Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is located 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans. New Orleans is a major port and the largest city in the state of Louisiana.
New Orleans can trace its origins back to 1718 and has grown into a major hub for shipping and tourism and is home to many major attractions.
What is There to Do in New Orleans?
It is world famous for its local cuisine which is distinctive and influential. Local ingredients, French, Spanish, Italian, African, Native American, Cajun, Chinese, and a hint of Cuban traditions combine to produce a truly unique and easily recognizable Louisiana flavour.
For sports fans, New Orleans is home to a number of sports teams including the New Orleans Saints, an NFL team, and the New Orleans Pelicans, a basketball team in the NBA. There are also numerous local golf courses to choose from if you want to get a round or two in.
Take a drive through the historic French Quarter and see the oldest neighbourhood in New Orleans. Although named the French Quarter, most of the present day buildings were built under Spanish rule and show Spanish colonial tastes. The district contains various individual historic buildings. Park up and visit one of the bars or restaurants or stay at one of the historic hotels located here.
Enjoy a trip to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas which is recognised as one of the leading aquariums in the USA. Walk through the Caribbean reef underwater tunnel or go to Parakeet Point and enjoy hands on fun with hundreds of exotic birds. The Audubon Zoo nearby covers 58 acres and is home to 2,000 animals.
Drive to the lake on the Pontchartrain Causeway across one of the longest bridges over water in the world. Lake Pontchartrain is a brackish estuary that covers an area of 630 square miles with an average depth of 12 to 14ft. Enjoy the views and scenery; with several national wildlife refuges and state parks also located around the lake along with opportunities to go fishing or sailing.
Day Trips From New Orleans
To the west, if you follow interstate 10 you will reach Houston, the largest city in the state of Texas. With attractions that include the downtown Aquarium, Houston Zoo along with the NASA Space centre, you will find plenty to see and do here.
The city of Jackson is north of New Orleans. It is the largest city in the state with points of interest including the extinct Jackson Volcano, several museums along with nearby state parks and forests.
Drive to the east via interstate 10 and you’ll come to Mobile in Alabama, passing through several national forests and wildlife refuges on the way. Once at Mobile there are a number of museums such as the USS Alabama Battleship which is now open to the public. Why not visit the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Centre too? Alternatively go shopping at the Bel Air Mall a super-regional shopping mall.
