Garden District Tours

Explore one of the world's most dazzling residential neighborhoods with knowledgeable and entertaining guides. Experience the architectural splendor of the live oak-lined "American" sector of town and examine the antebellum era "Creole vs. American" conflict. Highlights include the St. Charles Avenue streetcar; the homes of Anne Rice, Trent Reznor, Archie and Peyton Manning, Nicholas Cage and John Goodman; the cornstalk fence; the death site of Jefferson Davis; and film sites of Brad Pitt's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Explore the famed above-ground tombs of Lafayette Cemetery #1, including an "Interview with the Vampire" film site.

Explore one of New Orleans' most marvelous and historic areas while learning interesting traditions as you take a walk through time. Learn about the unique Cities of the Dead and stroll through our beautiful Garden District. Discover the area with someone who can give you a true insight into their history and culture. This will be a small group, two hour walking tour. It will be led by a tour guide who is licensed by the City of New Orleans.

Upon arrival in New Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the Americans found the Creoles living down-river from Canal Street. The two groups hated each other, so the Americans settled up-river from Canal Street in the early and mid-nineteenth century. This enclave of Americans became filthy rich and built great, ostentatious mansions in an area that came to be known as the Garden District. On this tour, you will stroll the streets of the famous mansions and lush gardens; see the homes of Archie Manning, John Goodman and the house where the Confederate President, Jefferson Davis, died; pass by the former home of Anne Rice; learn about the Irish Channel and the birthplace of Dixieland Jazz and visit Lafayette Cemetery. Tours are about two hours.

The Garden District is situated on what was once a large sugar plantation up river from the French Quarter. The land boom which produced this elegant nineteenth century suburb began in the late 1830s and continued until the Civil War. New Orleans became the fourth largest city in the nation and the most prosperous city in the South. The Garden District was created by Americans who came here after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. This era of development in New Orleans was akin to the 1849 California Gold Rush and to the Silicon Valley expansion in the 1990s. Ambitious and hard working young men came to make their fortunes and often succeeded spectacularly. Sight-seeing in the Garden District is a delight year round. Tours are by reservation, last about two hours and end with a tour of Lafayette Cemetery.

Enjoy a relaxing and educational walk through the Garden District, which is one of New Orleans' most desirable residential areas. The Garden District was originally a suburb located on a sugar plantation. The beautiful gardens originated from a flood that occurred in 1816. This flood brought a new layer of heavy sediment filled with nutrients, encouraging the foliage growth that later became the Garden District. A licensed tour guide will show you elegant Greek Revival and Italianate architecture in the neighborhoods. You will see one of Anne Rice's former homes, and then proceed to Lafayette Cemetery, where you will learn about the above-ground burial customs.