Best Things to do in Houma, LA

The best things do in Houma, Louisiana! These are our favorite attractions, museums, swamp tours, and fun things to enjoy for the entire family.

Things to do in Houma, LA

Houma, Louisiana, is approximately 57 miles southwest of New Orleans. The Houma area is part of Terrebonne Parish.

Houma is close to the Gulf of Mexico and has many waterways, which has earned the area the name "Louisiana's Bayou Country." This is the perfect area to learn about Cajun culture, enjoy marsh tours, explore scenic bayous, and check out the amazing Houma Mardi Gras Celebration.

One thing we really like about visiting Houma is how easy the city is to get around. You can easily drive to attractions and things to do without feeling like you are going to get lost.

We found ourselves driving around the block multiple times to look at amazing murals and art pieces.

Explore Houma invited us to explore the area and we really appreciate the opportunity to work with them.

Houma Visitor Center

We love stopping into local visitor centers to learn more about the area and get great local recommendations.

The Houma Area Visitor Center has great interpretive displays with information on Southern Louisiana.

They have a fantastic computer that takes your photo emails it to you with a fun Houma frame. There is a great map that shows where visitors are from. I was amazed at how many people visit from France and overseas.

The front desk staff is fantastic at answering questions and can guide you to local information to help with your trip.

You can download the Houma adventure guide from the visitor bureau's website for more information on the area.

Address: 114 Tourist Drive, Gray, LA

Exit 202 on U.S. Route 90, then follow the signs

Giant White Boots Photo Opportunity

If you are looking for a fun family photo to remember your southern Louisiana adventures, make sure to stop and get a picture with the giant white boots.

This is the perfect Instagram/TikTok fun photo opportunity. Where else are you going to get a picture with giant white boots?

Address: 114 Tourist Drive, Gray, LA

Exit 202 on U.S. Route 90, then follow the signs.

Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge

Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge includes 4,212 acres of freshwater marsh and Cypress-Tupelo Swamp.

Mandalay Nature Trail in the wildlife refuge is a .9-mile trail that leads to a boardwalk great for viewing waterfowl, wading birds, and neotropical songbirds.

Make sure to cover yourself with bug spray before walking out on the trail. The mosquitos are prevalent and very friendly.

We ran the Merlin app on our phone during our walk and were in awe of all the birds we picked up. So many great migratory birds and birds we don't normally see.

Cajun Man's Swamp Tours

Captain Billy J. Gaston is an experienced tour guide and alligator hunter.  If you want to see gators you need to head out on the bayou with Captain Billy.

This was one of the best swamp tours we have done anywhere. It is quickly apparent that Capt. Billy knows the swamp and the local wildlife.

I have never head someone yell out for a gator and seen an alligator come swimming out towards the boat. I have heard them called swamp puppies before but until this tour had never seen it in real life.

They were so excited to see Capt. Billy I am pretty sure they were wagging their tail like a puppy. You can choose to feed the gators raw chicken off of a long stick if you want to.

The gators are very happy to take a bite and show you their teeth.

We were incredibly impressed with Captain Billy's knowledge of not only the gators but the birds and other wildlife found in the area.

He does an amazing job of teaching you about the swamp and bayou while still being incredibly entertaining.

We can't wait to take another Cajun Man's Swamp Tour at a different time of the year to see how the swamp is different.

Fun Fact - The swamps in Houma have been one of the filming locations for History Channel's Swamp People TV show.

Tours leave from Bob’s Bayou Black Marina at 251 Marina Dr. Gibson, LA 70356 (off Hwy 182)

Swamp tours are also offered by Annie Miller's Son's Marsh and Swamp Tours & Charters

 

Wetlands Cultural Scenic Byway

Take a drive along the Wetlands Cultural Trail to see towns and villages that have preserved their cultural heritage.

The full Wetlands Cultural Scenic Byway is 282 miles. The Bayou Terrebonne Area Byway starts in Houma and travels southwards on Highway 56 and 57 to the Gulf of Mexico.

Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum

The Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum celebrates the traditions and industries that make up the unique culture of the area.

This museum does an amazing job of sharing the culture of working and living by the water. I left the museum realizing that I had learned a lot about different aspects of water life, including oil rigs, alligators, oyster farming, and the local area.

The museum is great for all ages with displays set up at kid height so they can learn while adults are reading the larger interpretive panels.

