Places of Interest

New Orleans has so much to see & do it is difficult to know where to begin. What follows is a listing and brief description of some of the most popular attractions in the Crescent City.

Attractions

Aquarium of the Americas
Woldenberg Park - 504.861.2537

Explore the undersea world! A 400,000 gallon tank filled with the world's most diverse collection of sharks & Rays, an Amazon Rain Forest, a lively family of penguins and 60 other exhibits are sure to thrill!

Open 7 Days- Adults $9.75, Seniors $7.50, Children $5.00


Audubon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
6500 Magazine Street - 504.861.2537

The Audubon Zoo is one the nation's best and most beautiful Zoos. It's best to go to the Zoo in the morning when the animals are "out and about." Plan to make a day of it. The Zoo has more than 1,500 species displayed in their natural habitat. The Zoo stands on 58 breath taking acres of moss covered, ancient oak trees and is beautifully landscaped with lush tropical gardens.

Open Daily - Adults $7.50, Seniors & Children $3.50


Beauregard - Keyes * House & Garden
1113 Chartres Street - 504.523.7257

Built in 1826 by Joseph LeCarpentier, this National Historic Landmark was the former residence of Confederate General P. G. T. Beauregard & novelist Frances Parkingson Keyes. This beautifully restored Greek Revival cottage offers tours of the house & gardens Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. on the hour.

Adults $4 - Seniors $3 - Children $1.50


Bourbon Street

You'll Find It! - French Quarter

Bourbon Street is, by far, the most famous and popular tourist attraction in New Orleans. Bourbon Street is like no other street in the world. On Bourbon one will find everything from five star hotels to strip joints.

Bourbon Street is open twenty four hours a day. All day and all night there are people partying up and down the street. The liquor laws in New Orleans are very liberal. In New Orleans there is something called a "go cup." A "go cup" is what to ask for when it is time to "go" to another destination, drink in hand.

"I can tell you where you got dem' shoes!" - is a cry everyone will eventually hear if they take a stroll down Bourbon. It's an old Bourbon Street scam. Just remember, "dos' shoes are on your feet on Bourbon Street!" Don't forget- "If you play, you gotta pay!"


Confederate Museum
929 Camp Street - 504.523.4522

Built in 1891, this is the oldest museum in Louisiana. The museum features exhibits about the Civil War. Included in the museum's collection are personal effects of President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee & other Confederate leaders.

Open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.


The French Market
Esplanade & Decatur Street

The French Market is America's oldest city market. Before europeans settled into the area, the Choctaw indians used the site as a trading post and meeting place.

In 1771, the Spanish erected the first buildings which were destroyed by a hurricane in 1812. Soon after this devastation, the original buildings were replaced with structures that stand to this day and continue to serve the people of New Orleans.

At the French market, one can buy just about anything and everything. In the main buildings, one will find the produce and meat vendors. Every morning, local restaurateurs, grocers and others can be found haggling over the best produce. On weekends, the French Market is transformed into a giant flea market. People come from across the state to vend their wares. From fine jewelry to that perfect creole tomato, it can be found at the French Market.


Destrehan Plantation
River Road - (Take I-310 to LA Hwy 48) 504.764.9315

When cotton was king, plantations ruled the South. This beautifully restored plantation is the oldest plantation in Louisiana. Conveniently located near the city, the Destrehan Plantation affords the visitor a unique journey back to the"days of cotton." Every second weekend in November, the plantation holds its Annual Fall Festival.

Open Daily - Adults $6 - Children $3


French Quarter Walking Tour
701 Chartres Street - 504.523.3939

Without a doubt, strolling through the Vieux Carre is the best way to have a true French Quarter experience. You can pick up a self guided walking tour at most hotels or at the Tourist Center at 529 St. Ann Street, Jackson Square. However, the Friends of the Cabildo offer a two hour guided walking tour that walks you through the history, folklore, architecture & amusing facts about the French Quarter. I highly recommend this fascinating tour. In addition, the tour price includes admission to two of the following museums - The Louisiana State Museum buildings - Presbytere, 1850 House - or the Old US Mint. Tours begin at the Friends of the Cabildo Museum (523 St. AnnStreet on Jackson Square).

