Did you know that Houma, Louisiana is nicknamed the “Venice of America” due to its incredible network of over 2,500 miles of navigable waterways? This hidden gem in Louisiana’s Bayou Country offers a fascinating blend of Cajun culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and authentic Southern hospitality that few visitors expect to discover. From gliding through cypress-studded swamps to savoring the most authentic Cajun cuisine you’ll ever taste, Houma delivers experiences that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere.
Getting to Houma
Located approximately 57 miles southwest of New Orleans, Houma is easily accessible by car, making it a perfect addition to your Louisiana itinerary. The most convenient way to reach Houma is to fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and then drive the scenic route to Houma.
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The drive from New Orleans to Houma takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. If you’re coming from other major cities, Houma is about 83 miles from Baton Rouge (1.5 hours), 103 miles from Lafayette (1.5 hours), and 143 miles from Biloxi, Mississippi (2.5 hours).
When to Visit Houma
The best time to visit Houma is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 65°F to 85°F. These seasons offer comfortable weather for outdoor activities like swamp tours and exploring the bayous.
Spring (March-May)
Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. It’s also when you can experience Houma’s vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations, which feature 17 parades and countless festivities. Spring is also prime crawfish season, making it the perfect time for seafood lovers.
Fall (September-November)
Fall offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. October is particularly special as it’s when the popular Rougarou Fest takes place – a unique festival celebrating the legendary Cajun werewolf. The wetlands are also teeming with migratory birds during this season, making it ideal for birdwatching.
Top Attractions in Houma, Louisiana
Houma offers a diverse range of attractions that showcase the unique culture and natural beauty of Louisiana’s Bayou Country. From thrilling swamp tours to fascinating museums, here are the best things to do in Houma that shouldn’t be missed.
Swamp Tours and Outdoor Adventures
Cajun Man’s Swamp Tours
Experience the authentic bayou with Captain Billy J. Gaston, an experienced tour guide and alligator hunter. This tour offers an up-close encounter with alligators (some even respond to the captain’s calls!), along with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife including roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, and other wetland creatures.
Tours depart from Bob’s Bayou Black Marina and provide an educational and entertaining glimpse into swamp life. You’ll learn about the ecosystem, local wildlife, and the cultural significance of the bayous to Cajun heritage.
Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge
This 4,212-acre refuge offers a peaceful retreat into nature with its freshwater marsh and Cypress-Tupelo Swamp. The Mandalay Nature Trail is a 0.9-mile path leading to a boardwalk that’s perfect for spotting waterfowl, wading birds, and neotropical songbirds.
The trail is suitable for all ages and takes about 20 minutes to complete. For the best experience, bring bug spray, wear long sleeves and pants, and consider waterproof shoes as the trail can get flooded after rain.
PAC Kayak Rentals
For a more intimate bayou experience, head to Pointe-aux-Chenes (about an hour’s drive from Houma) and rent a kayak from PAC Kayak Rentals. Paddle through the coastal marsh waters where you might spot wild horses, dolphins, and numerous bird species.
The best time to kayak here is from October through May when the water is shallow and clear. The area is also renowned as one of the top fishing destinations in the world, particularly for redfish and blue crabs.
Cultural Attractions and Museums
Southdown Plantation and Terrebonne Museum
Step back in time at this historic plantation house that dates back to the 1800s. Originally settled by gentlemen from Cuba, the plantation was later owned by the Bowie brothers (including Jim Bowie of Alamo fame) before being acquired by the Minor family who expanded it to 22,000 acres.
Today, the plantation houses the Terrebonne Museum, which showcases the area’s rich history through exhibits on the Native Peoples of Louisiana, the United Houma Nation, and Mardi Gras costumes. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into plantation life and the sugar industry that once dominated the region.
Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum
This fascinating museum celebrates the traditions and industries that make up Houma’s unique water-based culture. Exhibits cover everything from oyster harvesting and alligator hunting to oil rig operations and the local ecosystem.
The museum is designed to be engaging for all ages, with displays set at kid-friendly heights and interactive elements throughout. On Tuesdays from noon to 3:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy live Cajun music performances, adding an authentic soundtrack to the experience.
Chauvin Sculpture Garden
This extraordinary outdoor art exhibit features over 100 concrete sculptures created by Kenny Hill, a mysterious self-taught local artist. Beginning in the late 1980s, Hill transformed his bayside property into an artistic wonderland before mysteriously abandoning it in the early 2000s.
The sculptures display a fascinating mix of biblical symbolism alongside military and musical references. The centerpiece is a striking 45-foot lighthouse with figures of cowboys, angels, and soldiers clinging to it. This peaceful garden offers a thought-provoking glimpse into one artist’s unique worldview.
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Unique Houma Experiences
Greenwood Gator Farm and Tours
For a uniquely Louisianan experience, visit Greenwood Gator Farm – the only working alligator farm in Louisiana that offers public tours. Learn about the alligator farming process, from egg harvesting and incubation to hatching and growth. The educational tour includes fascinating facts about these prehistoric creatures, including their ability to go 2-3 years without food!
The highlight for many visitors is the opportunity to hold a baby alligator. Tours run daily at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, lasting about 1.5 hours and culminating with a visit to the outdoor gator den where you can see large alligators sunbathing.
Bayou Country Crawfish Trail
No visit to Houma is complete without sampling the local delicacy – crawfish! The Bayou Country Crawfish Trail showcases over 30 destinations where you can experience authentic Louisiana crawfish, from seafood markets to down-home Cajun restaurants.
During “heads season” (typically the first half of the year), you’ll find heaping platters of peel-and-eat crawfish boiled with potatoes, corn, onions, sausage, mushrooms, and spices. During “tail season,” you’ll find crawfish tail meat featured in various dishes. Collect five receipts from participating locations to claim a free Crawfish Trail T-shirt!
