The top experiences in Houma, Louisiana! These are our preferred sights, museums, swamp excursions, and enjoyable activities for the whole family.
Activities to enjoy in Houma, LA
Houma, Louisiana, lies about 57 miles to the southwest of New Orleans. The Houma region is located within Terrebonne Parish.
Houma is located near the Gulf of Mexico and features numerous waterways, which has led to the region being called “Louisiana’s Bayou Country.” This is an ideal place to discover Cajun culture, take marsh excursions, explore beautiful bayous, and experience the impressive Houma Mardi Gras Celebration.
One aspect we particularly enjoy when visitingHoumais how straightforward the city is to navigate. You can easily drive to sights and activities without feeling like you might get lost.
We ended up circling the block several times to admire impressive murals and artistic installations.
Houma extended an invitation for us to discover the region, and we are truly grateful for the chance to collaborate with them.
Houma Visitor Center
We enjoy visiting local visitor centers to discover more about the region and receive excellent local suggestions.
The Houma Area Visitor Center offers excellent educational exhibits featuring details about Southern Louisiana.
They possess an exceptional computer that captures your photo and emails it to you with an entertaining Houma frame. There’s a remarkable map displaying visitors’ origins. I was surprised by the number of people who come from France and other countries.
The reception team is excellent at addressing inquiries and can assist you with local details to enhance your visit.
You may obtain the Houma adventure guide from the visitor bureau’s website to learn more about the region.
Address114 Tourist Drive, Gray, LA
Take Exit 202 off U.S. Route 90, then follow the directions
Large White Boots Photo Opportunity
If you’re seeking a lively family photograph to commemorate your time in southern Louisiana, be sure to pause and take a picture with the enormous white boots.
This is an ideal fun photo moment for Instagram or TikTok. Where else will you find a chance to take a picture with huge white boots?
Address114 Tourist Drive, Gray, LA
Take Exit 202 off U.S. Route 90, and then proceed according to the directions indicated.
Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge
Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge consists of 4,212 acres of freshwater marsh and Cypress-Tupelo Swamp.
Mandalay Nature Trail, located within the wildlife refuge, is a 0.9-mile path that ends at a boardwalk ideal for observing waterfowl, herons, and neotropical songbirds.
Always apply insect repellent before heading out on the trail. The mosquitoes are common and quite welcoming.
We used the Merlin app on our phone while walking and were amazed by all the birds we identified. So many wonderful migratory birds and species we don’t usually encounter.
Cajun Man’s Swamp Tours
Captain Billy J. Gaston is a seasoned tour guide and alligator hunter. To spot gators, you should venture out onto the bayou with Captain Billy.
This was among the top swamp tours we’ve experienced. It becomes clear very quickly that Capt. Billy has a deep understanding of the swamp and its local wildlife.
I have never heard someone shout for a gator and witnessed an alligator swimming toward the boat. I have heard them referred to as swamp puppies before, but until this tour, I had never seen it happen in real life.
They were extremely thrilled to meet Capt. Billy, and I’m certain they were wagging their tails like a puppy. You have the option to feed the alligators raw chicken using a long stick if you’re inclined to do so.
The alligators are delighted to bite and reveal their teeth to you.
We were deeply impressed by Captain Billy’s expertise regarding the gators, as well as the birds and other wildlife in the region.
He does an outstanding job of educating you about the swamp and bayou while remaining highly entertaining.
We are eager to embark on anotherCajun Man’s Swamp Tourat a different time of the year to observe how the swamp varies.
Interesting Trivia – The swamps near Houma have served as a filming spot for the History Channel’s series Swamp People.
Tours depart from Bob’s Bayou Black Marina located at 251 Marina Dr. Gibson, LA 70356 (near Hwy 182)
Swamp excursions are also available through Annie Miller’s Son’s Marsh and Swamp Tours & Charters
This was one of our favorite momentsthings to explore in Houma, Louisiana
Wetlands Cultural Scenic Byway
Go on a journey along the Wetlands Cultural Trail to explore communities that have maintained their traditional culture.
The entire Wetlands Cultural Scenic Byway spans 282 miles. The Bayou Terrebonne Area Byway begins in Houma and heads south along Highway 56 and 57 until reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum
The Museum of Bayou Terrebonne’s Waterlife honors the customs and businesses that form the distinct culture of the region.
This museum excels at presenting the culture of life and work near water. After leaving the museum, I recognized that I had gained significant knowledge about various elements of water-based living, such as oil platforms, alligators, oyster cultivation, and the surrounding region.
The museum is ideal for people of all ages, featuring exhibits arranged at children’s eye level, allowing them to learn while adults read the more detailed informational signs.
