Located on Magazine Street, National World War II Museum is made up of multiple sections, each containing a different exhibit that explores the events of the Second World War. A variety of artifacts, testimonies and documents, particularly those chronicling the World War II period, are on display here. The Arsenal of Democracy features a variety of artifacts, interactive displays, and memorabilia that tell the story of the people who helped win the war. Other exhibits include the Road to Tokyo, Road to Berlin, Bayou to Battlefield, and more. An on-site restaurant and soda shop offer a variety of dining options and beverages.
Cajun Pride Swamp Tour is a fun and informative way to see a scenic swamp and wildlife refuge. You might see a whole zoo's worth of creatures including: alligators, bald eagles, waterfowl, owls, beavers, raccoons and even black bears. Tours generally last about an hour and a half.
Idyllically laid within the ambit of New Orleans' famous French Quarter district, Jackson Square is steeped in a rich history associated with the epoch-making Louisiana Purchase. An arsenal of historic landmarks, including the three-steepled St. Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo and the Presbytere stand amid vast landscaped gardens, with the bronze statue of the heroic Andrew Jackson forming a compelling centerpiece. Although now buried under layers of history, the square harks back to a fascinating past, when it was originally known as the Place d'Armes. An erstwhile site for public executions, this square saw a dramatic shift at the turn of the twentieth century. At the height of the Roaring Twenties, this National Historic Landmark became widely known for its association with the arts, allowing artists to gather and participate in the exchange of ideas. Through the years, Jackson Square has been touched by fleeting, yet enduring associations with tarot-readers, jugglers, street artists, and paraders, echoing the very unbeatable ethos that New Orleans is known for today.
A glorious jewel gleaming in the heart of the city, the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis is one of the most prominent landmarks in the French Quarter. Illustrious in the extreme, the Cathedral has often single-handedly solidified New Orleans' identity. Lording over the historic landscape of Jackson Square, this magnificent cathedral is a soulful amalgamation of culture, history and an inextricable French legacy. The Cathedral of St. Louis was first built in 1718 but became an established parish in 1720. The current cathedral is not the original, but a rebuilt expansion of the third version of the cathedral, built-in 1789. In 1964, Pope John Paul II designated the cathedral as a Minor Basilica. The graceful beauty of the St. Louis Cathedral and its surrounding courtyards in the French Quarter makes it a sight to behold. Cradled on the banks of the Mississippi River, the cathedral is considered one of the greatest symbols of Catholicism on the North American continent. Upheld by beautiful blue steeples and interiors which are just as ornate, this cathedral is an edifice hewn with an indelible French heritage.
It's just impossible to get bored of New Orleans' plush City Park. Sprawled over 1,500 acres, this welcoming oasis attracts hordes of people every day. You'll find lovebirds sharing some time together, children playing around, joggers doing their daily rounds and people absorbing the park's beauty. Camps, field trips and an amusement park are the facilities for children. Sports lovers can choose from golf, football, tennis and lots more. The park also provides the perfect setting for weddings, picnics, birthdays or other special functions. If you're a nature lover, you can volunteer to help protect this beautiful park.
From the critter-filled swamps of Louisiana to the grasslands of Africa, you can explore some of the world's most intriguing habitats and the creatures that dwell within them at this world-class zoo. Rated one of the top zoos in the United States, Audubon Zoo New Orleans is home to a variety of nature's wondrous creations such as Louisiana Black Bear, Cougar, Bobcat, Macaw, Babirusa, and more. The marvelous aquarium houses beautiful moon jellies, clownfish, green sea turtle, and the much-dreaded piranha.
Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church was built in 1930, but it is actually the second church of that name to stand in the same space. It is an almost identical replica to a church that was built there in the 1850s and later damaged by surrounding construction. It is notable for its Gothic Revival architecture. Inside, there are stained glass windows, an elaborate altar, and cast iron pews. It's easy to see why this church is a local landmark and a beautiful place to visit.
New Orleans Musical Legends Park is a lovely outdoor space that is dedicated to creating awareness about the rich cultural and musical heritage of the city of New Orleans. A pleasant reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city, the space offers visitors a tranquil oasis with interesting exhibits that chronicle the various influences that have shaped the culture of this vibrant city. Entrance to the park is free, and live musical performances are par course. Grab a table and some beignets from the Cafe, or simply settle down and enjoy a musical extravaganza in this beautiful outdoor setting at the heart of the French Quarter.
Originally known as Rue Bourbon, New Orleans' infamous Bourbon Street runs the length of the city's French Quarter, although it is the eight-block stretch of "Upper Bourbon Street," lined with bars and clubs of every genre, that is known for its lively nightlife scene. Initially a sought after residential neighborhood, shifting borders and demographics saw Bourbon Street succumb to the same vices the city had come to be known for, becoming famous for its restaurants, nightclubs and other risque establishments. Today, this street is best known for its involvement in the Big Easy's greatest festival, Mardi Gras, and its love affair with live jazz and blues. Each night, revelers throng the street with drinks in hand, their smiling faces lit by the multi-colored glow of neon lights. By day, the avenue's quaint architectural heritage comes to the fore, with time-honored eateries doling out traditional po'boys, beignets and other quintessentially, local eats.
Head to the French Quarter to this visitor's center to discover the history and rich culture behind the Crescent City. The visitors center is like a mini museum with historical information as well as tourist information.