Things To Do
in Houma

A local classic: fried or grilled Gulf shrimp served on crusty French bread with lettuce, tomato and a mayo-based sauce; try it at neighborhood sandwich shops.

Must-Try!

A rich roux-based stew with seafood or sausage and okra, served over rice; often found at local diners and restaurants.

A savory, roux-thickened dish of crawfish tails in a spiced sauce over rice; seasonal during crawfish season (spring).

Crispy, cornmeal-coated Gulf or farmed catfish, usually served with fries and slaw at casual eateries.

Small fish houses and seafood markets around Houma sell fresh, locally caught shrimp, oysters and fish — great for buying to cook or for market stalls serving simple fried seafood plates.

Weekend markets and local produce stands offer seasonal vegetables, boiled peanuts, home-baked goods and prepared foods; check community bulletin boards for schedules.

Residents are generally welcoming and conversational; greeting with a smile, making small talk and using polite phrases goes a long way.

Much of the shoreline is privately owned or actively used by commercial fishers; always ask permission before entering docks, piers or private land and be cautious around working equipment.

Ask before photographing people, especially in intimate or family settings; many locals are happy to pose but appreciate being asked.

Cajun and Creole traditions are important to community identity — be respectful at festivals, religious events and family gatherings; don’t assume all local customs are tourist entertainment.

Standard U.S. tipping norms apply: 15–20% for full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink for bar service, $2–5 for taxis and rideshares for short trips, and $10–20 for guided tours depending on group size and service quality.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and larger shops; many small fish houses, market stalls and roadside vendors prefer cash — carry some bills. Contactless payments are increasingly common; ATMs are available but may charge fees.

Pleasant temperatures and active wildlife make spring ideal for outdoor activities and crawfish season; festival season (post-Mardi Gras) brings local events — pack light layers and expect wetlands to be lively and muddy.

Hot, humid and buggy with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; hurricane season begins in June, so monitor forecasts and prepare for heat, insects, and storm-related disruptions.

Generally comfortable with cooling temperatures and lower humidity; hurricane risk continues into November but fall offers good fishing and birding as migration begins.

Mild and short winters with occasional cold fronts; ideal for outdoor tours and seafood dining without extreme heat, though rare cold snaps can bring brief chilly weather.

About an hour’s drive northeast, this preserve offers boardwalks, shaded trails and rich birdlife through swamp and bottomland hardwoods — one of the best nearby spots for accessible hiking and wildlife.

A drive south to the barrier island provides beach walks, coastal wildlife viewing and dune exploration — good for sunrise/sunset photography and shelling.

Roughly an hour’s drive east, this refuge features trails and boardwalks through marsh and forest habitats with excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Located to the west of Houma, offers nature trails through bottomland hardwoods and opportunities for hiking, paddling and camping in a quieter, undeveloped setting.

Local general aviation airport serving private planes and charters; convenient for small aircraft and some regional access.

Primary commercial airport for the region, about 60–75 miles northeast of Houma (approximately 1–1.5 hour drive depending on traffic); major carriers and rental cars available.

Regional commercial airport west of Houma (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car), useful as an alternative for regional flights.

Another regional airport option to the north; longer drive but available for certain flights and connections.

Strong cultural presence with roots in Acadian, French, African and Caribbean heritage — language, cuisine and festivals reflect this identity.

The city has diverse racial demographics typical of southern Louisiana, with both white and African American communities playing important roles in civic life.

Smaller Vietnamese and immigrant communities are involved in commercial fishing and seafood processing in the region.

A significant portion of the local economy is tied to the energy industry, with workers and families connected to offshore and onshore operations.

Recreational and commercial fishing are central to local life — inshore fishing for redfish, speckled trout and flounder is very popular.

Friday night high school football is a big community event, drawing local pride and crowds during the fall season.

Boating, recreational crabbing and paddlesports are common leisure activities on bayous and coastal waters.

Waterfowl and small-game hunting are popular in surrounding marshes and wetlands (seasonal).

Vegetarian options exist but are limited compared with meat/seafood dishes; request rice-and-vegetable plates, salads, or egg-and-cheese po-boys and confirm broths and sauces (gumbo/étouffée often use seafood or meat stock).

Vegan dining requires advance planning; many restaurants can adapt sides and rice dishes but ask about butter, stock and dressings. Pack snacks or seek out grocery-prepared items if needed.

Seafood and rice-based plates are often naturally gluten-free, but fried items use wheat-based breading and Po-Boys use French bread — request grilled options and check with staff about cross-contamination.

Shellfish are central to local cuisine — notify servers of allergies and choose safer alternatives like grilled fish or chicken; cross-contact is possible in many kitchens.