Times: Monday 1:30 p.m. - Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Adults$10 - Seniors/Students $5 - Children free when with adult


Gallier House
1118-1132 Royal Street - 504.523.6722

The New York Times rates the Gallier House and one of the "best small museums in the country."Erected in 1857, this house was the private residence of architect James Gallier. The home is beautifully restored and furnished with authentic furnishings of the 1800s.

Open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Sunday Noon -4:30 p.m.


Garden District
St. Charles Avenue

The Garden District was given its name early in New Orleans' history and remains famous for its nineteenth century homes and gardens. To get the real feel of the Garden District, pick up up a walking tour map at the Visitor Center at 523 St. Ann, Jackson Square. A nice way to see the Garden District is to make reservations at Commander's Palace for lunch, take the street car to the Garden District and walk to Commanders.


Hermann - Grima House
820 St. Louis Street - 504.525.5661

This elegant French Quarter mansion was erected in 1831 by architect Samuel Hermann as his private residence. It was purchased in 1844 by the Grima family and sold to the Woman's Exchange in 1924. The property has been completly restored to its original 1830s appearance. If you're interested in New Orleans Cuisine, Creole cooking demonstrations are offered every Thursday (October -May).

Open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Adults $4 - Seniors $3 - Children$2


Historic New Orleans Collection
533 Royal Street - 504.523.4662

The Collection features special exhibits in the main gallery which are free and open to the public. Highly recommended is the guided tour of the this historic complex and its Louisiana history exhibits. You'll learn all about the unique and colorful history of Louisiana.

Open 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Tours at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. -The cost is $2


Houmas House
Burnside - 504.522.2262

The authentic restoration and furnishings make Houma House one of the best examples of antebellum architecture in Louisiana. Houma House offers a look into what plantation life was like when "cotton ruled the South."

Tours 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Adults $7, Children $5


Longue Vue House and Gardens
7 Bamboo Road - Metairie - 504.488.5488

Longue Vue Gardens is a beautiful English style estate home surrounded by eight acres of gardens and fountains. The estate was originally owned by the Stern family. If you love gardens, this is a must do. The estate has picturesque gardens featuring several themes. The main house has the original furnishings which include priceless tapestries and the Stern's collection of modern art.

Tours Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.Adults $7 -Children $3


Louisiana Children's Museum
428 Julia Street - (504) 523-1357

The kids will love this "hands on" museum. Featured are exhibits that teach everything from fitness to physics in creative and very amusing ways.

Open Tuesday - Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sunday noon - 5:30 p.m.Admission is $4


Louisiana Nature & Science Center
Joe W. Brown Memorial Park - 504.246.5672

The Nature Center is an 86 acre wilderness park dedicated to the preservation of Louisiana's forests, wetlands and wildlife. Featured are hiking trails, exhibits on Louisiana wildlife, a wetland tour and a laser and multimedia show.

Open Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Sundaynoon - 5 p.m. - Adults $4, Seniors $3, Children $2 and Families $10


Louisiana State Museum
504.568.6968

The Louisiana State Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history and heritage of Louisiana. The State Museum includes several historic buildings and museums all located in the French Quarter. The price of admission is $4 for Adults, $3 for Seniors and children under 12 are admitted free. Admission allows entry to the following museum buildings.

The Cabildo
701 Chartres Street - Jackson Square

In 1988, the Cabildo nearly burned to the ground. After an extensive, five year renovation, the Cabildo has been restored to its former glory.

The Spanish constructed the Cabildo in 1795 to house the spanish colonial city council. In 1803, the documents transferring the Lousiana Purchase Territories from France to the United States were signed in this very building. After the signing of the Lousiana Purchase, the Cabildo was transformed into the City Council of New Orleans.