A Cajun music band plays on Tuesdays from noon to 3:00 p.m.

Address - 7910 Park Ave, Houma, LA 70364

Houma Main Street

Houma Main Street feels like you are stepping back in time in some areas and deep into the community in others. There are fantastic murals, great Houma restaurants, and shops along Main Street.

Houma was hit by Hurricane Ida a few years ago, and the city is still recovering. You can see the work that has been done along Main Street and also see why it has been showcased in multiple films.

Hollywood in Houma

The Bayou Country Film Trail features many of the iconic stops in Houma and the surrounding area that have been featured in films and TV.

Swamp People - The History Channel's Swamp People was filmed in the local area.

Magnolia Plantation House Was used in the Oscar-winning 12 Years a Slave and Nicholas Sparks' The Best of Me.

Ardoyne Plantation - Was used in the new Will Smith movie Emancipation, along with Crazy in Alabama, Deadline, and Tribute.

Downtown Houma - Films include Lee Daniels' The Butler, Where the Crawdads Sing, and Crazy in Alabama.

Isle de Jean Charles Bayous - Was used in the film Beasts of the Southern Wild.

Chauvin Sculpture Garden

The Chauvin Sculpture Garden includes more than 100 concrete sculptures. This free attraction near Houma is open from dawn to dusk.

We highly suggest making sure you have bug spray and the windows of your car are closed when you pull up. I am not sure if it was just the time of year we visited but we ended up with mosquitoes swarming the car.

Address - 5336 Bayouside Drive, Chauvin, Louisiana

Greenwood Gator Farm and Tour

Have you ever heard of Alligator farming? The Greenwood Gator Farm and Tour offers the opportunity to learn historic and current information about gator farming.

Greenwood Gator Farm is the only working gator farm tour in Louisiana.

T-Boy is a 14-foot mammoth gator with an attitude located in the giant pit.

Address - 125 Gator Court, Gibson, LA 70356

Bayou Country Crawfish Trail

The Bayou Country Crawfish Trail is Louisiana Boiled and Raised. Yes, that was a bit of crawfish humor.

There are 38 destinations along the Crawfish Trail that feature the mouthwatering flavors of Louisiana Crawfish.

When you visit these locations, make sure to collect your receipts so you can claim a free Crawfish Trail T-shirt!

Celebrate learning about and eating delicious Louisiana Crawfish with a fun t-shirt.

Louisiana Crawfish

One thing I learned is there is no bad time to eat Louisiana Crawfish. The time of year designates what you will find on your plate.

Heads season is when you will see heaping platters of peel-and-eat crawdads. This is the time of year when hot-boiled crawfish are a must-try! A crawfish boil will have crawfish, of course, but also potatoes, corn, onions, sausage, mushrooms, and spices.

Head season normally occurs during the first half of the year. However, some seasons are longer or shorter depending on crawfish availability.

Tail season - During tail season, you will find crawfish tail meat featured on Houma Restaurant menus.

You can pick up a Bayou Country Crawfish Trail brochure at the Houma Visitor Center.

Birding & Wildlife

The wetlands near Houma, Louisiana, are part of the second-largest flyway in the United States. In the winter, more than 5 million birds make their homes in the wetlands.

The area is also home to 70 threatened and endangered animals and plant species.

Common wildlife in the area includes alligators, Bald Eagles, white-tailed deer, otters, and many other birds.

We were amazed at how many birds we picked up with the Merlin app. Every time we stopped at a new place we would run the app because we heard birds nearby.

The Roseate Spoonbill pictured above was seen on a Cajun Man's Swamp Tour. At one point we had a Limpkin, Roseate Spoonbill, Great Egret, and Common Gallinula all in the same photo.

Terrebonne Loop Birding Trail

This trail wanders through Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge and Pointe-aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area.

Mr. Ronnie's Famous Hot Donuts

Mr. Ronnie's Famous Hot Donuts is open 24 hours a day and has been serving hot, fresh donuts for 30 years.

Look for the "hot" to be flashing on their iconic sign to know that they have hot donuts ready for you.

I NEED you to try the blueberry cake donut. This is one of the best doughnuts I have had anywhere in the world.

Address: 1171 W Tunnel Blvd, Houma, LA

Bayou Terrebonne Distillers

Bayou Terrebonne Distillers is located on the waterfront of historic Downtown Houma. This family-owned marsh roots company has an amazing story that includes an illicit family tradition.

