You could check out Fort Morgan State Historic Site and Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or the always popular USS Alabama! Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. to each other and sharing tips and advice. However, youll have to drive through a tunnel. Could not find a public. Look no further than, . The amenities on offer (including a 24/7 convenience store, 3000 square feet of meeting space, a resort-style pool, a state of the art fitness center, a golf course, and a complimentary breakfast) are guaranteed to deliver everything you could need for a memorable stay, while its prime location offers easy access to all of Gulf Shores most popular landmarks, including The Wharf and Marina and the Wharf Amphitheater. Houmas House and Gardens 7. They gift shop has an extensive array of goodies and of course the wine you can buy by the bottle or by the case what ever you want. Come for lunch or dinner, and youll find everything from bayou grouper to crab cakes and bacon-wrapped shrimp. The Interstate can be traffic-heavy, as its a major trucking route. There is an option to upgrade your ticket and do a rock discovery activity in the middle of the park. Stetson Mansion is a gorgeous National Register of Historic Places-listed estate in DeLand, originally constructed circa 1886 by John and Elizabeth Stetson. Get the reverse directions for a Take a trip to the Butterfly Rainforest with your date to admire the beautiful tropical environment filled with a variety of colorful butterflies, birds, moths, and fish. Visitors are not allowed to touch or feed the little birds and butterflies that roam the environment. But, it was definitely worth it to see a different side. Whether youre looking for a snack at Auntie Annes, fast food at Five Guys, fine dining at Longhorn Steakhouse, a few drinks at Margaritaville, or fresh seafood at Back Porch Seafood and Oyster House, Pier Park has got you covered. Reasonable wine prices for both in bottle and case. Really a great place to take the kids they do need more drink and food options while there but all in all a really great facility. This shopping center houses over 124 retail stores such as Target, Marshalls, and Dillard's. In addition to that, theres a nature trail and playground. Mississippi is home to several scenic byways, perfect for taking in all the state has to offer. Kid friendly. The marine park offers exciting live shows and interactive tours for the entire family. The visitor center and snack bar were closed on the day of our visit, Tuesday in February. I cant recommend it enough! In fact, its a fairly straight drive through the desert with mountains in the distance. Others, such as myself, like to explore a bit more in depth, when we travel. Some good food places and definitely fresh, delicious adult beverages. The mermaid show has a long line and it fills up as well. His dog Scout often accompanied him on roadtrips. Its very clean and well kept, all of the animals seemed to be very relaxed and happy. "Scenic Highway is first mentioned in the Baton Rouge State Times in 1921," he said. 17 minutes Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. I would not ever want to be there during a crowded season. Book a swamp tour to take in scenic views of Spanish moss draped cypress trees and the abundance of native bird species. Lots of parking, well maintained restrooms, and reasonably priced to enter! stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:13 amdrive for about 35 minutes, 11:48 am Slidell Naval Air Station Pensacola lays claim to the worlds biggest naval museum and one of the most popular museums of any kind in the Sunshine State. Lots of other families small children were with us on our specific tour but Lou still made it enjoyable for all! A little town of its own, The Wharf is designed for you to park your car and walk or bike around. After jam-packed days in NoLa, youll need a relaxing day on the beach soaking up the suns rays. Newspapers everywhere covered it in the 1920s.". Get the reverse directions for a If you are looking for a more intimate experience with marine animals like dolphins, Gulf World should be on your to-do list. Free parking during Cruise at hotel, which hotels? U.S. Route 90 in Louisiana - Wikipedia I get Early Access so I get to see the Moon Over the beach and I get to see some really great sun rises and some sunsets. There are daily shows at the Gulf World Marine Park, wits animals such as dolphins, sea lions, and tropical birds. Average bus trip duration 1h 40m. The top cities between New Orleans and Orlando are Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Biloxi, Mobile, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Fort Walton Beach, DeLand, Gulf Shores, and Crystal River. 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561, USA. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing penguins, flamingos, sharks, alligators, sea turtles, and much more. Let us know in the comments below! The water was so pretty and the beach was extremely clean. Whether you want to attend a concert, ride the Ferris wheel, or depart on a dolphin-watching cruise, The Wharf is the go-to destination for entertainment on the island. Biloxi, MS 39535. The mansion was designed by architect George T Pearson who was from Philadelphia in the year 1886. I-90 to Covington for 3rd night hotel, Day 4-Gulf drive East to Biloxi for "train tour" of historic part. This place is so cool to see! Ben Peabody's Esso station was a thriving gas station and sporting goods store in the days when Scenic Highway was the route motorists took to or from the U.S. 190 bridge. U.S. Highway 90 ( US 90 ), one of the major east-west U.S. On average, there are 1 on this route. Dennis, the owner is turning 73 and winding down. There are 62 sites, and there is potable water and flush toilets in the campground. The zoo is home to all your favorite exotic