On the Road with Pensacola Mom Collective
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I have many fond family memories in New Orleans and love taking my children to sample this unique and historical gem, just three straight hours on I-10 from our front door here in Pensacola (about 200 miles). From the food, music, people, and culture, there’s really not another place on the planet like her.
The great thing about New Orleans is that you can go back time and again and never have the same experience. You can enjoy a romantic, upscale weekend or a casual, affordable time with kids.
These are not comprehensive recommendations but will spark ideas to plan your own itinerary.
Road Trip Music: “They All Ask’d for You,” by The Meters, “Do Whatcha Wanna,” by The Rebirth Brass Band, “Basin Street Blues,” by Louis Armstrong.
Where to Stay?
Hotels along St. Charles Ave in the Garden District offer a great location to hop on the street car and hit the French Quarter.
Nearby Mandeville is a cute little town with boutique hotels, bed & breakfasts, and vacation rentals about 45 minutes from the French Quarter.
What to Do?
The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
This museum is truly amazing and on par with any national museum, like a Smithsonian.
Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
*If you’re lucky, you can find a cart on the streets throughout New Orleans, but if not,
don’t miss the permanent Roman Candy Company cart inside the Audubon Zoo!
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Mardi Gras World
With Mardi Gras still on the mind, touring Mardi Gras World is a fun indoor activity.
French Market District
200 years of history and culture in this fun area plus it’s a great place to find a few souvenirs!
1008 N. Peters St. New Orleans, LA 70116
Honey Island Swamp Tours
We took our kids on their first swamp tour about 2 years ago and they loved it. From alligator sightings and feeding wild boars to the history of the beautiful moss-covered trees, we all loved the adventure.
41490 Crawford Landing Rd., Slidell, LA 70461
Global Wildlife Center
Take a 75-minute safari wagon tour over 900 acres to visit giraffes, zebras, camels, and more.
26389 Hwy 40, Folsom, LA 70437
What to Eat?
Affordable, easy, and kid-friendly restaurant recommendations:
The Camellia Grill at 626 S Carrollton Avenue
Dat Dog at 5030 Freret Street
Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar at 4338 St. Charles Avenue
Acme Oyster House at 724 Iberville St
Cafe Maspero at 601 Decatur St
Fun Treats
Hansen’s Sno-Bliz at 4801 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Cafe du Monde at 1039 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Commander’s Palace Jazz Brunch (fun experience for families with older kids) at 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
We hope other Pensacola Mom Collective followers will share their favorites in the comments.
Let’s hear them!
**PMC Writer and Louisiana native, Kate Hendrickson, contributed to this post.
You can’t Geaux wrong with a trip to New Orleans! Unique and interesting every time I visit!
We love Cafe Beignet! It’s a cute cafe with great beignets and food. We also like to stay at La Place D’Armes on the street next to Jackson Square and we can walk to so many things and hop on the trolley.