39 Best Stops Between Johnson City and New Orleans
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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Johnson City to New Orleans?
The direct drive from Johnson City to New Orleans is 554 mi (891 km), and should have a drive time of 8 hrs 53 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Johnson City to New Orleans, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Houston, Austin, Galveston, Baton Rouge, New Braunfels, Lake Charles, Lafayette, College Station, and San Marcos, as well as top places to visit like Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels and San Marcos Premium Outlets, or the ever-popular Hamilton Pool Preserve.
The top cities between Johnson City and New Orleans are Houston, Austin, Galveston, Baton Rouge, New Braunfels, Lake Charles, Lafayette, College Station, and San Marcos. Houston is the most popular city on the route. It's 4 hours from Johnson City and 5 hours from New Orleans.
Austin, the capital of Texas, is a vibrant city with a diverse live-music scene and plenty of outdoor activities. The city is home to the University of Texas and offers numerous parks and lakes for hiking, biking, swimming, and boating. Additionally, visitors can enjoy art installations at Wonderspaces or explore the thriving craft beer scene with new breweries constantly emerging. Whether you're into music, art, or beer tasting, Austin has something for everyone to enjoy.
86% as popular as Houston
7 minutes off the main route, 11% of way to New Orleans
2
San Marcos
San Marcos is a city and the county seat of Hays County, Texas, United States. The city is a part of the Greater Austin Metropolitan Area. San Marcos's limits extend into Caldwell and Guadalupe counties, as well. San Marcos is on the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio. Wikipedia.
4% as popular as Houston
6 minutes off the main route, 12% of way to New Orleans
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New Braunfels is a Texan city situated near San Antonio. The region is renowned for the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, which flow by scenic parks such as Landa and Cypress Bend. The Gruene Historic District safeguards original German structures from the 19th century, including the iconic Gruene Hall. Additionally, Natural Bridge Caverns lie to its west, offering subterranean limestone caves with walkways for exploring.
13% as popular as Houston
10 minutes off the main route, 13% of way to New Orleans
4
College Station
College Station is a city in eastern Texas. It’s home to the main campus of Texas A&M University. On the campus, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum documents the life of the 41st U.S. president. It includes a replica Oval Office and a slab of the Berlin Wall. The Sanders Corps of Cadets Center traces the history of the student military group, and exhibits medals and vintage weapons.
4% as popular as Houston
31 minutes off the main route, 29% of way to New Orleans
Houston, a sprawling city in Texas that reaches out to Galveston Bay, is known for its close association with the Space Center Houston. This coastal visitor center is situated at NASA's astronaut training and flight control complex. The city's compact Downtown area encompasses the renowned Theater District, home to the esteemed Houston Grand Opera, as well as the Historic District featuring 19th-century architecture and upscale dining establishments.
Most popular city on this route
7 minutes off the main route, 39% of way to New Orleans
I'll never travel to New Orleans without this trip planner again
Galveston, a charming island city on the Gulf Coast of Texas, offers a diverse range of attractions. Moody Gardens is home to fascinating wildlife housed in giant glass pyramids, while Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier boasts amusement rides and dining options. Nature enthusiasts can explore the bird-rich Galveston Island State Park with its trails and fishing spots. The island's eastern end features Stewart Beach and East Beach for those seeking sun and sand.
43% as popular as Houston
41 minutes off the main route, 42% of way to New Orleans
Located in the southwestern region of Louisiana, Lake Charles is a bustling city that offers plenty of entertainment and cultural attractions. The Mardi Gras Museum showcases the history of the famous festival through an array of vibrant costumes, while the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center hosts both local and traveling exhibitions. Art enthusiasts can also appreciate the impressive Sallier Oak tree on display at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, which doubles as a visual arts center.
6% as popular as Houston
4 minutes off the main route, 63% of way to New Orleans
Lafayette is a municipality located in the southern part of Louisiana. The center of the city houses the Lafayette Museum, also known as Alexandre Mouton House, which showcases furniture from the 1800s. For art enthusiasts, Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum exhibits Japanese prints, folk art and works by Henry Botkin created during mid-20th century era.
4% as popular as Houston
7 minutes off the main route, 74% of way to New Orleans
Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is situated on the Mississippi River. It boasts antebellum attractions such as Old Louisiana State Capitol, which resembles a castle and currently functions as a museum. Magnolia Mound Plantation features a French Creole house that showcases pre-Civil War history. Additionally, LSU Rural Life Museum contains refurbished structures from the 18th to 19th centuries that depict life during those times.
13% as popular as Houston
3 minutes off the main route, 85% of way to New Orleans
Best stops along Johnson City to New Orleans drive
The top stops along the way from Johnson City to New Orleans (with short detours) are Space Center Houston, Texas Capitol, and The Galleria. Other popular stops include Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry, Oak Alley Plantation, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
1
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
A scenic natural swimming pool in a canyon below a 50-ft waterfall, surrounded by a grotto.
Went here a few years ago, and man it was stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. The waterfall, the clear blue water, and amazing view. I know we just went thru a historic drought so I don’t know how it looks now, but hopefully it’s still nice. Reservations need to be made online for like $12 for cars but you have to do it MONTHS in advance so please know that. Then at the entrance it’s $8 per person cash only. Be warned. Sad that it’s like that but it makes sense with how popular it is. I’m sure it would be chaotic otherwise. If you’re able to go, please do!
Johnny Hernandez — Google review
Reservations are needed and an additional payment once in the park per a person. Only cash in person. Beautiful. Nice hike. The hike itself is short and easy-medium. Nice park staff and clean park area. Bathrooms were closed but they did have portable bathrooms (I did not use them).
Kimberly Orellana — Google review
No permit to go on the trail inside the cave. You can stay just in front of the cave. In the past was allowed.
Take care with snakes. We saw a poison one. Omg!!. It's usual on the trail. Specially close the pool. So, several rules to entry and you can go inside the cave. I don't recommend it so much.
Clenia Luna — Google review
Heads up. The path underneath the cliff overhang is closed. Nonetheless a beautiful natural area. We mostly hiked towards the river. About an hour there and back.
Natasha Blackmore — Google review
Wonderful short hike to the pool but don't attempt if you are unsteady on your feet and by all means bring a walking stick. The water was low and had some bacteria so we were told not to touch it. Unfortunately the path that goes in back of the falls is closed due to falling rocks. I would definitely try this walk again in a different season. You need to book your reservation in advance, cost $12. Pay daily per person rate at entrance, bring cash. Super cheap senior rate of $3.
Jan Campbell — Google review
Its a very pretty natural pool with clear blue water. Reservation is required to visit this place which is $12 per car. Apart from that, we need to be paying $8 fee per person for entry at the preserve entrance.
It was a short hike of 15-20 mins to the pool. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in the pool due to fallen rocks and bacteria. Apart from that, you can take another long hike which will lead to the river.
But, we felt like entry was pricier for this place. It can be made lesser since swimming & walking around the pool is restricted now.
But, the water was definitely beautiful. Check the picture.
Srividhya Venkatramani — Google review
I am sad to leave this review, but we were extremely disappointed by Hamilton Pool Preserve. We visited from out of state on 5/29/23 with reservations. The pool was closed to swimming and rightfully so, because it looked like a dirty pond, nothing like the pictures I had seen. There is no waterfall whatsoever. The hiking pathway that goes around the perimeter of the pool is closed with no apparent plans for repair. I would recommend against stopping here in summer
Ellie McGriff — Google review
Good place , trek is easy. Pool wasn't open for swim. Entry fee to be paid in cash as they don't accept cards, probably because no network service in the area.
Overall, good place to connect with nature.
Bipin Duggal — Google review
Great place to stop for a few hours and explore. The hike down to the pool is pretty steep, so be aware. You have to have a reservation to get in. There are porta-potties at the parking lot and down by the pool, but no running water! Also, take cash there’s an $8/per person charge at the gate that they don’t tell you about.
Susan Knapp — Google review
So much fun! Reservations required! Bring cash, you’ll pay the ranger at the gate. Short but steep walk down to the pool, do your best to pack light. Toddlers will likely need to be carried some on the way down, more on the way back up to the parking lot.
Elisa Valdez — Google review
I never took the chance to go when I lived in Austin. I just had to see it! Reservations are a hassle...and of course when I went the bacteria levels were not good. I should have known that was a risk early in the season with water levels being low but I was there at the end of May and just had to go. Anyways, because of the water levels the waterfall wasn't as powerful. Since I moved they stopped allowing people to walk under the falls as well due to the chance of rocks falling. The amount of 'beach' area is not very big but bring a float when you are allowed to swim and just relax the whole time in the water! One thing I really enjoyed was getting to take photos of an empty pool area. I would have never been able to get shots without a ton of people in them if it hadn't been a day when people weren't allowed to swim. Just hope one day I get something better than a $60 phone to capture the beauty. Nothing will ever compete with going and exploring these places yourself though.
Michael James — Google review
After a long time being in Austin, I finally visited this place. It was beautiful. The water is very pretty and there were some fishes swimming close to the shore that was a good sight to look at. The grotto area hike and swimming is closed as of now. But there was hike to the river which was a good workout. The beach near the river is nice and the water is shallow and clear. Overall a good visit.
Vijaylakshmi Rana — Google review
It is a short hike to the pool. View of the pool is very beautiful. It is quite relaxing to just hang out there. Unfortunatly, at the moment walking behind the pool and swimming are not allowed due to the risk of rocks falling. But it is still a great day activity. Landscape is stunning. The color of the water is very impressive. I highly recommend a visit. And don't stay just in the pool, it is also worth walking to the other side where you will have a 0.75 mile hike by the creek to get to the river. The walk is also great and with wonderful views of the creek. You can also find fish swimming at the creek. At the river, you can swim. The only negative point about it is the price. Apart from a 8 dollars fee per person to be paid in cash when you get there, there is a 12 dollars fee to make the reservation (I guess for the car parking). A bit pricey in my opinion. Specially because you cannot stay the entire day there. You get either the morning ticket (from 8:30am to 12:30pm) or the afternoon ticket (from 1:30pm to 5:30pm).
Bernardo Engelke — Google review
4.6
(1958)
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4.5
(736)
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, USA
The Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels Texas is a park with a variety of rides and pools. It's owned by a family and has been recognized as one of the best waterparks in the world for the last 15 years.
We had a great time. We bought the Premium meal plan which allows you to eat/snack every 90 minutes and get a drink every 15 minutes. It is well worth the price. Also, we got the Blast Passes so that we could reduce the time spent waiting in lines. Even with passes, you can't see everything in a day. I ended up losing my sunglasses, so if you wear glasses, make sure to wear the glasses string to keep them on your head!!!!!!!!!!!!
Emily Fulton — Google review
Still the hotest coolest time in Texas. Haven't been to the original in probably 10 years. So long that my son barely remembers and asked if we could visit. A lot has changed - digital codes to access the lockers instead of a key on a wristband, Google and Apple Pay instead of a wristband of plastic "splash cash" to buy food and drinks. Yet, much remains the same - free parking, the ability to bring in your own cooler of food and drinks, and more water rides and play areas than you can shake a stick at. I've read recent reviews complaining about rides and unfriendly staff this summer and lamenting the new ownership. This was not our experience. There were a few things that weren't operating, which was annoying in cases. However, our experience with the staff was as friendly as it has always been. It's still a great place to spend cooling off during the hot Summer days.
Edward Klein — Google review
Schlitterbahn is a "must" for hot Texas summer. There are plenty of things to do and you need at least one day for each park to see and try most of the rides.
Barbara Daszkiewicz — Google review
First time here. Lines were kinda long for rides but moved steady. Drinks were good and cold. The lazy river with the tubes was awesome and only 3 ft deep however the waves are forceful to propel us forward but can take a small child fast from his family so be careful with small children. I'm planning another trip already because I want to definitely go back.
Aishia R — Google review
Beautiful place along the Comal River. Rides for all ages and pools to hang out in if you don’t like lines. It was clean and had plenty of tables. Although many of kids employed around the park seemed clueless, there were lifeguards everywhere and they appeared to be well trained and friendly.
Cynthia Fowler — Google review
So much fun for all ages. I’m pregnant so couldn’t ride too many rides but we still had fun. The Kristal River was awesome. Kids loved the Falls and the kiddie area in the original park.
Rachel Sanches — Google review
We started this trip with an excited experience but turned out with little disappointment.
Trust me its not to ruin your holiday mood but to consider these points to make your trip planning better.
And these points mainly applicable if you visiting on a weekend/holiday where heavy crowd is expected.
Visited on a weekend morning. Arrived around 10am but it was around crowded that time with all parking slots filled up.
Now we had to book in premium parking
Secondly no shade for entrance crowd for security clearance, lot of people with kids are standing under hot sun. Wish management does something for crowd management or atleast an shade.
Secondly every ride gets super busy/crowded and wait time gets multi folded. As well interacted with multiple people, at max you can do 3/4 rides in a park out of 2 parks
Its better you get 2 day pass if plan to visit both the parks.
Better suggested to visit on weekday or non crowded days for better enjoyment, a personal suggestion
Deepak — Google review
Loved this place. After hearing about the best barbecue being in Texas....I tried a few places that were no better than new York. This place was amazing though..... delicious mesquite flavored food.....great sides...super friendly staff. I loved your food and would recommend it to anyone.
Teddy Benitez — Google review
It was a lot of fun. However the blast pass needs huge improvements. The wait times are not consistent with actual wait times. It showed 150min wait on the watch, while there was only 45min wait. But other than that, it was a lot of fun.
Fahri Yaras — Google review
Nice facility. Great rides.
Entry fees are a bit outrageous 2 adults. 1x16 yo, 1x15 yo, 1x13 yo, 1x11 yo. $575. Never again!
And. Do NOT get your food or refreshments at the Lagoon Grill. Extensive, unwarranted wait.
Otherwise. Super Nice water park.
Thomas Hurley — Google review
Note: we are Season ticket holders.
This water park is a great experience for me and my family. We have children ages: 18, 16, 13, 6 & 2. There are a lot of shaded areas, lockers, picnic tables, tubes, soda/icee locations, restaurants, etc.
As a season ticket holder you can bring in a cooler (27” x 16”) which is great. You can bring in your own personal bottle and you can fill it up with water.
I’ve found the staff to be friendly despite being in the hot Texas sun all day.
If you want close free parking come early.
I look forward to going back!
Sherman On — Google review
I went on a Saturday with my family. Very beautiful, clean and family friendly water park. Water tube rides aka lazy rivers had different themed courses and thrill levels. Water slides were enjoyable. There were long lines but they were fast moving. Every ride we went were worth the wait and money. We were able enjoy it more than once. Definitely recommend. ❤️
Sabari Karthik Saravanan — Google review
Seems very disorganized. Got there right as they opened but in order to get the blast pass that was paid for online, you have to go to the main entrance and wait in line to receive the wrist bands (for us it took almost 30 minutes of waiting) which seems so counterproductive. The blast pass is like a reservation and you can only make one reservation for a ride at a time. I get that it’s probably meant to not abuse the privilege but we were only able to utilize it on 4 rides the entire day. There needs to be so much more signage around the parks in general, it’s so easy to not know what you’re doing or where you’re going unless you are a seasoned member. Also, asking for directions or how to get somewhere you could get 4 different answers from 4 different employees. Just disorganized. Also, we brought several beach towels, there’s really no need if it’s hot outside. We dried off before we even made it to the shuttle because it was so hot. Also, water shoes/socks are a must! If you have older kids make sure you’re starting at the right park, we started at the wrong park which seemed to be geared more toward younger kids.
J G — Google review
Thank you Schlitterbahn for the best summer! Buying a season pass was well worth it. I was there all summer having a blast. The negative is a blast pass is a must if you wanna have fun. The lines are too long!
Steph Kurdi — Google review
Great time for the family. Love the free parking and bring your own food and drinks option available. Highly recommend to wear water shoes . Plenty natural shades in picnic areas.They force you to get off at the end, which is reasonable. Line for this was about 30 minutes. Line to get into the wave pool area was longer (can't just walk into the wave pool area anymore). No line to get into the lazy river in the kids area.
Kristina B — Google review
By far our favorite visit this summer!! A little disappointed with the lack of organization trying to buy the meal passes for the day. It took an hour and repeated visits to get our correct meals. It was 107 degrees the day we would hear a lot of people had the same issue with being able to refill their drink cups. It is so important to stay hydrated with this heat. There should be more stations available to accommodate. Two people passed out from dehydration. That being said, we had a blast. We loved both parks and all of the fun rides. We took the tram to the original park and fell in love with the wave pool. It was a BLAST!!!! We hope to be able to go again!
Melissa — Google review
We had so much fun! I grew up in San Antonio, but live near Dallas. It was so exciting to bring my kids back and to see all that has changed since I was last here in the late '90's. We stayed ALL day and could've spent a few more days. The Falls was, by far, everyone's favorite ride, but the classic, Raging River, was still amazing. We can't wait to come back!
San Marcos Premium Outlets is a massive shopping destination, comprising over 240 stores with 145 renowned brand outlets. It's a haven for shopaholics, offering luxury and designer labels at discounted prices. The outlet features an extensive range of brands including Prada, Nautica, Valentino, Ann Taylor, Lululemon, Tory Burch, Banana Republic, Gap, Nike, Gucci and more.
The biggest Premium outlet in Texas! It was everything you need to shop. Most of the big brands are located here with big spaces to showcase all their items.
There is a big parking area so even if it gets busy you will have a space to park.
I would advise to go there on weekdays as it gets too crowded on weekends to enjoy.
Salman Bin Habib — Google review
I love shopping at the Kate Spade and Lulu stores! I also enjoy driving around to see if any store catches my eye. Very nice outlet mall where you can find great deals. I had snacks and water in my car so that I could drop off stuff and take a mini break before driving to other stores. I did stop at restrooms every now and then, and had to look at a map and then drive to them.
Hailyn Bella — Google review
Really nice big Outlet with high end Shops.
Prada, Gucci, Versace, Coach, etc.
And I hope you don’t have to use the restrooms!
THEY ARE DISGUSTING.
At least the 3 that I inspected during my review.
The Lawns and Grounds need attention.
Management needs to walk the place and see the flaws……..
Thomas Anthony — Google review
This place has everything for everyone to shop from! Lovely place! There's lots of food, snack, n drink choices and places to sit n take a break as well! ...EVEN a extra large chess game in the courtyard to play! 🥰👍👍
Tanya — Google review
Beautiful shopping center with nice stores. I do wish the outside vendors were held to higher expectations and the indoor food court was definitely lacking. You would expect more for the type of stores around.
Caitlyn Liddell — Google review
Love this place! They have all the stores the I love, I come 3 times per year to get all the things the I need, the prices on the high end store are AMAZING!!!
Pd. The new store of niche perfume is really good 👍 , the got all the Valentino collection
Macarena Fuentes — Google review
Some deals. At this outlet most things are priced pretty close to retail. After 3 trips over 2 years I finally found a deal at the under armor store. The Coach store was out of a variety of mens accessories 12/28. The bathrooms at the food court are horrible. Most truck stops have better bathrooms. Whats up with that. Not good !!!
Donovan E — Google review
A very very big premium outlets with lots and lots of brands so you can be pretty much guaranteed that you will be spoilt for choices. I don't think I want to start writing down the name of shops as it is gonna be a long long list! ;)
Parking spots are easily available if you go early. But since the area is so big, be prepared to spend easily the whole day if you are a tourist and you have a lot of stuff to buy.
I recall seeing a few pop up stalls selling food and drinks but I don't think there is a food court around nearby. And the washroom looks pretty old and not clean so that is the only reason why I deducted one star.
Otherwise I usually drops by at least once whenever I am in town.
Kevin Yeoh — Google review
Plenty of walking around and a lot of outlets to see. The parking wasn't great they could add a bit more parking to the area of even a parking garage. I did not see any public restrooms that were available in the area that we were walking in where all the clothing was. Not a lot of food stands but, the food stands that were there did smell great as we passed it by.
SGP — Google review
My family and I love shopping here!! It has many stores and restaurants to choose from. My kids love coming to spend thier birthday money here. Also the bathrooms have always been very clean and well stocked every time I've used them. Good way to get your exercise in too.
Marisia Delgado — Google review
It is really huge outlet.
A real premium outlet!
Spent lots of money but it wasn't waisting!
JW Min — Google review
Very large outlet. Almost all well known brands are there. I been here in a cold rainy day and walk around shops but I recommend to drive between quarters as parking are available and easy to find. Not all shops with outlet price and no discounts. So expect to pay full price.
Hussein Al Ghafri — Google review
Good outlet just a lot of walking and i. The summer bring water and prepare to walk or repark car. Went today and the high was 112 being all cement and not much shade besides the walkway outside the buildings
TxSushilover — Google review
I'm not sure how the ratings are so high. It's not worth the 6 hour drive we made. There are no phenomenal prices. Everything is the same as the sale prices you can find at home in the normal store. This is truly a normal shopping center. There are plenty of stores in one place though so I gave 2 stars.
Oli's Mom — Google review
Visited the outlet after many years and was impressed with the variety of brands available.
Due to Black Friday the parking was hard to find. Has huge parking lot. Tanger outlets are right next to it.
Varsha Vilankar — Google review
The place is like heaven for shopping,You will almost all brands outlet here. They have good deals during festive time. During holiday season some outlets have long queue to enter to it,Going early in morning on those days will help avoid queues.
Ample car parking available.Also have play areas for kids and clean washrooms.
If you are travelling from other states I think you can also claim back the Tax amount spent on purchases.
arvind chawke — Google review
So many great stores here…..Abercrombie and Fitch, Coach, Aeropastel, Klarin, Pottery Barn, Nike, Converse, Lu Lu Lemon, New Balance, Francesca’s, Gap, Guess, and SOOOO many more! You definitely need a couple days to shop this whole outlet center! There are some great deals to be had also. My daughter and I had a great time exploring all of the great outlet stores!
Theresa Goodwin — Google review
This places USED to have great deals. Their prices are not at all outlet prices. I have found much better deals at retail outlets like Macys and Dillards with much less of a hassle. False advertising. With the 50-70% off you will still be paying a high price not at all outlet price. Now, it’s just hype-beware.
juan lozano — Google review
They have most stores you would expect from a Simons Premium Outlet. I love the architecture, “castle” vibes. Huge! Wear comfy shoes, you will walk a lot. Lots of parking “free” (at least when we went, which was on a Friday), we had to re-park since the place is too huge and did not want to walk so much. Also, Decent prices, not a lot of sales going on when I went though. This only get 3 stars mainly because I was so disappointed from the lack of food choices. You would think, the biggest outlet in Texas would have variety of food choices but boy you’re so wrong. There is a food court, yes. But there are literally only 3 stores open and the food was horrible, seriously. So bring your own snacks if you plan to spend a whole day here, dont even waste your money buying food from the foodcourt because it’s not worth it. You will have fun shopping though.
Shari Carter — Google review
If you’re looking for a good deal on shoes, this is a good place to stop
David Buttross — Google review
What can I say this place is a shopping paradise and a non-shoppers nightmare. Parking can be crazy on the weekends as the place fills up fast. There’s pretty much every store here with decent bargains if you look around. We come once or twice a year and always leave feeling we got some good deals.
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, look no further than Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Their lines are some of the longest and fastest in the state, making it the perfect place to experience Austin's natural beauty from a new perspective.
Our first time zip-lining and it was a blast!! Sarah and Nathan were fantastic guides/instructors. Be prepared to HIKE up and wear the right shoes. You go through a total of 5 lines, each higher up and for longer. I appreciated everything - clean bathrooms, able to lock valuables, water bottles provided throughout, wonderful trip on the boat. And most of all, I felt completely safe the entire time with amazing views of Lake Travis. You won't regret it.
Vivian Kong — Google review
My 14-year-old son and I had a great time. Our guides, Tristan N. and Austin L. were amazing. There were a few people in our group who were noticeably nervous around heights, and our guides both did a great job of putting them at ease. They are funny, knowledgeable, outgoing, intelligent, and helpful. They both deserve a big raise!
As for the course itself, it was fun, and the hikes are not really all that challenging. The views are great and the trails are well maintained. Just where some comfortable running shoes or hiking boots, and drink plenty of water, which is provided at various points along the course.
If your kids are within the weight limits, I highly recommend Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. They’ll have a blast and maybe even get a confidence boost as well! Don’t forget to bring some extra cash to tip your guides. These kids work their tails off and I can’t say enough about their positive attitudes and professionalism.
We definitely plan to come back soon for the night flight course.
Nick Allison — Google review
This was an amazing experience. I’ve done a lot of guided zip line tours and while the zips themselves aren’t much of anything special, the tour guides make this worth it! Don’t get me wrong, the zips are awesome and long, but in the end, it’s just a zip. The tour guides though? Incredible! I had J and Austin. They worked together very well and had fun stories, sayings, were humorous and just a general joy to spend 3 hours if my day with. Thanks for a great time!
Skye Hill — Google review
Brian and Miriam were incredible guides! Had a lot of fun with them. My boyfriend and myself went for our 2nd year anniversary, and we had so much fun. From the pontoon ride across the lake, to the half-mile long zipline at the end, it was amazing! My boyfriend made sure to have me say "Brian's thighs were the real highlight here."
Thank you guys for the amazing day!
Cortney Murry — Google review
Very fun experience. Even with the overcast weather, the views were beautiful and the hikes between lines were fun. Our guides Lucy and Orion were energetic and kept the whole tour exciting. Bring comfortable shoes as you'll be hiking between lines, but they're short hikes no more than 15 minutes. Highly recommend a trip up to Lake Travis just to Zipline.
Michael Dodd — Google review
The zip lines were SO cool!! The two longest zip lines had really pretty views. Jay and Lizzy V were our guides and they were fantastic!! They explained everything well and were super energetic! We’d definitely come back!!
Kat C — Google review
It was 105 degrees and although there was grueling uphill hiking, it was well worth it. The instructors guided the group at a good pace and assured we stayed well hydrated throughout the entire course. Miriam was especially helpful to me when I fell behind the group on the last and longest trail. Joseph motivated everyone that was nervous. He posed in several positions on the wires for us to take pictures. The views from the top were amazing. It was a high adrenaline adventure that has to be experienced at least once. Me at 66 years of age, highly recommend Zipline Lake Travis.
Juan Sanchez — Google review
We went ziplining on one of our honeymoon activities here at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Our tour guides were Austin and Miriam. They were a fun duo. My new wife has always been deathly afraid of heights. But Austin's humor and Miriam's assist to that humor kept her fear at bay and focused on the fun. They were safe and professional at the same time fun and witty. These two deserve a raise. Thanks Austin and Miriam for a great day on our honeymoon. You made great memories for us.