animals like Bengal tigers, dromedary camels, and American alligators. Gainesville is a city in northern Florida. I-110 - Watch in awe as Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort and IP Casino Resort & Spa stand tall over Back Bay. Established in 1851 and awarding more than 3,000 degrees each year, Florida State University has a campus which covers 489 acres with points of interest such as the Heritage Tower and the Dodd Hall library. Pier Park truly has something for everyone, from shops to restaurants to entertainment and more. Fabulous Christmas decor and a surprise pop-in by JT the owner who does all the decorating. Get up and go with a delicious breakfast from Mockingbird Cafe. 19th century military fort offering tours & displays related to Civil War history & beyond. McLeod Park The 570-mile road trip from Jacksonville, Fl to New Orleans takes just over 9 hours to drive. The area is quiet & great for families. During your stay in New Orleans, LA, consider taking a road trip to the fun-filled beach town of Biloxi, MS. After jam-packed days in NoLa, youll need a relaxing day on the beach soaking up the suns rays. Not only just an aquarium, Gulf World also doubles as a wildlife rehabilitation center for strayed creatures of the Gulf of Mexico. It's known for its casinos. Due to the rain we did not get to walk the trails, but hopefully next time. Could you make a day out of this? 3. First, get on I-10 East and follow it to Division Street in Biloxi. We got to see from their perspective in the 1920s in our car as best we could. It was pretty clean also. Margaritaville, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Dave and Busters, The Grand Theatre, Dillards and so much more are all located within this huge open air shopping center. The direct drive from New Orleans to Orlando is 639 mi (1028 km), and should have a drive time of 9 hrs 22 mins in normal traffic. Pier Park, directly across from Russell-Fields Pier, more commonly known as City Pier, is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, with a tourist-oriented twist. next trip! Well done and the animals seem to well cared for. (WLOX) - After last week's announcement that the passenger rail service would be returning next year to the Gulf Coast, Amtrak is narrowing . If you're planning a road trip to Biloxi, you can research locations to stop along the way. Enjoy daily live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, reptiles and tropical birds. On a budget? It was home to approximately 2,500 brave Americans and now serves as a National Historic Landmark and memorial in Mobile, Alabama. Long Beach, MS, is an hour and 15 minutes from New Orleans. Hike their trails and marvel at their man made waterfalls, formed during the lands mining days and private ownership. I live across the street from Henderson Park and as such I go there just about every morning and walk the beach Founded in 1851, the 489-acre main campus of the Florida State University is no doubt one of the top things to see in Tallahassee. It's all U.S. Highway 61, which includes the stretch of road that runs through North Baton Rouge called "Scenic Highway.". You'll want to spend a whole day exploring and enjoying everything Pier Park has to offer and you're sure to find plenty of souvenirs to take home! For example, here are some questions people have asked about Biloxi. 5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, 813-717-9865More than 150 life-size outdoor models of dinosaurs rule over a fossil dig, museum and lots of paleontological-themed activities. Also the entry fee was on the higher side (20$ per adult). Scenic Drives New Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile? Check them out here: Yes! Plus, the route is simple and easy to follow. Best Resort in Louisiana: Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore Search for RV campgrounds. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. I see why the manatees flock here. Drive down any part of I-10, and youll surely see a semi-truck (or hundreds) hauling goods from city to city. 9350 W Fishbowl Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448, USA. stay at Hotel Monteleone, Parker's Landing The government created Interstate 10 (I-10) as a truck route to connect Los Angeles ports to the rest of the country. First, get on I-10 East and follow it to Division Street in Biloxi. Take a scenic lake drive down Rookery Road or stroll the boardwalk at the south end of the lake to spot native anhingas, blue herons, egrets, white ibis, and colorful spoonbills. It is within walking distance to shopping and entertainment in the area and a short drive from the beach. Located at the Natural History Museum of Florida, this place offers a path of 6,400 sq. Had a great time at the Wharf for New Years. For information regarding the best restaurants, casinos, historic sites, outdoor activities, and more in Biloxi, download our complimentary Vacation Guide! Click for the Austin to New Orleans Road Trip Map 1. Previous Article: Scenic Highway 30A . (850) 236-9974Pier Park Stores is a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment megaplex, with just about everything imaginable including over 120 stores, the Grand IMAX movie theater, laser tag, live music, amusements rides, plenty of dining options, sweet treats, and retail shopping to meet every need. Known by locals as Sportsmans Paradise, our natural surroundings play an integral role in many Louisianians everyday life. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! A 2.5-mile nature trail offers exceptional birding opportunities, and throughout the park boardwalks lead to shell-sprinkled beaches, with shallow waters perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for flounder and whiting. Abandoned buildings dot a once-thriving section of Airline Highway west of Scenic Highway. Located within the University of Florida Cultural Plaza, which conveniently houses a number of other important Gainesville tourist attractions, this enthralling attraction can be visited separately from the main museum and can take a few hours to explore fully. Take a quick detour for biscuits galore at The Greenhouse on Porter. The city was one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., and Historic Pensacola Village is a museum complex containing original 19th-century buildings. And, finally, it runs through Tucson, where you can access the amazing Saguaro National Park. Dining at the famous Paula Deen`s Restaurantor live music at Tootsiesgames at Dave & Busters. If you want to shop, see a movie, or listen to live music, Pier Park is where you should be!. This State Park stands out because it is also a sanctuary to wildlife that cant survive on their own in the wild. The number of buses from Biloxi to New Orleans can differ depending on the day of the week. Here, visitors can wander through the 11 acres of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden on paths dotted with water features and gorgeous native botanicals. Wildlife is abundant, turtles, fish and birds are everywhere. Youll be dazzled by not only their coffee and cuisine but by their curated collection of coastal-inspired dcor. So far what we've seen of it, we like it. Taking the bus creates the smallest carbon footprint compared to other modes of transport. Florida State University gives a glimpse into college life in Florida and is centrally located near the Railroad Arts District, and many restaurants and hotels. Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of New Orleans? View the Drivin & Vibin Privacy Policy Here, Quartzsite, a famous boondocking haven for RVers. Between 2004 and 2005, the zoo became the focus of media attention after it had to evacuate its animals following three major hurricanes. Interstate 10 . It was a very moving experience for this naval aviation fan. Soloway considered the entire route to be a very scenic trip, including the portion in Baton Rouge. They also have a small shop at the entrance for snacks and drinks. You can also grab a quick bite and take it to the beach. Such a nice zoo. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, This section could be endless, so rather than trying to Take this scenic four-lane highway and youll be inundated with out of this world views. It's a very small place compared to any zoo or aquarium we have visited. Click on any question to see answers from the community! A day trip to the Jean Lafitte Barataria Preserve immerses visitors in the beautiful flora and fauna of Southern Louisianas wild wetlands. You can bring your own kayak or puddle board as well (dont know if they charge you an extra fee for that). Leaving New Orleans A Louisiana Road Trip Experience: Driving Across the swamps Cajun Country Heartland: Into the Deep South Where to Stay in Lafayette The Story of Tabasco The Gulf of Mexico Breaux Bridge - Crawfish Capital of the World Louisiana's Capital City Flavours of Baton Rouge The Pirate of the Pacific Chilling in Baton Rouge Coastal Mississippi calls itself the Secret Coast and its Beach Boulevard / US 90 route is a memorable detour from the I-10 highway. Katie from Los Angeles asked:What is your favorite restaurant in New Orleans? Park seemed pricey to get in especially after we just finished swimming with the manatees! After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. Personally, you a wasting time with Baton Rouge and Biloxi. Columnist Smiley Anders asked his readers for possible explanations to the name of the highway. We had the best butterfly encounter. Portraying a more rural portion of the state, this scenic route is under 50 miles and is made up of small, charming towns and picturesque sites. Meet the dolphins, sea lions, reptiles, and tropical birds during the daily live shows. To be honest with you,we hate paying for camping. Worth every penny! The top stops along the way from New Orleans to Orlando (with short detours) are National Naval Aviation Museum, Panama City Beach, and Stetson Mansion. I pray they are able to continue to maintain it and bring more experiences for families like us. Along the way, you'll pass through Mobile, a bustling port city that's full of historic southern charm and waterfront beauty. Interstate 10 is the fourth longest highway in the U.S. at 2,460 miles long. Self driving tour around Baton Rouge-old capitol, new capitol, Governor's mansion and hotel in Port Allen second night. Loop past the Beau Rivage, over the Mississippi Sound and right into downtown Biloxi for an experience you wont soon forget. If youve already stopped by Bay St. Louis and thats where youre embarking from, its only a 20-minute drive. Some of the countrys hottest bands also perform here in The Wharf Amphitheatre, so be sure to check out upcoming events before you arrive. Lots of parking available on campus. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:32 pmdrive for about 14 minutes, 3:46 pm Slidell Search for RV campgrounds. And forget being in the SE during hurricane season. from New Orleans. West Gulfport (Mississippi) I will do this again highly recommend giving it a whirl. The animal show also gets pretty full and only had 3 shows a day. Formerly known as Old Highway 1, the Beach Boulevard byway tour is split into two parts, with Highway 90 being the dividing point. We purchased that but it was SO busy with people and the kids wanted to hit the trail right away so I do regret doing that upgrade because we never did it. Day 3-Swamp tour, Breaux Bridge and Avery Island. Get up close and personal with some of the world's most amazing sea creatures at Gulf World Marine Park!. Northwest is Crystal River Archaeological State Park, with remains of an early Native American settlement, including ceremonial mounds. Silver River Museum and Environmental Center remain closed due to Covid-19.