Interesting places to visit near New Orleans, United States

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Best For: History Enthusiasts, Music Lovers, Foodies, Families with Children, Dog-Friendly

Why it's a great detour: The Historic French Quarter in New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, offering an immersive experience into the city’s unique musical heritage. This vibrant neighborhood combines rich history, legendary music venues, and lively street performances that captivate visitors of all ages. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a curious traveler, the soulful sounds and colorful streets provide an unforgettable cultural detour.

Key activities: Explore iconic venues like Preservation Hall and the Spotted Cat Music Club, enjoy live street jazz performances, take guided walking tours highlighting the area's musical history, savor authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine at local eateries, and browse unique shops and art galleries. Families can enjoy daytime performances and interactive music workshops.

Kid-friendly focus: The French Quarter offers family-friendly daytime activities including street performances and museums that engage children with music and history, making it suitable for young visitors.

Dog-friendly notes: Many outdoor cafes and some venues welcome well-behaved dogs, allowing travelers to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with their pets, though indoor access may be limited.

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Best For: Nature Lovers, Families with Children, Dog-Friendly, History Enthusiasts, Foodies

Nestled in the heart of New Orleans, Audubon Zoo offers an unforgettable family-friendly wildlife adventure that combines education, conservation, and fun. This detour is perfect for travelers seeking an immersive experience with exotic animals and lush habitats, all within a beautifully maintained urban park setting. Its rich history and proximity to vibrant local cuisine make it a unique stop for diverse interests.

Visitors can explore expansive exhibits featuring elephants, big cats, reptiles, and tropical birds, participate in interactive feeding sessions, and enjoy engaging educational programs tailored for young children. The zoo also hosts seasonal events and offers stroller and wheelchair rentals for convenience. For dog owners, while pets are not allowed inside the zoo, nearby Audubon Park provides scenic walking trails and dog-friendly spaces to enjoy before or after your visit.

Ideal for families with young children, the zoo’s hands-on discovery zones and splash areas keep little ones entertained and engaged. History buffs will appreciate the zoo’s origins dating back to 1914 and its role in regional conservation efforts. Foodies can delight in nearby New Orleans eateries offering authentic Creole and Cajun flavors, making the detour a full sensory experience.

Whether you're traveling with kids, exploring nature, or indulging in local culture, Audubon Zoo is a captivating stop that enriches your New Orleans journey with wildlife wonders and family-friendly fun.

Location: Barataria Preserve is located near New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, within the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

Best For: Nature Lovers, Hiking, Bird Watching, History Enthusiasts, Dog-Friendly

Why it's a great detour: This preserve offers an immersive experience into the unique wetlands ecosystem of Louisiana, just a short drive from the vibrant city of New Orleans. Visitors can explore scenic boardwalk trails winding through swamps and marshes teeming with diverse wildlife, making it a peaceful escape for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility.

Key activities: Walk or hike along well-maintained boardwalks and nature trails, spot native wildlife including alligators, herons, and turtles, enjoy bird watching with over 300 species recorded, and learn about the area's rich cultural and natural history at the visitor center. Photography enthusiasts will find countless opportunities to capture stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Kid-friendly focus: The flat, accessible trails and engaging wildlife make it an excellent destination for families with young children. Educational programs and interactive exhibits at the visitor center provide fun learning experiences.

Dog-friendly notes: Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great spot for travelers with pets to enjoy nature together. Just be mindful of local wildlife and keep pets under control to preserve the habitat.

Location: Honey Island Swamp is located near Slidell in southeastern Louisiana, USA, offering a unique glimpse into one of the most pristine swampland ecosystems in the country.

Best For: Nature Lovers, Wildlife Enthusiasts, Families with Children, Dog-Friendly, History Buffs, Foodies

Why It's a Great Detour: This enchanting swamp adventure provides an immersive experience into Louisiana's rich natural heritage, showcasing diverse wildlife including alligators, herons, and otters in their natural habitat. The guided boat tours combine thrilling wildlife encounters with fascinating stories about the swamp's history and folklore, making it a captivating detour for travelers seeking both nature and culture.

Key Activities: Visitors can enjoy guided boat tours through the swamp’s winding waterways, wildlife photography, bird watching, and learning about the local ecosystem and Cajun history. Nearby, foodies can savor authentic Southern cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional Cajun dishes.

Kid-Friendly Focus: The tours are suitable for children of all ages, with engaging guides who share fun facts and stories to keep young adventurers entertained and educated.

Dog-Friendly Notes: While the swamp tours themselves may have restrictions on pets for safety reasons, many surrounding trails and outdoor areas welcome dogs, making it a good option for travelers with pets who want to explore the region’s natural beauty.