New Orleans Nighttime Cemetery and Haunted Plantation Tour

If you’re curious about the darker, more mysterious side of New Orleans, the Nighttime Cemetery and Haunted Plantation Tour offers an intriguing peek into the city’s haunted past and historic roots. While it promises a blend of ghost stories and cultural insights, it’s worth knowing what you’re getting into before booking.

This tour highlights three main aspects: the visit to Destrehan Plantation, well-known for its eerie stories; a drive along the outskirts of the French Quarter; and a walk through a historic city cemetery. We love the opportunity to explore Déstreharn’s historical significance with a knowledgeable guide, the chance to see authentic New Orleans burial practices, and the ease of organized transportation. However, some may find the overall experience a bit light on ghost stories, and the limited time at each stop might leave ghost enthusiasts wanting more.

This experience is best suited for those interested in history with a spooky twist, curious about local burial customs, or looking for a relaxed way to explore haunted sights with comfort. If you’re expecting a full-fledged ghost-hunting adventure or a cramped walking tour, this might not fully satisfy your thrill-seeking side.

Good To Know

• Historic and spooky blend: Combines a historic plantation visit with cemetery exploration.
• Knowledgeable guides matter: The guide at Destrehan Plantation is praised for insights.
• Convenient transportation: Includes bus transport from a central New Orleans location.
• Limited ghost storytelling: Some reviews note the focus is more on history than ghost tales.
• Short cemetery visit: Only 20 minutes inside the cemetery, which may feel brief.
• Cost and duration: At $114 per person for 5 hours, it offers a relaxed pace and some value, especially for history fans.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Destrehan Plantation: The Historical Heart of the Tour

The tour kicks off with a two-hour visit to Destrehan Plantation, just outside of New Orleans. This mansion captures the imagination with its colonial architecture and is shrouded in stories of enslaved Africans and Voodoo roots. Based on reviews, the guide here is a standout, providing detailed insights that make the history pop. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide was very knowledgeable about the plantation’s dark past,” which adds depth beyond just wandering the grounds.

While the mansion itself is captivating, some visitors noted that the stories shared focused heavily on the plantation’s historical context rather than ghostly encounters. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you’re more interested in history than haunted legends.

Drive Along the Outskirts of the French Quarter

On the way to the cemeteries, the tour vehicle cruises along the outskirts of the French Quarter, offering glimpses of the iconic area. This short drive is more about setting the mood and giving you a taste of what’s to come. It’s a good opportunity to snap photos, as the scenery provides a charming backdrop against the darker theme of the tour.

Cemetery Visit: The City of the Dead

The highlight for many is the visit to 400 City Park Ave, where you’ll step inside a historic cemetery. With 20 minutes inside, you get a quick but meaningful look at local burial practices. The guide will share stories about the tombs and the rituals associated with them, which some reviewers found fascinating.

One traveler noted, “We learned so much about how New Orleanians honor their dead,” highlighting the educational aspect of this stop. However, others felt that the time was a bit tight for a deep dive into ghost stories or exploring the cemetery in detail. Still, it’s a notable stop that offers a glimpse into the city’s macabre yet respectful approach to death.

Return and End of Tour

The tour wraps up back at the starting point, making it easy to continue exploring or head back to your accommodations. The whole experience is designed for comfort and convenience, with pickup at the Voodoo Tavern & Po-Boys for easy access.

Transportation & Group Size

The tour is conducted via comfortable bus transport, which is a perk for those who prefer not to walk long distances, especially at night. The group size is capped at 28 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience compared to larger bus tours. This allows for more interaction with guides and a better chance to ask questions.

Price and Value Analysis

At $114 per person, the tour isn’t the cheapest option available for a 5-hour experience, but it includes admission to Destrehan Plantation and transportation. For history enthusiasts eager to learn about the plantation’s tales of slavery and Voodoo, this can be a worthwhile investment. However, if ghost stories are your main goal, you might find the tour somewhat lacking, as some reviewers felt the guide talked about unrelated topics during the cemetery visit.

What We Love and What to Consider

We loved the knowledgeable guides, especially at Destrehan Plantation, who provided rich context that made history come alive. The organized transportation makes it easy to relax and focus on the experience, and the tour’s timing at night adds a spooky ambiance that’s perfect for the theme.

A potential drawback is that the tour’s focus leans more toward history than ghost hunting. The short cemetery stop might feel rushed for those wanting a thorough ghostly adventure, and the limited time at each site can leave visitors wanting more of the spooky stories.

This tour suits travelers who are interested in cultural history, local traditions of death and burial, or those who prefer a relaxed, guided experience rather than a strenuous or overly eerie ghost hunt. It’s also ideal for people new to New Orleans’ haunted side, wanting a balanced introduction.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re looking for a comfortable, informative way to explore some of New Orleans’ most iconic haunted sites and plantations, this tour could be a good pick. Its focus on history and cultural insights, combined with easy transportation, makes it accessible for all ages and mobility levels.

However, if your main interest is hearing ghost stories or engaging in a spine-tingling adventure, this might feel a bit tame. The short stops mean you’ll get a quick overview rather than an immersive experience. For avid ghost hunters, other tours with longer, more detailed storytelling may be more satisfying.

This tour is best suited for history lovers, curious travelers, or those seeking a relaxing evening tour that combines the spooky with the educational. It delivers value in its guided insights and ease of access, making it a decent choice for a first encounter with New Orleans’ haunted lore.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes comfortable bus transport from a designated meeting point in the French Quarter.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 5 hours, starting at 7:00 pm and ending back at the meeting point.

Are admission tickets included?
Yes, you get admission to Destrehan Plantation and the cemetery is free to enter with the guide.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 28 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but given the nighttime, haunted theme, parents should use discretion for younger children.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I expect at Destrehan Plantation?
A two-hour visit focusing on its historical significance, with stories about slavery and Voodoo roots, guided by a knowledgeable person.

In summary, the New Orleans Nighttime Cemetery and Haunted Plantation Tour offers a laid-back yet insightful look into the city’s haunted past and historic sites. Ideal for those who appreciate guided storytelling combined with cultural education, it provides a comfortable way to explore the dark side of New Orleans without diving into an intense paranormal investigation. If you’re after a balanced, historically grounded experience with a touch of spookiness, this tour might just fit the bill.