Downtown Houma Murals and Public Art
Take a self-guided tour of Houma’s vibrant public art scene in the Historic Downtown District. The area features numerous colorful murals showcasing Cajun culture, local history, and community pride. Don’t miss the ‘Explore Houma’ mural on Grinage Street, ‘A Look into the Past…’ on the corner of Lafayette and Main Streets, and the interactive ‘Before I Die’ wall on Church Street.
While downtown, you can also spot unique sculptures along Bayou Terrebonne, including a pelican, a rougarou (the legendary Cajun werewolf), and a roseate spoonbill. The Downtown Art Gallery by Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild is also worth a visit to see original creations by local artists.
Where to Eat and Drink in Houma
Houma’s culinary scene is dominated by authentic Cajun cuisine, fresh seafood, and Southern comfort food. Here are some of the best places to satisfy your appetite during your visit:
A-Bears Cafe
This family-owned Cajun joint housed in a 100-year-old cypress building offers an authentic bayou dining experience. Their Friday night dinner features all-you-can-eat catfish and live Cajun/country music. Don’t leave without trying their famous peanut butter pie or bread pudding.
Boudreau & Thibodeau’s
A local favorite for authentic Cajun cuisine, offering everything from crawfish étouffée and jambalaya to gumbo and alligator meat. The restaurant’s kitschy decor and humorous signage add to the experience.
Mr. Ronnie’s Famous Hot Donuts
Open 24 hours a day, this Houma institution has been serving hot, fresh donuts for over 30 years. Look for the flashing “hot” sign to know when fresh batches are ready. The blueberry cake donut comes highly recommended!
Bayou Terrebonne Distillers
This family-owned distillery continues the tradition of Great-Grandmother Lillie, a Mardi Gras queen and moonshiner. Sample their craft spirits, including Hogshead Aged Rum and Contraband Worn Whiskey, during tours on Fridays and Saturdays.
Scarlet Scoop
Cool off with unique ice cream flavors like King Cake and Lagniappe Blackberry Dumplings at this beloved local ice cream shop. The owner, Bryan Nelson, worked here as a teen before purchasing the business from the retiring owner.
Big Mike’s BBQ
When you need a break from seafood, head to Big Mike’s for excellent barbecue with a Cajun twist. Their brisket comes highly recommended, and jambalaya is available as a side dish – a uniquely Louisiana approach to BBQ!
Festivals and Events
Houma loves to celebrate its rich cultural heritage through numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular celebrations you might want to plan your visit around:
Mardi Gras (February-March)
Houma hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in Louisiana, starting with the Krewe of Hercules and running nearly non-stop for 12 days until the Krewe of Bonne Terre. The celebration features colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and plenty of beads, all with the family-friendly atmosphere that characterizes Houma’s community spirit.
Rougarou Fest (October)
This unique festival celebrates the folklore of the bayous of Southeast Louisiana, particularly the legend of the rougarou – a Cajun werewolf. The free family-friendly event features live music, Cajun food, costume contests, and a parade. All proceeds benefit wetland habitat restoration and education efforts.
Twin Fest (April)
Twin Fest Louisiana celebrates twins, multiples, and the people who love them. This joyful event includes music, crafts, food, and activities that bring together multiple-birth families and the wider community.
Ala Bayou Terrebonne Christmas Boat Parade (December)
Experience a uniquely Southern Christmas tradition as locals decorate their boats with lights and parade from the Bourg Volunteer Fire Station down the bayou to the Humble Canal Bridge. Spectators gather along both sides of the bayou to enjoy this festive floating display.
Practical Tips for Visiting Houma
Getting Around
A rental car is essential for exploring Houma and its surrounding attractions, as public transportation is limited. The city is relatively compact and easy to navigate, with most attractions within a short drive of each other. Having your own vehicle also allows you to venture out to nearby bayous and wildlife refuges at your own pace.
Where to Stay
The Courtyard by Marriott Houma is centrally located next to the Houma Civic Center and offers amenities including indoor and outdoor pools. For a more unique experience, consider staying at a bed and breakfast like Twelve Oaks Plantation B&B, which features 12 magnificent oak trees on its grounds.
Weather Considerations
Houma has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures (June-August) can reach the 90s°F with high humidity, while winter temperatures (December-February) typically range from 40°F to 65°F. Always check the forecast before outdoor activities, especially swamp tours.
Essential Houma Tips
- Bug spray is essential for outdoor activities, especially in warmer months
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for nature trails and swamp tours
- The local greeting is often “Bonjour” – feel free to respond in kind!
- Hurricane season runs from June to November; check weather advisories if visiting during this time
- Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service; plan accordingly
- Bring a camera with zoom capabilities for wildlife photography
- Consider waterproof gear if visiting during the rainy season (June-September)
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Experience the Heart of Cajun Country
Houma, Louisiana offers a genuine glimpse into Cajun culture that you simply won’t find in more touristy destinations. From the haunting beauty of cypress-studded bayous to the toe-tapping rhythms of live Cajun music, from the fiery flavors of authentic crawfish boils to the mysterious concrete sculptures of Kenny Hill, Houma delivers experiences that will linger in your memory long after you’ve returned home.
Whether you’re holding a baby alligator at Greenwood Gator Farm, paddling through the coastal marshes of Pointe-aux-Chenes, or simply savoring a slice of peanut butter pie at A-Bears Cafe, you’ll discover that Houma’s charm lies in its authenticity and the warmth of its people. So venture beyond the well-trodden tourist paths and discover why Louisiana’s Bayou Country deserves a prominent place on your travel bucket list.
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