A Louisiana-style music group performs every Tuesday between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Address – 7910 Park Avenue, Houma, LA 70364
Houma Main Street
Houma Main Street gives the impression of traveling back in time in certain parts and diving deeply into the local community in others. It features impressive murals, excellent Houma eateries, and various stores along the street.
Houma experienced the impact of Hurricane Ida a few years back, and the city is still in the process of recovery. You can observe the progress made along Main Street and understand why it has been featured in several movies.
Hollywood in Houma
The Houma and nearby region’s famous locations, which have appeared in movies and television, are highlighted by the Bayou Country Film Trail.
Swamp People –The TV show Swamp People, aired on the History Channel, was shot in the nearby region.
Magnolia Plantation HouseWas featured in the Oscar-winning film 12 Years a Slave and Nicholas Sparks’ The Best of Me.
Ardoyne Plantation– Featured in the new Will Smith film Emancipation, alongside Crazy in Alabama, Deadline, and Tribute.
Downtown Houma– Movies such as Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Where the Crawdads Sing, and Crazy in Alabama are included.
Isle of Jean Charles Bayous– Featured in the movie Beasts of the Southern Wild.
Additional Film Credits from Bayou Country:
- The Best of Me
- Lee Daniels’ The Butler
- 12 Years a Slave
- Tribute
- Beasts of the Southern Wild
- The Exile
- Hurricane in the Bayou (IMAX)
- All the King’s Men
- Deadline
- Crazy in Alabama
- First Love, Last Rites
- The Apostle
- Three on a Match
- Terror in the Swamp
- Where the Crawdads Sing
- Emancipation
Chauvin Sculpture Garden
The Chauvin Sculpture Garden features over 100 concrete artworks. This complimentary site close to Houma is accessible from sunrise to sunset.
We strongly recommend using insect repellent and keeping your car’s windows closed when you arrive. I’m not certain if it was the season we visited, but we found ourselves surrounded by mosquitoes around the vehicle.
Location – 5336 Bayouside Drive, Chauvin, Louisiana
Greenwood Alligator Farm and Tour
Have you ever come across alligator farming? The Greenwood Gator Farm and Tour provides a chance to discover both historical and modern details about this practice.
Greenwood Gator Farm offers the only operational gator farm tour in Louisiana.
T-Boy is a 14-foot large alligator with a tough personality found in the enormous hole.
Location – 125 Gator Court, Gibson, LA 70356
Bayou Country Crawfish Trail
The Bayou Country Crawfish TrailIs Louisiana Boiled and Bred. Yes, that was a touch of crawfish humor.
There are 38 locations on the Crawfish Trail that showcase the delicious taste of Louisiana crawfish.
When you go to these places, remember to keep your receipts so you can get a free Crawfish Trail T-shirt!
Showcase your love for learning and savoring tasty Louisiana crawfish with a vibrant shirt.
Louisiana Crawfish
One lesson I’ve gained is that there’s never an inappropriate time to enjoy Louisiana crawfish. The season determines what will be on your plate.
Heads seasonIt’s when you’ll encounter large trays of easy-to-eat crawfish. This is the season when spicy boiled crawfish is a must-try! A crawfish boil typically includes crawfish, along with potatoes, corn, onions, sausage, mushrooms, and various seasonings.
The peak season typically takes place during the first half of the year. Nevertheless, certain seasons may vary in length based on the availability of crawfish.
Tail season –During crawfish season, you’ll see crawfish tail meat available on the menu at Houma Restaurant.
You may obtain a Bayou Country Crawfish Trail brochure at the Houma Visitor Center.
Birding & Wildlife
The wetlands close to Houma, Louisiana, are included in the second-largest migration route in the United States. During the winter, over 5 million birds find their habitat in these wetlands.
The region is also inhabited by 70 vulnerable and endangered animal and plant species.
Common animals found in the region are alligators, Bald Eagles, white-tailed deer, otters, and a variety of other birds.
We were surprised by the number of birds we identified using the Merlin app. Each time we arrived at a new location, we used the app since we could hear birds around us.
The Roseate Spoonbill shown above was observed during a Cajun Man’s Swamp Tour. At one moment, we captured a Limpkin, Roseate Spoonbill, Great Egret, and Common Gallinula in the same picture.
Terrebonne Loop Birding Trail
This path meanders across Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge and Pointe-aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area.
Mr. Ronnie’s Well-Known Hot Doughnuts
Ronnie’s Well-Known Hot Donuts is available around the clock and has been providing warm, freshly made donuts for three decades.
Check for the “hot” message to be blinking on their famous sign to determine that they have fresh donuts available for you.
I urge you to try the blueberry cake donut. It’s one of the finest doughnuts I’ve ever tasted anywhere in the world.
Address: 1171 W Tunnel Boulevard, Houma, Louisiana
Bayou Terrebonne Distillers
Bayou Terrebonne Distillers is situated along the water’s edge of historic Downtown Houma. This family-run enterprise, rooted in the marshlands, has a remarkable tale that involves an illegal family custom.