Adam Gulbransen — Google review
Austin & Ben (Our Guides) were the best ever! We had a blast! They had a great sense of humor!!! When we do go back, I will request those 2 guys!!! (Great hike for "butt" muscles) :)
Tandy B — Google review
Fantastic time! Beautiful views, especially around sunset. Nice deck at the end to grab a drink and unwind a little after you're done. There's some hiking involved, but the good news is that "what hikes up gets to zip down!" O'Ryan and Andrew were our guides and they did a great job for our group.
Peter Simmang — Google review
Casey and Eric were great tour guides, they did a great job at getting everyone comfortable! The boat ride was to and from the zip lining which was beautiful being able to see the water. The hike was challenging yet fun! The zip lining was the best part with a beautiful view over lake Travis over the water and the nature. All throughout the tours they take pictures that you can take with you and purchase at the end :)
Amani Bradshaw — Google review
Eric and Brice were amazing guides. This is the best zip line experience my family and I have ever had. The safety is top notch, the views are incredible and it was so much fun. I would go back in a heartbeat.
Joseph Bush — Google review
Okay so first off everything is so cool, pretty views, super fast zip lines with awesome views. It’s a hike though! I am definitely out of shape. The first few not too bad, the last 2 for myself were brutal but with that being said I am different! But our tour guides were awesome! We had Trenton who is very clever and witty and we had McKenna. I got super dehydrated, and she was the absolute best. She even carried my gear because I was shaking so bad. She CARES so much. It was such a great experience and I do recommend going. But again, McKenna is the best..she made me feel so comfortable and never once hesitated with anything. She was the real MVP of my trip so I thank her for that!
Michelle Owens — Google review
We had an awesome time. Joseph and Casey were fun, entertaining all while keeping us safe on the lines. The last zip was side by side and a half mile long. Loved it!
John Glessner — Google review
Sami and Matt were amazing on our tour. We spent our 3 year anniversary together at this place and we’re enjoying the time together. It’s a go at your own pace with the group place, just under a mile TOTAL of all hiking and is definitely hot. They provide water wish some good surprises at the end. The course was worth the trip and would definitely recommend to try something new if you’re into adventures.
Megan Pietrzak — Google review
The best experience I’ve ever had!!! Logan and hunter were awesome. Fun. Exciting. I definitely became confidence and less nervous after the first if it weren’t from them two. They were a great team! The last zip line- be aware. Be compared. The hiking up is brutal. Overall, deft coming back more compared. After skydiving and zip lining. Next to the bucket list!! Thank you guys.
Oh btw. The nice cold beer is ready for ya at the end!
Stephanie Henry — Google review
Travels from Dallas Tx to celebrate our anniversary by zip lining. It was amazing. The hikes up almost killed me lol but I made it. Water is provided. You’re able to hold your phone while zip lining. The staff at check in and guides were the best. The views are beautiful, the drive up there is beautiful. Totally worth doing!!! Thanks Pierce & Carson yall were the BEST!!!
Amanda Arzola — Google review
Decided to try this out while visiting Austin from NC. Please note that the hiking aspect is pretty physically demanding. We had a great time though. Tour guides were super nice and helpful. Plenty of water was available. And the views from the lines were awesome. Thanks for the tour Trent and Nic!
Jennifer Felts — Google review
The zip guides Connor and Tatum were a blast and the views were unbeatable. Loved every second. They did not tell me to say any of this... promise! Lol all the staff have great energy don't miss out!
James Yaunick — Google review
Hans and Austin Were AMAZING! they answered any questions we had and made it such a fun experience for our group! Definitely coming back again!
Jael Alvarez — Google review
We went in March for a sunset zip, but sadly it was cloudy the entire time. We still enjoyed it. After you get your gear on, you walk down to a boat and head just across a small section of the lake to start hiking up to the first zip. Wear comfortable close toe shoes and just know there is hiking up involved. Some got winded and needed a break on one section, but it was well worth it! If you do the sunset slot you start in day light and end in the dark. So much fun. We all enjoyed it!! Great for all ages (75-250lb weight limit).
Dominique Harmon — Google review
CALEB and NICK are the best tour guides ever. They were so helpful, funny and comforting! My niece and I had a BLAST from start to finish. I highly recommend coming here for a fun adventure!
Elsie Wise — Google review
We went on a Friday we had the 11 AM Slot. I was very Thankful that the weather held out on what was supposed to be a crappy rainy day. Be sure to eat before you go because there is really no where once on site to get food. Our guides were McKenna & Conner we had a group of 12. They were very professional & kind the entire time. They were very clear on the instructions for the safety of the group. We are not hikers and were able to do the trails and hikes just fine with some rest breaks in between. wear comfortable shoes for sure, even though McKenna did the whole thing in Crocks LOL. Water is provided at each resting point/zipline. Lots of opportunities for great pictures, the guides as well take photos you can purchase at the end. The last Zipline lands at a very basic snack bar/bar. With beer available for purchase. We would 100 % do this again hopefully when the lake has more water in it. The water level so sadly very low.
K Carey — Google review
came from dallas to austin for a weekend trip and found this place! carter & joseph made the tour really fun and entertaining. the zip lines were very fast and you are over a great view. you do have to hike a lot but it’s honestly worth it. me and my boyfriend enjoyed the boat ride as well. we will be coming back when we come back to austin!
The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge Observation Deck in Austin offers a unique family outing to witness an extraordinary natural phenomenon. The bridge is home to over 1.5 million bats, creating the largest urban bat colony in the world. From July to August, visitors can watch as the bats emerge at dusk to feed on millions of air-born insects, creating a spectacular sight as they take flight into the evening sky.
Considering the current south shore plant/tree overgrowth (April 2024) I think THIS is the best place to stand when waiting for the bats to come out from under the bridge. Yes the bats begin to emerge on the south side first, but you don't need to see the *first* bats to see an impressive display. As it turns out, we didn't see a large group of bats this evening (it rained and was generally too cool), but we did see (and hear) some bats, and the trip to the bridge was worthwhile. We waited from 30 minutes before until about 50 minutes after sunset, then left. Austin has a lovely skyline! We walked here from our hotel near the convention center, along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. It was a very pleasant walk with lots of tree cover.
Emily Goodin — Google review
Nice meeting spot, and iconic location of the largest Mexican free tail bat colony in North America. See them fly at dusk at the southeast end of the bridge, below looking up when nightly guides of kayak and boat tours shine their red lights to see the flying bats. Check out "Austin bat refuge" online for nightly bat forecast.
Mimi Snook — Google review
Elvira Alanis — Google review
The Ann Richard bridge, also known as the bat bridge in Austin Texas, is a great place to people and bar watch. When you walk under during the day you can hear them chirping, and then they take off in the evening. Cool painting by the observation deck.
Adam Riemer — Google review
Fun little place to see the Congress Bridge from below. You can definitely tell bats live there by the interesting smell as you approach.
Melissa Previte — Google review
Walked from hotel and got to watch the bats fly at dusk! Incredible experience.
Zach Ayers — Google review
Only a view bats in the evenig
Angela R — Google review
Watching the bats by the evening is a must-do in town
Juan Andrés Encina — Google review
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Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX 78701, USA
I'll never travel to New Orleans without this trip planner again
The impressive Capitol building in Austin was completed in 1888 and is a nationally recognized historical landmark. The dome is made of red granite from Granite Mountain near Marble Falls, Texas, and the walls are decorated with handrails and brass chandeliers spelling out TEXAS. The building houses the offices and chambers of the Texas State Legislature as well as the Governor's office.
Beautiful historical building. The Renaissance-style architecture of the Texas State Capitol reveals how diverse the State of Texas has always been, with unique food, cultures, and people! I went with my family on a Saturday evening, yet the Capitol was as calm as ever. The Capitol grounds are a splendid picnic spot, dotted with fountains and sculptures of Texas revolutionaries. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Austin!
Arathi Shah — Google review
Very nice visit at the Texas Capitol. I arrived just in time for the start of a (free) guided tour inside the building. The guide was very competent as he explained the history of the Capitol (and, consequently, of Texas itself). We were able to enter the Senate and, after the guided tour, to roam around freely to see every detail that we might have missed. I recommend the visit if you are in Austin!
Matteo Drago — Google review
As a professional photographer I've shot weddings and elopements at the Capitol building many times and I can say it's a perfect location for a small wedding. The beautifully well-maintained grounds combined with classic architecture provides the perfect backdrop for couples portraits. Free parking on Sundays is a plus!
Morgan Brown — Google review
It has beautiful walking trails amongst tall trees, there is a parking garage nearby and the inside is magnificent! Stunning motifs, architecture and paintings. A must see if you are a resident, but also a nice tourist spot, they have tours from the visitor center in the white building next door and two gift shops one inside the capital and one inside the visitor center.
Vanessa Campbell — Google review
Just Amazing.
If you want to know about Texas History or just want to take in everything Texan, this is the right spot for you. It’s the embodiment of everything Texan. Right from the entrance to the Gift shop, everything is so beautifully designed.
The staff and government officials are amazing and courteous to answer all the questions I had. They even let you go into the state house and senate which is great!
JAY JASTI — Google review
I highly recommend visiting the Texas State Capitol building in Austin. Built in 1885 by architect Elijah E. Myers, it's an impressive structure and the 6th tallest state capitol building. The surrounding area is adorned with beautiful statues and monuments, perfect for exploration.
The capitol tour is free. The sad part is every time I went to visit the Texas capitol building, either it was after hours or the building was closed for renovation or Covid; so I couldn't get the chance to do the capitol tours.
Another thing I want to mention is if you want to take pictures standing in front of the capitol building from the front lawn, the building is almost covered with trees, and only the top part is shown from the lawn. Consider photographing from the corners for a full building view. And now since the construction is going on, it is difficult to capture the perfect photo.
There's a nearby parking lot offering free parking for 2 hours on weekdays, but be aware of charges on weekends or special events. You can also do street parking. Overall, a must-visit in Austin!
Tasnim Ara Islam — Google review
Visiting Austin from UK, we took a look around and loved walking around and seeing the history of this place. It's on a few floors, being able to see from the ground floor up and also looking down from upper galleries, different wings with different rooms all off the main dome central, which is the main beauty of this place, however the large grand side rooms are where the history is made. Everything from the brass elevator doors, to the beautiful inscribed hinges of the large doors is wonderful to admire. Well worth a good 1-2hr visit here.
Tristan Cairns — Google review
It was marvellous! It was a great visit and it was very educational. Very well maintained, and every corner speaks history. You should visit it If you are in Austin. You will learn a lot about so many events through out the paintings, guide tour and information boards.
Shereen Hijazi — Google review
I give the Texas State Capital building in Austin five stars. Texas taxpayers spent a LOT of money on this building, and it turned out so classy. The finest materials were used and it looks like the designers spent thousands of hours getting every little detail perfect. I highly recommend stopping here to see for yourself.
Jess Easley — Google review
Beautiful capital building. There are also nice monuments in the surrounding yard. Nice place to see if you’re visiting Austin. Warning: it can get very hot during the summer.
Christopher Chamberland — Google review
Interesting and beautiful working building which houses Texas law makers. You are able to visit the building but I guess there could be restrictions at some dates, tours are taking place all the time which you can easily join and last about 20 to 30 minutes.
Mark Isherwood — Google review
The Texas Capitol in Austin is super cool! It's like a giant castle with a huge dome on top. Inside, there are big rooms where important people make decisions for the state. They even have tours where they show you around and tell you fun facts. It's definitely worth checking out if you're ever in Austin!
Dailo Arts दैलो आर्टस् — Google review
Unfortunately lot of construction work going on when I was there night to again.
Huge park area in front of the building with historic information. The congress Avenue is exactly opposite to the building and looks fantastic from the street.
Vijay devara — Google review
The architecture is absolutely stunning. It is also nice to watch the meetings in the house and senate live. Do not forget to take a look at the gift store underground, they have some pretty Christmas ornaments.
Raony França — Google review
Visitor friendly amenities, with a 30-minute free guided tour of the building is the highlight! My guide, Austin (!) was cheerful, friendly & enthusiastic throughout the tour.... we saw the senate & house chambers, all the governors/ presidents of this great state, as well as the architectural marvel that this building is... with it's dome being taller than the US capitol in DC! The lone star at the top of the dome is 218 feet high from ground! Impressive all around! And very very historic too!!!
Akhil Pall — Google review
Texas Capitol allows you to enter inside the building with strict security check up. Inside the building, we can see all the governors photos up to the date. Further, we can see the actual assembly hall and speaker of the house chair as well. I heard if you visit in meetings hours you can actually see the ongoing meeting.
Netra Prasad Neupane — Google review
A very beautiful building! We have visited several times, and each time we find a new nuance. It is so pivotal to have young children visit this place! Remember, everything is bigger in Texas, referencing that this is the largest state capital building in the US. You simply must visit our state capital in Texas!
Yvonne J — Google review
Looks cool from the outside, but that's about it. Inside is genuinely ugly, and there's nothing to do in there except look at the beige walls or struggle to hear the tour guide due to the ridiculous amount of echo.
Error 404 — Google review
Beautiful architecture and local guide was explaining the history.. All age groups will enjoy this place.
The Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library is a museum, exhibition space and research centre on the University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas which contains many priceless objects relating to LBJs life and legacy as the 36th president of the United States.
Beautiful space and with scheduled ticket times it’s actually BETTER with the process of pacing and spacing that has developed from pandemic constraints.
You’ll learn about LBJ *and* Lady Bird. There was a temporary exhibit upstairs as well, featuring Mohammad Ali. I’d probably suggest you give yourself 90 minutes and my thinking is that children under 8 or 9 might not find enough engaging materials... but !hey! treat yourself to a date with your partner, gather some friends and make it part of a cultural/history exploration day, or for my true Presidential Library Fans... go alone!
A few interesting products in the gift shop...
Amber T — Google review
Very enjoyable afternoon learning about LBJ and Lady Bird. It was nice to spend an afternoon in the air conditioning rather than out in the heat of the day. I wish they would have had easier access to bathroom, had to trek my little one up and down the stairs three times. Highly recommend. Also we just happened to go on a Tuesday and got 50% off admission.
Jacob Kizer — Google review
I recently explored the LBJ Presidential Library after it has an extensive renovation but this visit was to see the Music America: Iconic Objects from America's Music History temporary exhibit. They have a dedicated parking lot but it was full and decided to park in the next one dedicated to the University of Texas. It was a Saturday so I am sure they did not mind. The building itself is very impressive and always enjoy visiting this place ever since my parents brought me here when I was a small child.
On this day there was a lot of of people visiting where I believe may have been eclipse tourists in town finding things to do in Austin while they wait for Monday. The Music America exhibit was definitely soothing to see and recommend it. The rest of the museum takes you back in time when Lyndon Baines Johnson was president and ran the show in times when a lot was happing in America. They have lots of timelines with historical events.
Make sure to ride the elevator to the 10th floor where find a replica of the Oval Office, Lady Bird's office and collection. The grounds are also spectacular with nice views of the UT campus and Tower.
Paul Delacruz — Google review
Very impressed. The Lady Bird section was wonderful, did not know she funded his first campaigns and took over his congressional office when he was serving overseas, or that she was a journalist who bought a radio station, or all her contributions including towards Head Start. He was ok too. The display on Gulf of Tonkin was incomplete, at best. But his accomplishments are many, from Civil Rights to Medicare and Medicaid. Also, the pop culture references were fun. Highly recommend if you find presidential and American history interesting.
Seth Newman — Google review
If you are in Austin, this is one landmark you should not miss...whether or not you were a fan of LBJ, you will be impressed by the legislation that was passed during his term as President. Unlike most other Presidents, he was able to work across the aisle so that Republicans and Democrats could agree on laws that would make life better for Americans.
Margaret Miller — Google review
A comprehensive museum about LBJ’s life and his term as President. There were some interactive exhibits about the Vietnam war too. My favorite was the Oval Office at the top floor. One of the guides told us that Lady Bird Johnson worked in this very museum well into her 90s.
Glenvicia Sim — Google review
What a wonderful place, learned so much about that period of US history and LBJ and his wife’s accomplishments, which took place before I was born. Really enjoyed my visit.
Marisa — Google review
A fitting and beautiful tribute to LBJ. Situated nicely on the campus of UT, parking is easy to find, and admission is affordable.
Experience the highs and lows of LBJ's Presidency, life in politics, and personal life. Truly worth your time.
John Polizzi — Google review
As a museum lover, I truly enjoyed the LBJ Presidential Library. The exhibits and tributes to Lady Bird with the walk through the times of LBJ, it was all very well put together. The building itself is massive when you walk up to it and is a grand sight. I recommend this experience while in Austin.
The K Green Show — Google review
Great museum. I really enjoyed all the exhibits. I definitely recommend for history buffs. There is only one request — please add President Obama and First Lady Michelle’s picture to the “Past/Former President exhibit. It’s been past two years, so the pictures should be there by now. Hopefully, by my next visit I will see them. 😊
Dana Thomas — Google review
I'm a big fan of museums. I'm also working to visit all of the Presidential Museums. So, of course I stopped by the LBJ Presidential Library before heading home to Colorado after working in Austin for a few days.
Parking was a bit confusing and I don't know if I was supposed to pay or not. But, I parked out front and had no issues. Didn't pay and still don't know if that's correct...
The admission is $13, but you need to purchase online in advance. I showed up without a ticket and was turned away at the door. It wasn't a busy place so I was able to log in on my phone and easily get a ticket.
The building outside is depressing and boring. Inside is fairly basic, but all in all, it is a fitting and solid tribute to the President.
A guide greeted me right after I walked in. She is a pleasant, smiling promoter of the museum and all things President Johnson. Very knowledgeable and kind. She offered to take several pictures and told me stories as I walked around. Left me to myself after awhile, but was a positive impression and her kindness is appreciated.
I love to see the Oval Office, the history behind our presidents, and all of the challenges the world presented at the time.
Overall a good presidential museum, a pleasant tour, and fun visit for me.
There's a decent, but small gift shop as you leave.
Timothy Mullins — Google review
LBJ library is definitely worth a visit. I knew nothing about LBJ before going. I thought it's just a library and I didn't expect to be paying for it. It's a presidential library (archival for LBJ era and it's by appointment) and a museum (documenting LBJ time plus music in America). We went on Tuesday (50%, $8 per person)
Museum is floors 3, 4, and 10. Archival library (by appointment) are floors 5,6,7, and 8.
Floor 3 (entry floor) is history of music in America. It's lovely and enjoyable. In addition, there is a few minutes film about LBJ (a must see) and a timeline of LBJ and lady bird life's.
Floor 4 is my favorite. It's about politics during LBJ time. Imagine a president comes after Kennedy's assassination and in the middle of cold war with Soviet union and the rise of communism. Internally, there is the civil right movement, poverty, and illiteracy. Also, the space race, Vietnam war, Israel-Arab conflict, etc. You will learn about the thousands of bills signed during LBJ era.
Floor 10, is a replica of the ovel office, the lady bird office, and their belongings. It's a light floor.
Bathrooms are in 2nd and 10th floors
GPS will take you to UT parking which requires permit. The next lot is FREE AND it's dedicated for library visitors. Don't park on the street it's not free!
Victor — Google review
We always enjoy the presidential libraries. There is so much history and it's like stepping back in time. Really enjoyed it and may go back the next time we are in Austin.
Eric H — Google review
What an amazing tour, it's truly a time machine into the past. Having only been a child during his Presidency, the Library shed a lot of light into Johnson's work and dedication. While it's a bit dated, and should be, it's very informative along with a very well kept animatronic LBJ. The staff is very kind, exceedingly helpful making the tour even more delightful. Highly recommend a look if one is in Austin Texas.
Christopher Bayer — Google review
Very interesting museum that provides a good overview of the times and issues facing the United States in the sixties. Both LBJ's civil rights success and his Vietnam failure are both presented with reasonable objectivity. It was an unexpected treat to be able to listen to many of LBJ's phone conversations with historical figures of the time, like Martin Luther King, Herbert Humphrey, Edgar Hoover and many more.
Bits — Google review
We were very impressed with this museum. It is very detailed oriented and very well presented. The only upset is that there’s a wall of portraits of all the US presidents and first ladies except for President Trump and first lady, Melania. No matter what our opinions are, we cannot rewrite history. His portrait along with his wife’s portrait must be put up on that wall.
Lizette P. Benitez — Google review
Very nice presidential library. There is a lot of good civil rights memorabilia and stories mixed in with the times.
Garry Kepes — Google review
I had zero expectations going into visiting this museum. I was blown away by how well it was laid out. I learned a great deal about LBJ that I had no idea about. Great museum.
Guided tours of a vast cave, from a standard tour to an exploration of undeveloped sections.
A literal hidden gem right off of I-35. There are three levels of tours. The Adventure is best for families with young children or those who aren’t interested in crawling into tight spaces. The Hidden tour is a medium challenge for anyone over age 7, and is the one we did. The Wild requires participants to be over 13 and involves crawling and getting into and through tight spaces. It looks amazing and we will come back and do it at another point (either when the kids are older or as an adult date). Our tour guide, Tawny, was friendly and very knowledgeable. The caves are really cool and the tour gets you to see a wide variety of formations and features. There is also an area above ground where you can buy bags or buckets of dirt pre-loaded with semi-precious stones, replica arrowheads, or fossils and then “pan” for your treasures in the sluice. My kids loved it. There’s also a small playground which is well maintained. We didn’t go on the zip line ride although it looked fun. Overall, highly recommended. Although the tours aren’t cheap, they are well worth the money and give you a good amount of time underground.
Liz Sweigart — Google review
This attraction has something for everyone. The cave is good-sized and has enough rooms to make for approximately a 1 hour tour. It features many enjoyable sites and formations. There is adequate parking out front and they provide restrooms in the lobby area so GO before you enter the cave. There is a charming gift shop and a small snack and lunch area that includes outdoor seating and a modest playscape. Many groups of schoolchildren go to this attraction regularly so expect a crowd of kids. The tour guides are knowledgeable and can answer most any question. Unfortunately, this attraction is not for the mobility challenged... The cave floor is uneven with lots of slopes, bumps and slick areas.
Mark Otte — Google review
We went on the one hour tour that goes about a mile. It was raining outside and the cave was the perfect place to spend time during the storm. They have a coupon on the website for save $1. Also they have a turtle and zip line outside. Our guide was awesome, wish I remembered her name. She shared lots of great facts about the cave discovery and told stories about the formations inside. Fun and great activity for all ages.
Emily Price — Google review
What am amazing place!!! The map on the wall was so detailed and made me want to explore the cave. It was fun to see the seated zipline outside before we made our way inside. So many interesting fossils and bone specimens. Very impressive.
Great selection of souvenirs and gifts!!!
The snacks and drinks looked very inviting although we didn't have any as we had already had lunch.
Definitely a great tour for the whole family!!!!
Brenda Mark — Google review
This was a very interesting place with a very good guide that was very knowledgeable able the caves. She had an answer for everyone questions. I would recommend this tour which was great for all ages. This is a walking tour and sometimes it can be very steep and slippery so where good shoes and be ready for a hour long hike inside a beautiful cave. I recommend this tour it was very informative and beautiful.
G Kawa — Google review
Great tour which takes about an hour. No strollers are allowed and low ceilings in places make it tough to bring little ones. If it's tough for your kid to keep their voices low, not touch things, or plan out a bathroom visit before the tour then you reconsider the appropriateness of the visit for your family. My daughter (8) says it was great because the tour guide pointed out a lot of interesting things. My son (6) says it was great because there was a lot of stuff you wouldn't normally see.
David Rainey — Google review
We had a blast going here. We did the 1 mile walk into the cavern. Our tour guide had a great personality and made it really fun and educational. We will definitely go back. Next time I want to do the long one where you get to crawl through the smaller holes.
Ray Lambert — Google review
Great place for kids. The guided tour was great, informative and fun! The last part of experiencing pitch black darkness was amazing! And the kids were amazed to see a few rocks that can reflect light in the dark!
Hhimanshu Joshi — Google review
Amazing cave structures can be seen here.
I did the hidden adventure tour which involved some nice paths, not too tight. It was very cool and educational. The air was a bit cooler and a whole lot more humid down below. Our guide was good, she shared some things and made family appropriate jokes.
Overall the tour was about an hour and a half long. The wait was about an hour. Its worth a visit, especially if caves are your thing.
Dan Stewart — Google review
Great smooth trail for a cave. Lots of formations. Steep trail in places, no wheeled vehicles allowed. Hand rails, must be able to walk 1+ miles. Easy for cave walks, medium difficulty as for a hike. 72° F year round, humid, bring water. Backpack not needed, camera and backup flashlight are nice to have. Most of the trail was lit.
Sarah Wagstaff — Google review
An absolutely amazing and informative tour, including the history of the discovery, of the caverns and their importance to both the geological and paleontological records, as well as a nesting place for the local bat colonies.
Our two teens were fully engaged, and are now keen to explore other cave systems in central Texas.
Special shout out to Rachel, our tour guide par excellence! She has a great gift for making the tour a memorable experience!
George Popa — Google review
Great time with the family and really a great way to get out of the hot hot hot Texas heat! Our host Leroy was very witty and kept us engaged throughout the tour. Highly recommend!
Sam Menist — Google review
Great fun, but go when it is less crowded. They do tours every 20 min, but they are 30 person max. I first arrived, like an idiot, at 1:30pm on a Saturday, probably their busiest time. We would have had to wait till 3:40 for a tour. Luckily, we were going to be going by again on Monday. We went Monday morning, and it wasn't crowded at all. The cave being cool is a nice break from the summer heat, too. You don't need hiking boots, but some nice shoes with socks that get good traction certainly help.
Overall I love this place. I have been 3 or 4 times, and went again today to take my son for his first time.
Mike Brock — Google review
The Adventure tour was great for our family reunion activity today. Our tour guide was great and made sure to wait for everyone to talk about each spot. We even had our grandmother with us and she did not have trouble keeping up. The ramp back up is a climb though.
Jesse S — Google review
More about money than conservation, and a big wait for them to up-sell photos in the initial area of the cave. Some beautiful cave rooms, but overall experience was low compared to other caves in the area. First, the tour groups are relatively huge, and tours were packed in closely after another, so we were frequently passing another group, too. This made for a very noisy trek and some people were touching what they could reach while the guide was a long distance away "guiding" the first few people and seldom waiting for the rest of the group. It might be good for taking younger kids, but adults that don't like experiencing a cave while dodging a bunch of other people and louder than an 8th grade auditorium.... Probably a pass.
