Houma Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Houma, with this comprehensive guide featuring cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking and biking trails, activities, accommodations, local food and drink options, and more.


Introduction to Houma

Houma, a charming city located in Coastal Acadiana, in Louisiana, United States, is a great destination for travelers who appreciate a mix of cultural and natural attractions. As the unofficial capital of Terrebonne Parish, Houma has something for everyone. From hiking and biking trails to museums, historical sites, and delicious food, it is a city that is sure to surprise and delight.

List of Places to Visit in Houma

Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Houma to help you plan your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Southdown Plantation – A historic home and museum that showcases the late 19th-century sugar plantation era through exhibits, guided tours, and events.
  • Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum – A museum located on Bayou Terrebonne that highlights the maritime history of the area, with exhibits on fishing, trapping, shrimping, and more.
  • Regional Military Museum – A museum dedicated to the military history of the region and the brave men and women who served.

Natural Attractions of Houma: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cypress Wetlands Trail – A 1.5-mile nature trail that winds through beautiful cypress trees and various flora and fauna.
  • Lafourche Parish Swamp Tours – A guided swamp tour where you can see alligators, turtles, and other wildlife and learn about the unique ecosystem of the swamps.
  • Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Park – A park that offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as jogging, walking, hiking, as well as a playground, pavilions, and a splash pad.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Houma

Houma offers several scenic hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Chauvin Sculpture Garden and Walking Trail – A .3-mile trail that loops around a sculpture garden and features beautiful views of Bayou Little Caillou.
  • Bayou Country Sports Park – A 26-mile trail system that offers a variety of terrains for mountain bikers of all levels.
  • Houma Bike Trail – A 6-mile trail that runs along La. 3040, connecting historic downtown Houma to the eastern edge of Terrebonne Parish along Bayou Terrebonne.

Best Things to Do in Houma: Activities and Tours

Houma offers a variety of activities and tours to help visitors get the most out of their trip. Here are some options:

  • La Terre Golf Course – An 18-hole championship golf course that has hosted several regional golf tournaments.
  • Houma Downtown Artwalk – A self-guided tour that showcases local art galleries and artists in the downtown area.
  • Boudreaux’s Bayou Fun Tours – A bayou tour that offers encounters with alligators, swamp boat rides and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Houma

If you’re planning to spend a week in Houma, we have created an itinerary to help you plan your trip:

Day Activity
1 Visit Southdown Plantation
2 Explore Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum
3 Hike the Cypress Wetlands Trail
4 Take a swamp tour with Lafourche Parish Swamp Tours
5 Play golf at La Terre Golf Course
6 Rent a bike and ride the Houma Bike Trail
7 Visit the Regional Military Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Houma

No trip to Houma is complete without trying its authentic local cuisine. Here are some delicious dishes and beverages you must try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gumbo – A hearty, spicy Louisiana stew made with seafood, meat, and vegetables.
  • Jambalaya – A flavorful rice dish with meat, seafood, and vegetables cooked in a deep pot or Dutch oven.
  • Poulet Fricassee – A classic Cajun dish of chicken sautéed in butter, and herbs and cooked in a brown roux gravy.

Local Beverages

  • Hurricanes – A fruity and rum-filled drink that originated from the French Quarter in New Orleans.
  • Abita Beer – A local beer made in Abita Springs, Louisiana, that offers a range of flavors, including the classic Abita Amber and Turbo Dog.

Where to Stay in Houma: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Houma offers a variety of accommodations options for visitors, including budget-friendly hostels, comfortable guesthouses, and luxury hotels. Here are some recommendations:

  • Hampton Inn Houma – A comfortable and convenient hotel that offers guest amenities like free breakfast, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
  • Baymont by Wyndham Houma – An affordable hotel located near Southland Mall, and many restaurants and shopping areas.
  • La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Houma – A budget-friendly accommodation that offers a complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center.

What to Buy in Houma: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or want to bring back something unique to remember your trip to Houma, here are some local products that you should consider buying:

  • Cajun spices – A blend of spices that reflect the unique flavors of Cajun cooking.
  • Hot sauce – Louisiana is known for its hot sauce made from locally grown peppers.
  • Pottery – Local artists create unique pieces of pottery that showcase the culture and history of the Houma area.

Local Culture and Customs of Houma

Houma is part of the Acadiana culture, which has a rich history and vibrant tradition. Visitors can enjoy distinctive music, festivals like the annual Mardi Gras celebration, and local cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Houma

The best time to visit Houma is in the early fall, from September to November. The weather is mild, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Additionally, the annual Voice of the Wetlands Festival takes place in October, offering music, food, and fun events for visitors and locals alike.

Do’s and Don’ts of Houma

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Houma:

Do:

  • Do try local Cajun cuisine.
  • Do visit local museums to learn about the history and culture of the area.
  • Do attend local festivals and events.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or harm the environment in any way.
  • Don’t disrespect locals or their culture.
  • Don’t miss an opportunity to attend a local community event or festival.

Safety and Health

Safety in Houma

Houma is a relatively safe and friendly city, but visitors must always be vigilant of their surroundings and take precautions against theft and crime. It is always best to avoid walking alone after dark or leaving your possessions unattended in your car.

Health in Houma

The city has many hospitals and medical facilities in case of emergencies or illnesses.

Getting to Houma: Transportation Options and Logistics

If you are traveling from outside Louisiana, the easiest way to get to Houma is by flying into Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans and then renting a car to reach Houma. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from Louis Armstrong International Airport to Houma.

Airports Near Houma

  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 30 miles from Houma
  • Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, 75 miles from Houma

Bus Stations Near Houma

  • Greyhound Bus Stations, 0.8 miles from downtown Houma

Other Options

  • Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Houma.

How to Get Around in Houma

The easiest way to get around Houma is by car. However, there are also taxis and ride-sharing services available, such as Uber and Lyft. Additionally, Houma offers a trolley service on weekends that connects the downtown area to several attractions in the city.

Where to Go Next from Houma: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Houma is surrounded by several interesting destinations that you can visit, including:

  • New Orleans – The iconic city, known for its vibrant music scene, world-renowned cuisine, and Mardi Gras celebrations, can be reached within an hour from Houma.
  • Lafayette – Known as the heart of Acadiana, Lafayette is located 50 miles west of Houma and offers a vibrant music and food scene and historic architecture.

Conclusion

Houma, Louisiana, is a charming destination that offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions. With its museums, outdoor activities, local cuisine, and friendly locals, it is a city that is sure to delight visitors. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Houma has something to offer everyone.

Houma: Terrebonne Parish Court House, Main Street Houma: Terrebonne Parish Court House, Main Street