Great-Grandmother Lillie served as a Mardi Gras queen and was also a lawbreaker who produced illegal alcohol on Bayou Terrebonne. She holds the distinction of being the first Mardi Gras queen in the region.
Lillie made Hooch so exceptional that individuals stopped bothering her. Several generations later, her great-grandsons still uphold her legacy of crafting premium alcohol.
Bayou Terrebonne Distillers crafts excellent beverages, such as:
- Hogshead Aged Rum
- Hard Scrabble Silver Rum
- Good Earth Straight Bourbon
- Contraband Worn Whiskey
All items are certified as Louisiana, Cajun, and Craft Beverage.
They provide guided tours during regular business hours. The venue is open on Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm and on Saturday from 2 pm to 10 pm.
Visit their website to check regular business hours and confirm they are currently open.
Address: 8043 Main Street Houma
Drive Thru Daiquiri Shops
One distinctive activity in Louisiana is to drive through a daiquiri stand. Indeed, you heard correctly—you have the option to drive through and place an order for a daiquiri.
Don’t be concerned; the tape on the cup makes it permissible to leave with. They offer various sizes and tastes.
We were surprised by the wide variety of tastes and choices available.
Discovering Our Heritage: African American Mobile Museum
The mobile museum can be found at the Explore Houma Visitor Center every Tuesday and Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The museum honors the African-American heritage found in Terrebonne, Lafourche, and St. Mary Parishes.
Southdown Plantation and Terrebonne Museum
Southdown Plantation and Museum can only be visited through organized tours. These tours feature the Southdown Plantation House, a 19th-century mansion, slave quarters, a gift shop, and a laborer’s cabin.
Address: 1208 Museum Drive close to LA Highway 311 and St. Charles Street (LA 664) in Houma
Ardoyne Plantation House– Temporarily closed as a result of Hurricane IDA.
The Regional Military Museum
The Houma Regional Military Museum safeguards the military heritage of South Louisiana.
They feature displays about World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, the Persian Gulf War, and the War on Terror.
In addition to an upcoming display featuring the American Revolution, War of 1812, and the Civil War.
We are excited to explore the Regional Military Museum during our next trip to Houma. We passed by at night and saw all the planes, helicopters, and large exhibits, and were amazed by how much there is to view.
Address: 1154 Barrow Street, Houma, Louisiana
Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center
The Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center provides a tour that explores the region’s history and current culture. You can view distinctive artworks created by local artists and artisans, participate in art classes and workshops, and explore engaging exhibits such as the Cajun Tool Shed, Louisiana Decoys, Native American Indian Artifacts Exhibit, and others.
They feature a gift shop offering unique Louisiana artwork and handcrafted items from local artists.
Address: 317 Goode Street, Houma, Louisiana
Murals and Public Art
One aspect we truly appreciate in the center of Houma is the mural art and outdoor sculptures. We ended up driving along various streets to check if there was more artwork to discover.
Incredible angel wings, fish wings, and crawfish claw art murals are available for entertaining photo opportunities.
Houma Cajun Claws Mural – Side wall of La Boujee Boutique
Home, Sweet Houma Mural – Side wall of Lumiere’s Blues and Jazz Bistro located on Main Street.
A glimpse at the past mural – Corner of Lafayette Street and Main Street
Cajun Butterflies and Fish Mural – Belanger Street near the Courthouse Square
Terrebonne Parish Bicentennial Mural – Situated on Main Street (Photo below)
The Story of the Houma Mural – 7928 W. Main Street.
Also watch for remarkable window murals that showcase Houma festivals and occasions.
Fishing
Due to the extensive system of bayous and Houma’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, you can look forward to exceptional fishing opportunities.
You have the option of fishing in freshwater, saltwater, or brackish water environments. Houma provides opportunities for shore fishing and pond fishing, as well as organized fishing excursions.
Numerous charter fishing experiences can be found.
If you’re driving through Houma and the nearby areas, you can take in the view of shrimp boats near the homes of skippers. The network of bustling waterways is truly impressive.
Geocaching
There are a minimum of 40 geocaching sites available on the Houma Treasure Hunt via Geotour.
If you find 35 out of the 40 caches during the Houma Treasure Hunt, you can obtain a signature Explore Houma geocoin.
Ensure you are signed up on Geocaching.com with a username. After that, download the Explore Houma GT4De and log your discoveries.
Houma Events
One of the enjoyable activities in Houma, LA, is participating in an event! This region has a strong appreciation for weekend festivals, cultural gatherings, community events, the area’s Cajun traditions, and lively Mardi Gras festivities.
Some of the most well-known events are Mardi Gras, Maw Maw Walker, Rougarou Fest, and seasonal celebrations.
