New Orleans
Situated on the Mississippi River 40 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans is a hub of culinary excitement, boasts an incredibly diverse music scene, and is steeped in history and culture with centuries-old architecture. As a cultural destination, New Orleans is unparalleled. Our famous food, nightlife, and hospitality are internationally renowned.
Take a virtual tour of New Orleans!
Sports
Home to the Saints and the Pelicans. The LSU Tigers are two hours away.
Cuisine
Listed as Food and Wine's top 10 food cities in the world, New Orleans hosts distinctive cuisines such as Cajun and Creole. With over 1000 eateries, there is an option for everyone ranging from po-boys and gumbos to vegan and vegetarian restaurants.
Festivals
Over 130 festivals year round with highlights such as Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, BUKU Fest, White Linen Night, French Quarter Fest, Red dress Run, Beignet Fest, Fried Chicken Fest, to name a few. Click here for a full list of festivals!
Mardi Gras
People travel from around the world to experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Carnival season starts every year on January 6th, King's Day (Feast of the Epiphany) and includes drinking, eating, parades and balls before the restrictions of Lent. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. With over fifty krewes in the city, there is always a celebration to be had during this time of the year.
Music
Listed as National Geographic's Top 10 Music Cities in the World, New Orleans hosts many musicians and artists of all different genres.
Not only do we stick to our roots as the birthplace of Jazz, but the Smoothie King Center hosts the biggest artists and tours. For example, in 2020 we hosted, among many others, Beyonce, Celine Dion, Elton John, Allie Wong, Rascal Flatts, Luke Combs, and Dave Chapelle.
Museums
Rich in history, New Orleans offers dozens of interesting museums. Some of our favorites are the New Orleans Museum of Art, The National World War II Museum (rated by Trip Advisor as in the top 3 museums in the world), Audubon Zoological Gardens, Aquarium of the Americans, Southern Ogden Museum, Children's Museum, and the Pharmacy Museum.
Recreation
Louisiana is nicknamed the Sportsman's Paradise for the many outdoor recreational activities it offers. Some resident favorites include biking and running through City Park, Audubon parks, the Lafitte Greenway, along Lake Pontchartrain, or along the Mississippi biking trail. You can also rent kayaks for Bayou St. John or a boat for Lake Pontchartrain. The surrounding area has limitless fishing and hunting opportunities.
Tourism
Additional ways to explore New Orleans include New Orlean Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour, Cemetery Tours, Swamp Tours, the French Quarter. Every year many tourists visit the city for conventions or a departure point for cruises.