Taf Fishy — Google review
I've been wanting to visit this cavern for years and finally had the chance to do it. I was not disappointed.😁💓
Parking is free and easy to get in and out of. They have a gift and snack shop in the guest area and the restrooms are very clean. They offer active duty, veteran and retired discounts as I'm sure a senior discount as well....be sure to ask for this. Tours run often and the tour guides are very knowledgeable about the cave and ready to answer any questions.💪
The cavern itself is AMAZING. It stays nice and cool throughout the year. The rock formations are incredible and the passageways are fun to travel thru. The lighting inside make the formations come alive and the views of each "room" are spectacular. It's quite a treat to see what nature has carved after millions of years.👍
There are a ton of restaurants and hotels within the general area. This was well worth the drive from Houston.🚗
Henry A. Rodriguez — Google review
Great experience. Awesome caves with an easy path with hand rails and mats for safety. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the caves and their history. We took the Adventure tour, but will return to do the Hidden Passage tour on our next trip!
Noelleblue — Google review
A nice day out with the grandson. We both enjoyed it! About a mile walk (ish). Unlike most caverns I've been in this one was very warm (close to 80) and humid. I suggest to dress lightly. I'm elderly and not in the best shape but able to go the full distance no problem. Paul our guide was very informative and great at keeping things light and fun. Staff was wonderful and friendly.
Only down side is cost was more than others like places, gift shop was a bit over priced and outside ride was not available.
I do recommend finding discounts online that are available.
Overall it was a nice place .
P& B — Google review
I was pleasantly surprised with how fun this was. Growing up in Utah, I've been on the tour for Timpanogos Cave, but these caverns were surprisingly different. First, they're large! Second, each section is unique. The ticket line was long (however, everyone was in town for the eclipse, so that may not be a factor most days), but our guide was hilarious and made geology fun. I definitely recommend this adventure.
Natalie Nielsen — Google review
Such a great experience.. you will think that you are out of the world .
tour guide was very nice and friendly. I visited here starting February so inside it was not too hot.
Water is allowed and also you can take pics but no touching the surface until your guide says.
Priya Nath — Google review
We went on a Thanksgiving weekend and it was not crowded. We were able to join the regular tour in 10 minutes. The tour is around 90 mins. The guide was great 😃. He had a sense of humor 😁. The cave had about 3 large halls. inside was warm so no need to wear any jackets. This is not a wheelchair or stroller friendly path. But you can take infants on a baby carrier.
Shavik Harindra Gunarathne — Google review
Nice tour walking around the cave, wear comfy walking shoes since it might be a bit slippery inside. you’ll go downhill on the way in and uphill on the way back. Tour guide was nice and will talk about the different formations along the way.
Rita L — Google review
Really amazing experience.
Did the hidden passages experience. 100% worth it. Leroy our tour guide was funny and knowledgeable. Super recomended, by teens... so you know it's for real lol. We are coming back in a yr to do the wild tour, thanks to Leroy for making it sound like something we can't miss!
shantell sullivan — Google review
4.7
(5807)
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4.5
(712)
4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
We had an awesome experience. They allow you to watch the factory floor from an observation deck up high (behind windows)…which is super cool. They were packaging all sizes of ice cream from the single serve to the giant ones they must sell to ice cream parlors. The gift shop is great as well. They have typical Blue Bell merchandise like t-shirts & mugs and they have a few extra cute things like baby toys & ball caps. The $1 scoops of ice cream are plenty big and they offer a lot of flavors at any given time. We tried Mocha Almond Fudge, Moo-llennium Crunch, Cookies n Cream, Peachy Peach, and Blackberry Cobbler. So good! It’s a great place to take the kids. They even give out little paper blue bell hats. We would highly recommend this place!
Jon and Amanda Lewis — Google review
Iconic creamery that can't be missed! Pay attention to the hours and what is open on weekends (no museum or observation deck). The creamery closed at 4pm the Saturday we visited. We got there at 3 and had enough time to have ice cream and see the shop. Plenty of seating even though it was very busy. You get your ice cream first and then line up to pay. Credit cards are accepted. It's only $1 for a BIG scoop! They had two flavors that are currently not available in the store, Happy Tracks, and Salted Caramel. The country store was smaller than I expected and is just at one end of the creamery. They have Blue Bell branded merchandise and other things as well. I bought a great ice cream scoop. The creamery is upstairs but there is an elevator straight ahead when you go in the doors.
Christine Larson — Google review
$1 a scoop! So many delicious flavors, some are only available at the creamery. We had a fun time. There’s a little Bluebell history museum too which is cool.
Em O — Google review
We took a day trip to Brenham and, of course, had to stop here. The ice cream shop and gift shop were nice, as well as the observation deck. It was cool to be able to see the ice cream being packed. It was definitely worth 30 minutes to stop and check out.
Jeffrey Hyde — Google review
We had a great visit. You can see all the history and their is an observatory where you can see the production (no pictures there). The gift shop has all kinds of cool unique items. Then the best part is the actual ice cream! It’s only a $1 a scoop! It’s a good size scoop too.
My one suggestion is it would be cool if they did flights where you could choose three flavors for a price. I’ve seen that at other creamery’s. It’s easy to go get another scoop though.
Anyway, great place to visit I recommend!
Andrew Roberts — Google review
Blue Bell Creameries was a delightful experience. I came on a Friday afternoon so it was busy. I didn't find out there was additional parking until after I parked so just a heads up, if you have trouble getting a spot in the front, there's additional parking to the right of the building. I made it in time to see the Conservatory Deck and it was a nice group working dillegently and a few folks interacted with some of us above by waving and playing rock paper scissors. They have a great selection in the gift section and a lovely garden outside in the front. The ice cream was perfect for a hot sunny day. 10/10
Iris Reyes — Google review
Perfect place to come with the kids, there is a small museum about the creamery and how they make ice cream (no fee), and there is an observation deck in the second floor, with windows so you can see the ice cream machines and the packing machines, also the people working there, very interesting! (No fee!) also there is a small store for souvenirs and you can buy ice cream ($1 each) with lot of flavors they don’t offer at the supermarket. Would be a nice place to come for a field trip or any day to get out to the country.
It’s open mon-Friday only. Masks required to enter.
Nat Lamb — Google review
Really fun visit to the plant where Blue Bell ice cream is made. You can only walk upstairs to the Observation Area, but it is nice to see everyone in their sanctuary white scrubs packing boxes and moving cartons around. Small museum in the Visitors Center is worth a stop because there's a five minute movie of production in progress. Ice cream cups sold too, for only $1 scoop. Good road trip stop.
Kyle McCarthy — Google review
I can’t get enough of Blue Bell’s Fun and Enjoy Ice Cream! The quality is top-notch, and the price point of $1 per scoop is incredible. Whether you’re craving something classic or adventurous, they have a flavor for you. Treat yourself to a scoop (or two)!
BadAss Chick — Google review
Went during spring break and it was super packed! But it was still great! The observatory is only open til 2, so get there earlier because finding parking is a good 10-15 minutes depending on if you go during a busy time. Their ice cream scoops are only $1 as well and they give you a good 3 scoops in their cups which is nice. You can also order a platter of all the flavors as well. The workers working the ice cream parlor weren’t the most welcoming and I’m assuming because of how busy it was.
Ariana Longoria — Google review
This place is beautiful! The museum and observation deck were closed because we visited on Saturday, but we still had plenty to enjoy. There was a small but cute baseball museum downstairs and beautiful spacious ice cream parlor and gift shop upstairs. Generous scoops for $1. Highly recommend!
Margaret Willoughby — Google review
Fun family favorite!! I enjoyed this little day frip from San Antonio. We got here at about 10 am and used very clean and large restrooms to refresh us from the drive.
Next was the Visitor Center. There is a history of Blue Bell to explore and read. There were very sweet people behind the Information booth who answered any questions that we had. The history was reading, it would have been nice to have some interactive things where we could push a button for it to read to us. I have a child who is dyslexic child, but I would read it to myself and them summarize for her. We did take some fun pics in the 2 areas where pics were available. We loved the paper hats to wear!
We then took some pictures at the first delivery car and then the cow statue.
After thar, we looked through the baseball coach hall of fame. Finally, we went upstairs to the observation deck!! Watching the workers package my favorite ice cream was super cool! Adding the oreo cookie pieces to the cookies and cream was super cool to see. They were also packing the big packages of strawberry for ice cream shops. The last thing I saw them packing was the single serve cups of chocolate ice cream. Seeing them measuring and packing the cartons was so cool!
We then went shopping in the store and found some really cute items to take home.
My favorite part was getting ice cream! $1.00 per cup. We tried the peach, Krazy Kookie, Lemon Pie, Dr. Pepper float. They were all super tasty and enjoyable.
This will probably be another fun thing to come to just to see what kind of ice cream they have changed the items to. I would love to come back.
Heather Johnson — Google review
After much anticipation, we were finally able to visit the legendary Blue Bell Ice Cream shop in Brenham, Texas. The opportunity to taste several ice cream flavors exactly where they are produced was fantastic. The ice cream was COLD and of course wonderful, and I had a nice time at this location. Particularly given how HOT it was outdoors at the time, it was the ideal relaxing setting.
Smarty Gee'elle — Google review
$1 bowls of ice cream!!!!! So good! They call them scoops but as you can see in the pictures, they are very generous with their “scoops”. We tried all the flavors, so worth the stop. BTW they stopped doing tours but you can still go up steaks and view through windows inside on how they make the ice cream. They also have a museum where it shows the history of the company and facts about the ice cream. We found out new favorite rest stop.
Anthony Escobar — Google review
Omg! All you icecream lovers have to come! It's a super cute! In the visitors center you get to learn the history of Blue Bell. The have photo ops for the kids. From there we walked to another building. When you enter they have a baseball memorabilia. You can take the elevator or stairs to the 2nd floor where you enter the ice cream parlor. You choose the ice-cream you want and they charge $1 per scoop with no tax. I tried the peachy peach and the mango. Super delicious! On the side of the parlor they have a gift shop. Really neat and cute items! Further along the hallway they have the observation deck. From the deck you get to watch the employees make and package ice-cream. The observation deck is open M-F 8am-2pm. The rest is open M-F 8am-5pm. There are absolutely no pictures or videos on the observation deck. Please be respectful. There is an employee there keeping an eye and answers questions. The outside they have a free library inside a truck, you give a book and take a book. They also have bronze statue of the cow and girl blue bell logo along with the first refrigerated truck. There is no fee to enter the facility. Overall it was a nice experience. If you are in the area I highly recommend you stop by and check it out.
Crystal Valdez — Google review
Fun few hours. Museum and observatory are free. Then finish up at the creamy with dollar scoops that are a good size!
Neal Steinhour — Google review
A step back into time. Loved the experience with my family. We are from Oregon, so it's nothing like the Tillamook cheese factory , but it's great in its own ways. The tours were not open when we went on Monday of spring break 2024. But you can't beat $1 scoops! Good size scoops, too. I made the mistake of getting 3 for myself. But for my family of 6, we spent a total of $8 and gas to have a great hour or so. The history is pretty cool, too. The gift shop is pricey but to be expected, with scoops being so cheap. They had I formation on the local mural scavenger hunt in the old Town town which we were looking for info online and didn't find but here it was in the visitor center. So we will be doing that on another day. Highly recommend.
Tiffany Heffelfinger — Google review
Absolutely must stop by if your from Texas and love blue bell. This place had so much history and things to look at I was impressed! They even have 1 dollar ice cream scoops and honestly they give you way more than! 10 out of 10 I’ll be back again.
Michael Rangel — Google review
So I first went to Blue Bell, bout 30 years ago as a young lad. Came back today and it was a fun little trip to the past.
Dollar scoops of Ice cream can't be beat.
But I felt like there was more to do when i was younger.
If you take your time, maybe kill an hour here. Otherwise 25/30 minutes to do everything.
Ash Rudel — Google review
Blue Bell is one of the crown jewels of Texas and coming here with my family was an absolute delight. At the Visitors Center we learned about the company's origins and history. The we went to the Observation Deck and Ice Cream Parlor. It was great to be able to take a glimpse at the process of how Blue Bell makes ice cream for us. At the Ice Cream Parlor you can't beat the price of a $1 a scoop (it's a cup-full of ice cream which I thought was great for the price) plus they let you sample flavors if you need to do so to decide what you're getting. I highly recommend the Lemon Pie flavor 😋 👌. Overall, we spent about an hour and a half there and had a great time. Definitely arrive as early as you can to beat the crowds.
Rosie Arcelay — Google review
Great place to visit! You can watch them package ice cream and have a scoop (or 2, or 3) for $1 each. Blue Bell!
Lawrence Aleman — Google review
Super fun place. Ice cream is $1 per scoop and you can watch them make the ice cream. Two different "museum" type of areas. Not open on weekends. would highly recommend if you like ice cream
Exhibits documenting the 41st president's life, such as a replica of the White House press room.
The George H.W. Bush Presidential museum was a nice diversion to our visit in San Antonio. The museum was not overly crowded during our visit. All staff encountered were friendly, overly accommodating and informative. There were a number of newly added exhibits, so the museum is being well maintained. There are changes due to COVID-19, wearing a mask is required while indoors. The outdoor grounds are exceptional and well maintained and manicured. During our visit we spent around 3 hours inside the museum and touring the grounds. Our visit to the museum was well worth the time. It was great to relive some history and learn a few new things. Hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did.😊
Billy Draper — Google review
The library contains over a million photos walking you through the impressive layout of the 41st presidents' private and public careers. You are immediately greeted with a warm welcome, and the gift shop is awkwardly small. However, the selection has great choices. It will be enjoyed by all ages and a top attraction personally. I forgot to visit the documentary theater. Upstairs floor are for research, archives by appointment only. The visit ended with respects at the burial site located outside past the pond area. You don't need a ticket to explore the outer grounds and fishing allowed. June 2024, the locomotive exhibit will open with the new building right of the entrance. I'm excited to revisit for the red ribbon opening.
Rock C INF — Google review
Beautiful museum filled with an overwhelming number of artifacts and information. My group spent 3+ hours here but it would take weeks to go through and read every individual item. Truly eye opening experience to see someone’s entire life/legacy in one building. All employees were friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to give mini tours to explain certain exhibit areas.
George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush accomplished so much more than you may think. Despite being a college student and many people my age don’t find these types of things that interesting, I found it fascinating with how in-depth everything was displayed.
Braedyn — Google review
I think I've tried to visit about five times and I finally got in! Various closings and me not looking at their hours conspired against me. But on this beautiful spring day, I was able to visit.
The inside and the outside gardens are fantastic. I think the gardens are now one of my favorites in Texas. The place is full of memorabilia and lays it out in a very interesting way. Often I go to a museum or other place and wonder why I felt like I could do better just looking at things online. In this case, it was much deeper, richer and more meaningful than most on-line, museums by prose that I have been to. I think I got a better understanding of George W and Barbara Bush and enjoyed the visit.
Whether you are a rabid Bush fan or merely a passing history buff, this is definitely going to have something for you.
Grouse K9 — Google review
What an amazing tribute to a great man! I really enjoyed learning about George and his family! Great customer service and it’s a beautiful library!! What a beautiful love story!
Mindy Martindale — Google review
Great place to reminisce about the accomplishments and history of President George Bush Senior. The landscaping here is so gorgeous. We also enjoyed the Barbara Rose Garden and Reflection Pond in the back. The museum itself requires tickets purchased online in advance, and no, you cannot just show up and buy tickets at the gate! You can also sit in the Oval Office chair and experience what it feels like to be President for one minute!
Hanson Tran — Google review
Security (metal detector) check at entrance. The only bathroom on the right after entrance. Theater next to the bathroom. The documentary movie does not require ticket, starting every 30 mins (duration 22 mins). Gallery may change overtime. Lots of great historical photographs. Great WWII items on display.
Pin Wu — Google review
Visiting A president's library and museum should be on everyone's do list. There is so much history and insights to be learned. You are carried through George's life from school, meeting Barbara, war, politics, diplomacy, CIA, presidency, to retirement.
There is not enough room to share the experience.
I definitely recommend.
Wendell Hickerson — Google review
Very interesting and enjoyable museum. The staff was friendly and very helpful.
Timothy Smith — Google review
Beautiful museum and library that describes the life of George H W Bush right from his younger days to becoming President. The man played so many roles in life so there is a ton of memorabilia and history associated. The movie at the entrance is a must and describes how Bush 41 was a genuine soul and had endearing ideals. Very inspiring to learn more about him. His burial site is also nearby. Highly recommend visiting this place.
gradcjd16 — Google review
Loved the history here! Bring your kids! It's great for a day trip for homeschoolers, there's a no cost orientation video that gives a quick brief over his life. The museum area is great and there's SO MUCH! We spent almost 2 hrs here and there's several interactive areas for the kids. I had fun too! It's a very nice campus and all of the workers are so friendly and full of knowledge!
Hillary England — Google review
The George Herbert Walker Bush Presidential Library and Museum is a MUST SEE! A quite nostalgic journey through the life of "41" as his life's events entwined with those of my own family... He was a true public servant and a testimony to the Greatest Generation!
Joel Davenport — Google review
Fine tribute to our former President. Extensive memorabilia and history provided so you can appreciate the man and his life. Lots of parking available, easy access for mobility challenged. The facility has an informative movie as an introduction and then many exhibits on his legacy. Pleasant gift shop is available. Outdoor park area has impressive sculptures and grounds.
Mark Otte — Google review
4.7
(411)
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5.0
(1266)
1000 George Bush Dr W, College Station, TX 77845, USA
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is an outdoor music venue surrounded by trees. It features live music, theater and dance shows. Halsey is bringing her Manic World Tour to the venue on June 16th., and presales start 1/16 at 10am.
I've always loved outdoor theaters and this one is one of my favorites. There is so much to enjoy. If you choose you can sit under the canopy area. I always prefer lawn seats. They prices have gone up but they had a major renovation so it's understandable. You can enjoy cocktails, beer, or wine before the concerts. It's a small but comfortable venue.
Vanessa Loera — Google review
I've been to the pavilion for a couple of concerts now. I really have enjoyed both experiences. You have the option of getting seats or sitting in the grass (less expensive). There really isn't a horrible seat in the house. Although the venue is open to the weather outside, they have large fans blowing to help keep you comfortable. I will go again.
Kevin Smith — Google review
Cynthia Woods Pavilion green lot has FREE parking and easy access to the pavilion. Maybe a 5 minute walk across one street. I saw several people bring lawn chairs and listen in the park outside of the venue. Inside the seating is either covered or lawn seating (no cover). There are concessions with various options including burgers, wings, bbq, chicken strips, nachos, pretzels etc. alcoholic drinks and virgin daiquiris as well. Fun place for an evening date. Whiskey Myers and Willie Nelson were there the night we went. There are several amazing bands on the schedule. I do recommend checking the day/morning of to get the best prices. Front row tickets were as low as $130. Check with will call or the box office for last minute deals. We usually book through ticket master and end up paying service fees, but I’m told it’s better to call.
Christine Bowers — Google review
Great staff. Very helpful to get my father to our seats. The seats were great. I like how you can bring your water bottle, and they have fountains inside the gates. We will return for more shows.
Amber Withum — Google review
Hot as Hell in the Summer. No misting fans. No drink holders for covered seats. Bag policy sucks if you like your designer bags. Concession prices are out of control. Go and have fun.
Michelle Michon — Google review
My daughter and I went to see Mercy Me with her Godparents. It was a fabulous concert. Be sure to arrive very early (2+ hours for parking)and make sure you check for compliance on purses and such.
Karen DeVille — Google review
I appreciate the fact that this pavilion had free parking and that they allowed you to bring your own food in a gallon freezer bag. Beverages were not allowed in the gallon bag though. I would recommend exploring the website before visiting because this venue offers a lot. It is really large and a really nice place for a concert. Keep in mind that this is an outdoor venue. You will be exposed to the elements when here, so dress accordingly.
After the concert let out, officers and stadium workers did an amazing job in directing us and getting us to the freeway as quick as possible. Overall, I had a great experience and really enjoyed my concert.
Jaelyn Melena — Google review
Truly it's beautiful here . They have lots of clean restroom they also have a lot of different venues. The Hill area is wonderful kind of looks like Miller outdoor theater. But on both sides they actually have a lot of views on both sides I don't know if it's the same. Yes yes it's beautiful.
Fredrick Colbert — Google review
Very nice venue for concerts. We had dinner first after parking for the concert and then rented lawn chairs. The lawn area is artificial grass which was very nice.
Mike Kunz — Google review
Went here for the first time since living my whole life in Texas and I was shocked at how cool it was. It's small and I mean that in a great way. It's an intimate venue and the renting of lawn chairs in the general field is the best idea ever. The whole lawn is graded so even if you sit behind people, you can still see everything. The food and drink options are amazing and I was totally satisfied. I saw dead and company here and I hope they have more shows here. My only suggestion is to bring a water proof blanket for the lawn. Bot that its always wet, but just in case its damp and u dont want to rent a lawn chair just have the blanket with you. Parking in the area us great and mostly free, too!!
Chloe Streeter — Google review
This venue always puts on the best shows and their entire staff is always friendly and helpful no matter how busy they are. Security is well prepared and the medical teams they have there are on the spot. I witnessed some commotion in section 105 I think and staff, police, and medical responded quickly and appropriately. Once things settled down and I saw they were helping someone leave the seated section I noticed it was a friend of mine and his wife was in the wheelchair. I spoke to him later in the evening and they were home safe and doing better. Thanks to the quick actions of the staff things didn't go worse for my friend. Thank you all for all you do.
James Robayo — Google review
Important things to know: no purse or bags unless they are clear. Small wallet size purse 4×6 inches allowed, but will be searched. Metal detectors at entrance. This is an outdoor venue. Be prepared with sunscreen and cool clothes. Even under the covered area, the sun shines bright until the sun sets.
Laura Hausen — Google review
Since we live out in Richmond, Texas, I rarely come out this far to see a concert, especially during the hot summer days. Fall and winter are fine, but triple digit heat, no thanks, unless you have seats under the roof covering.
Sam Olivares — Google review
Tons of fun! The Ghost concert was AWESOME!! The only thing that sucked was they watered the lawn before the concert has started so if you had lawn tickets hope you brought a blanket or something to sit on so you don't get your clothes all wet. Which we did not, not knowing they had watered the lawn! So we had to stand the whole time, which sucked. Other than that, the concert itself was AMAZING!!!
Kristy Cain — Google review
The facility is excellent. Has been many years since I’ve been there. Lots of changes for the good. Getting in and out was easy. Traffic control was good and the venue was clean. The restrooms were clean and well stocked. Be prepared to spend money on drinks and food. Overall experience was excellent.
Michael Smith — Google review
Great!!! Smooth experience, staff were very friendly and getting through was a breeze. I expected something close to an amusement park entry, but I didn't even have to wait. Rules are reasonable, and there are always a few ppl breaking them, but the staff do their best to fix it. Overall, very happy!! Definitely coming back! 🥰
Alexis Bradel — Google review
What are the better concert venues in Houston area. The best I’ve ever been to, but definitely the number one place to go see a concert if from Houston or the surrounding area. better environment and Toyota center and easier to relax and enjoy the show. Tickets are also more flexible in price because of the option or the lawn price. They also host free shows every now and then.
Scott Eugene — Google review
Great venue! I highly suggest you grab paid parking when you buy tickets, will save some walking. Free parking was well lit and staffed however.
Like all of these types of venues, drinks are expensive.
Great seating options and if your budget puts you in the so called "cheap seats" the video boards are large and clear.
Semi-outdoor with a lot of seating under the cover and large fans moving air.
Bathrooms were accessible and clean.
Keath Huff — Google review
Covered seating is better. The center seats are best because they are elevated and have waiters for food and drinks. They have cheap tickets on the lawn area. The public restrooms have many stalls. There is an air conditioned area when you first enter, but you can't take alcohol out of the area. You can buy food and drinks outside. Parking took forever and it always does because of the traffic flow. So get there early. Also be aware of purse size and types - bigger purses are not allowed.
Miki Alex — Google review
Very good venue. Great security at the gate and only a five to minute wait to get in. You will not be allowed to bring your own lawn chairs. They have lawn chairs for rent at about ten dollars if you, by chance have lawn seats. The venue is pretty large, and based on my untrained ear the aucustics sound great.
Kareem Ferguson 1 — Google review
1. **Nice Art**: The park features beautiful sculptures and art installations, adding to its charm.
2. **Good Paths**: Well-maintained pathways make it easy to explore the greenery.
3. **Clean Neighborhood**: The surrounding area is well-kept, ensuring a pleasant experience.
4. **Nice Grass to Lay Down In**: Ample grassy areas invite picnics, relaxation, and sunbathing.
Stephanie Marchena — Google review
Great place for a concert. I really enjoyed that the venue has so many additional options outside of just the concert. The staff there were incredible and helped create an amazing experience for the Waste Connections group.
Dave Werkema — Google review
Acoustics are not the best but this is a very well built venue with plenty of parking, well organized and good crowd control. Been there twice, the last time I was invited to the lawn, I thought it was going to be terrible but it was actually pretty good and enjoyable as it wasn't very crowded.
J. BISBAL — Google review
4.6
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4.5
(643)
2005 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380, USA
Battleship Texas is a historic warship that served in both World Wars and is now open to the public for self and guided tours. The ship led to significant advancements in gunnery technology in future battleships, as well as the first museum dedicated to battleships in the United States. It is located at La Porte east of downtown Houston, and offers a variety of tours for people of all ages.
When this ship is opened back to the public, you must visit! Plans to spend the day because there is so much to see and you will have to climb stairs or ladders depending on where you decide to go onboard. There were some areas blocked off but for the most part, we explored a ton of this ship. This ship is an absolute monster that lives up to the dreadnought name and is the only surviving warship to have served in both world wars.
Michelle — Google review
I went right before they're planning to get it dry docked to be repaired. The ship is IMPRESSIVE even with it stripped due to repairs. There were too many people though. The event was pretty highly publicized as "the last weekend to see the ship before repairs" so that makes sense. The staff is highly knowledgeable and I enjoyed reading the plaques and seeing model rooms/set ups. The on deck guns were also pretty cool. This is definitely something for someone who loves history. There was a lot of parking but if you park far enough back, you'll have to do a lot of walking.
A R — Google review
Had a chance to visit one last time before it was closed and moved. Such a great experience. All of the volunteers were very friendly.
Raudel Avelar — Google review
4.7
(2387)
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4.5
(696)
One Riverway Dr Suite 2200, Houston, TX 77056, USA
The Galleria is a popular shopping mall in Houston, Texas. It has over 400 high end stores and restaurants, an ice-skating rink, a designer punch with businesses like Tiffany & Co., Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Burberry, Gianni Versace and Cartier.
This mall shopping experience is fantastic.
It’s a huge, clean, organized mall with just about every store that you could ever want to shop at. Check out their website for listings of what stores they have, the options are seemingly endless. Parking is free in the garages, which is nice, although it gets a bit packed on the weekends. There is a massive ice rink for skating in the middle of the mall and provides a fun atmosphere and great activity for dates, friends, or family. There are plenty of food options in the food court. This mall is a fun place to explore, even if you don’t need or want to purchase anything. There’s a reason it’s a hot spot in Houston and has so many reviews - it’s pretty cool. Check it out!
