Top Things to do in Louisiana
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What to do and see in Louisiana, United States: The Best Zoos & Aquariums
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. Yogie and Friends Exotic Cat Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. Wild Country Safari Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Louisiana's only drive through safari park. Wild Country Safari Park is over 300 acres of wild animal fun!!! We have over thirty species, a petting zoo, concession stand and picnic areas.
Reviewed By yokc
It's a nice place to escape and be with the nature. Animals are friendly, happy, and well-fed. The staff and the owner are very informative and welcoming. Would love to re-visit next time.
3. Audubon Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,886 reviews
Located in historic Uptown New Orleans Audubon Zoo offers an exotic mix of animals from around the globe, engaging educational programs, hands-on animal encounters and lush gardens. Unique natural habitat exhibits—such as the award-winning Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle—showcase the relationship between people and nature. Don't miss the daily animal presentations, chats and feeds; our highly endangered whooping cranes, Amur leopards and orangutans; our white tiger; and our mysterious white alligators. Audubon Zoo is often ranked among the country’s best for innovation and entertainment value!
Reviewed By debram0ss - Danville, United States
The zoo was one of the most beautiful zoos that I have visited. The animals seem to be thriving in there habitats. The staff was very knowledgable and caring of the animals. Beautiful mature trees and plants added to the charm of the zoo. The children in our group loved water area and the train ride was enjoyed by all ages in our group.
4. Alexandria Zoological Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
Since 1926, Alexandria Zoological Park has shared the wonders of the natural world with generations of zoo-goers. Get face to face with 500 animals including lions, tigers, crocodiles, monkeys, bears, otters and many more. Come explore a natural world filled with hoots, howls, and roars right in the heart of Central Louisiana. Alexandria Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is the mission of Alexandria Zoological Park to promote understanding and conservation of the natural world in which we live. It is the mission of Alexandria Zoological Park to promote understanding and conservation of the natural world in which we live.
Reviewed By KatL475 - Metairie, United States
I enjoyed the zoo. The temp was mild and cloudy but most of the animals were out. There are no large animals at this zoo, no elephants, giraffes and the like. I appreciated that one of the zoo keepers took the time to talk about 2 of the black monkeys that I was viewing.
5. Gators and Friends - Alligator Park & Exotic Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Alligator park and exotic zoo.
Reviewed By patrickbJ6755XX - Shawnee, United States
This place is amazing we have been going here for over 10 years. It is fun for all ages the set up is ideal to allow many close encounters with deer, kangaroo, goats, gators, and many more. Staff is awesome and always friendly!
6. Barn Hill Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Barn Hill Preserve is an educational facility that offers guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience animals up close and personal through live encounters. We believe that education and personal encounters with wildlife help to protect species around the world. We offer guests the opportunity to interact with our two-toed sloths, Asian small-clawed otters, binturong, and much more.
Reviewed By KimSteely - New Orleans, United States
We enjoyed every minute of our trip to the preserve. Our guide, Roy, was so knowledgeable, friendly and patient. He made the experience so great. Take the time to visit if you can!
7. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,316 reviews
Located on the Mississippi River adjacent to the French Quarter Audubon Aquarium of the Americas immerses you in an underwater world. The colors of a Caribbean reef come alive in our walk-through tunnel, while our penguins and Southern sea otter enchant you with their antics. Touch a sting ray, feed a parakeet, and marvel at our gigantic sharks, tarpon, and rays in the 400,000 gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit. Watch for sea turtles throughout the Aquarium-as coordinator of the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program, we prepare many of them for release to the wild.
Reviewed By jamesog - Virginia, United States
It was great for grown-ups (once the shark tank is complete it will be even better) and a fabulous resource for children who were captivated by the wide variety of exhibits, species and habitats on display. Much we rightly made of the dire situation around plastics with some clever models made from plastics recovered from the sea. Interpretation was good and children were compelled by what was on offer. Sure made a welcome change from watching children glued to their phones. Highly recommended for children of all ages.
8. Baton Rouge Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 269 reviews
More than 944 animals and birds, set in their natural outdoor habitats, plus a children's area, tram and train rides make this a family-friendly attraction.
Reviewed By ScottAshtonSmith - New Roads, United States
Whenever I visited the zoo in Louisiana, I would just hop on down to NOLA for the Audubon Zoo. The New Orleans zoo had to be better than the Baton Rouge zoo, right? Wrong! The Baton Rouge Zoo is top notch! AND it's right in my backyard. This place is an absolute gem. The family events throughout the year are also a lot of fun :)
9. Jubilee Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 41 reviews
Jubilee Zoo is your Family Fun Facility. We feature a Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Bounce Houses, Exotic Animals, Playground/Picnic area, and our awesome Safari Hay Ride! Our covered, mist-cooled, petting zoo area makes for comfortable visiting in most weather. Join us for Reunions, Birthdays, Field Trips, Company Picnics, Sport or Scout events, and any time for Family Fun!Fun abounds at Jubilee Zoo. Pet and feed the animals, ride the carousel ponies, tour the zoo on our awesome safari hay ride, bounce in the inflatables and enjoy the seasonal Water Play Splash Pad/playground area. Please note, Jubilee Zoo is an interactive petting zoo/family park - not a large zoological facility. We have no government funding. Our animal residents are chosen for their ability to safely interact with our visitors. We do not display large carnivores - no lions, tigers, or bears. Please see our website for Seasonal Hours
10. National Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Zien28 - Houston, United States
This is a great place to stop if you are visiting Natchitoches in the summer with kids. It is one room, free, and air conditioned. It is a great way to entertain the kids while learning about local fish and the role of the hatchery.
