Houmas House and Gardens is a Greek Revival plantation house at 40136 Highway 942 in Darrow, Louisiana, about 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Downtown New Orleans. The drive takes about 1 hour 10 minutes via I-10 West to Highway 22 and the River Road along the Mississippi. A rental car is the practical way to reach it, and the property can be combined with other River Road sites. The estate is known for its restored mansion furnished with period antiques and for about 38 acres of landscaped gardens, with live oaks, fountains, formal beds and walking paths. Guided house tours are offered, and the grounds include on-site dining, with a restaurant and cafe serving Louisiana cuisine. The website lists current tour times and ticket options, and visitors should check these before arriving. A practical one-day arc starts with an early drive to reach the estate near opening, followed by a guided house tour and a walk through the gardens in the late morning. Lunch can be taken at the on-site restaurant, after which the afternoon can include a visit to nearby Oak Alley or Laura Plantation, or a drive along the River Road past sugarcane fields. The return to New Orleans can be timed to avoid the late-day traffic on I-10 near Metairie. October to May is the best period, when temperatures are comfortable for strolling the gardens and spring brings flowers in bloom. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon storms common. Food options between the River Road sites are limited, so planning meals around the on-site restaurant is sensible. Houmas House works well as a half-day stop or as one of two plantations in a longer day, and its gardens are a highlight for photographers and horticulture enthusiasts. Total driving time is about 2.5 hours round trip.
| Distance | About 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Downtown New Orleans |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hr 10 min by car |
| Getting there | Drive I-10 W to Highway 22 and the River Road |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | 40136 Highway 942, Darrow, LA 70725 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- About $50-80 (about US$50-80) per day
- Frequency
- On demand
- Operator
- Enterprise or Hertz
- Departure point
- Downtown New Orleans
Location
40136 Highway 942, Darrow, LA 70725
30.1470, -90.9400 View on map
Highlights
- Tour the restored Greek Revival mansion with period antiques
- Stroll about 38 acres of landscaped gardens with oaks and fountains
- Dine at the on-site restaurant serving Louisiana cuisine
- Combine with Oak Alley or Laura Plantation along the River Road
- Photograph spring blooms in the formal gardens
Tips for visiting
- Check tour times and tickets on the website before leaving
- Arrive near opening for smaller groups and softer light
- Plan lunch at the on-site restaurant; services are sparse nearby
- Pair with another River Road plantation for a fuller day
- Return before the late-day I-10 traffic near Metairie
When to visit
October to May for comfortable weather and spring blooms. Arrive in the morning for smaller groups.
Accessibility
The gardens have many walking paths, but the historic house may have stairs. Inquire with the property about accessible routes.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Houmas House from New Orleans?
About 60 miles northwest, roughly 1 hour 10 minutes by car via I-10 West and Highway 22.
Is there food on site?
Yes, the property has a restaurant and cafe serving Louisiana cuisine.
Can it be combined with other plantations?
Yes. Oak Alley and Laura Plantation are on the same River Road corridor and can be added in the afternoon.
When is the best time to visit?
October to May, with spring bringing garden blooms.