Nate Church — Google review
A world class shopping mall. This place is a gem of the city of Houston and a must visit when looking for iconic landmarks to cross off of your to do or must visit list when in Space City. Wander around all wings and visit each floor each time. The story rewrites itself from every angle of this place. Dynamic store activity is a reason people keep coming back to the galleria. Occasional celebrity sightings are becoming less uncommon when visiting. Check it out during the holidays and they decorate it to reflect the spirit of the most wonderful times of the year
William Avila — Google review
Loved visiting this mall..grateful I was able to experience it!! Great variety of stores and food options. I loved their Neiman here🙌🏾 Clean mall with clean restrooms. Security on deck heavy so felt safe.
MsSweetJames Jones — Google review
The Galleria is really nice , big , after pandemic this mall is driving , all the merchant stores were open , it was nice to see a mall that was not heavily impacted after Covid SIP. The only thing the mall was repairing was the ice skating ring . In San Francisco downtown is going to be ghost town soon, the mayor merchants are departing due to the homeless and thieving issues .
Lydia Gtrek W — Google review
One of the best malls in Houston. Interior design is nice and there is even an indoor ice rink.This is a really large mall with several stores ranging from high end brand names stores to every day consumer shops. Stores range from clothes, entertainment, and there is a nice food court as well. Lots of parking available but traffic around this area is pretty horrible. Would recommend visiting if you need something to do inside or want to do lots of shopping!
Giau Vo — Google review
Great Mall with lots of popular stores and a few which difficult to find in some other Mall locations. Love it and very good shopping experience over here. Must visit!
There is the indoor ice rink in the Mall; the family and friends can enjoy both ice skating and shopping in the same place. It also provides the ice skating class in the early morning.
Two Westin Hotels connected to the Mall building. It’s very convenient to enter the Mall from the hotel any time, if you stayed in one of them.
Parking lot and parking garage were available and provided enough free parking space.
Bryan Yoz — Google review
The Galleria is an amazing beautiful mall. It is huge and has almost everything you could look for in a mall. I spent a few hours here getting my steps in and it was nice. Besides Primark it has every store you could look for. This is the first Mall I have ever seen that has an Ice Skating Rink. It was extremely relaxing to sit and watch the ice skaters do their thing. The Mall had some interesting food and as always the vendors and sales associates I interacted with were a pleasure. From a quick stop to a shopping spree this mall is perfect for all you shopping needs.
Rachel Listens — Google review
I really love this place. You have all the brands in one place that makes shopping experience easier. Very much clean place. It always smells fresh in here. Very spacious. You have restaurants inside. The only thing that makes me sad is they closed Rainforest cafe that used to here.. kid’s favorite restaurant.
Jenie Priyanka — Google review
Highly recommend this mall .
Especially if you want to buy high end apparel. This is my go to place for high end clothing . There are many options as well for those looking for cheaper options in addition. Also, I need to compliment the valet team at the JOEY Blue Lot valet parking area. They took great care of my car. These guys deserve a raise . Thanks for all you individuals do ❤️
Leah McCarthy — Google review
I love shopping at the Galleria for high end stuff. Tons of restaurants to choose from. You can spend a whole day shopping and eating! It offers everyone something to do. If you or your kids love ice skating they have it there. It offers products from affordable to high end so there’s stuff for everyone. It’s fairly close to the main highway so if you don’t like Houston traffic this maybe a place to shop for you. There’s tons of hotels around it.
San Antonio Realtor Maria T Ferreira EXP Realty LLC — Google review
This mall is huge, probably take a hour or so to all around the place without going into any stores.
There’s a nice map of the mall you can pull up on your phone. It’s also many huge interactive maps throughout the entire mall. Multiple floors and a parking deck that is a little undersized for parking. It was a difficult time finding a parking spot. I’d recommend giving yourself plenty of time and have patience when coming. Otherwise, great mall with lots of stores.
Robert McLymore — Google review
Variety for stores and you got many options to choose from. Food, clothing, entertainment, ice skating and many more. Great place to spend quality time with friends and family.
Mahesh M — Google review
Nice size mall that had plenty of available parking during the busy early part of a Saturday evening and the mall had everything from Louis Vuitton to the Cheese Cake Factory. Also great scenic picture spot from the 5th floor of the Yellow garage.
John Seckar — Google review
4 stars only cause of the expensive prices and nasty bathrooms. I'd give it 5 stars for store variety though and atmosphere. They decorate really good for Christmas time!
GuitarRay_417 — Google review
Plenty of options to buy from at this mall. It was very busy when I visited, but the a/c was working great because it kept the temperature pleasant.
I would say that it is a bit scary to park here, though... there were several men walking around the cars but I never saw them getting into any of them. I think that they should get a few security guards so that customers know that their cars are secure.
Carolina Diaz — Google review
It is the biggest mall in Texas. It has almost all branded brand stores. It has many sections. There are plenty of food options and entertainment like Escape Room also. There is an ice rink for skating and a Christmas tree is put on during Christmas.
Prajaya Pathak — Google review
Just had an amazing evening at The Mall! It's filled with high-end brands and the place smells amazing too. Tried to get an iPhone, but the rush made the wait too long. Will definitely go back for another shopping spree! #shopping #highendbrands"
YNA — Google review
Galleria in Houston is an absolute gem! The diverse range of shops and eateries caters to all tastes. The mall's elegant design and spacious layout make for a delightful shopping experience. During Christmas the mall adorns with all the festive lights, decors and christmas tree.
Though they have a lot of parking garages, still parking can be a challenge during peak hours. Whether you're a local or visitor, Galleria is a must-visit destination for a memorable shopping day. The Galleria Mall is a must visit if you are visiting Houston. Highly recommend!
Tasnim Ara Islam — Google review
Visited the Galleria Mall on the last of the year, very well decorated, looking stunning.
This is one of the most famous and vibrant malls in the Houston area. You can find almost all the brands under one roof, in a beautiful setting
The area around is also very nice to roam about with a couple of activities, including the water wall.
Adnan Yaqoob — Google review
The Galleria in Houston is a modern and stylish shopping center that offers a great selection of stores and restaurants. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it's easy to see why. The mall is home to a wide variety of shops, ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to more affordable stores. There's also a cinema, which is perfect for catching the latest movies. If you're feeling hungry, there are plenty of dining options available, including fast food outlets and sit-down restaurants.
The mall also has a playground for kids, making it a great place for families to spend the day. Overall, I would highly recommend visit if you are looking for a fun and enjoyable shopping experience.
Zuzana Ba — Google review
This mall is pretty big and is nice and clean. They have all of the luxury brands inside, and they have ice skating inside as well. It has nicely decorated interior. I personally liked it.
Hadia Adnan — Google review
Very nice mall. Probably the best in Houston. Ample space and lots of high end stores. May be need more restaurants.
Elvin Alfredo Silva — Google review
Pretty frickin awesome mall. Lots of free parking decks all around. I parked in the orange garage which let's you enter at the food court and ice skating rink.. yes it has an ice skating rink! Food court is expansive with good options and cheap options. Upper end area with the big names like Prada and Tom Ford with lots of security.. then the other side has forever 21. Little something for everyone. Mall is very clean and there was no rah rah. I liked it.
The Houston Zoo is a must-see for all animal lovers, with over 6,000 animals in habitats that are more authentic for the animals and more immersive for visitors. The zoo is currently undergoing a massive renovation project that will complete in 2022.
I recently visited the Houston Zoo, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations! The first thing that struck me was its sheer size - it’s massive! There’s so much to explore and discover. From the moment we entered, we were impressed by the wide range of activities tailored for all ages. It was a delightful experience for everyone in our group, from the little ones to the adults.
The zoo’s well-designed layout made navigation a breeze, and we loved how every exhibit seemed to transport us to a different part of the world. The variety of animal species on display was truly impressive, and it was heartening to see the care and attention given to the animals’ well-being.
One standout feature was the fun activities scattered throughout the zoo. Whether it was interactive exhibits, animal shows, or educational talks, there was never a dull moment. It really enhanced our visit and made it a day filled with joy and learning.
The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions and provide helpful insights about the animals. Plus, the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities were top-notch.
Overall, the Houston Zoo is an excellent destination for families, friends, or even solo visitors looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of wildlife and nature. I highly recommend this zoo, and I can’t wait to visit again!
Sarah — Google review
We went during the week and our reservation time was for 9:00 am so it was easy to park and get in the zoo. The later you go, parking becomes a nightmare, so keep that in mind. We had a great visit. I love that it opens at 9 because it gives the kids and I time to enjoy the zoo before it’s lunch and nap time. We were lucky and the animals were out and about that day. The other guests there were respectful or space and taking turns. Some people wore masks, some did not. The only place I was nervous about the closeness was in the reptile house, so we hurried through and continued seeing the animals that are outside. I do wish there were more bathrooms along the way. Seeing the zoo with 2 little ones, someone always has to use the bathroom, ALWAYS. It was a great trip to the zoo. I know we could have easily spent more time there.
Derek & Courtney DeFee — Google review
It was our first time visiting here. It was such a great zoo. Plenty of shade. The water pond in the middle of the zoo when you walked in was beautiful. We got to see the new exhibit. It was awesome! We rented one of the motorized wheelchairs for my mom. It was like $45 I think for the day. It had a canopy and basket for items. It was my moms first timing using a motorized one and she loved it. My family loved this zoo. We bought water bottles here for $5 each and then refilled them with the refill stations. We would love to visit again if we get the chance.
Krystal Merlo — Google review
Great zoo! Fun and easy walk throughout the park. Animals seemed happier than most zoos I’ve been to. Elephants were playing. Be prepared to walk if you don’t get there early for a parking spot. I recommend skipping the hassle of trying to find a spot and just parking at the history museum garage and taking the awesome stroll through Hermann Park. Which is beautiful!
Ryan Bassetti — Google review
We went on Thanksgiving Day after we had dinner. There were more people than I had expected but it was still a relatively small crowd. There were so many different locations and variations of lights that everything felt fresh and the fake snow was a really great touch. They had little smore sections and my kids really enjoyed that. This is definitely a tradition we want to keep up in future years.
Jay Pena — Google review
Really enjoyed this zoo. All the animals are super active. Make sure before you get there, you purchase tickets online as they do not have a ticket counter, but if you didn't, you can scan a QR code and purchase at the gate. We didn't get to go through the whole zoo, so im sure we will be back to see it all. The area around has recently been renovated, so if you just want to walk around the park outside of the zoo, it looks really nice. Also around it is some museums which I will for sure go see next trip.
Krystle Sharp — Google review
The Houston zoo is a very nice zoo. We've been going since children and all the updates they've done over the years definitely add to the experience.
It's always clean and tidy with great locations for snacks and beverages. The staff and keepers are all awesome and very knowledgeable of their respective exhibits. There are also a ton of volunteers here too which is awesome.
We've recently decided to get a membership because it's really nice to just be able to pop in any time you like for a stroll. It's like a stroll in the park but full of lovely and exotic animals.
I used to love seeing the familiar white alligator in the reptile exhibit but they've since relocated him to a nature reserve south of Houston.
The zoo can get really busy on the weekends and I would highly recommend getting here before 10am otherwise you'll be driving circles trying to find a parking spot.
Tom — Google review
BOO ZOO! One of our favorite times of year to visit the zoo. Great experience for the family as always. Parking was not awful today but I will say the last 5 times we’ve tried to go on Friday or Saturday we haven’t found a parking spot. Definitely would recommend going during the week and earlier in the day if at all possible. But once you get inside it’s a really great zoo! Tons of updates have happened since we’ve moved here nearly 10 years ago and I feel like each time we go there are always improvements happening to make the zoo even better!
Aaron Lathan — Google review
Be careful, it may be too hot and humid to visit during the summer as we did, but the experience itself was pretty good. I am an optimist, so I just imagined being on a safari in the jungles or something 🤣
But I would not recommend going there during excessive heat; otherwise, you will have a mixed experience of joy and suffering.
Be prepared to pay extra 9 bucks for three salad leaves if you want to get close to the giraffes 😬
Not all animals were there, especially some big cats and rhinos. But maybe they are just smarter than us and stayed in the shadows 😅
Overall, it was a very cool and educational journey!
Daria Lizunova — Google review
I love the zoo. Their newest exhibit, the Galapagos Islands, is awesome. I go to the zoo frequently, I go both with friends and alone. I enjoy the exhibits greatly, my favorite is the primates. I can sit for a very long time watching them, and I believe that watching these animals has made me care about them/their natural habitats more. Some animal exhibits, notably the older ones, are less fun to look at. The big cats, like the tiger, are in pretty small spaces and end up pacing back and forth endlessly. The seals were in a container like this, without a lot of space, but they were recently moved to a fantastic space with the creation of the Galapagos exhibit. The Houston zoo is pretty good at keeping the animals in healthy environments, and I see them constantly working to make things better for the animals. The employees are very kind and many will stop and talk to me at length about the history or preferences of animals in the zoo. I love the big pretzels they sell at the zoo, even though they are $8.
Adam N-A — Google review
Really enjoyed the zoo. Went on a Monday with SO and bonus child! She fights going to daycare so I figured I would take her to do something fun! I liked that it was not crowded! Grabbed a pretzel with cheese and a vanilla latte from a stand. It was good! Definitely recommend the Houston Zoo!
Rebecca Piatt — Google review
The 1st Tuesday of the month is FREE DAY! My friends and I were lucky to snag some tickets and enjoy a wonderful day of exploration at the zoo.
First off the restrooms here are so CLEAN. Thank you. I'm always scared to use public restrooms in tourist spots but they do such a good job of keeping this zoo sanitary.
Tons of families, couples, and groups of friends viewing the animals. Most animals had a buddy in their enclosure so it was nice to see the efforts they put in the make sure the animals aren't alone.
Very easy to navigate with the maps and arrows all over the park. Tons of restrooms and free water refill. It's nice they let you bring outside food and drinks as well as a cooler!
We finished the zoo in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Perfect amount of time and lots of shaded areas as well as indoor AC viewing.
Lovely little zoo. I'd bring friends and family here!
Cat T. — Google review
Great zoo to visit if you are in Houston! Lots of exhibits and fun things to look at! The entry price is reasonable and we got the extra ticket for the dinosaur attraction that is seasonal. Great for small children. Lots of walking, but plenty of places to sit and rest. There are food and snack options but a little pricey and just ok. I think they could expand the food options tremendously and probably make a killing with revenue.
Things to consider: the zoo is located in the museum district just a short walk from the natural history museum which is another great place to visit, but parking is terrible. Get there early or be prepared to have to drive around quite a bit to find parking. You can park at the museum parking garage but that runs about $30. I like to take a ride share if possible. Traffic is bad everywhere in Houston so it is what it is.
Eatable Media — Google review
Me and my kiddos went two days ago on Tuesday and had a blast! Lovely spring weather and not many people in the zoo despite the parking lot being full! Guess most people were in the park next to it. Lots of the animals were out and moving around which was super awesome and one of the gorillas even came up to the window to say hi to us! Didn’t catch his name though
Michelle K — Google review
The Zoo is always a blast, downside to the zoo is the parking but it really isn’t that bad just don’t try to park right in front closest to the entrance gates. We arrived at noon on a Sunday and realized most of the animals are asleep at this time. So I’d recommend going earlier. There was a car-line to get in since it was a weekend and parking lot was crowded however the line to enter the Zoo was basically empty (we buy our ticket online 1000% suggest). We also shared a nice picnic at the park outside the zoo near the train station, beautiful shade and perfect weather. 10/10 Experience!
Xelen Rivera — Google review
I LOVE this Zoo! The membership price is so worth it if you live in Houston or the burbs. Two visits and you’ve already paid for the memberships- totally a steal! The exhibits are well done. The animals are in very beautiful habitats and that makes me happy. The staff really takes care of them. Their entire motto is “See Them. Save Them” and I love that they really work to protect and save all of these beautiful creatures. In December they do Houston Zoo Lights and it’s phenomenal! The weather is usually very enjoyable and the lights are spectacular. They even have photos with Santa which is super cute. My one piece of advice is GO EARLY. Parking gets insane on the weekends and you can spend 45 minutes trying to park. Also, bring a stroller! It’s a ton of walking! If you go in summer, bring lots of water, snacks and even a fan! You will love going here!
Meredith Guarino — Google review
What a terrific zoo! The main reason for yesterday's visit was to see the new Galapagos Island exhibit and it did not disappoint! It was amazing and we got to hear them talk about the sea lions and watch them get treats. We also heard about the exhibit itself and all the features it has. Beyond the sea lion pool was a wonderful exhibit of other island wildlife. So much fun to wander through and see the other animals and sea life. The rest of the zoo is also a winner! Not only are the exhibits very well done, but there is plenty of seating to relax and just enjoy the environment. The primates, elephants, giraffes, and birds were my favorite. The landscaping adds to the overall feel. Well done!
Tracy Reid - Mathis — Google review
I always love going here! There's so much to see! I also love how they're adding new stuff and fixing things. They added the underground seal exhibit. Which kind of scared me because being under the water made me feel like I was drowning! But that's not a bad thing, I'm just scared of water haha. It was so cool seeing the seals swim above you! This is a perfect place to bring family or friends or just yourself. The workers are always willing to help and on a weekday it's not as busy as it would be on the weekend. There are plenty of bathrooms with air conditioning. And there's a lot of different places you can refill a bottle of water. However, I wish the refill of water areas had actually cooled cold water but at least they're available for free.
One of my favorite parts is near the petting zoo, there's this silly cow there that loves to have its neck pet! The only thing I don't really care about the zoo is definitely the drive there, but that's not the zoo's fault. Sometimes parking can be a little difficult. Other than that this is a perfect place to go!
Coushatta Rene — Google review
Over all pretty good experience but definitely could use some water sprayers and stronger fans
Getting the city pass would be the only way to come here and they still can have issues trying to check in with those too so just a fyi. And if it's too hot all the cats won't be available and other animals and no warnings when you enter the zoo. The sea lions where entertainment but no good shade and there was only two out of nine out during my visit.
First name Last name — Google review
It was Labor Day weekend when we visited this zoo. It was a super hot day so like the humans, the animals probably were trying to get some relief too, so many of the animals were not as active. Best to go early in the morning… bring an umbrella for shade and a portable fan. I like that there are many indoor exhibits peppered throughout the zoo to get some air conditioning relief! Lol. We loved the Galapagos exhibit. Overall it was a nice zoo. Easy to redeem Houston city pass. My only suggestion, the flow of the zoo was at times confusing to navigate without a map. Clearer signage would be helpful in certain parts. Would love to visit in the fall during the cooler months.
Kim S — Google review
Just as awesome as I remembered it, maybe better. Came on a Tuesday afternoon to avoid the huge crowds and it was the best idea ever. Very lightly people-y and only one or two exhibits closed for remodel. Had a delicious everything pretzel and enjoyed the relatively cool day with my husband looking at all the awesome animals. Couldn't be a better day in my book.
Alexis Genco (Diabinha) — Google review
Nice to visit when the weather is cool, (we cane in December)! It seemed most all the animals were out & moving around which made it such an enjoyable experience. We had a few friends with us who had never been, so that was neat! They had all the Christmas light stuff out too, which is a great experience if you have a chance to go. But, it was neat getting to see it during the day!
Angela Chaney REALTOR® - (936)443-4077 — Google review
The Houston Zoo was one of the best attractions we experienced while visiting Houston. It is a beautiful and clean zoo with plenty of shade and places to rest . Great variety of animals to see. We loved the elephants , giraffes, Gorillas , and zebras just to name a few. A great place for all ages to enjoy !
Kelley Leach — Google review
Such a wonderful zoo for a fun family outing when the weather is nice and cool. The new Galapagos Islands exhibit is awesome! You might have to wait in line for a few minutes but it's so worth the wait. Don't forget to bring a reusable water bottle, there are refilling stations. The cost for water and food is very high as expected but the cafe does have some tasty options. I suggest bringing a backpack with snacks so you can have a picnic by the lake in the adjacent Herman Park or at one of many shaded picnic benches throughout the zoo.
Jennifer Long — Google review
Surprisingly great experience. A lot of different animals and well organized sections. Staffs were friendly and informative. Dinosaur area was not worth it in all honesty but I guess okay if you have kids. If not, I recommend skipping. Otherwise great zoo!!
pan s — Google review
My husband and I went for our anniversary while the kiddos were at school for the day. It was a good little day trip. It’s very well shaded and has a few little water things to help cool down. We loved the elephant enclosure!
Sandandsea18 — Google review
We travel the country and go to a lot of zoos. This one is in our top 3 of favorites. It is well laid out and easy to navigate. They are so many animals, we can not think of anything we didn't see! Favorites were the giraffes and elephants. I went straight for the sloth to get a pic for my grandson, and he was in a corner, so the pic wasn't that great. We went back 3 hrs later to see if he had moved, and nope, he was in the same spot! We had a great time!
Dave Cipriani — Google review
We recently went Easter weekend, jammed packed but overall experience was ok, I haven't been in 2 years and they had an awesome literally cool underground tunnel with the aquarium going over you. I thought that area was super nice... it's the 1st exhibit on your right side when you walk in. I always enjoy the Zoo there. It's beautiful 😍 and an awesome workout 💪 literally hours of walking.
Veronica Hernandez — Google review
Had a great time here! The exhibits were all very well maintained and the facilities were very clean.
Lots of free parking nearby.
Came back for Zoo light and they were so amazing. Best lights I've been to yet.
Catelin Robinson — Google review
What a great zoo experience. Probably my favorite so far in Texas. What I noticed that was a big difference from other zoos is they had more benches along the way to sit and watch the animals and more bathrooms! Both of which are very helpful when you're a mom! There was also a lot of canopy shade which helped ease the heat and made for an overall better experience. I did find some of the signs/map a bit difficult to navigate but sometimes you just have to go with the flow. We especially enjoyed the kids interactive stuff at the meerkat area, aquarium etc. The only part I could say I did not enjoy was the Gorilla area. It was so over crowded with people looking into plexi glass room at the "playing gorillas" it honestly reminded me of something out of a Planet of the Apes movie. I rated this zoo a 5 because of the family element, actual care of the zoo (well kept), amount of animals and interactive activities, and rest stops and bathrooms (which for any family is very helpful). The surrounding park is very nice too. P.S. Parking is awful, good luck.
Michelle Young — Google review
This is definitely a family favorite. It’s a very clean zoo. I feel like they have a variety of animals.
Parking is free. Be aware that parking on some days might be tough. It gets very heavily visited on those holidays, and the traffic in and out could take awhile. Be patient.
There are a variety of activities beyond the animal exhibits like train ride, merry-go-round and playground.
I’d recommend getting the family pass so you can take your time visiting a little bit at a time.
Sherman On — Google review
Always a long wait time to enter and if you go on a weekend good luck finding a parking space. I do like that they let you bring in your own food and refreshments which is unusual for businesses now a days. Animals are pretty much what you expect to see at the zoo. Go prepared, it’s a lot of walking especially for smaller children. They do rent out strollers if you don’t have one.
Alondra Garcia — Google review
Fun zoo prices aren’t too high fun for the family and even for a date. The animals are easy to see and don’t have to spend your all time searching for them. Information and educational. OK loved it. Holiday lights is a little boring but fun experience at least once I like the reptile house nice selection of snakes and spiders. I haven’t seen the new Galapagos exhibit yet, but I’m excited to go soon to experience.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is an interesting museum that contains permanent exhibits on a variety of different science-related topics. The Planetarium is especially popular, and it presents a range of astronomy and science shows for visitors to enjoy. The butterfly house is also a nice touch.
Great place to go explore. Lots of interactive exhibits. About 1/4 of the museum is something that you have to pay extra for so keep that in mind. The exhibits were daily clean and there were hand sanitizer stations throughout the museum. Great spot for children or curious adults. We spent about two hours here exploring all of the different floors. We went on a Saturday and it was pretty crowded. Good overall experience.
Katelyn Meredith — Google review
Great museum!! Lots to do and look at if you live in the area or close enough the membership is totally worth it. Each special exhibit was an additional cost. The "shows" in the theater are shown on a dome screen sit high up so you don't have to tilt your head up so far we saw the "death of the dinosaurs" I felt it could have been better I most likely won't be paying extra for the theater shows anymore but Ramses exhibition was worth the additional cost. Thursdays have free entrance hours just check their website for details.
Vanessa Aldama — Google review
Absolutely stellar museum. Honestly, the best natural science museum I have ever gone to. The Paleontology, Fossilized Wood, and Gem exhibits were our favorites; but the entire museum was incredible. The exhibits were large with a plethora to see and learn about.
I highly recommend getting there as soon the museum opens if you don't want to be stuck in crowds. We showed up at 9 and didn't encounter any crowds until we went to exit.
We will 100% be back!
Kay K — Google review
Along with the Zoo this was the star of the city pass attractions.
Negatives are high add an prices for things like the King Tut exhibit which was overshadowed by the included, permanent Egypt Hall.
With that out of the way the crowd was much better managed that other city pass attractions and the dinosaurs, and geology sections were awesome along with the Egypt sections. Amazing.
Hidden in the back of the second floor is the geology section with some of the most amazing gems and geological structures I have ever seen. And further hidden in the gem vault are some stunning pieces of jewelry.
Dinosaurs to gems to mummies, this is a great stop. We ran for three hours and couldn’t see it all. Leave more time.
Brian R — Google review
This museum is amazing! My group ended up spending about 6 hours here and barely scratched the surface of what is available to see. It’s definitely something that could be made into a multi-day event. Every exhibit has interesting things to look at and learn from. I went into every section expecting it to not be nearly as cool as the last and was pleasantly surprised every time when I was wrong! My favorite area of what I had time to see was the gem and natural mineral section. Pressure and time create some amazing things!
Clay Patrick (ClayDay) — Google review
You could spend all day in the permanent exhibition. There are so many wonderful and fascinating pieces that have been collected and displayed for the public it is truly amazing. The three level butterfly habitat was also really spectacular.
BUT, these are my two big complaints for my visit today…
1. I wish there was more security or museum employees to supervise the butterfly habitat. We witnessed several adults and children not following the instructions you are given before you enter the enclosure. More upsettingly we walked past a couple laughing about how the butterfly they touched wouldn’t fly.
2. Please do yourself a favor and eat ANYWHERE else before visiting. The food from the grill is ABSOLUTELY not worth the wait or your money. Food resembles nothing of the pictures, bread was half toasted, half cooked bacon, over cooked patties, and everything was just thrown on.. seating to eat the food is also very limited. Learn from our mistake.
Overall it was a great experience for our first time and hope the next one will be better.