Mardi Gras – February and March
Houma hosts one of the biggest Mardi Gras events in Louisiana. The Mardi Gras festivities in Houma begin with the Krewe of Hercules and continue almost constantly until the Krewe of Kajuns.
Twin Fest
The Twin Fest Louisiana event honors twins, multiple births, and those who care for them. We connected with the twins who organize Twin Fest, and they are truly remarkable!
These women have a talent for organizing an enjoyable gathering that will fill you with happiness. Twin Fest Louisiana features music, handmade items, amazing food, and plenty of entertainment!
Rougarou Fest – October
Rougarou Fest offers a wonderful, cost-free family-friendly event in Houma. This celebration honors the deep-rooted legends of the bayous in Southeast Louisiana.
Prepare to get dressed, enjoy live music, and savor delicious Cajun cuisine.
Maw Maw Walker and Tailgate -October
The first time I saw images of this Houma event, all I could think about was how I needed to go to it eventually.
All the funds raised from this event will support the renewal initiatives in Downtown Houma. They encourage you to wear muumuus and take a walk to various locations in the downtown area.
A competition is underway for the most elegantly dressed Maw Maw!
Ala Bayou Terrebonne Christmas Boat Parade – December
One of my favorite aspects of residing in the South is the Christmas Boat Parades. Residents adorn their boats and travel from the Bourg Volunteer Fire Station along the bayou to the Humble Canal Bridge.
You may assemble on either side of the bayou to observe the boat procession pass by.
Additional Houma Events
January: Wienie Spaghetti Cookoff Festival
February and MarchMardi Gras in Houma
Bayou Terrebonne Boucherie, Houma – Terrebonne Irish Italian Festival
AprilPirates and Boots Festival, Ladybug Ball Festival, Twin Fest Louisiana
MayMay the 4th Be With You; Oilman’s Fishing Invitational, Louisiana Blackberry Festival
June: Krewe of Terreanians Fishing Tournament
July: Independence Day March, Good Earth July 4th Festival
AugustTerrebonne Sportsman League Fish Catching Event; Cleopatra Fish Catching Event
September: Hero Festival; Big Band Bash; Best of the Bayou Festival
OctoberBayou Arts Festival; Rougarou Festival; Boo on the Bayou; Bayou Dularge Cajun Fair; Maw Maw Walker; Oktoberfest
NovemberSouthdown Marketplace Arts and Crafts Fair; Elks Duck Derby Community Event
DecemberHouma Christmas Festival and Parade; Ala Bayou Terrebonne Christmas Boat Procession
Where to stay while visiting Houma, Louisiana
Courtyard Marriott– We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott in Houma and were very pleased with the facilities and the ideal location for sightseeing.
The Courtyard Marriott offers an indoor and outdoor pool, a gym, a bistro, and cozy accommodations.
Where is Houma, Louisiana
Houma, Louisiana, is situated in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana’s Bayou Country. Terrebonne Parish is the second largest parish in the state of Louisiana.
More than 65% of Terrebonne Parish consists of wetlands or areas with open water. Houma spans 14 square miles and is located just 35 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.
Houma sits along the Intracoastal Waterway, a feature we found both interesting and enjoyable. We reside in Gulf Shores, Alabama, which is also situated on the Intracoastal Waterway. I’m amazed that you can travel its entire length from Gulf Shores to Houma, Louisiana.
Closest Airport to Houma– The nearest major airport is Louis Armstrong International Airport located in New Orleans.
The local Houma-Terrebonne Airport offers facilities for private aircraft and helicopters.
Driving Distances:
New Orleans – 57 miles, 1 hour
Baton Rouge – 83 miles, 1.5 hours
Lafayette – 103 miles, 1.5 hours
Biloxi – 143 miles, 2.5 hours
Mobile, AL – 197 miles, 2.5 hours or more
Shreveport – 314 miles, over 4 hours
Houston – 320 miles, 5.5 hours
Dallas – 492 miles, 7.5 hours
Atlanta – 533 miles, 8 hours
Additional Articles about the Gulf Coast of Louisiana
Cristiano Ristorante Houma– Don’t overlook this delectable Italian eatery located in the center of Houma, Louisiana
Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter– Must-see spot in New Orleans featuring delicious beignets and chicory coffee. A top attraction in the Big Easy!
Carousel Bar– Go to this famous New Orleans bar, where you can take a seat on the carousel and have a wonderful drink.
Steamboat Natchez– Take a look at this historic steamboat trip along the Mississippi River.
Gambino’s Bakery– Renowned king cakes and the first Doberge Cake.
Don’t overlook our other Gulf Coast locations, such asGulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Alabama and so many others!
Watch for articles about the Gulf CoastAlabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
Check out our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTokpages for more excellent suggestions for the Gulf Coast.