In its long history, the Cabildo has served the city in many ways. From 1853 to 1910, the Cabildo housed the Supreme Court of Louisiana. Since 1911 theCabildo has operated as the Louisana State Museum.

The Presbytere
751 Chartres Street - Jackson Square

Originally the residence for the priests of the St. Louis Cathedral, this Spanish Colonial building now houses the State's collection of paintings, art, and historic photographs.

The 1850 House - Lower Pontalba Building
Jackson Square

This museum is kind of hard to find. It's located right in the middle of the line of row houses facing Jackson Square. The 1850 House features exhibits depicting the daily life of New Orleans Creole home during the 1850s.

The Old U.S. Mint
400 Esplanade Avenue

This building found at the corner of Decatur and Esplanade, near the French Market, was erected in 1835 as a branch of the United States Mint. The Mint once turned out coin at a rate of $5 million a month. The Mint operated from 1838 to 1862. During the Civil War, the Mint was captured and used to coin confederate currency. When federal forces captured New Orleans in 1862, William B. Mumford was hanged in front of the Mint for tearing down the United States flag. After the Civil War, the Mint was put back into operation from 1879 to 1910.

When the Mint ceased operating, it remained a vacant property until 1932 when the United States Coast Guard moved in and used the building as a federal prison.

Today the Mint houses a restored "Desire" street car and a Mardi Gras &Jazz museum.


Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras Road - 504.361.7821

If you can't make it to the Mardi Gras, Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World is the next best thing. Mardi Gras World offers a unique behind the scenes look into the creation of the "biggest free show on earth." This sensational showplace of Carnival features a guided tour that begins with a fascinating film about the history of Carnival and continues with a stroll through the massive warehouses, called "carnival dens" where you'll have the opportunity to see the actual float artistry in progress and get a close look at the enormous Mardi Gras floats and other ornaments designed by the Blaine Kern Family ofArtists.

Getting to Mardi Gras World is easy and a wonderful little adventure. The best way to get to Mardi Gras World is to take the FREE ferry located at the end of Canal Street. Crossing the mighty Mississippi, you'll have a fantastic view and photo opportunity of the Crescent City. Once across the river, you'll be picked up by the Mardi Gras Shuttle and taken to Mardi Gras World where "It's Carnival 365 days a year!"

Tours offered every day from 9:30 a.m. - to the last tour at 4:30 P.M.Adults $5.50, Seniors $4.50, Children $3.25


New Orleans Botanical Garden
City Park - 504.483.9386

Located in City Park, the Botanical Gardens is ten acres of native & exotic flora, sculptures, ponds and fountains. This 30's era garden is the sight of on going educational and special events.

Open Daily - Admission is $3 - Children under 12 admitted free.

Oak Alley Plantation
Vacherie - 225.265.2151

Oak Alley Plantation is the most recognized plantation in Louisiana. The 28 enormous oak trees that line the main road have been featured in countless movies and films. You're certain to get a sense of Deja Vu when you visit Oak Alley. The plantation offers tours, a Bed & Breakfast and facilities for private parties.

Tours Daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Adults $10.00, Young People 13 - 18 $5.00, Children $3.00


Pitot House
1440 Moss Street - City Park - 504.482.0312

This was once the home of Mayor James Pitot. This French Colonial plantation house was erected in 1799. The home has been beautifully restored and furnished with period pieces.

Open Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Adults $3, Seniors $2 -Children$1


St. Louis Cathedral
Jackson Square

Towering over Jackson Square is the Cathedral of Saint Louis, King of France.The prominent position of the cathedral is fitting as the people of New Orleans are predominantly Catholic. The cathedral is an active parish and is the place of worship for thousands of New Orleanians. The cathedral that stands in the square today is actually the third structure to occupy the site. The first church was destroyed by a hurricane in 1722. The second was destroyed by the fire of 1788 which consumed nearly every structure in the French Quarter.The construction of the church one sees today began soon after the devastating fire with funds donated by Don Almonaster. The church was designated a cathedral in 1793.

Free tours available daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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