Dollar Signs — Google review
Great place to visit. There is so much to see and do for everyone. They have tons of permanent exhibits you get to check out with your ticket (you can go in and out of these exhibits all day so hold on to your ticket). Plus they have fun extra things to check out like the butterfly and the Egyptian exhibits (you do have to pay a little extra for those though still worth it). You can't take in food/drinks but you can leave and come back in.
Jenifer Woloson — Google review
This place is so big you really need open to close to see it all. So let’s start by free Thursdays. The website is not updated so it’s only free from 5-8pm parking is $30.00 if you park within the parking lot however if you can find street parking or cheaper near I suggest that. Everything in the museum district is close together. Also the up-sale is the little exhibits which we skipped. However the museum is so fun and exciting. It’s for all ages being a stroller for little ones. All the restrooms are clean all the signs were easy to read to navigate a lot of benches to rest. Overall 10/10
val chang — Google review
It was truly amazing, so many exhibits to see and not enough time to get through all of them. Each exhibit has a cost of its own. I did the Butterfly exhibit, Regular exhibit and the Shark exhibit. The regular exhibit has the Dinosaurs and Egyptian history. It was great to see paleontologists there to answer any questions. The butterfly was very beautiful and loved the interaction with the different species of butterflies. The shark exhibit was great, you get to touch a little shark! I would go back to try the space exhibit.
Alyssa — Google review
This museum will always be a hit for me. I love the atmosphere and the amazing customer service. Only advice I give people is to buy your tickets in advance, especially on the weekends because they will sell out for their temporary exhibits. Also the lines on the weekends are huge so be prepared for that. The permanent exhibits are amazing and the food court is okay. We had the pleasure to see a movie in their planetarium called passport to the universe, the experience was lovely and something I definitely recommend if you get a chance to. Overall I always love the experience I get here!
Jorge Sanchez — Google review
3 stars because PRICES ARE NOT AS ADVERTISED IN PERSON. It went from a $140 trip to $220 real fast. Just for admission. Pricing is very deceiving. In my opinion the “King Tut” exhibit is not worth the money. The hall of Egypt had wayyyy more awesome things and was included in the normal pass. Staff at the food court seemed to hate their jobs and were all rude. We went for our daughters Sweet 16 celebration and she had a good time because of course kids don’t pay attention to all that stuff and that’s all that matters to us. The website says allow 2hrs to explore but that is not nearly enough time if you want to enjoy the place. It definitely is worth going back a second time and spending the whole day there. Maybe we will encounter nicer employees and prices next time.
Christina Foreman — Google review
Went to the museum this past weekend with family from out of town. The kids and adults all loved it. The richness of display from the dinosaurs, Texas wildlife, minerals and Ancient Egypt was something to see. Our tour was quick just because we had a lot of little ones who became eager to leave to go eat.
Plan to go for a good part of the day if you really want to enjoy this gem!!
I highly recommend this as MUST see for anyone visiting the Houston area. Even better it's minutes away from Herman park and the Houston Zoo.
Moby Onacis — Google review
What a truly remarkable experience. I spent 4 hours there and still didn’t see everything! Everything is beautifully displayed. If you’ve gone to the San Antonio museum before, this one will definitely top it! The staff is kind and informative. The museum itself is so informational, I’m already planning a second trip 😅 It’s very clean but the only downside was parking. Almost didn’t find a spot.
Shyanna Tucker — Google review
Such an excellent Museum space for all historical Natural Science monuments. You get to see a wide array of Dinosaur fossils in all shapes and sizes (yes they got the T-Rex too!). The basic sciences section has all the fun games and activities related to physics and chemistry which are a treat for young ones and adults alike!
There are entire ecosystems that feature all the prominent animals of that respective ecosystem presented in a very attractive and informative way. The models/real life creatures are a sight to behold.
This place is great for learning and easily takes upto 2 hours to explore the permanent exhibits. We did not see the additional exhibits such as the butterfly garden or the cinematic rides.
I am surely stoked to visit this place again for a second time!
Akshay — Google review
Have been to so many exhibits here and am just so happy that this place exists. It showcases educational and historical entertainment which is hard to find these days! Great for both kids & adults. They have a neat little café to enjoy some food while waiting for your show, if you're hungry. It can get packed on the weekends, buy your tickets online!
Peyman Jo — Google review
This place is amazing. It has a huge collection of dinosaurs. Huge collection of amazing shells. The Cabinet of Curiosities area was so much fun to explore and the kids loved looking in the drawers etc (though some of the drawers need maintenance). The gems and rocks were quite interesting. And can’t say enough about how detailed and awesome the energy floor was. It covered so many topics from the energy perspective and explained in great detail many of the concepts that most people take for granted. 1 day almost wasn’t enough time to fully experience everything here.
Justin Burgess — Google review
Love every time that I go and visit the butterfly exhibit was recently reopen but theres several exhibits including the newest one king Tut the sharks but the exhibit halls are classic. I also love to view B Baker Planetarium... It's great for dates or if you want to take children. Fun fact every Thursday it's free
Angel Arceneaux — Google review
Pretty cool place, honestly would give it a 5 star but you have to spend a lot extra when entering to see some of the exhibits and I just am not a big fan of that. The place is very beautiful and well maintained though. Customer service was kinda garbage, definitely recommend on the city pass! The gem room was by far the coolest part of the museum I think.
jarrod london — Google review
It’s a great place for anyone to come inside afor a respite from the weather—and a great way to spend the day.
The King Tut exhibit was much smaller than expected. Egyptian exhibit (outside King Tut) was more exciting.
The regular exhibits are always a delight.
Planetarium shows are a good variation and time selection.
Three hour parking available nearby.
Parking garage is $30 for non-members and $10 for members.
Staff everywhere is always so courteous.
Auda Gee — Google review
Entry to most exhibitions was included with the Houston City Pass deal. When you go in, join the member ticket line (which is shorter) so they can scan your code on your pass. I paid $27 extra to see the King Tut's Tomb Discovery Experience. The whole place is amazing and there is so much to see and take in. I particularly enjoyed the gemstones and dinosaur displays but really everything was intriguing. Highly recommend when you are in Houston.
Alissa Christine — Google review
Been to many a museum in my travels and this was one was very nice. I highly recommend doing the city pass that pays for itself with 2 or 3 museum visits when you get 5 in total. Entry way and ticketing was easy and you need a ticket even if you have the citypass. Planetarium was cool and has shows a about every half hour. Lots of shells, geodes, shark area, dinosaur area.. all pretty standard for a nat science museum. Definitely a place for the kiddos to visit.
The K Green Show — Google review
Trust me this was the best part of my visit to Houston on the city past(I don't recommend getting) just pay for this place straight up. It has 4 levels and so many Interactive Learning stations. They have exhibits for the King Tut, the planetarium shows a video about every hour. I will definitely visit again! Highly recommend it. Parking is first come first served near the front door(free). Family friendly, date friendly, something for everyone. You will not be disappointed!!!! 10 stars if I could. Open from 9am-5pm. Plan to spend the day worth every penny spent.
LATREECE HALE — Google review
Very nice museum experience! Appreciate the artifacts and all of the exhibits. There are so many!!! Recommend taking a few hrs to see all of the floors. Wish the special exhibits were available free, but I guess they have to make a profit somewhere.
Joy Jones-Mitchell — Google review
Huge museum packed with everything you need to fill a whole day. Educational and informative with plenty of dioramas and interactive displays.
It would be nice to see more on conservation and sustainability as several galleries clearly show exploitative companies and practices favourably because of their sponsorship.
The permanent displays are included in the price, but frustratingly, the temporary and special exhibits require additional payments.
However, the dinosaur exhibition hall is outstanding, possibly the best I've come across while travelling the world.
Space Center Houston is a popular tourist attraction in the United States that focuses on educating visitors about all eras of U.S. space travel. The center offers exhibits, tours and attractions that allow visitors to learn more about space exploration and the cutting-edge technology used in space missions.
Fascinating place filled with an immense amount of knowledge and information! Whether you’re a space enthusiast or not, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. The facility is neatly organized and laid out with various sections and areas. Additionally, maps and employees are everywhere to assist with navigating.
Tickets are very reasonably priced and allows for free roam to choose what activities/exhibits you would like to visit. The only restriction is how much time you have to spare. They have 3 itinerary plans that corresponds to how much time you would like to stay there - 2 hours, 5 hours, 7+ hours. The choice is yours!
The only recommendation for change with the facility is to make the prices for photographs more reasonable. Upon entering, everyone gets a group photo taken (which we all know those are never FREE).
In fact, they’re $30 here, which is essentially the price of another entry ticket which is absolutely asinine. Many people were just taking pictures of the kiosk screen of the group photo instead of buying it which I don’t blame them.
Braedyn — Google review
So much documented history to enjoy and touring the grounds is a fun adventure. Be sure to buy a tram visit to see the additional areas you're interested in. If you visit historical mission control, there are 87 steps to climb up (they have an antiquated elevator that can only hold five people so be prepared for a climb if there's anyone in your party who experience mobility issues). It can get a little hot as well going between areas so bring a fan. Water is 5 dollars and parking costs 10 dollars (you have to access an app using your phone to pay for parking). Have fun binging on space!!!
ki3L — Google review
Great experience. Lots of information and lots of photo ops available. Staff were super knowledgeable which adds to the experience. And some interactive components were available. Tram tours were interesting but maybe not worth the queues under the heat and 15 dollars unless you are really interested in the content.
It was dark over some parts of the exhibits but it was good atmosphere.
A few things that can be improved. Install misters over the trams. The weather is insanely hot. The queues can also be improved in the morning, was told to leave the queue to collect tickets, only to know that we need to go back into that same queue again after.
Jason Foo — Google review
I recently visited the NASA Space Center Houston, and it was an absolutely incredible experience! The exhibits are both educational and engaging, allowing visitors to learn about the history of space exploration and the wonders of the universe in an interactive way. The highlight for me was the tram tour to go see the rocket housed in their warehouse. It was amazing to see such a piece of history in-person! The staff is knowledgeable and passionate, and the overall atmosphere is inspiring. If you have any interest in space or science, this is a must-visit destination.
Maitri Patel — Google review
Honestly, a little bit underwhelmed. Maybe I was a too psyched. Should have kept expectations a little low.
Worth seeing - Rocket park tram tour, astronaut talk, moon rocks.
Can be skipped - astronaut training facility tour (takes too much time, 1 hour). Other exhibits are just ok.
One can finish the whole experience in about 3 hours if you reach early and plan the exhibits and tram tour well.
Not sure if the VIP tour is worth it, did not do.
The whole place definitely encourages one for space exploration. Worth a visit, but plan well.
Abhinav Joshi — Google review
This was fun. I felt like a kid again. It definitely takes a day if you do the Tram Tours. You should get the Historic Mission Control Tour, it is special.
The trams are outside, so dress for the weather. You can bring in food, etc. At least we did, so a picnic will save you some money.
Overall, I highly recommend for adults and children. There is a lot more for adults than you would expect.
Steve W — Google review
Fantastic exhibits. Nice mix of history and future. I enjoyed being able to walk through models and actual aircraft. There were fun hands-on activities for the kids and kids at heart.
One frustration was lack of directional signage within the buildings. We had to double back and search around to ensure we saw everything.
We waited too long to get our tickets online so we were unable to take the tram tour. It was disappointing but there was already so much to do that we barely covered it all.
Kim McManus — Google review
Magnificent place to visit with the family. It took us 5 hours to tour the entire place completely. The story there is spectacular. There is a booth where you can take photos and they become a memory in your home. I recommend buying tickets online because they are cheaper. Overall the experience was phenomenal, and I loved all the exhibits. They've got historical artifacts, a tram tour, and even a moon rock which you can touch. Highly recommend!
swaptaduity das — Google review
My family and I visited the Space Center in Houston and it was great! Staff were courteous and helping and the facilities were very clean! We purchased the City Pass because we were only in the area for Spring break so we used it for other venues. The wait was fast. Literally, never stopped walking through the line until we arrived at purse check and then again to scan the electronic tickets. We went on a Tuesday. We spent all day there and still did not see everything. Get Tram and virtual rides tickets early because they sell out fast.
The exhibits were very interesting and kept our 10 year-old daughter engaged. The two virtual rides were awesome. It was as if we were truly in space. Loved it!!
We all left with huge smiles on our faces and vowed it was well worth the money and will be on our list to return to.
Candye Daughhetee — Google review
Very cool place. Plan a two day visit and buy the membership. Definitely purchase your tickets in advance online . Try to see 1-2 tours each day.
Pros:
- Amazing exhibits
- Fee-based and free team tours
- updated and modern exhibits
- Self-serve food ordering
- Low cost membership options
- Paid option to have breakfast with a ( retired) automatic.
Cons
- Very crowded
- Bathrooms do not provide toilet seat covers
- Gift shop items are pricey
- Hot and muggy
- pay for parking
Jason Ax — Google review
A bit crowded but overall amazing experience. Interactive exhibits and tons of NASA goodness for space fanatics. Loved learning about the upcoming Artemis missions.
Food was quite good on site but a bit of a learning curve on how to order since it's all done at kiosks.
The Mission Control tour stopped working during our tour which was disappointing but cool to see anyhow.
We did Breakfast with an Astronaut and it was pretty fun to be able to ask questions.
If your kids/family love NASA or space this is definitely must do!
Jessica Ax — Google review
My husband and I had an incredible experience visiting Space Center Houston. From the moment we walked in, we were captivated by the fascinating exhibits and interactive displays. The highlight was definitely the chance to see the historic Mission Control Center and learn about the incredible achievements of the space program. Walking through the exhibits showcasing actual spacecraft and equipment used by astronauts was awe-inspiring. The tram tour to NASA’s Johnson Space Center was a definite must-do, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the facilities where astronauts train. The whole experience was educational, inspiring, and left us with a profound appreciation for the achievements of space exploration.
Yana Yana — Google review
Space Center Houston is an absolute marvel for anyone fascinated by the cosmos. Since childhood, the allure of space has captivated me, and this visit exceeded all expectations. The wealth of knowledge and the interactive exhibits make it a haven for those eager to learn and explore the mysteries of the universe. The fun-filled day was a testament to the dedication of everyone involved, from astronauts to the passionate individuals working behind the scenes. A heartfelt nod to their sacrifices and unwavering dedication to expanding our understanding of the cosmos. A must-visit for everyone, as it truly brings the wonders of space closer to home. Gratitude to all the space enthusiasts making it possible!
Mudasser Zakaria — Google review
Very interesting place to spend the day with your family. It’s definitely a full day thing. It’s really hard to visit everything in a couple of hours. There are three tram tours which take you on the NASA campus. All of them have set departures and for the most part all departures end at 3:30. We were only able to see two of them. Mission Control and Rocket park. Best advice if you want to see everything is to get there early. The shuttle and 747 were also really interesting.
Darren Czarnogorski — Google review
Going here was a fun experience. Looking at space equipment , how the astronauts lived on the shuttle, what they ate and experienced, was fascinating. We were there for a little longer than 3 hours trying to see everything. They had a tour shuttle which makes things easier to take in.
Amy R. Prieto — Google review
What a fantastic place to see space craft and learn about America's space history. You can see a complete Saturn V rocket and the space shuttle transport plane. The tour of Mission Control is great, but you need to climb 3-4 flights of stairs. Although there is an elevator for those who need it. While this tram tour is an extra cost, the rocket park tram is free. There can be a very long line for the free tram, so bring your patience. Don't get in the long line if taking the Mission Control tour, just go straight to the tram desk to check-in. I recommend buying your tickets online in advance, and they are timed entry for both the museum and tram tour. They could have better crowd control, as the line for the free tram can run all the way to the museum entrance. This place is a must see for history and space buffs, and is great for school age kids with an interest in the space program. Make time to visit here if in the area. You won't be disappointed.
Randy Petersen — Google review
In town for a wedding, visited with a family of four membership purchased online with the eclipse viewing discount, saved so much! We had a blast! Don't forget to try out the Virtual Reality spot just across from the entrance, $10 pp totally worth it! From the Shuttle to the Saturn V Rocket to all of the fantastic exhibits all held together by a superior guest services/educational facilitators/team members...all were absolutely phenomenal! Thank you!
Tara McSherry — Google review
This place is amazing, would recommend coming when it first opens. We got there by 930am and there was a line on a Saturday already. We reserved the blue tram when we got inside and did the tour which was super fun. Some I had little ones doing the blue tram was a better option. Also, I recommend bringing cash. The gift stores credit card machines were not working and we couldn’t get nothing. Next time, we will be more prepared. Wish we could have deep dived every corner but having toddlers it was kinda hard.
Pro tip of photos, utilize your panorama setting on your phone. You’ll be able to be in the picture with rockets. Have walking shoes and water on hand. They don’t allow selfie sticks or extra camera set ups.
Ester M — Google review
Visited again after many years. What a great place. So much to do and see. Lots of educational exhibits. Great gift shop. Food cost was really good considering the captive audience. Come for the day. The tram tours fill up so need to book those virtually as soon as you can. It can get crowded.
Michiel de Wit — Google review
A last minute decision, but so worth it.
Overwhelming amount of information, even for an almost 5hr visit.
Well laid out with good amounts of room to view all displays.
The Mission Control room tour was very much worth the extra $15
I would definitely recommend a visit here.
Mike Wilson — Google review
Great experience for the family. A little pricey for all that's involved.
Lots to learn and experience. Great photo ops and they do get you with nice pictures to purchase too.
Nice gift shop, but the food court was basically closed and barely offered anything.
Lots of walking and it is handicap accessible for scooters and wheelchairs.
Devin Trejos — Google review
We took our son and daughter when they were young and they had a blast, so we decided to take our sons daughter our granddaughter there. And it was not so fun anymore for a small kid, seems like everything was for and older kid 10years and older. I Remember they had Star Wars and other props that filled up the place. Now it seemed empty, not much for the younger side. We made the best of it for what was there. But not planning to go back until the granddaughter gets older where she can enjoy it better.
Elizondo384 Rob — Google review
Highly recommend visiting here! We got there at 9:45 (10am opening) and there was already a long line to get in.
We paid for the Mission Control tour & it was absolutely worth it! Also if you want to go on the astronaut training facility it is recommended that you get your “pass” from customer service right away. They were helpful & asked what time our paid tour was to make sure we got back in time & make sure they wouldn’t overlap.
We got lunch in the food lab. Orders are placed & paid for on the kiosk & then picked up at the counters. It’s a little pricey, but we split the 6 chicken tender & fries, so 2 adults ate for less than $20 with a drink. It was surprisingly good for cafeteria food!
We waited until later in the afternoon to go outside & see the shuttle & falcon 9. There were less people & it made the experience more enjoyable.
The Down to Earth film was also really interesting & not many people were in the theater.
Tiffany Hughes — Google review
Amazing. Spent a whole day here and did the Mission Control Tour. Got to get there right when they open to beat the crowds. We were able explore the 747, Space Shuttle, and Falcon X rocket by ourselves without the crowds. I would go to those attractions first since the regular exhibits can wait if you are able to get in when they open. Tip - book your tickets online because you can get in an hour earlier. Their hours to the public say 10am but you can get tickets to enter in at 9am. 10/10 recommend.
Ryan Justin — Google review
I was the first one in, and last one to leave. Definitely reserve the whole day to explore this amazing place! Easiest to arrive by car or ride share, if you want lunch go early and i also recommend pre-booking your ticket and adding the "Apollo Mission Control Center" tour on as well :D
Joshua Leung — Google review
Loved walking in. The nicest staff at the front to greet you. The whole layout was well done and it was truly amazing. The food was simple and good. We LOVED the gift shop. Easy to spend a whole day there. Loved every exhibit and the movie clips. We also recommend the tours, they were awesome to see in person. The staff went above and beyond for recommendations as well.
Taylor McWilliam — Google review
A wonderful museum! NASA/workers did a wonderful job at the exhibitions! Very engaging and exciting to learn about so many things. Clean and organized! The workers were all nice and polite! The wait to get in was around 10mins. But there were plenty of school children.
J — Google review
If you want to see the history of space travel from the past to the future this museum is well worth it as long as you have a lot of money. The prices were higher than I thought that they should be. The 45 minutes to a one hour wait for the tram is way to much time to Stan in line and wait. They should have more trams.
The exhibits are very well put together. There is plenty of parking g if you have an RV.
Scott Hildebrand — Google review
Great place for visiting! Easy parking ~$10. Tram tours, cinema, lots of interesting exhibitions, Gift shops. There's a smoking area near the place where tram tours begin. It was a little bit crowded, but it's ok. Picnic area and addition restroom are near the main entrance.
Kate Dzhenaleeva — Google review
My experience at NASA Space Center Houston was very pleasant overall. There is a lot of fun information to take in for both kids and parents to enjoy. Every staff member was very kind and patient with every child who had a curious question or needed help. The only downsides I found during my visit were the out of service stations and damaged electronics for certain activities. I understand that kids can be very rough on the equipment, but many of those items look to have been either out of service or damaged for a long time.
Overall, there are lots of cool things to look at and experience. Many areas to take fun family or group photos. The gift shop has a myriad of fun little things and clothes at many price ranges. Would definitely visit again.
Yunior Lucero — Google review
Magnificent place to visit with the family. It took us 3 to 4 hours to tour the entire place completely. The story there is spectacular. There is a booth where you can take photos and they become a memory in your home. I recommend buying tickets online because they are cheaper. And the way to pay for parking is another level. They know when you come and go without you talking to someone. You must scan the QR code that is in the parking lots and follow the instructions. It is not difficult at all. 100% recommended for people who are interested in this type of scientific topic.
Tania López — Google review
Had a great day there. Payed extra for the Mission Control team which was cool and I think worth the money. Tools the rocket team tour to see the Saturn 5 rocket which was awesome - highly recommended. We missed the training facility tour and a lot of activities, should definitely dedicate a full day or two visits
Lee Eden — Google review
Space Center Houston is incredible! There are so many fun, educational and interactive exhibits to check out. The historic exhibits are packed full of interesting information. The Mission Control center tour was spectacular. So much to see here from a Saturn V rocket, to moon rocks and more! If you are into space or STEM or have children that are interested a visit to this place is a must!
Board Game Black Hole — Google review
Just such a great experience. Lots of young kids the day we went, but it was a Friday before spring break. Your mileage may vary. I do recommend getting tickets for entrance and tickets for the tram tours in advance. They only had the generic tram tour available when we went. The one that brings you out to the Saturn IV shed. Lots of great info. Kids will enjoy looking and wondering. Adults will enjoy that as well as reading all the great info graphics.
If you're looking for a family-friendly amusement park, Kemah Boardwalk is an excellent option. With rides like the Century Wheel Ferris wheel, Boardwalk Tower, and Aviator ride, as well as restaurants like Margaritaville and Frankie's Crab House, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The park is also open all year long so you can come anytime - no need to worry about crowds or snowstorms!
Very cool, small theme park to bring your family too. They don't have a ton of rides but it's enough to spend a few hours at. My youngest is only 42 inches and she had a blast. I recommend getting the wrist band for unlimited rides. For those who are seeking bigger thrills - The Flare and Bullet Boardwalk will not disappoint. Those rides are awesome. Restrooms are clean and they offer concessions. Parking was $12 when I went fyi. Check them out for some family fun.
Jeffrey Arias — Google review
A nice place to walk. Regular live music. The restaurants can be expensive as expected in an amusement park. Parking can be a challenge. Fun rides for all ages.
I enjoy getting a coffee & walking around to watch the sail boats.
James Kirk Wilkinson — Google review
Beautiful, right along the water. Lots of fun rides to kill a little bit of time between scheduled events, this is a great place to go! Everyone had fun and we were able to take a break from visiting museums, doing tours etc. A little bit pricey for sure if you don't buy the wristband. Rides are $6 per ride, per person. Even if you just go to walk around it's great energy and a beautiful area!
L. C. — Google review
I came here as it was part of the Houston City Pass deal and I was given a ride wristband when I arrived at the ticket booth. The 🎢 Rollercoaster was awesome as was the Aviator and (Iron Eagle which cost more, $9 plus your wristband). Loved the whole laid back vibe and the salty ocean air. October weather was fabulous. Paid $12 for lot parking. Landry's was a solid choice for fine seafood dining and you can eat outside on the boardwalk. Highly recommended if you are in the area.
Alissa Christine — Google review
It was May 7 Tuesday at 4pm. It was quiet. Many eaterly places were closed. Many rides not in operation. But if you like good Texas oysters and banana desserts, Landry's Seafood House is the place! You should walk around after meal to enjoy the sea breeze and stunning view of the sea. Park closed at 8pm.
Catherine Wang — Google review
I took my parents to Kemah for a nice lunch. None of us had ever been on the boardwalk. There were a few restaurants open but due to the season, there wasn’t much open in the amusement area but It looks like it offers lots of fun when it’s open. I was a little disappointed with options as far as souvenir stores and it didn’t offer as much as I expected for shopping in general. Overall it seems like a fun place when in season but could use some additional shopping and souvenir stores.
Michelle Langstaff — Google review
Excellent place to hang out with family and friends. Parking could be a bit of a hassle depending on how late in the evening you arrive. If you plan to go there arrive around 430pm on the weekends and park after 6pm its chaos to find a parking spot. People and business are very casual and a chill atmosphere. No one seems too wild and everyone seems to enjoy themselves with all the activities. A good number of business have live music on the weekends so check them out. Overall I highly recommend this place.
Mr O — Google review
I found the layout and ground very nice lots of views of water.I got a single ticket for the Boardwalk coaster very very fun. There restaurants and and small selection of rides ,food boths with a small midway.The surrounded and feel of the park was enjoyable for sure.. .
william baker — Google review
There is no charge to "enter" the boardwalk but that's about the only thing that's free....lol. You have to pay if you want to enjoy the rides. The food there is kinda pricey to me but overall it was ok. There is all kind of food choices available. Took my daughter and her two friends there for her birthday. They had a BLAST. DEFINITELY family friendly but it's also a good place for a nice date. I am definitely gonna return.
Sammy Gregg — Google review
We live about 10 minutes from here and only come for specific events. It's always crowded but even more so at events and holidays. The employees are always really nice and helpful. If you like loud, overly packed, high priced, tourist spots, then you should definitely visit. We never eat here because the food is too expensive and of poor quality. We prefer the local spots down the street. The views are always great from here though.
Flores RA — Google review
So disappointing. We took a first time visitor to the Boardwalk. Hoping for lots of festive Christmas lights and bustling activity, it was so lame. Christmas decor was lacking, and the band playing was a cross between hard rock and rap with the “f-bomb” frequent. Many closures of restaurants. Long lines for ride tickets.
Beth Cassidy — Google review
It was nice and clean. A little small for the price but the kids had fun. They were ready to go after a couple hours. There were some things not open since we went at an off-peak time. I appreciated the short lines, but again, we went on a weekday.
