New Orleans - which plantations should I see?
 

I have the option of two tours - one to see San Francisco and Oak Alley OR the other to see Oak Alley and Laura - which one should I see - San Francisco or Laura and why?

also this tour goes to the Manchac swamp - is this worth it in early March?

Thanks!

ttt

I went to Laura & Oak Alley. I don't really remember how we chose. But we did not go with a tour group -- we had a car. We also went on an alligator excursion on the Manchac Swamp. It was excellent. Only one tour company can work there (cajunpridetours.com). I believe the best time to go to the swamps is in the hotter months or else the alligators hibernate.

I have visited Oak Alley which is beautiful and has a fascinating history. The restaurant there should not be missed. Laura Plantation (near OA)was closed for some renovations when I was there in 2004. It most likely will be warm in early March.

We visited Laura and Oak Alley and enjoyed both, but Laura was our clear favorite.

The plantation house itself is neat. It isn't a grand plantation house like a lot of people think of - it is a colorful, creole house with a really interesting history. We really enjoyed the tour because the guide had so many stories about the family and that really made the tour good.

I can't compare it to San Francisco plantation since I have not been. When we were choosing (between the same tours you are) we chose Laura because we knew that a lot is known about the history of the plantation and the families that owned it and figured that the tour would be more interesting than the one at SF.

Go to Oak Alley and Laura. Laura has a lot of interesting history and the tour guides are wonderful.

The swamp tour will most definitely be worth it in March. The weather may even be warm enough for a few gators to come out and sun themselves. I'd definitely recommend it.