Great-Grandmother Lillie was a Mardi Gras queen and an outlaw who made moonshine on Bayou Terrebonne. She was the 1st Mardi Gras queen in the area.

Lillie made Hooch so good that people left her alone. A few generations later, her great-grandsons continue to carry on her tradition of producing craft liquor.

Bayou Terrebonne Distillers produces great spirits, including:

• Hogshead Aged Rum
• Hard Scrabble Silver Rum
• Good Earth Straight Bourbon
• Contraband Worn Whiskey

All products are certified Louisiana, Cajun, and Craft Beverage.

They offer tours during normal business hours. They are open Friday 5 pm to 10 pm and Saturday 2 pm - 10 pm.

Check their website for normal business hours and to make sure they are open.

Address: 8043 Main Street Houma

Drive Thru Daiquiri Shops

One really unique thing to do in Louisiana is drive through a daiquiri shop. Yes, you read that right—you can drive through and order a daiquiri.

Don't worry; the tape over the cup makes it legal to drive away with. They have multiple sizes and flavors available.

We were amazed at how many flavors and options there were.

 

Finding Our Roots African American Mobile Museum

This mobile museum is stationed at the Explore Houma Visitor Center every Tuesday and Friday from 10 am to 3 pm.

The museum celebrates African-American history in Terrebonne, Lafourche, and St. Mary Parishes.

Southdown Plantation and Terrebonne Museum

Southdown Plantation and Museum is only accessible on guided tours. The tours include Southdown Plantation House, a 19th-century manor house, slave quarters, a gift shop, and a worker’s cabin.

Address: 1208 Museum Dr. near LA Hwy 311 and St. Charles St (LA 664) in Houma

Ardoyne Plantation House - Currently closed due to Hurricane IDA.

The Regional Military Museum

The Regional Military Museum in Houma preserves the military history of South Louisiana.

They have exhibits on World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror.

Along with an upcoming exhibit on the American Revolution, War of 1812, and the Civil War.

We can't wait to visit the Regional Military Museum on our next visit to Houma. We drove by at night and saw all of the planes, helicopters, and huge display and couldn't believe how much there was to see.

Address: 1154 Barrow St. Houma, LA

 

Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center

The Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center offers a tour through the area's past and present. You can see unique works of art from local artists and craftsmen, enjoy art classes and workshops, plus see interesting exhibits, including the Cajun Tool Shed, Louisiana Decoys, Native American Indian Artifacts Exhibit, and more.

They have a gift shop with original Louisiana artwork and crafts from local artisans.

Address: 317 Goode St. Houma, LA

Murals and Public Art

One thing we really enjoy in the heart of Houma is the art murals and public art sculptures. We found ourselves driving up and down streets to see if there was additional art we could find.

There are really cool angel wings, fish wings, and crawfish claw art murals for fun photos.

Houma Cajun Claws Mural - Side wall of La Boujee Boutique

Home Sweet Houma Mural - Side wall of Lumiere's Blues and Jazz Bistro on Main Street.

A look into the past mural - Corner of Lafayette Street and Main Street

Cajun Butterflies and Fish Murals -  Belanger Street next to the Courthouse Square

Terrebonne Parish Bicentennial Mural - Located on Main Street (Photo below)

The History of Houma Mural - 7928 W. Main Street.

Also keep an eye out for amazing window murals that depict Houma festivals and events.

Fishing

With an abundant network of bayous and how close Houma is to the Gulf of Mexico, you can expect to enjoy epic fishing.

You can choose from freshwater, saltwater, or brackish water fishing. Houma offers shoreline fishing and fishing ponds, along with guided fishing tours.

There are countless charter fishing adventures available.

If you are driving around Houma and surrounding community's you can enjoy the sight of shrimp boats near skippers' homes. The crisscross of busy waterways is truly amazing.

 

Geocaching

There are at least 40 geocaching locations on the Houma Treasure Hunt with Geotour.

If you locate 35 of the 40 caches on the Houma Treasure Hunt you can receive a signature Explore Houma geocoin.

Make sure you are registered on Geocaching.com with a username. Then download the Explore Houma GT4De and record your finds.

Houma Events

One of the fun things to do in Houma, LA, is attend an event! This area loves weekend festivals, cultural events, local events, the region's Cajun heritage, and boisterous Mardi Gras celebrations.