Megan McClintic — Google review
Sadly, we did not plan this trip since we were traveling for Cheer Competition. However, it was a much needed pit stop. The sky's were gloomy; it was raining on and off; therefore, everything was shut down. Restaurants were open, the view was amazing, and this would be an amazing place to be on a brighter day!
*Mom Tip* No matter the weather, this is another wonderful spot for family photos. Bring a photographer with you for those Kodak Moments 📸
Pros:
Plenty Parking ✔️
Multiple Restaurants ✔️
Clean Restrooms ✔️
Adrienne P — Google review
Very nice boardwalk! Lots of carnival games, restaurants, and a small aquarium. There are also several fairly large rides to enjoy! Nice place to visit with family, friends, or a date. There is music that goes on occasionally as well. Entry is free, and there is free side walk parking, however, this can get full quick. Would recommend coming early or using paid parking garage/lots, which are about $10.00.
Krishna Paul — Google review
Parking cost $8, and you had to pay for each individual ride or buy an all day pass. We got the all day pass and found that it wasn’t worth it because most of the rides were broken, and the pass did not include zip line or aquarium. The board walk is very nice, and has a good overview of the bay and I did enjoy the aquarium. It’s a good place for the little ones, the rides are not of very high intensity.
Queen Blossom — Google review
Amazing place! Kids loved it!! Lines for rides aren't too bad and for 5 wrists bands to ride all day only cost $150!! Only thing I didn't like was the prices for snacks/drinks: hot dog was 7.50 I think and a bottle of water was around 4 & etc!! But everything else was great!! The Aquarium restaurant was great!! Fast, friendly and great food!!
Brittney Jackson — Google review
It’s been 20 years since last visit. So much has changed, but for the good. Improved a lot more than I remember. Many things to view and visit.
Love the new tenants that are placed among the boardwalk. A must revisit since new hotels and other businesses in the area.
ROY TREVINO — Google review
Nice place to visit. It was an extremely hot day and a lot was closed, but we enjoyed our visit. We decided to get our caricatures done. It looks NOTHING like us 😂, but the girls were very sweet and enjoyed our time there. The aquarium is cool and reasonably priced. Also a good place to get out of the heat. Petting the stingrays was a blast! Ate lunch at Landry’s because most of the other restaurants were closed. It is expensive but very good food. Overall we enjoyed our visit to Kemah!
Brandy Rae — Google review
A little park that has characters of the past.
You can really tell the decades of design that went into this boardwalk, there’s an old fashion feel to it.
Ocean view is spectacular and you can really see off to the horizon.
Parking is a bit complex so be prepared to pay if you can’t find any spots!
Kevin Ma (Myles) — Google review
Too pricey for me. Two of the rides weren't working and the employees looked worn out. I'd go back just for the kids but for me it wasn't that great. It's got it's scenic views but there's not much to entertain myself with. I don't drink and I didn't ride the rides. It's more for younger people. I'm old already. 😆
Sundra Deleon — Google review
The Kemah Boardwalk is a theme park in Kemah, Texas, near Houston, Texas. The Boardwalk is built entirely along the shores of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake and is home to a collection of rides, midway games, attractions, a boutique hotel, multiple shops etc. There is no charge to walk around on the boardwalk. Tickets for rides can be purchased individually or all-day ride passes are available. It is a nice place to visit as a group of friends or family. We enjoyed our visit. The sunset was definitely worth it.
Area: Vast area, with lots of people visiting here, throughout the year.
Ambience: Good.
Location: Easy to reach.
Cleanliness: The area is very well maintained and clean.
Entry fee: Entry is free but the rides are for a charge.
Parking: Ample parking spots available.
Overall we had a good time, the few hours that we spent at this location. Will recommend this place for visits with friends and family.
Manu Kuriachen — Google review
Super cute area. I went for a run through the area and then later at night took my dog for a walk. Tons of neat little shops all around. Beautiful views along the boardwalk!
KRYS R — Google review
We went last Saturday and although we had a great time during the day we were disappointed that stuff were getting closed down by 8pm even though they close at 10 and the boardwalk was packed. Not sure why it would especially on a Saturday evening. Other than that it was good.
Nancy Hernandez — Google review
Another tourist spot! ✨ A good place to go with family on a weekend or even friends. Lots of good variety of restaurant to choose from. Rides are working when we visited. It was a little gloomy so it’s very windy by the seawall. Other than that, this is a one good place!
ExplorewithRih — Google review
Family friendly, something for the thrill seekers and the mosey around and chill. Never enough time to enjoy the variety of food options and various live attractions as well as the view from boardwalk.
Recommend to check if there are any deals for wristbands. We truly enjoyed the evening and are looking forward to a future trip.
Stephanie Brown — Google review
We went on a Monday morning and they had no games or extra stuff like gift shops open. We only did rides. Rides are reasonable and bout 30 for a unlimited wrist band. Zipline is $10 per a person or 2.for 18. Traffic gets REALLY CRAZY
Amanda Kneeland — Google review
Nice place to visit. It was an extremely hot day, and a lot was closed, but we enjoyed our visit. You have to pay if you want to enjoy the rides—$30.00 for each adult, which is worth it. If you see the sunset, you will definitely get a memorable experience at 𝐊𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐇 𝐁𝐎𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐊!
Onur Oksuz — Google review
If you're looking for a fun-filled day by the sea, don't miss out on this. Kemah boardwalk is the place to go and have some fun we drove from Dallas and spen the weekend they have everything From thrilling rides to delicious food options and breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast, this place has it all. The atmosphere is lively, the staff is friendly, and there's something for everyone, whether you're a thrill-seeker or just looking to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze. Definitely worth a visit for a fantastic seaside experience! We purchased a day pass my kids loved it.
Neida Bnlla — Google review
Saw Ryan Trajan do a review on this and since I just went, I’ll do it too. Went on a Wednesday at noon in November so it wasn’t crowded at all. Rides were fun and the loop ride wasn’t scary as thought. We went to the aquarium for lunch and it was delicious. Our waiter was very nice. The ocean view was beautiful and the breeze was amazing. I ended up getting a sweatshirt from there. Great vacation spot. 10/10 would love to go back!
Seawall Blvd is lined with a variety of well-known hotel chains, including the recently constructed Best Western Galveston Suites. Situated away from the bustling section of Seawall Blvd, this hotel offers a delightful perk - a hearty breakfast featuring classic favorites like sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy. Families particularly enjoy the opportunity to create Texas-shaped pancakes each morning.
The Strand is a historic street in Galveston, Texas. It is home to many businesses, restaurants, and art galleries. The Strand is also the location of the Grand 1894 Opera House.
Enjoyed the walk lots of places for food and shopping.
Sonali Mehta — Google review
Always a good time.
Brooks Wildlife — Google review
I love downtown Galveston! The architecture is beautiful! Lots of great shops and bars.
Miriam Nordstrom — Google review
The ice cream is always good. I got mint chocolate chip, hubby got banana walnut. Had to get taffy.
Redona Anderson — Google review
Had a blast! Lots of beer and shops to go to!
Family fun!
Mike Anderson — Google review
It's a good time. Chocolate shops, ice-cream shops, Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, beef jerky shop, souvenirs.... anything a tourist could want!
Branana D — Google review
So happy they stopped letting the fake bikes (slingshots) block up the strand.
Pmt — Google review
Go to The Strand during off season. Not as crowded. Great shops and foods.
mdnghtsun37 — Google review
Great places everywhere. Would go back to shop and eat anytime.
Billy King — Google review
Love it here. Great selection of shops. You have to stop by the candy stores and beef jerky outlet.
Nikki Durham — Google review
Yes it's expensive but it is like all souvenirs shops and some food and candy . But I loved it all
Jaidynn F (Jay) — Google review
Definitely a must if you're visiting Galveston! Great jobs and novelty stores! Bars if you're into that sorta thing. It was all dressed up for Mardi Gras when we went. There is a huge variety of very unique items, but you do see a lot of cheap repeat touristy merch that you can find anywhere.
My favorite places were:
La King's Confectionery! Their malt shakes and ice cream are incredible, and you can actually watch them make candy in the back! The chocolates and fudge are also good, and there's a lot of novelty or vintage candies.
A Charmed Life Jewelry had some really cool metal art that we ended up purchasing. I'm a huge dragon fan, and there are several cool dragon sculptures inside!
Bunch'a Cool Stuff: had some hilarious shirts.
Also, snap a picture of the giant word art! :D
Jennette Brown — Google review
Lots of interesting small shops. Many are typical tourist traps so pay attention to item quality. Parking can be a hassle so going mid-day during the week will help. It's all walkable but the street corners are NOT ADA so getting around will be difficult for the mobility impaired.
Numerous places to eat in the area.
All things considered, it's a decent place to burn a day.
don jollota — Google review
Pretty expensive shops but nice places to see and visit
Noya Bonshtein — Google review
Always a good time at The Strand.
Dining, shops, galleries, live music all walkable.
Often special events too
Sharon Hoyt — Google review
Very interesting place. Not your everyday shopping area.
The Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry is a convenient and free mode of transportation for both passengers and cars between Port Bolivar and Galveston Island. Operating 24/7, the ferry service occasionally adds more vessels to accommodate high traffic, ensuring minimal wait times. Offering a relaxing and picturesque journey, it provides an opportunity to admire the scenic views of the Galveston area from the water. Visitors can witness dolphins, seagulls, pigeons, and pelicans during the ride.
Nice ride! Mini-T Campervan rolls easy on and off Ferry's taking little space, this ferry ride is free!
DLM-Distribution Campervans — Google review
Ferry was not very clean and had an unpleasant bathroom like sewage smell. Of course this isn’t supposed to be a luxury ride, so expectations are that of taking any public transportation.
Ferry was easy to get on and easy to get off. Being able to see up top was also very cool, even though we travelled at night.
Chaotic Explorer — Google review
From Galveston, we arrived around 11am on a Saturday and it only took about 15 minutes to board. Efficient staff. You can walk out of your car and go up to the deck to have nice views. Awesome service from the department of Transportation.
janeatte — Google review
Walk on Only- ONE HOUR WAIT TIME. If you want to ride the Ferry for any reason other than business, walk on without your vehicle. The wait times are horrible. The website does not give a schedule because they can not. There are 5 lanes that are filled, and each lane is filled at to wait for the ferries. Then each lane boards until the ferry is full, so lane 5 waits an hour.
Jaclynn Jackson — Google review
It is not a quick process. Much faster to drive around Galveston bay.
Waited over an hour to get on the ferry. The ride is quick- 18 minutes. You can get out and see the water. Back in your car. Offload to the road in Bolivar.
Wait in traffic for 2 hours to get on the interstate
Kazli Fitch — Google review
The wait is very long yet I knew what we signed up for. Clean bathrooms and great looking spots. My children and I spotted many dolphins while is always fun to watched. Enjoyed seeing the seagulls ride in the boat air. 🚢 was confused why all staff had all faced fully covered etc. Yet idk maybe still company policy.
Cherie ?B.B.? Shaw — Google review
First time going, lots of cars but very quick. The staff was wonderful and helpful. Speedy quick and the workers ran the Dewitt Greer like a well oiled machine. Very cool, recommend trying it at least once. Dolphins 🐬🐬🐬 popping out of the water alongside the ferry! Seagulls, and pigeons hanging out on the boat. And the pelicans were also cruising alongside and diving down into the water catching fish! Very relaxing and fun.
cHubby Love1 — Google review
Never again... if you think you are going to have a quick ferry ride to Galveston..
Think again... you most likely will wait HOURS in your parked car with angry people all around you... and I mean HOURS... just to get on the Ferry. Lunch becomes dinner and then you will be stressing the whole time knowing you have a long wait back. Galveston just isn't worth THIS fiasco of a badly managed port. They do not have enough ferries operating for this bologna.
Also... Oh I dont know.. Once you are in line...you are stuck. They really should have a warning signs of what the wait times are way back on the road giving people the option of choosing NOT to go to Galveston if they don't want to sit in their car for hours.
Keston Ott-Dahl — Google review
They don’t have any calculations to how and how many vehicles should be send on a Ferry. Some lane goes through faster than others. I am wonder why !!!!
Sara Kia — Google review
We saw dolphins 🐬
We went very early in the morning ☀️ so we didn’t have to wait for too to get in. It’s a quick trip
Kid loves it!
Celia Villegas, Realtor — Google review
I have been riding this ferry ever since I was a little girl. I have always enjoyed the ride as an adult until today. I was randomly selected twice for my car to be inspected by homeland security. I understand that they are to keep our ferry and ports safe. I have been in Galveston all weekend and took the ferry. To get pulled over twice in both trips today was a little extreme.. I will not be riding the ferry anymore in Galveston. I felt like I was being picked on. How does one person get selected twice in one day to search the car. May I remind you that nothing was found the first or second time they searched.
Court J. — Google review
They definitely need a better system. We waited for hours to get on while rows that just pulled up got on…and they were not the medical row.
This summer we were here and on several occasions we waited for more than 3 hours to board each way.
I realize it’s free but you should never have to wait this long.
Not a pleasant experience!!!!
Tamara Rhodes — Google review
1st ever riding was on Sunday afternoon. Boy someone needs to warn tourists how long it can take. 2.5 hrs
▪︎When we finally got on, after the wait. I asked a man (Employee), how long it takes to get to other side. He joking said " ▪︎It was a 3 hour tour", sorry I missed the joke but my husband git it, lol. The employee did tell me where the handicap restroom was.
▪︎Front left corner of the ferry, Thank God, because boy this body could not have made it up those stairs, I would have been in trouble.
At least the 2nd time we took it, a day later it was short & sweet.
Karen Howard — Google review
Super fun experience. Once the Ferry begins to move you can get out of your car and walk around. There are restrooms and an upper level you can walk around. We saw dolphins while crossing. The ferry is free by the way!
Daniel S — Google review
Great little 16 minute jaunt across the bay, no charge, wait time was reasonable. Well organized event. What’s there to not like? You are allowed to get out of your vehicle once the ferry starts. Seagulls and dolphins along the way. We made the mistake of returning to Katy via 87 and 10, and it took a lot longer to get home.
Jeff Gaudreau — Google review
Yesterday was HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Arrived to the ferry area at 230pm!!!! Long long long long long long long LINE!!! Horrible! My girls had bad fit!!!!!! For hours really!!!! Finally got on ferry at 530pm, arrives Galveston ferry almost 6pm!!!
SMH Never happen to me like this before. Always up to one hour most of time that I do understand!!! but over 4 hours?!?! Crazy!!!!!
That is unacceptable!!!!
,
Pls fix that situation to make sure not happen again.
anna culp — Google review
Long wait due to long line sometimes to get onto ferry if you’re driving but otherwise it’s quick, easy and free!
Ashley Nicole — Google review
Totally forgot to review this place back in 2019 when I visited it, doing it now. Arrived at 1.00pm took nearly 2 hours of wait time, but wanted the kids to enjoy their ferry ride. Waited at the end kids had fun didn’t get down at the other end of beach just returned. Ferry ride is free of cost only if u hav patience to wait.
P E — Google review
What a joke the Port Bolivar side employees are. Good job Texas DOT. They’re lazy and playing around letting people cut in line and look so lost they can’t concentrate. Sitting here as they do a horrible job loading and letting others cut in line they obviously know. Totally unprofessional crew on Bolivar side and something needs to be done because this is ridiculous. No wonder it takes so long on this side because your crew sucks and they’re children! Texas do better than this it’s ridiculous and if you high horses would go out there and observe youd see for your damn self how awful and disgusting this side is because of WHO YOU HIRED!
Debra King — Google review
Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry
I can only give them 2stars why? Yes depending on season and time of day it can take you 2 to 3hours to get on this I understand. It years since I was back. Now it seems the people working at the crossing are private security however how can you take them serious. They dress / wear their work uniform sloppy. They sit and smoke they don't act seriousthey don't do a rofesional check people smore and use e-sigs the most embarrassing part. THEY DONT!!! check the bottom of vehicles because they only have one mirror and ITS BROKEN! and they have not bought them a new one, they really don't even check they need to bring back the gov security they started with way back. Can't give them a five star on this. However the view is beautiful
A AP — Google review
While visiting Galveston, took the free ferry ride. Was very windy, but nice day.
We played this course on 9/22/23. It was a challenging course but in great shape. Unlike Contraband !! We had a great experience, the staff were amazing! The bartender and the restaurant manager (I can't remember their nams) were very attentive, I had gotten heat stroke/dehydration. All the staff were friendly and helpful, especially Hogan!
Shawn Klopfenstein — Google review
Love playing here. People are always nice and course is usually in great shape.
Earl Fruge — Google review
We had fun golfing there, the course was maintained well and the staff was very friendly
Ryan McCarver — Google review
Insane that they close at 5pm when sun goes down after 8pm. Not like people enjoy playing an evening 9. Stupid beyond belief
tough crowd — Google review
Drove to Lake Charles from Houston this past Saturday to drop some cash at the casinos. Made a quick albeit late 3:45 tee off time for me and my nephew. Pro Shop personnel, a young woman, was super friendly and professional. Pro Shop was clean and well stocked. The round cost less than $100 @ $80 something which was great. We teed off and were pleasantly surprised at how good the course condition was. From tee to green , well manicured and excellent shape. Somehow, we managed to play in just under 3-1/2 hours with no one in front of us and no one behind which is a dream...unbelievable really. The closing cart personnel came out and checked on us when we were on 15...it seems we were the last ones on the course...I think it was just after 7pm...sun pretty high in the sky....I told him we'd wrap it up quickly and he said no worries, take your time just checking in on you. Very nice guy! We finished up and were super happy...I may just skip Contraband Bayou from now on. I only wish you guys would tie Comps to the golf course so I can play golf while my wife gambles away our retirement....lol....Anyway, Kudos to the Golf Club and staff. Tim J
Tim Johnston — Google review
The course is great but not for $140. Our cart died on a hole and no one at the club house answered. I called the club house six times, the bar once and the casino once. We were passed by two groups until the other cart in our group got back from the clubhouse with the cart guy. No one answered at any of these places, thats pretty poor customer service if you ask me. When you pay that much for a round of golf you expect a much higher level of service than what was provided.
John Gay — Google review
I haven't played the course yet but I have been trying to set a tee time for 2 weeks. NO ONE WILL ANSWER THE PHONE OR RETURN CALLS!
Update: Finally set a tee time. The course was great. Fun to play. The people were the best part, extremely kind very helpful.
Only one negative to say is the carts could use some replacing or upgrades or something.
Otherwise, I highly recommend.
Chuck Johnson — Google review
The golf course was awesome! It has a great layout and very pretty design. The holes are challenging. The greens were some of the best greens I’ve played on. They are fast and the lines are true. The views of the bypass loop over the river was very pretty also. The only drawback is for the price the carts didn’t have GPS in them. The staff was friendly to us and accommodating
B D — Google review
Don't expect them to give you any customer service after your round. I left my range finder in the cart after my round and have been trying for weeks to just get them to call me back about it. I leave messages or get a "We'll call back after we look in to it" and never get an answer. If it's gone, that's fine but I would love to know either way. Everything else about the course is moot at this point, for the high price you pay, they should be at least reasonably responsive if they ever want people to come back.
Grant Goury — Google review
Love the course. Bought a shirt. After the first wash the seam came undone at the sleeve. Proshop refused to exchange it even though I had the original card I purchased it with. Wont buy anymore merchandise there.
Chris Hall — Google review
4.4
(77)
•
4.0
(1300)
2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
I absolutely love kids quest- I was hesitant about bringing my 2 year old here because he's pretty shy, but he ended up having a great time. They have ice cream, snacks and even simple meals like Mac and cheese for them, and it seems like a very safe place. I love that they have a Starbucks here too. Video blackjack is fun, and the slots are decent as well. I've been to a lot of casinos in my day and this one definitely did not disappoint. Will definitely be coming back.
Alei Clark — Google review
Our stay here was fantastic from start to finish! We stayed in the Seven Clans Hotel thanks to a complimentary night we had available. Our room was clean, smoke-free and the bed was very comfortable.
We had dinner at Big Sky Steakhouse and it was absolutely delicious!! We tried the Lobster Mac & Cheese - just the right amount of lobster and super cheesy. I ordered the Lamb Chops with buttery mashed potatoes and asparagus - cooked to perfection and so flavorful. My daughter ordered the Cajun Seafood Pasta (crawfish, shrimp and crab meat) over angel hair pasta in a garlicky sauce - I snuck a bite just to try - yummy!! Decently priced in my opinion for the quality and amount of food that you get. Will definitely eat there again!
We arrived on a Saturday evening, place was crowded and the atmosphere was great. Seemed like people were having a great time. Lots of machines were busy but I was able to play a few of my favorites and got lucky for the most part.
Check-in to the hotel was very fast and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful!
grlenamored — Google review
Lots of fun!! We hadn't been since the pandemic? Glad it hasn't lost its atmosphere charm. Had dinner at the cafe. Friendly service and lots of smiley faces.
Vangie Roberts — Google review
I wish there were more amenities for people who don’t gamble. Pool was nice, but there were a lot of families with kids. I wish there had been an adult only pool. There is not a gym or spa on site. There is no shopping. Tennis courts are being changed to pickle ball. What do the non-gamblers get to do? The food was just passable. For the distance and the drive, I would stop in Lake Charles before driving this far. The rooms were nice and clean, so I was happy about that.
Aj Gray — Google review
First time here. Very entertaining. Difficult to learn everything on your own.. but staff was readily available when needed. Will be better prepared next time as this was a trip done completely spontaneously, from and back to Houston in a span of about 6 hours. Everything was so modernized compared to everything seen on TV. Everything is digital and "tied" to a member(ship) card. No more falling coins....disappointed by that but had fun nonetheless.
Until next time...
Rafael Moreno — Google review
Stayed there for three nights and four days. The Seven Clans Hotel was comfortable and clean. The Terrace Cafe serves meals throughout the day. Breakfast could improve by serving freshly cut hash browns and not frozen fried potato chunks. The chicken fried steak served for breakfast appeared to be frozen and fried. The Noodles Restaurant served a very tasteful sweet and sour chicken with steamed rice. The Casino and Bingo Hall were very clean and comfortable. Cellular phone coverage inside the Casino is sporadic. Security was always present and all employees were friendly and helpful. The beer was very cold. We had a great time. Thank you.
John Urby — Google review
I was therefor my Birthday at Coushatta Casino Resort! The employees are very friendly and helpful toward their guest.
I love this!!
They have taken personal service up 100%!! I've been coming for years, and they are always cleaning in the Casino and working on their down machines!
The atmosphere at Coushatta is great and all of them work hard and are professionals at their job!
Thank you Coushatta for the great experience when I come down there to play! Rosharon TX!
Bubba Sheen — Google review
Hubby and I drove over and met friends here- my first time at this location and it was a 10! The food was great and it is an easy casino to walk around in. We even won a little. Staff was very attentive!Also, attended a great concert, LITA FORD, while we were there. We had a blast and will return. While we didn’t stay at the hotel, our friends did and their suite was killer.
Denise Bridwell — Google review
Currently staying in the chalets. It was not cleaned. Kids have class work to do and their Wifi is non existent. (I asked before hand about this). The cable is absolutely horrible, can't even sit to watch TV. No pots, no pans, absolutely nothing. BBQ pits are rusted and need replacing. Bugs in all of the window seals. Windows are so dirty cant even see the views. Blankets for the beds are only very thin sheets. Kids are so disappointed with this stay. If I had not already been charged we would have checked out the same night we checked in.
Kim Kennerson — Google review
Remember to use Hᴏᴛᴇʟʙoʟʟʏ.ᴄᴏm when booking your room. They compare thousands of booking websites and typically will have rooms much cheaper compared to others! Thank me later on! This place is one of the most well known in the area. I have been staying here for a very long time. If you stay for a few nights you will love it I'm sure!
My family & friends come down a couple of times a year. We've enjoyed all of our stays. Usually we stay in a chalet but this time we stayed in an RV spot. Very clean & the showers & bathrooms were very clean & convient. We also enjoyed our time at the casino. We didn't win any money but we had a great time!
Carlos Campbell — Google review
Wife and I go there often. Nice casino. Win more on busy nights. Free room after you've spent enough money. Good little get away. Kid quest could use an update and maybe just a big playground would be helpful but I really can't complain much. Maybe better WiFi in the actual casino.
Darius Kimble — Google review
It was my first time going to the Coushatta Casino Resort and I loved it. We started our day by the lazy river and pool. We got a cabana and the friendly staff Samantha made our day. She was attentive and made sure we got our drinks cold since it was a hot summer day. The casino had lots of different machines and the steakhouse had great food and service by Daisy. I highly recommend going.
Amy Lopez — Google review
This was our favorite casino for years and glad to see it is making a come back after being flooded not once but twice. We usually dine in The Terrace and our favorite server is Amber. She is excellent! Breakfast is always excellent with fresh coffee. Dinner we try different items and have been pleased with most of the dishes.
Their slot machines are varied with enough room to be comfortable. Like most places since COVID the housekeeping staff does not enter the rooms but will bring you anything you need by calling the desk. Some of the rooms need a deep cleaning.
We like the slots better at Coushatta than the casinos in Lake Charles but it is about an hour farther from Houston. That is why the lower rating for location. Watch the speed through Fenton!
G — Google review
Stayed in a great RV campground, very clean and kept up. As someone that can't be around smoking, Sunday I could not tell if I was in a smoking area or not great ventilation. Ate at 3 different restaurants ALL was absolutely Awesome service and food.
This casino is run and managed the way a casino should be.
Far better than most casino.
Will definitely return.
Rick Or Rosanne Clouse — Google review
We ate dinner at the seafood restaurant. The food was good and the device was friendly. The casino was very smoky, so we only ate and left. The non-smoking area was very tiny in a small glass room. I liked the ideas of the wristband and red carpet for minors to stay on to get to the restaurants.
Octavia Brown-Reed — Google review
I read some of the reviews and thought that we would try it. We drove for 3 1/2 hours. We went to get our card's and the woman told me that I would get 5 dollars of free play, and if I gave her my email, then I would get an additional 5 dollars. So I gave her my email and received nothing after we played for at least 7 hours. I went back up there and talked to someone else and they told me that 5 dollars is all you get for your first time of being there. We went to a restaurant in there and the woman that seated us was not friendly at all. There was a lot of slot machines, alot of Buffalo slots, but as for some people saying that they are really loose was absolutely not the case for us or anyone else that was anywhere around us. If you think that you are getting a good payout of 5, 10 cents or maybe a dollar, if you are are lucky, then good luck to those people. Within the 7 hours of us playing, not one time did we see any employees wiping off any machines. There was so many slot machines that had other people's empty glasses just sitting on them. They couldn't throw their trash away that was literally 5 feet away. We don't care to go back. Absolutely the worst employees here. 😒 This casino does not deserve a 1 star.
