New Orleans, LA
The Big Easy, The Crescent City, The Birthplace of Jazz, Paris of the South—whatever you call it, New Orleans is definitely one of the South’s most interesting cities. It is famous for its eclectic mix of culture, music, and cuisine, and for its numerous celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. Here you can explore fascinating history, browse a variety of shops and boutiques, enjoy the outdoors, or take part in the exciting nightlife. There is truly something for everyone in New Orleans. Whether you are visiting for the first time or a frequent guest, the city’s infectious spirit is sure to invigorate, captivate and motivate you. “Laissez les bon temps rouler” is a fitting motto for this unique destination: Let the good times roll!
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Destination Highlights
Attractions
In the French Quarter, the historic center of the city, you can explore museums such as the Cabildo, the National WWII Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art (or NOMA), or the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture. Take a trolley ride to the Garden District and stroll charming, oak-shaded streets lined with grand historic mansions. The city is full of squares, parks, and gardens waiting to be explored. Or cruise the Mississippi river on a paddleboat and view battle fields and plantations from long ago. The Audubon Zoo is one of the top five U.S. zoos, featuring more than 2,000 animals in natural habitat settings. Finding an adventure in New Orleans is as easy as stepping outside your door.
Things To Do
If shopping is your favorite activity, New Orleans is full of unique offerings: Voodoo stores, art galleries, antique shops, outlet stores, clothing boutiques, bookstores and more. With dozens and dozens of festivals each year, honoring everything from pop music and po-boys to tomatoes and Tennessee Williams, the city offers visitors an array of colorful events most every weekend. The city comes alive at night. Stop by Preservation Hall for live jazz or visit Pat O’Briens and sample the infamous Hurricane. Sports enthusiasts can catch a Saints football game, play a round of golf, or head out to sea on a fishing charter. The list of activities to choose from in and around New Orleans is virtually endless.
Food & Culture
Where do we begin? There are not many places that can compete with the amazing array of food offerings available in New Orleans. On the traditional side, this is the home of Creole dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee. Take a tasty muffaletta or a po-boy to go as you explore the city, and don’t forget iconic desserts like beignets, pralines, or bananas foster. A multitude of food options exist on just about every street, with influences ranging from French, Spanish, and African to Israeli and Italian. New Orleans has such a rich mix of history, culture, language, tradition and ritual, it should come as no surprise that enjoying the amazing cuisine becomes a focus of every visit here.
