Yes, we are dragging you out of the Quarter again, but we will let you come back later. We're also recommending quite a few museums, which can be time consuming if you enjoy more than a browse. Pick and choose based on your interests. Start: Taxi to Algiers Point Ferry Terminal or Canal Streetcar line to Convention Center Boulevard.
1. A Ferry Ride to Algiers
Not so much because Algiers is so great, but because it's a free ride across the Mississippi. Wind in your face, visions of Tom and Huck, all that. The neighborhood itself is worth strolling, as it's a more or less undisturbed turn-of-the-20th-century suburb. And the ride back across on the ferry will give you a wonderful view of the New Orleans skyline.
2. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Here's a fine refuge for a rainy (or for that matter, overly warm) day, and a perfect outing for kids, who will want to see the jellyfish, giggle at the sea otters, touch the manta rays, and marvel at the enormous river fish. Get here early to avoid the busloads of schoolchildren. Consider taking in the excellent Audubon Insectarium, the largest free-standing museum in the world devoted to creepies, crawlies, and flutterers.
Take the riverboat to Audubon Park.
3. Audubon Park & Audubon Zoo
You may or may not want to visit the zoo, which is small but sweetly developed, but if you do and it's a hot day, plan on coming here before any other activity if you want to see anything other than a pile of snoozing fur in the shade. Even if you don't visit the zoo, do stroll through Audubon Park.
4. Lilette or Creole Creamery
Owned by one of the most interesting and creative chefs in town, Lilette is a charming -- and popular -- spot for lunch. 3637 Magazine St. tel. 504/895-1636. If you just want a sweet, sample some of the myriad flavors concocted at Creole Creamery, including lavender honey, red velvet, and pepper. 4924 Prytania St. tel. 504/894-8680.
5. Shop Magazine Street
The sometimes swanky, sometimes quirky shops along Magazine are a mix of antiques stores (affordable and not), home decor tchotchke shops, shops of no particular theme, and good clothing stores. A good stretch runs from roughly the 3500 to 4200 blocks, through the very hip Lower Garden District. The no. 11 Magazine Street bus line begins at Audubon Park.
6. National World War II Museum
Begun with an emphasis on D-day, but gradually turning its focus to all of World War II, this was the inspiration of historian (and Saving Private Ryan consultant) Stephen Ambrose. D-day vets often volunteer, taking tickets and doing other jobs -- say thank you for us, please. By afternoon the crowds get thinner, but if you have a special interest in the subject, allow a good 3 hours. You can take the no. 11 Magazine Street bus and exit as close to Calliope as you can get.
7. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art & the Galleries on Julia Street
The premier collection of Southern art in the country is at the Ogden Museum. After viewing the art in the museum, walk around the corner to the galleries on Julia Street to see works (mostly contemporary, Southern art) by artists who may someday grace the Ogden's walls, and some that already do. Take the no. 11 Magazine Street bus from the Lower Garden District (exit as close to St. Joseph as you can), or walk from the National World War II Museum or in from the Quarter.
8. New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
It's not like you can visit voodoo -- it's a religion, not a place -- but you can tour the musty and a bit touristy New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, which has some informative exhibits and a staff that should be able to give you a tour if you ask nicely. Combine a visit here with one to the Voodoo Spiritual Temple.
9. Eat. Yes, Again.
It's what you do in New Orleans. Skipping a meal is tantamount to sacrilege, no matter how tired you are after a day packed with sightseeing.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