LaNae Leturgez — Google review
Stayed one night at the RV park. Really nice park and very reasonably priced. Has a small lake you can walk around. Lots of grassy areas. Didn't win at the slots but I guess that goes without saying. It was still a fun time. Had a nice meal at the cafe.
Jim Jordan — Google review
I really enjoyed this casino. While I have not gambled on land before, this location was quite enjoyable. I enjoy the ability to pick up a soda as needed while also being able to order drinks when I want. My cell phone however does not work at the casino so I did after wander quite a while to locate my family, not the casinos fault. Just a heads up
Cristina Sims — Google review
Been 5+ years since my last visit sportsbook was nice but need to continue to improve food selections. Hotel greatly improved and modernized. Biggest negative is casino is still smoking.
Love the golf course next door!
Matt Rossini — Google review
The whole place seemed a little dated and old, it was smokey and musty-smelling. the food was not good. Starbucks and the pool was the best two features of this resort. On a positive note the staff and everyone that work there was really nice.
cynthia griffin — Google review
We stayed in the Chalets, they were perfect. The casino has a mini Waterpark with water slides, a swim up bar, and a lazy river, that kept all of us entertained throughout the day. Lot of fun, and good memories.
Duston Carley — Google review
This place is the Shiz nit. We go here for our birthdays every year. ABSOLUTE ADULT PLAYGROUND
Drinks, gambling, Starbucks, nice rooms, bingo, big sky steakhouse with best steaks ever. Chinese food, really great seafood place and Mexican food place just down the road. The rewards program is pretty good. I get free rooms and free play every month. Our absolute favorite casino.
Shelley C — Google review
We enjoy the casino and the variety of slot machines. The Terrace is a good place to eat with excellent service (Amber is terrific).
The disappointment is the room charge plus tax looks good until they tack on the resort fee. This was started after the flood and Harvey. They are struggling but this add of $10.59 per night seems double dipping. A better customer relations would be to just charge it up front with no surprises.
G — Google review
Absolutely zero payouts think I will try another casino after going here since grand opening and have never won anything bigger then a couple thousand, have spent more money here then any other casino and just tired of the no customer service and zero payouts so after many many years goodbye Coushatta, also it was freezing inside colder inside then it was outside guess they not only not paying out anything guess they to cheap to use the heater and not sure if anyone has ever noticed but they say they have these big drawings but if you look at the winners the amout they won does not even come close to the amount they supposedly give away bunch of crooks.
Myron Leger — Google review
Had a great Valentines Day with my Sweetie at the Casino.
We spent 2 nights at the Seven Clans Hotel and was impressed by the service AND Security at the Hotel. I'm not a high roller but felt like I was being treated like one. Casino slots were fun. Eat at any of the restaurants and you will not be disappointed. We especially liked the moderate priced Terrace cafe for the menu
(Gumbo was GREAT) and excellent service.
Watch your speed going through the towns to get there...now you have been warned.
Michael Browning — Google review
Overall a great casino if you live within driving distance. A lot of people have big wins here but we have had no luck. That being said room's, casino and restrooms are all clean. Free drinks are nice and comps are fair. Plus you can use your comps on gas so even if you loose all your money you can still get home 😀. Oh and during the summer they have a great Waterpark area.
James Lauer — Google review
Casino has a lot of slot machines, the drinks came fast when you sing up for their advantage club and order on screen. It was fairly clean inside and out and we enjoyed our time there. There is a huge selection of different kind of games and we enjoyed doing roulette.
Manhniwan Toyphommarath — Google review
It's a casual place, no fancy restaurants or places to grab a quiet meal. Bring extra clothes as the casino is mostly smoking and after walking around. Mostly everything will smell of cigarettes. There isn't much to the area, so make sure you bring everything you think you might need. There is a golf course and a small water park.
Brandon McIntyre — Google review
I liked that it was spread out. Lots of machines. The payouts weren't bad. There's a non-smoking section but we didn't feel like we needed to play in there because there was never a smell of smoke. Nice place! We only went to the casino.
Joan Carlile — Google review
REALLY MISS THE BUFFET.
THIS WAS THE BEST BUFFET EVER.
THE OX TAIL WAS ON FIRE! 🔥
Please bring back the buffet.
We use to go every week, now we don't because the buffet is gone!!
This use to be such a happy place to go, now it's going down slowly 😭!!!!
Champagne's Swamp Tours / with the only facilities and restrooms, store, ect on lake Martin, louisiana
Tour operator
Tours
Boat Tours
Kayaking & Canoeing
Nature & Wildlife Tours
We did our tour yesterday and really enjoyed it. Martin lake is so magical, full of life like alligators, turtles and birds. The community is taking good care about it. Our tour guide Jonathan was amazing and very knowledgeable. He told us so much about the local environment. Very recommended
Kat Ku — Google review
Now you’ve heard of the Louisiana swamplands and your mind has run wild with scary imaginings so you might as well make the trip and brave this undiscovered kingdom of beauty and violence. And if you do, let Champagne’s Swamp Tours get you there. Placed keenly along Lake Martin this place is strategically docked so that you can both easily locate it and experience the swamp effectively.
Did you know that alligators turn on themselves? Have you seen these reptilian cannibals feed on each other? You might, while safely in one of Champagne’s boats. Does the raptor perch before it hunts or will he search for prey from the skies? You may find out here.
Champagne’s has snacks and restroom facilities. They are reasonably priced on tours and offer souvenirs that some of the young ones might appreciate. The staff is helpful, sometimes witty and always informative. I recall being a little confused on where to park because coming from the city, we usually only park in designated areas - but it worked out.
I’ve been in deserts, both high and low, climbed pyramids and stepped on the bricks that made Nineveh. I’ve fished off the Yucatán and kissed the Blarney Stone - but this tour I did with loved ones, this tour I did with family. This tour is something you need to do.
Sinjin — Google review
I would say that this was the best $25 that I've spent recently. It's ran by a cajun family complete with heavy accents. We saw dozens of gators, lounging, swimming, and diving. There were plenty of birds and turtles as well. Our boat could hold 18 people but wasn't full or crowded. The captain was courteous and informative, but still managed to throw in a bit of humor. I highly recommend this tour.
Dan Dieterich — Google review
Bring Binoculars if you have them!
This place was AWESOME! Our guide Jonathan did a very good job guiding us through the swamp. He was a good blend of funny and informative. The boats were comfortable and the tour was a good length of time. Not too long and not too short. We saw alligators, turtles, and lots of birds! And now I can say I know the difference between a swamp and a bayou!
Jason Lucas — Google review
Had a blast today! Brought my cousin visiting from Michigan with us. We enjoyed the swamp! The tour guide was super informative and knowledgeable. He also of course knew his way around very well. We felt safe and learned a lot we didn’t know about the swamp today. Thank you for your hospitality 😌🙌
Adriel Coffman — Google review
They are a great bunch of people, simple boats and good knowledge. Jason our boatman was great.
Remember they have no free water, so carry your own. Also carry bug spray. I got "swamped" by bugs(sorry for the lame pun). Pam the owner lady was also knowledgeable about things and did not hesitate to start up a conversation. Their office is pretty non-descript and they accept credit card for a significantly higher cost.
Paresh Motiwala — Google review
Absolutely wonderful. The swamp is stunning with plenty of old cypress rooted in the water. The view are incredible. I wish the owner would have accepted to open to shades on the boat because it was so sunny but he didn’t want, disappointing when it’s 100F… also as much as I love having close encounter with animals, I am not a big fan to disrupt their life. We spent time chasing baby alligators close to their nest…not needed. We saw plenty of birds, alligators,…but the best remains the “floating forest”
charles nouwen — Google review
I visited this place the last weekend in July 2023, and our visit here paddling in a canoe for the first time (for me) was the MOST INCREDIBLE, FUN, AND PEACEFUL EXPERIENCE, EVER!!!
A BIG PLUS IS THAT THE SUPPORT STAFF "MONITORS" THE AREA AS THEY ARE GOING ON TOURS WITH OTHERS--SO YOU HAVE A FEEL OF NOT BEING ALL ALONE.
IT was $80.00 to rent a canoe for two people for two hours of paddling and photo taking of nature and each other.
The wild life and beautiful cypress trees will have you wanting to come out to Lake Martin ALL of the time!!!!
I'm a native of south LA and never experienced the swamps this way.
The owners are nice.
PLEASE OBEY THE RULES AND BE BACK WHEN THEY ASK YOU TO RETURN!
YOU WILL BE CHARGED EXTRA FOR NOT RETURNING ON TIME. THEY EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH!!!!
Great place to go to "test the waters" before going at it on your own.
University of Louisiana Alumnus — Google review
We had an awesome experience! I'm an earthy gal and I'm so happy the tour was respectful of nature. Our tour guide Jimmy was amazing, super knowledgeable, and was a nice and sweet guy all around. We kept enough distance and we simply observed and learned a ton. I called in the afternoon and was able to get a reservation same day with a nice and sweet woman on the phone. We learned a lot about the local species of plants and animals, and saw a variety of things. We saw several alligators of all sizes, two mama alligators with their babies, woodpeckers, osprey, many different bird nests, and more. It was beautiful and a very peaceful experience for my husband, son and I on our short trip to Louisiana. Highly recommend!
Erin Boeckman — Google review
Stopped here as part of Harvest Hosts with our RV overnight. Took a tour when we arrived. One of the most informative and interesting swamp tours we have ever taken. Many alligators and beautiful varieties of birds to see. Wildlife everywhere. Our tour guide John was knowledgeable and entertaining. Would highly recommend a tour here!
Mary Mitchell — Google review
We had an amazing swamp tour here with our guide Jimmy. Got to see a lot of alligators, baby alligators (in their natural habitat!), birds and just an amazing piece of nature here. Very informative, funny and with great respect for nature, with our guide making sure not to disturb the gators or other animals too much. All the folks here were really nice. It was quite a detour for us to get here, but definitely worth the drive!
Wouter — Google review
Absolutely the best swamp tour you can take. Our tour guide was awesome. He explained everything in detail about the swamp. You could tell he had a great deal of experience with every plant, tree and animal related to the swamp. Highly recommend this tour.
Mr. Fixit aka Vic — Google review
If you're looking for an authentic, exciting, and educational experience in the heart of Louisiana's swamp country, then look no further than Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours. From start to finish, this tour company exceeded all of my expectations and provided me with an unforgettable adventure.
First off, the guide (Brandon) was knowledgeable and passionate about the environment and wildlife of the swamp. He was able to answer all of my questions and provide fascinating insights into the history and culture of the region.
Secondly, the tour itself was breathtaking. From the moment we boarded the boat, I was transported into a world of beauty and mystery. The scenery was stunning, and we were able to see all sorts of creatures, from Alligators to Osprey, up close and personal.
Thirdly, the staff went above and beyond by giving us recommendations for local food spots in the area, and they allowed us to park our RV overnight!
Overall, I cannot recommend Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours highly enough. If you're looking for an adventure that will leave you with lasting memories, then this is the tour for you. I would give this company 5 stars without hesitation. Thank you, Champagne's, for an incredible experience!
Allen & Stevie — Google review
Stopped by accident really, but what an unexpected blessing!! Jason was our tour guide and he is so wonderful! Showed and told us all about the gators, turtles, birds, trees, invasive aquatics, and even an awesome bird identification app!! He was so nice about taking us closer to see what we couldn't, and he showed infinite patience 😁. We're from Minnesota and he didn't mind any of our questions whatsoever....highly recommended, best part of our 7-day trip to Louisiana so far. Thank you!!!!
Jo Koenig — Google review
I had a great time with Jimmy the guide leading a great tour through the swamp. He told us about the trees, birds, gators and ecosystem we were passing through. Such a good value, be sure to tip!
Caroline Fitzsousa — Google review
5 stars! We enjoyed our swamp tour thoroughly. Jason was great! He knew his way around and knew where to take us. We saw a ton of alligators and local birds. He was patient and knowledgeable! Definitely book your tour ahead of time to make sure you get on the boat when you want.
Jennifer — Google review
We didn’t find swamp thing but we got to see a bunch of other cool stuff. Our tour guide Brandon was super. Awesome tour for the family or couples or solo. We’ll definitely recommend to others. Thanks Champagne swamp tours for the good time.
nate b — Google review
Loved this place.
Warning! Make sure you arrive 20 min before your reservation!! They will leave without you! Also when making a reservation, tell them how many kids you have as prices vary based on age. We made the mistake of booking for a 1 year old. Normally they would have charged us the 1 year old as an adult.. but they made an exception. We also had two people who couldn't go.. so we had to pay for the two people anyway. Might sound unreasonable, but if you think about it, they could have booked 2 more people on the boat. Tour was amazing and worth it. Would go again! 1000%
Chris Maas — Google review
Oh come on folks!
I grew up in New Orleans. I went to school at LSU, Baton Rouge. I have taken people on many a swamp tour but never on Lake Martin.
I do not know about the other tour operators on this lake but this is like shooting fish in a barrel. Our guide took my group of 10 around the swamp and after the 30th gator some were saying “he was a bit small”. We saw at least 20 more.
Plus the vegetation and the birds we saw made this hour a remarkable one. The photos I uploaded are just from a phone, so no fancy camera here. They might not show all the detail we saw on our tour.
Highly recommend! Yes there are toilets which were helpful. Yes there is a picnic table under the huge oak tree which we also made ample use of. Yes we booked ahead using their website and yes that was simple and easy to do.
If you are in the neighborhood of Lafayette or visiting the Tabasco factory then I highly recommend a pass by this place. We toured at 3pm in late October. And yes, it was unusually warm but the reptiles were out sunning as expected. Top experience.
Andrew Maher — Google review
We visited on 12/9/24.
So so great. Very relaxing,I enjoyed every second. Already asked my kids about going with me for Christmas break.
Definitely recommended!
Mr Tommy our tour guide was very kind & can answer bout any question you have about gators ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amy Cole — Google review
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5.0
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1151, 1076 Rookery Rd, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, USA
The TABASCO Factory Tours offer a fascinating experience for visitors interested in the history and production of the famous hot sauce. The museum showcases Tabasco history exhibits and provides self-guided tours through various production buildings. Visitors can explore the greenhouse with pepper plants, see where the pepper mash is stored, and witness the bottling process. The tour offers detailed information throughout, making it an educational experience for all. Additionally, there is a gift shop available for souvenirs and restrooms for convenience.
We were too late to visit the museum and factory, but we got to wander around and saw some interesting facts.
Admission is $12.50 for adults and $9.50 for children (includes Jungle Gardens).
The country store has really cool Tabasco stuff. Definitely recommend the visit, especially the Jungle Gardens which was AMAZING!
Adeline CHAUTARD — Google review
Amazing experience! Have a long time that I dont visit a place like this one, very well care in all aspects! The price is incredible good and fair, $12 to go around all the island and to visit the Tabasco Factory, what a Amazing experience, for those that organize and take care, congratulations you are doing an amazing job!!! Really we loved! The only thing that I would say that could be better is the information about the restaurant, we was very excited to have our lunch, but with all the things to see we arrived there 3:20pm and it was closed already, looks like that close everyday at 2:30pm and there's nothing around to eat so, take a snack with you and eat before go around =)
Jeff Walker — Google review
I’m only posting a few photos because I don’t want to spoil too much. I took my boyfriend here for his birthday. It was easy to schedule my tickets ahead of time online. I checked in and was able to go. Self guide tour is amazing! Along the way they provide all the info a normal tour guide gives. You just go your own speed.
Megan — Google review
This place was fun!! It was a sweltering day and could have melted us. The museum and factory tour were nice. The store had lots of Tabasco goodies. Then the drive on the grounds was lovely. Best thing was the Tabasco Ice Cream!!
David Kravetz (Sumoflam) — Google review
It is self guided, don't bother with the app, it is kitschy and not useful. A short walk with some stairs, and the museum has lots of great info. be sure to try the all the flavors in the gift shop. The drive through the jungle garden after the tour was worth it.
yah32 — Google review
This place is pure magic. The self guided tour is amazing. The food was great, we thought it'd be an expensive sit down place but it's actually a great "cafeteria style" restaurant with a bloody Mary bar!
The gardens are remarkable and both times I've gone, I saw the alligator!
Kelly K (HellCat) — Google review
If you aren't a fan of Tabasco Sauce now, you will be after checking this place out. It's about 2 hours from New Orleans, but it's an easy drive, The tour is self guided but easy to follow and there is some interesting facts along the way. Make sure no one is around if you want to lick the big salt rock! :) The General Store has some really cool Tabasco stuff - Don't miss sampling the Tabasco ice cream - seriously! The restaurant has some good snacks too! Your admission includes the 'jungle' which is a nice drive before heading back out to the ride home.
Leonard Rosenfield — Google review
To learn not just about how Tabasco is made. But to learn about the family history was amazing. From how it all began. To the family history serving in the military from one serving with Theodore roosevelt and the rough riders to so many other stores of the family. And their contribution to the Jingle Garden. I had lunch there. It was very good. The whole experience is something that others need to do. I highly recommend you go visit.
matthew jerkovic — Google review
What a fantastic experience!
As a chef I have used Tabasco for over 4 decades of cooking, it’s flavor, consistency and quality are the gold standard of excellence!
The factory tour was incredible and just solidified my passion and patronage of Tabasco brand products!
By all means if you take the tour you have to taste the pepper mash it will set your taste buds free!
The lunch we had was incredibly delicious! Every team member we encountered was friendly, hospitable and gracious!
If you’re a cook, chef, foodie or someone who just likes to flavor up your food I highly recommend this tour and visit to Avery Island!
Jesse Vega — Google review
In 1986 I came here with my future and current wife for our first kiss. Well, that might not have been the plan but it did happen.
We only went through the gardens and were eaten by mosquitoes and that has not changed.
This time I took the wife and 8 others friends from Europe with me to the Factory tour and all the rest the location offers and it was a top stop!
If you know anything about Tabasco (like it is on restaurant tables across the world) then the Factory Tour is so worth the time. We came out of the tour and all said “we gotta try some Tabasco!”.
Over to the restaurant and most of us had the “Sampler” and tried all the various Tabascos on the table. We had such a good time. The shop was next and shirts, seasonings and more were bought.
Then the Garden tour and it is beautiful but it was a hot October day at 2pm and most animals were likely hiding away but they are wonderfully maintained.
This is a long haul from New Orleans (7 hours round trip) but we stayed the night before in Lafayette which made the trip so nice. The swamp tour on Lake Martin was full of animals and at least 50 gators as well.
I would tell anyone who has some interest in where this global hot sauce comes from and the remote existence it has today.
Think about it; every bottle of Tabasco, anywhere in the world, came from this location. just wow. 😯
Andrew Maher — Google review
Great experience for Tabasco fans. Staff was very friendly and always willing to help.
Make sure you leave enough time to hit the gift shop (closes at 4pm) to load up on unique items and sauces.
Highly recommend stop if you are in Southern Louisiana/Lafayette area.
If you have time, also get the jungle gardens pass located at the facility. This is the "old" property and homestead of the McIlhenny's.
G.B. Reed — Google review
What a great history lesson. Plenty of parking. Tickets are a bit pricey. The restaurant closes early, so we didn't visit. The self guided tour was pleasant and offered many visual resources. The Jungle self driving tour was very relaxing and offered many nature picture opportunities.
DL Yepez — Google review
This tour was amazing. It was self guided and loved interacting with the staff. Everyone was extremely friendly and engaging. We bought a bunch of things from the gift shop. I do wish you could buy the stuff online also. The restaurant was also amazing the sampler was totally worth it and the egg rolls were to die for. Will definitely come back again.
Levi Baker — Google review
Loved Avery Island and the Tabasco factory tour, but the highlight of the visit was the Jungle Garden tour. It's such a beautiful place and we could have spent hours going through the gardens. Saw my first ever alligator! Then saw several more after that. If you're ever in the area, this is a must-do attraction.
Karen Fritz — Google review
Came with a good friend and our teen kids and had a blast. Staff was so informative and friendly. The culture of this company is the envy of every company. I asked several employees why they work there- and if they enjoyed it. Each response was "I love it., or "We're a family".
The Jungle Gardens cannot be skipped. the McIlhenney family did this land a service.
Recommend this place 11/10.
A Primo Life — Google review
This place is a fun, exciting place to visit and very rich in history. There is a gift shop with restrooms. The tour is self guided with detailed facts and information all throughout. You get to see the greenhouse with some examples of the pepper plants and experimental plants, too. Also, the actual barrels where the pepper mash is kept and the factory where it's made, bottled, and sent to the world. There's a lot of walking involved. There's also a restaurant, but that's not included with the regular tour and should be purchased separately. All in all... I enjoyed myself very much.
macaronipop — Google review
So glad we went. Much better than I ever expected. Self guided tour was awesome, got to see pretty much everything. The museum, gift shop, and restaurant we’re all very good. We followed up with a jungle tour, which also was incredible. Pretty much a half a day experience, A great bang for the buck.
John Clemens — Google review
I've been wanting to visit here for a while and it did not disappoint!! We really enjoyed learning about my favorite condiment and going to Jungle Gardens. We bought Tabasco souvenirs and ate at the restaurant which was good. Great day!
Brenda Pate — Google review
We totally enjoyed our tour of the factory and the jungle Gardens. We had no idea of the rich history and success of the family owned business. The tour was very well done and visitor friendly. We loved it.
Carol Vaughn — Google review
A little out of the way, but well worth it! Wish more businesses were run like this one. Great experience and the tour included access to the Jungle Gardens for some gator viewing and great scenery.
Christopher Stauder — Google review
This is such an interesting, important and fun piece of American history and truly unique in the present age. We loved the brief, self-guided tour and saw some truly fun exhibits in the museum. Not to mention all the cool stuff for sale in the gift shop with the iconic logo, of course.
The Jungle Gardens were extensive, spectacular and serene and with no rush to get around, just a beautiful, leisurely tour. Lots of photo ops or just sights to take in and marvel at in your own time.
Elizabeth Schubert — Google review
We enjoyed our visit, it was nice to see where our favorite hot sauces are made and bottled. It was a Sunday so the production line wasn't running.
The tour numbers on the virtual tour did not match the numbers on site.
The store has a tasting section where you can taste about a dozen different flavors of Tabasco. Plenty of souvenirs are available, as well as Tabasco in a variety of sizes and flavors
Melissa Rollosson — Google review
Wonderful experience. Great friendly and helpful staff.
Incredible self guided tour of the complete Tabasco production operation. One of my lifetime favorites and I got a detailed view of the whole process of how it's made. Very clean grounds and facilities. Great nater tour also. Great gift shop. We really enjoyed it. I recommend it for everyone.
Brian Anderson — Google review
Was down in Louisiana for a few days and did the Avery Island Tabasco Tour as well as the Jungle Gardens tour. As a fan of Tabasco, it was nice to get a history lesson as well as see where it’s made. It’s a self guided tour, about an hour. They have a cool restaurant there as well as a gift shop with great merch. Come stop by and check it out next time you’re in Southern LA.
Mark Kahny Jr — Google review
Hot sauce variations only available from the factory and Tabasco flavored soft serve ice cream varieties available to taste in the gift shop are just two of the highlights from a tour of the location. Kids and grown ups would enjoy a visit here.
Ben Heiner — Google review
This factory was great! There were numerous areas to view and the history of it was amazing! Even if you don’t like Tabasco, it is still a neat experience to see how they make it. (In the gift shop, the chili mix is so delicious! It was so good, I bought 2)
Antiques-filled rooms & rustic cottages in a 1796 plantation home featuring upscale dining.
Wonderful experience! Visited over 20 years ago and although I didn't think it was possible, it's even better now! Beautiful brand new rooms, turn down service, helpful staff, beautiful grounds, nice breakfast and the tour of the house was fantastic! Restaurant is closed on Mondays so we had to go elsewhere for dinner but even that was lovely. Highly recommend!
Jaret Segovia — Google review
Recently took a family vacation to La. We stayed at the Myrtles one night. The customer service is great, the staff is very friendly and helpful. The tour guides are pretty good. And they all have their own personal stories that add to the tour. The beds are surprisingly comfortable. I expected the vintage furniture to be less so, I was wrong. Wether the place is haunted or not is debatable but we really enjoyed the experience. We may make this a yearly destination.
Donald West — Google review
The staff is amazing. All so gracious. The rooms are well kept. The on site restaurant is fantastic as well as the small café. The place is beautiful and so comfortable. We did have a couple of things happen that we consider a ghostly encounter. It was great. We will return again.
Autumn Breeze — Google review
Didn’t stay over night even though wish we did. Came for the day tour then stayed for night tour. Both were amazing. Beautiful place to see, people were great, and history was interesting. Loved the Ghost stories. Tours were only $15 each. We so worth it.
Jennifer Ekleberry — Google review
Our stay was absolutely beautiful. The staff were very very accommodating and friendly, and the restaurant/coffee is to DIE FOR. I will be back just for another iced mocha latte with oat milk and to dine again at their restaurant. They also keep the property and historical features of the home clean and properly landscaped which was a huge bonus. It wasn’t scary, we stayed in one of the original 1796 room’s and it was very comfortable. The bed was amazing and they had AC in each room which is nice for the LA summer heat. Overall, the place was beautiful and worth every penny spent.
Chassidy Trahan — Google review
We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to stay at one of the rooms inside the house, unfortunately we did not experienced any paranormal events but it was still a lovely establishment. If you're looking for the Paranormal experience than that would be at one of the rooms in the house which are obviously much older and there's no tv, lack of plugs etc. Beds were extremely comfortable. We didn't get the opportunity to peek into one of the other rooms not attached to the house and those are over the top amazing looking & I personally would recommend one of the newer rooms
The Baldwin Family — Google review
As someone who deals in hospitality when I go to something like this and the ground staff of the most kind and amazing people ever, makes me aware at what great leadership they must have. Everyone has been so sweet and kind. We enjoyed ourselves very much and I would recommend to anyone who gets the opportunity to come, to come and relax and take in the beauty and serenity this place has to offer. BY the way, the guy blowing the walking path off this morning needs a raise, he was amazing.
Jessica Caulfield — Google review
This was such an amazing place to spend the night! I know it's changed a bit since i stayed but i want to highly recommend this to anyone that is intrigued about the location at all. The grounds and architecture are absolutely stunning, and having the ability to roam the grounds while staying is so surreal. I walked the grounds both the night of and at sunrise, and it was and not only peaceful and serene, but there's a sense of wonder and a lot of learning to be done. Everyone i interacted with was full of information and not only did i stay in a beautiful room (the doll room, for the record) but learned a great deal about the history of the plantation and grounds.