Some of the most popular events include Mardi Gras, Maw Maw Walker, Rougarou Fest, and holiday events.

Mardi Gras - February and March

Houma celebrates Mardi Gras with one of the largest celebrations in Louisiana. The Mardi Gras celebration in Houma starts with the Krewe of Hercules and runs nearly non-stop until the Krewe of Kajuns.

 

Twin Fest

Twin Fest Louisiana celebrates twins, multiples, and the people who love them. We met the twins who run Twin Fest and they are amazing!

These ladies know how to plan a fun event that will bring you so much joy. Twin Fest Louisiana includes music, crafts, epic food, and so much fun!

 

Rougarou Fest - October

Rougarou Fest is a great free family activity in Houma. This festival celebrates the rich folklore of the bayous of Southeast Louisiana.

Get ready to dress, listen to live music, and dine on amazing Cajun food.

 

Maw Maw Walker and Tailgate -October

When I first saw pictures for this Houma event all I could think of was how I needed to attend it at some point.

100% of the proceeds from this event go towards revitalization efforts for Downtown Houma. They invite you to wear muumuus and stroll to local stops downtown.

There is a contest for the best-dressed Maw Maw!

 

Ala Bayou Terrebonne Christmas Boat Parade - December

One of my favorite things about living in the South is the Christmas Boat Parades. Locals decorate their boats and parade from the Bourg Volunteer Fire Station down the bayou to the Humble Canal Bridge.

You can gather on either side of the bayou to watch the boat parade go by.

 

Additional Houma Events

January: Weenie Spaghetti Cookoff Festival

February and March: Mardi Gras in Houma
Bayou Terrebonne Boucherie , Houma – Terrebonne Irish Italian Parade

April: Pirates and Boots Festival, Ladybug Ball Festival, Twin Fest Louisiana

May: May the 4th be With You; Oilman’s Fishing Invitational, Louisiana Blackberry Festival

June: Krewe of Terreanians Fishing Rodeo

July: Independence Day Parade, Good Earth 4th of July Festival

August: Terrebonne Sportsman League Fishing Rodeo; Cleopatra Fishing Rodeo

September: Hero Fest; Big Band Bash; Best of the Bayou Festival

October: Bayou Arts Fest; Rougarou Festival; Boo on the Bayou, Bayou Dularge Cajun Fair; Maw Maw Walker; Oktoberfest

November: Southdown Marketplace Arts and Crafts Festival; Elks Duck Derby Community Festival

December: Houma Christmas Festival and Parade; Ala Bayou Terrebonne Christmas Boat Parade

Where to stay when visiting Houma, LA

Courtyard Marriott - We stayed at the Courtyard Marriot in Houma and were really impressed with the amenities and how perfectly located it was for exploring.

There is an indoor and outdoor pool, gym, bistro, and comfortable rooms at the Courtyard Marriott.

Click on the map below to see additional vacation rentals and lodging in Houma.

Where is Houma, Louisiana

Houma, Louisiana, is located in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana's Bayou Country. Terrebonne Parish is the 2nd largest parish in the State of Louisiana.

Over 65% of Terrebonne Parish is wetlands or covered by open water. Houma is 14 square miles and only 35 miles to the Gulf of Mexico.

Houma is located on the Intracoastal Waterway, which we found fascinating and fun. We live in Gulf Shores, Alabama, which is also on the Intracoastal Waterway. I am in awe that you can follow it from Gulf Shores to Houma, LA.

Closest Airport to Houma - The closest major airport is Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans.

The Houma-Terrebonne Airport in town can be used for private jets 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

Shreveport - 314 miles, 4+ hours

Houston - 320 miles, 5.5 hours

Dallas - 492 miles, 7.5 hours

Atlanta - 533 miles, 8 hours

Additional Gulf Coast of Louisiana Articles

Cristiano Ristorante Houma - Don't miss this delicious Italian restaurant in the heart of Houma, LA

Cafe du Monde French Quarter - New Orleans bucket list destination with amazing beignets and chicory coffee. A must-visit in the Big Easy!

Carousel Bar - Visit this iconic New Orleans Bar, where you can sit at the carousel and enjoy a great drink.

Steamboat Natchez - Check out this historic steamroller cruise along the Mississippi River.

Gambino's Bakery - World-famous king cakes and the original Doberge Cake.

Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Alabama and so many more!

Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!

Check out our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.