | If you want a flexible, independent schedule |
| Hotel concierge-arranged private car | If you want a tailored itinerary or fixed return time |
Plantation day trip: what to expect
Popular plantation sites referenced by multiple sources include Oak Alley (about 53 miles / roughly 1 hour) and Whitney Plantation (about 45 miles / roughly 45–50 minutes). Each plantation sets its own hours and tour formats, so check individual sites before you go.
Plantation tours can include guided house tours, grounds and garden walks, and museum exhibits. Whitney Plantation, for example, is known for its focus on the lives of enslaved people; Oak Alley is often visited for its riverfront oak promenade and main house architecture.
- Travel times vary by plantation; plan on at least a 1–1.5 hour round trip travel buffer plus 1–2 hours on site.
- Bring sun protection and comfortable shoes — grounds and walkways are outdoors.
- Check the plantation’s official site or call ahead for current hours, tour types, and accessibility details.
| Plantation | Approx. travel time from downtown (source guidance) |
|---|---|
| Whitney Plantation | About 45–50 minutes |
| Oak Alley Plantation | About 1 hour |
| Laura Plantation | About 1 hour 10 minutes |
Barataria swamp option: what you’ll do and see
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park’s Barataria Preserve offers boardwalk trails through cypress swamp and is generally about 25 minutes from downtown; guided trails are self-guided and good for short nature visits. Separate commercial swamp-boat tours launch from nearby towns and small marinas and focus on waterways, wildlife viewing and local ecology.
Swamp-boat tours vary in length and format (covered boat, airboat, or small-boat cruise); operators often advertise launch points 15–45 minutes from downtown depending on the route and location.
- Barataria Preserve: good for walking boardwalks and shorter nature time.
- Commercial swamp boats: better for wildlife viewing (alligators, birds) and a boat-based experience.
- Confirm exact launch location and travel time with the tour operator; some sites are closer than others.
| Type of visit | Best for |
|---|---|
| Jean Lafitte Barataria Preserve (boardwalks) | Short hikes, nature photography, easy access |
| Commercial swamp-boat tour | Wildlife viewing and a boat experience |
| Combo tours (swamp + plantation) | See both without arranging separate transfers |
Suggested day schedules (two options)
Two sample itineraries below show a typical day that starts and ends at InterContinental New Orleans. These are examples — confirm times and reservations with operators and the hotel concierge.
Both itineraries assume you start from the hotel in the morning and return in the late afternoon or early evening.
- Plantation-focused day: depart ~8:00 AM, arrive ~9:00 AM at Oak Alley or ~8:30–9:00 at Whitney, 1–2 hour guided visit, return by late afternoon.
- Swamp-focused day: depart ~8:30 AM, arrive ~9:00 AM at Barataria Preserve or nearby launch, 1–2 hour boat tour, optional short stop at a nearby café or small museum, return by mid-afternoon.
| Time | Plantation day | Barataria swamp day |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00–9:00 AM | Leave InterContinental New Orleans; drive or meet tour | Leave hotel or meet tour; drive to launch or preserve |
| 9:00–11:00 AM | Guided house tour and grounds | Boat tour or boardwalk walk |
| 11:30–1:00 PM | Lunch at plantation café or nearby town | Lunch near launch site or return to downtown |
| 1:30–3:30 PM | Optional second plantation or museum stop | Optional additional swamp time or return to hotel |
| 4:00–5:30 PM | Return to InterContinental New Orleans | Return to InterContinental New Orleans |
Practical tips, pack list, and hotel services to use
Use the hotel concierge and tours/ticket assistance to book reputable operators and arrange pickup. InterContinental New Orleans has free Wi‑Fi throughout the property and a 24-hour front desk if you need last-minute coordination.
Bring basic items for either trip: sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and a light rain jacket in case of showers.
- If you need a larger vehicle or private car, ask the concierge — they can help arrange private transfers.
- If you’re staying in a specific room type, note the room names when booking — e.g., Classic Room, 1 King Bed; Premium Room; Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony.
- Plantations and some boat operators have uneven surfaces; if mobility is a concern, check accessibility with each site ahead of time.
| Item | Why bring it |
|---|---|
| Insect repellent | Swamp and garden areas can have mosquitoes |
| Sun protection | Plantation grounds have open, sunny areas |
| Comfortable shoes | Walking on boardwalks and gardens |
Return, dining, and after‑trip options at the hotel
After a day out, you can dine on-site at Trenasse (Cajun-Creole/Gulf Coast cuisine) or Pete’s (English-style pub serving breakfast and evening cocktails). Trenasse serves lunch and dinner and opens earlier on Sundays; Pete’s offers breakfast and a cocktail hour on select days.
If you prefer a relaxed evening after a long day, the hotel’s rooftop pool and 24-hour fitness center are available, and the 24-hour front desk can assist with late check-in or storage needs.
- Trenasse hours: daily 11:00 AM–10:00 PM (Sundays open at 10:00 AM) — check with the restaurant for current hours.
- Pete’s breakfast: daily from 6:30 AM with breakfast service; Pete’s also hosts Cocktail Hour on certain evenings.
- Pool hours (rooftop): daily 7:00 AM–10:00 PM — poolside dining is available during those hours.
| Hotel facility | Useful for post-trip |
|---|---|
| Trenasse | Dinner and seafood or oyster bar options |
| Pete’s | Breakfast, cocktails, and casual pub food |
| Rooftop pool | Relaxation and poolside dining after returning |
Booking and confirmations — what to check before you go
Confirm pickup times, exact meeting locations, and total trip duration with your tour operator before you leave the hotel. If the tour includes hotel pickup, verify where the driver will meet you (front door on St. Charles Avenue is common).
If you plan to drive, check parking rules at the sites you intend to visit and leave time for traffic. The hotel offers on-site valet parking for a fee if you park at the property before or after your excursion.
- Ask the concierge for vetted operators and contact numbers.
- Confirm whether food, entrance fees, or gratuities are included in your tour price.
- Keep a printed or digital copy of confirmation details and the operator’s phone number.
| Item to confirm | Why |
|---|---|
| Pickup location/time | Ensures you don’t miss the tour |
| What’s included | Avoids surprise fees for admission or meals |
| Return time | Plan dinner reservations or pool time back at the hotel |
