Before You Go

Coordinates 29.9511° N, 90.0715° W
Baton Rouge to New Orleans 81.2 miles
Driving Time 1 hour, 24 minutes

Why New Orleans?

Why not? One of the greatest cities in the world is just one hour away! For an escape into musical bliss, culinary delights, historical wonder, and architectural beauty, jump on I-10 and spend the day in NOLA. Whether it’s a family day or a special couple’s day, New Orleans has everything to offer.

Where to Eat

Surrey’s Cafe and Juice Bar  |  1418 Magazine Street  |  New Orleans, LA 70130
For breakfast, brunch, or lunch, dine at this eclectic cafe and juice bar with two convenient locations on historic Magazine Street in New Orleans. The sweet and savory menu has something for everyone and the freshest organic juices you can find. Savor the famous shrimp and grits, the bananas foster french toast or the flying saucer size banana pancake. ■ surreysnola.com 

Jacques Imo’s Cafe  |  8324 Oak Street  |  New Orleans, LA 70118
This magical little restaurant will transport you with its vibrant colors, mouth-watering food, and lively atmosphere. Creole delicacies are all available at this funky spot on less-traveled Oak Street. Try the fried grits or shrimp and alligator sausage cheesecake for an appetizer and then land in entrée heaven with the many choices available. The wait may be long, but take a stroll on Oak and go visit Frenchy’s art gallery down the street. ■ jacques-imos.com 

Katie’s Restaurant  |  3701 Iberville Street  |  New Orleans, LA 70119
This award-winning, family-owned, neighborhood spot will meet all your New Orleans food requirements in one stop. Known for their chargrilled oysters, poboys, and pizzas, Katie’s in Mid-City delivers quality food every time with a homey and comforting atmosphere. Eat like a local and indulge in the unique Creole creations. ■ katiesinmidcity.com

What to Do

The Louisiana Children’s Museum is absolutely a family favorite in New Orleans. Stand inside a giant bubble, step into the story of Little Red Riding Hood or attend one of the exciting events this month including Ocean Friends Forever Day, the Storytelling Festival, and the Kids Food Fest. ■ lcm.org

Challenge you and your loved ones to escape! Escape My Room offers a chance to get locked in a room. While that may sound crazy, it’s actually a lot of fun, and your family can escape the famous Mardi Gras Study or the mysterious Jazz Parlor of the DeLaporte House. ■ escapemyroom.com

Lions, tigers, bears, bugs and fish, oh my! You can get all of this and more by visiting the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, and Insectarium. It may seem expensive to visit all of these places in one weekend, but it’s possible. The Audubon Experience package allows you to visit all of the attractions for one low price, and it even includes the Entergy Giant Screen Theater tickets. ■ audubonnatureinstitute.org

Visit your children’s favorite storybook characters in Storyland located in City Park. There are more than 25 larger than life whimsical sculptures to see that will have your little ones oohing and aahing all afternoon. Afterward, practice your short game at City Putt with your entire family. ■ neworleanscitypark.com

Watch magnificent floats come to life as they are built right before your eyes at Mardi Gras World. Mardi Gras World is where Mardi Gras is made! While you’re there, you and your tiny festival goers can try on costumes, meet the artists, and snack on delicious King Cake. ■ mardigrasworld.com

For the teens and tweens in the family, bring them to the National World War II Museum. There are taped interviews with Holocaust survivors, propaganda posters, radio clips, short documentary films, and myriad personal artifacts all from the war. Take the time to visit with a veteran who can share his story. ■ nationalww2museum.org

Featuring authentic art, dazzling jewelry and creative crafts produced by the fabulous local and regional artists, the Frenchmen Street Art Market provides a family-friendly cultural experience lit by the glowing string lights of Frenchmen Street. Lively music drapes the background while you and your family browse the art, find gifts, and chat with local artisans. ■ frenchmenartmarket.com