Maggy Marsh — Google review
I am into all things spooky so of course I had to book a stay at one of America’s most haunted homes! Unfortunately, I didn’t see any ghosts, but I did hear tons of ghost stories! I stayed on a Tuesday night so sadly the restaurant was closed but the breakfast was good! The coffee shop has the best hot chocolate and yummy pastries. Connie gave the day time tour and she was amazing! They also do not do the evening ghost tours on Tuesdays, but I booked a private one and Alyssa was awesome! I even got to speak to the night caretaker who filled me in on some guest stories! I stayed in the Woodruff suite. Everything was clean and beautiful. I was so sad to leave this place! The grounds are also gorgeous! Staff is beyond kind. Hope to go back again one day!
Kyleigh Hinson — Google review
The property is beautiful and I definitely want to come back to stay in one of the rooms. Staff is very friendly. The day tour was ok. Our guide was fantastic, but our group had people coming in late, phones going off, and kids who kept interrupting her. Not the fault of the guide at all, just our luck of the draw. Next time we will opt for the evening tour.
Cassie Harris — Google review
I had an absolutely wonderful time! Stayed with my friend over Halloween 2023. The staff are all amazing and sweet. They really make you feel welcome and even the ghosts were nice to us! The tour was fun and informative and don't even get me started on how delicious the restaurant is!
Seraphina Courtney — Google review
Stay at The Myrtles Plantation if you are in this area! It's fabulous. All of the staff were wonderful. We enjoyed the ghost tour but alas, we didn't see any spirits. The only thing I felt was lacking was the breakfast the next day. Not my cup of tea. But the fine dining restaurant there was great! Make a reservation!
Margaret Butler — Google review
Very disappointing tour. We arrived on a tour bus. No order of arrival was established so others arriving later were given the very brief tour before us. We rode frothy-five minutes, waited an hour and had an overcrowded tour lasting fifteen minutes before our forty-five minute return drive. There are other sights more inclusive and more thorough with less travel. The landscaping and grounds were beautiful so at least our long wait was rewarded with that.
Karen Sprague — Google review
Remember to use Hᴏᴛᴇʟʙᴏʟʟʏ.ᴄᴏᴍ when booking any stay. This web site will compare countless booking web sites and typically will have rates a lot cheaper compared to others! Thank me later! This hotel is one of the most well known in this area. I have been coming here for a long time. If you decide to stay here you definitely won't be let down.
Gorgeous place! The staff was great, the food at Restaurant 1796 was amazing and the ghosts did not disappoint! We stayed in the Judge Woodruff Suite which was nice and private! The bed alone was beyond comfortable! We found that one spirit there loved being invited to join us for a late night card game in the upstairs parlor!
Noian rana — Google review
Great food and Tours of the Myrtles plantation!! Loved it all so much. The restaurant has absolutely amazing food and a fantastic atmosphere. The tour of the plantation home was extraordinarily interesting and had a lot of history and historical artifacts inside. Our tour guide has been working there for many years and had extraordinary knowledge of everything in the home and all the stories and lineage pertaining to the owners and caretakers of the home. The grounds are very nice and you can walk all through them freely on trails. The cabins look amazing to stay in, however I did not stay in one. The hotel looks lovely. I would love to stay there as well but didn't have time. I would go back in a heartbeat. 😍 Fabulous place to visit.
Holly jean — Google review
This was our second tour but our first night/evening tour. We did not stay the night. We enjoyed our tour guide and experience as always! I felt a gentle tug on my pants twice while in the locked bedroom that they say Chloe has taken a liking to. The only disappointment this time was that we took my daughter for her birthday and she was really hoping to shop at the store and couldn’t because when we arrived for the tour it had already closed, and when we left it was closed. The other couple with us asked, at the end of the tour, if they could go in the shop and they were told no bc it was already closed. I feel like you should be advised that evening tours don’t include the restaurant or gift shop areas. So heads up if you want access to those things go during the day I guess. If you haven’t been you definitely need to.
Shelby Lauren — Google review
My husband and I did an evening tour with Rainy Day, and she was absolutely fantastic! Very knowledgeable with a great personality for the role. She made it amazing!
We stayed in the William Winter room and had the sensation of a child crawling into our bed, with the feeling of someone sitting on the bed all night long. Overall super cool experience!!
Holly Ross — Google review
Iv been coming to stay at the Myrtles for about 20 years now. Iv stayed in almost every room, and the original slave quarters, which burned down many years ago. I brought my husband and best friend (who have never been). I will say, that even though the grounds are still beautiful, I am VERY DISAPPOINTED, that after the original restaurant and quarters burned, they were replaced with condos! Not at all like it was previously.
We stayed in the Caretakers Cottage, which has also been updated since my last stay.
If you need to do maintenance, or renovate slightly, please do it in the time period of the plantation. Otherwise, it just looks like a bed and breakfast without the mystique of what happened in all the rich history of the Myrtles.
We did get some amazing pictures, and the tour was fine. But for those of us who have been telling stories of our experiences for decades, it was disappointing.
I’m glad my husband and best friend and her husband had a great time.
April Bronson — Google review
Absolutely love The Myrtles- I’ve stayed the night in 4 different occasions, so clearly I keep going back for a reason. Love the Southern Hospitality, the ambiance of the grounds, and this go round I was able to check out the coffee shop and had dinner at the restaurant! Will be back for the night your soon! Also the gentlemen behind the bar were awesome! Made dining alone not as awkward as you do have the option to eat at the bar! Thanks Barrett and Jude!
Gretchen Soileau — Google review
Stayed 2 nights as a birthday gift, in the garden rooms. Booked to late to be in the main house during this time of year. The room/bed very welcoming, clean and comfortable. I do wish there would have been a mini fring to keep drinks.
We walked the grounds numerous times, which are lovely, even at 3am.
Coffee shop(Elta) was good for small food and coffee items.
We felt safe and comfortable here but so many people took the charm away. It feels overly commercialize..
As of yet, no super natural experiences. With so many people I can't see how anyone would.
Also, I suggest reading America's Haunts article before coming so you can take in all angles of the plantations history.
Overall, perfect stay. You'd never have to leave the grounds, as everything you need is here.
Vallee Mccolley — Google review
Overall, the property was beautiful. We didn’t stay the night but did the tour. The only thing I would change is the tour time, it was very short and we didn’t get to see the full house or property, although you could do a self guided tour and see more. I didn’t see or sense anything paranormal but the portrait of the little girl that passed was pretty creepy - where when painted half her body is alive and the other was painted after death and you can visible see the difference. Overall it was a great time and the food/drinks were really good with great prices!
Alex Smith — Google review
We stayed in a garden room and the room was beautiful and clean . The ground are gorgeous . Multiple photo opportunities. The tour was very informative. Raney did a great job. We did the day and night tour. The inside of the main home is beautiful but very creepy. If you are staying on the property. Skip the day tour and just take the night tour . They are similar but the night tour is better. We didn't see any ghost but we loved it and would stay again.
Bambi Darnell — Google review
We stayed in the Josephine garden room. The room was beautiful. Comfortable king size bed, large smart tv, in room coffee maker, beautiful couch and chair to relax in. The bathroom was beautiful with a large shower and had all the supplies you'd need with body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hair dryer. Our only complaints would be the lack of water pressure/water was warm (not hot) and the room is next to a noisy event space (where staff were cleaning up and playing loud music around 11 pm).
Dianne — Google review
The Myrtles is a beautiful hotel, grounds and restaurant in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Staff were friendly and helpful, the tour of the plantation house was fun, dinner was very good. Our room -- the Josephine -- was quite attractively decorated and furnished. I can't think of anything that could be improved. We highly recommend this place and would eagerly stay there again.
Dave Wells — Google review
Took my son to New Orleans for Christmas vacation and stopped at The Myrtles Plantation on our way home. I’ve been fascinated with its history since hearing about it on TV many years ago. Our experience was exceptional! From the check-in process to checking out, our stay was delightful. We stayed in the Caretaker Cabin, which is well-appointed, cozy, and relaxing. We enjoyed the night tour of the house and its history. Laney was amazing and brought her stories to life with her amazing personality. Dinner in the restaurant was delicious, and our server was knowledgeable and professional. We toured the property often, which is incredibly beautiful, and even caught what we think is an entity (see photos).
The only moment of dissatisfaction was with breakfast. The process for receiving our meal was confusing and unpleasant. Limited menu choices and seating. The servers seemed less than willing to assist.
Overall, visiting The Myrtles is a must if you enjoy the hospitality of an old-fashioned Southern plantation with an incredible history complete with ghosts! Enjoy!
Kate Hendron — Google review
My friends and I stay here every year. We always enjoy it immensely! Everyone is so accommodating. We had the opportunity to meet and converse with Drew, the general manager. He's awesome!! Can't wait to go back next year. Thanks Drew!!
Carol D — Google review
The Myrtles plantation was beautiful and serene. The staff and manager is so respectful and undoubtedly awesome. The tornado come through while we were there and the accomodations we had was perfect. Will definitely return often. Thank you Myrtles we love it and love y'all.
Lacey Sanders — Google review
Beautiful grounds. Sincere and helpful staff. Had drinks and apps at the restaurant bar prior to the ghost tour of the main house. Highly recommend this as a fun destination.
Michael Schneider — Google review
I was so excited to stay here after learning about the Myrtles Plantation almost all my life. It was almost surreal that I was able to stay inside the house. We stayed in the David Bradford Suite. Great size room, bathroom, living area and sole access to the wrap around porch which was nice. This only allowed us more time to take pictures through the windows. This room also has no TV and limited access to plug ins. This only was an issue when Chloe, one of most active spirits, wouldn’t stop moving her chair. This room is directly connected to the office or the room with “Chloe’s corner” in it. I definitely wasn’t able to sleep and this is normal for me when staying in creepy places like this. You could definitely hear her moving her chair all night long. I was also grabbed and heard other things among the night. Keep in mind, the manager did tell us that there was only one other room booked inside the house that night on the other side of the house. This house is creepy, both tours are great and creepy. Rainy was an amazing tour guide and was very knowledgeable. She is just as scared to stay in the house as I was by the way. She’s only stayed there once and never has again. The breakfast was good and the grounds are beautiful. If you want a scary experience, stay in the house. Respect and talk to the spirits. They can hear you and will respect you back. Definitely stop by if ever in the state. I am so thankful I was able to visit this beautiful plantation!
The home of the LSU Tigers football team, Tiger Stadium is known for its excitement and large crowds. The stadium has also been used as a concert venue and is considered one of the most iconic locations in Baton Rouge.
Love the atmosphere as I bought tickets to every game this year. Geaux Tigers. Now the 1 1/2 hours to go 5 miles is what I didn’t like!! Defiantly go early if your going. Love it though
Kevin McClafferty (LSUKEV) — Google review
The concert was great. Getting there was a nightmare, 40 miles, took 4 hours. We had to walk up 12 flights of stairs, it took over an hour to get out of the parking lot, 3 hours to get home. Baton Rouge is simply not equipped to handle a large event.
Claudia Joles — Google review
We took a tour, I enjoyed the tour and the history. December ,the stadium gets dark early, so we didn't stay outside long. Overall informative, Mike the tiger was beautiful.
Jody Shaw — Google review
I was down here to run in the Billy Cannon 5k. This is definitely worth the registration and some of the wait. The whole experience was very smooth even at packet pick-up. The staff were very helpful in answering questions and providing information about the run.
On actual race day the energy was tremendous. The course was laid out well and marked really well to make sure you didn’t make a wrong turn.
The finish was awesome. The last stretch you run down the service alley that takes you into the stadium where you are announced as you finish.
If you are a runner or starting to run this is a good one for you to start with. There is an awards ceremony and lots of food music and drinks for everyone.
Janos Ingerle — Google review
The experience was awesome. Death Valley was awesome. Maybe next time don't put military in the nose bleed seats. We brought the kids and they loved every minute.
Stephen Wood — Google review
I attended a cheerleading awards banquet that was held in Stadium Club South. The accommodations were impressive, the food was really good (probably could’ve used a little more spice, but I get it that they have to appeal to a broader audience) and the views of Tiger Stadium were spectacular. It was extremely cold so I recommend bringing a sweater or something long sleeve.
Erin Michelli — Google review
I went to see the Mississippi State game back in 2022 and the atmosphere was electric! This was my first time seeing an LSU game in person. Hopefully I will go back there in the near future. 🐯
MAnthony51 — Google review
Garth Brooks concert was amazing, but getting out of there was hell and in my opinion a bit dangerous if there was anything ever like the concert in Vegas a few years ago, this is not where you would want to be. It took 3 hours to get to our house that was only 15 min away. Regardless, the sound system was powerful, Garth is a great entertainer and Tiger Stadium was packed to the gills. It was a fun night!
Amanda Davis — Google review
It is a pantheon of concrete and steel
It is a city that rises defiantly in the delta alongside the father of waters
It is the humidity of autumn evenings that drapes stately oaks and broad magnolias
It is haunted ... and it is loud.
It is Halloween night & Cannon blasts
It is a Louisiana gumbo of humanity that cheers its Tigers to victory & destroys the dreams of invading foes
Chance of rain is ... never!
It is the cathedral of college football & worship happens here
When the sun finds its home in the western sky it is a field of glory for sure ...
But much more than that it is a sacred place...
And it is Saturday night in Death Valley!!
Sean David Freyou — Google review
An experience unlike anything else in college football!! Our first time here certainly won’t be our last. Can’t wait to bring our kids back to make more memories. Check after market sites for killer deals on tickets.
Ashleigh — Google review
Being a Tigers fan, wanted to see the stadium while visiting the Baton Rouge area. Was able to get tickets for the tour. Got to see the field area, locker room, and my favorite part, the national championship trophies. Hopefully one of these days I’ll actually get to see a game in the stadium.
GO TIGERS!!!
rich troutman — Google review
The BEST experience for ALL games to watch live ! I’m blessed to have a niece at this school and the way they make events for Al family of students to come and enjoy the campus tours , the games and to visit our family!!! Wow, LSU # Geaux Tigers 🐯!
Disclaimer I have been a Saints fan since we were the ain’ts so it was a surprise and honor when my niece declared her commitment to attend LSU ⚜️ Baton Rouge, NOLA it’s all love !
Alchemist Amineh — Google review
Best experience ever. This was my first home game match and it was really great match because till last round it was unpredictable who is going to win. Thrilling and amusing experience when you sit in the stadium. People cheers alot and hooting for their team. Must visit! My personal recommendation to visit and vibe it!
MAHIMA GUPTA — Google review
Always love going to Tiger Stadiulm (AKA Death Valley), especially when the Tigers win!!! It's a beautiful stadium!
Tailgating is where all the fun is prior to the game! Don't forget to watch the band head down Victory Road or miss the players arriving.
Kelly Jeans — Google review
Cool place but, workers/Attendants are rude and not helpful. Didn't bother to tell us where our seats where when my wife asked, while another patron helped and told us, and then another one got upset with me when I tried to get drinks and they don't take cash, who doesn't take cash??
Jimmy Purdon — Google review
Visited Tiger stadium as in Baton Rouge for the day and a big SEC fan from England. Easy to park outside the stadium on a Sunday evening for a photo opportunity
Matthew Wakefield — Google review
Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is an iconic venue for college football, and the game between the Army Black Knights and the LSU Tigers on 10/21/23 was certainly memorable. LSU's dominant 62-0 victory showcased the team's prowess, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric.
The stadium itself is a true gem, known for its passionate fan base, also known as the "Tiger Nation." The deafening roars of the crowd reverberate throughout the stadium, creating an intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams. The tailgating culture is a unique experience, with fans from both sides coming together for good food and camaraderie.
The sheer size of Tiger Stadium, with a seating capacity of over 100,000, is awe-inspiring. The architecture and design of the stadium provide great sightlines for fans to watch the action on the field.
The LSU marching band, known as the Golden Band from Tigerland, adds to the vibrant atmosphere with their energetic performances.
Overall, Tiger Stadium is a must-visit for any college football enthusiast. It's a place where the spirit of the game and the passion of the fans come together to create an unforgettable experience, even if the scoreline of the game didn't favor Army that day.
BadAss Chick — Google review
This place is huge! I don't think there is a bad seat here. We sat in the 600's and had a clear view of the entire field. They had three giant screens you could see from any seat as well. Security was great.. they handled themselves professionally and friendly. The vendors were good, but their prices seemed a bit much for my walet. Getting in was trouble-free, but you'll need any bag you want to carry in to be clear so it can be viewed from a distance. Getting back out to your car was trouble-free. Exiting the area was efficiently guided by the local police and sheriff's departments. If you follow their directions, you'll be back on I-10 in 8 to 10 minutes.. easily.
Circa-1840 Greek revival mansion & plantation that includes gardens, lodging & elegant restaurants.
The property is beautiful. You could take 2-3 hrs just enjoying the gardens. The house furnishings are amazing and a must see. The tour guide did a great job telling the history and answering our questions. The oak trees are massive and the grounds are covered with these beauties. Walk up to the river to get a good view of what they would have seen before the levee was built. I highly recommend Houmas House and Gardens.
LeAnn Hooper — Google review
Traditional plantation house with full guided tour. Great to hear about the evolved design of the house and the activities of its owners. Landscaped grounds are lovely to walk through. We understand that this house had a good relationship with its slaves and gifted them land when the regime came to an end, therefore there isn't so much on the history of slavery it's very much about the house.
Allow a couple of hours to visit. There is also a cafe. At the time of our visit it closed at 2pm, had assumed it might be open later and this is the only food outlet so keep the timings in mind.
Note the Great River Road museum is not included in the main house ticket price, we decided not to pay the extra.
Sarah Franczak — Google review
Excellent tour! We loved Mrs. Ruby, our tour guide! She was very informative and patient with us and all of our questions.
The cost for two adults is $70 plus tax but that cost includes a self-guided tour of the gardens which are very beautiful!
There's a restaurant and bar here. The bar makes great Bloody Mary's!
While walking around the gardens, be sure to visit the bird. He talks and he loves attention!
Houmas House is where the movie Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte was filmed and you can see the room Bette Davis stayed in. If you can, watch the movie before visiting. You'll recognize some of the rooms from the movie.
My husband and I have done this your several times and we enjoy it each time! Can't wait to come back!
Robin — Google review
We arrived early and they let us go ahead and do the tour before our scheduled one. Patrick our tour guide was amazing! He took his time and gave everybody the chance to take pictures if they wanted to. He was very knowledgeable and didn’t rush us through the tour. The gardens are very beautiful and picturesque! We absolutely loved the whole experience! Great job Patrick!
Rebecca Allen — Google review
You would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful setting and gardens! The attention to detail is seen everywhere you turn here. The food here is fabulous. The Inn is true luxury. The access to the Mighty Mississippi is a great addition. Watching river traffic with a cocktail is mesmerizing.
Nicole Guidry — Google review
This historical site is just magical! The gardens and mansion is over the top gorgeous! The guide was wonderful. I am really disappointed to have missed the Museum that was built. It sounds amazing. They allowed my little dog on the tour with me. I chose to carry her so she would not have a potty incident. But every little detail was beyond impressive. This is the best of all the plantations to explore!
Joan MILLER — Google review
20240329 Everyone is so nice here. The VIKING Cruise was here today, and there was a tour group. This garden is beautiful! Dogfriendly too!! There is a cost for admissions, but if you eat at the Carriage House, admission is free. We did have lunch there. The food and service were excellent! Walk across the red Bridge from the parking lot will take you closer to the Mississippi River where the VIKING Cruise Ship docked.
Tilly Lo — Google review
This was my first visit to a plantation house and it was very nice. Our guide was a man and I wish I could remember his name. He lad long gray hair and he gave an excellent tour and you could tell he enjoyed giving it. The house was very nice with lots of history. There is much to see in the house. You even get to see one of the dining rooms for Latils Landing restaurant which is an excellent restaurant. The grounds are perfectly manicured and it is very peaceful to wander around and see.
David Hill — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous! The flowers are amazing and I saw some that I've never come across before. Everyone on the grounds and in the shop were just absolutely kind and informative. The different types of gardens were well put together. Definitely recommend to everyone.
Tyson Stumbaugh — Google review
This was an excellent plantation tour. Huge parking lot with ample room. We bought tickets online for a certain time for the tour.
The grounds were impeccable. Beautifully groomed and well cared for. Beautiful lake with swans, geese, and ducks.
We had an excellent tour guy. He knew his stuff. Great historical stories to go along with the facts of the home.
Each room was carefully decorated to the period and some with original furniture.
Very friendly people as well.
Tour took about 1:10. We walked the grounds a bit so the whole visit was about 1:40.
Oh forgot the nice little kitty to greet you when u get there.
Keith Palazzo — Google review
This was our first plantation tour of our week-long trip. Overall, it was a great experience, and our guide, Ruby, was excellent. She was able to answer most of the questions posed to her and did answer all questions related to the estate. We were surprised to learn that the current owner actually lives there and more surprised that he allowed the tour through his private rooms. The gardens were absolutely gorgeous and had a wide variety of plants and wildlife. The admission price was a little steep, but learning the history around that particular piece of property was priceless.
Jenifer Liver — Google review
The grounds are spectacular with many areas to explore and the black swans were a sight to see. The tour of the house was informative and interesting. The trees were amazing, including a 600 year old oak tree. Definitely worth the visit.
Mike Kvintus — Google review
We love this place, we’ve stayed there a few times. Love the rooms, the grounds are beautiful and the food is great ( especially the breakfast). You must do the house tour, and visit the museum, all of the staff are super nice. Last year we went around Christmas time and it was decorated beautifully. We’re going back in December this year. I believe it’s going to be a tradition.
Alva Lamarque — Google review
Houmas House is truly a gem here in Louisiana. The gardens are well manicured and extensive, the restaurants are well-serviced and reasonably priced, and the Turtle Bar is my favorite little spot on the property. I come here often to reflect and relax.
Brooke Sweedar — Google review
Houmas House Estate and Gardens was beautiful. The grounds were amazing and the restaurant buffet was delicious!!! I had no idea it was such a large garden area. Beautiful and well kept.
Christine Graham — Google review
My visit to Houmas House and Gardens was a delightful escape into the charm of the Old South. The lush gardens surrounding the antebellum mansion were a sight to behold, offering a serene and picturesque backdrop. The guided tour through the mansion was informative and gave a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the era.
What sets this plantation apart is the attention to detail and the dedication to preserving its history. The cuisine at the on-site restaurant was exquisite, offering a taste of Southern culinary traditions. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or just a peaceful day out, Houmas House and Gardens is a lovely destination to explore and enjoy.
BadAss Chick — Google review
After moving away from Ascension Parish nearly 25 years ago, I wanted to share memories from my childhood with my husband when we returned home this Christmas. Houmas House did not disappoint!! It was better than I remembered. It is obvious the current owner Kevin has invested time and resources into the house and grounds, not to mention the addition of the amazing museum and restaurants! We have toured homes around the world and to see this jewel a few miles from my childhood home was incredible. It was also heartwarming to hear that the beautiful murals in the main foyer are the work of Craig Black, the caretaker from the
'80s that is a very accomplished artist.
Ruby was our tour guide today, very informative and personable. She gave the perfect mix of past and present to the tour.
We look forward to stopping in on our next Visit home.
James Carpenter — Google review
Wow, what a great experience, we stayed one night, but need at least 3 to do justice in seeing... the best grounds to get lost in, breakfast was beyond words, rooms quaint, nice people working, and tour of Mansion is one of the best, if not the best we toured up the Mississippi.
Michael Venning — Google review
Our tour of Houmas Plantation was exceptional. The grounds are breathtaking and are beautifully maintained. Our tour guide was one of the best we have ever experienced. He spoke clearly and was not hurried in his approach. He was able to answer all questions asked. We highly recommend this plantation.
Sally McCall — Google review
A definite must-do if you’re visiting Louisiana. We learned so much about the history of the home and the people during the tour. While we waited for the tour we were able to roam the land.
Oak Alley Plantation is an attraction in which visitors can learn about the history of sugarcane cultivation and local history. The property is adorned with beautiful oak trees, some over 300 years old, creating a stunning tunnel leading to the home. The guided tours provide insights into both the glamorous and horrific aspects of plantation life, including stories and displays about both wealthy families who owned the plantation and enslaved individuals.
Stunning view of the oak lined boardwalk. We did the tour of the big house and highly recommend it. Anthony was our guide and was full of interesting facts. He did a great job telling all about the house; his original accent really added to the experience. As good as the tour was, the highlight is walking the grounds. Everywhere you go is a great area for a photo shoot. We all really enjoyed the experience. The grounds are beautifully maintained. 5 stars
Daniel Amato — Google review
The tour guide was very knowledgeable. She explained the history and the different families that have owned the property through the years.
Not sure why but you can't take pictures inside the main house. I really would have liked to so I could have different pictures than the website.
Other than the main house the rest is self guided and you can take pictures.
There are signs throughout to explain what you are looking at.
Joe Stilchen — Google review
This was a nice, well kept plantation. The people who worked there were for the most part polite. I’ll say as much as you could expect for it being 100 degrees outside. It had all the stops, food, shirts, drinks, and treats you could want. Nice clean bathrooms. The salve quarters are replicas but filled with plenty of historical facts and items from the era. The grounds and big house were beautiful. The oak alley is a sight. I’m only giving 4 stars because the guide wouldn’t let anyone take photos in the house.
john may — Google review
As you would expect, this is a beautiful place constructed by some of our countries best and most under appreciated craftsmen American chattel slaves. It is a challenging fact to accept what happened here and how American prosperity is not shared equally. The nonprofit foundation has done a great job maintaining and telling the story. It would he been nice to hear from or see Black tour guides. One thing I did notice was our tour guide Jackie spoke about the family that built the home and the enslaved that waited on them almost equally. Again this is a difficult story to tell and we all share insights based on our own experiences so I was grateful for the facts and details shared. I also spoke with Stephen in the slave quarters area and will impressed with his use of technology in his presentation. He had photos and referred me to a specific area of the website to find any details possible about specific persons enslaved. I will come back when the new building is complete. Lastly, the number one thing that made oak alley stand out was the cocktails! I had a mint julep. It was delicious. What a thoughtful, tasty, and refreshing way to navigate a challenging yet rewarding historical experience.
MJ Worldwide — Google review
My only regret at this place was not booking an earlier tour so that my family and I could enjoy the beauty of this place a little more. This is definitely one of the most beautiful plantations I’ve visited. The entire area is very well maintained and preserved. I love being able to tour the house and enjoy the views from atop of the wrap around walkway. The oak trees were so beautiful and stunning to me. I’m not from the South, so seeing these massive Oak trees was absolutely breathtaking. They offer drinks right before the house tour and we ended up getting a spiked lemonade which was delicious! The tour guide was very informative and like I said, the only regret was not booking an earlier tour to give us enough time to really take this place in.
It is about an hour away from New Orleans so if you’re planning on seeing this while there, you’ll have to rent a car or pay for a tour bus to take you.
Laura S — Google review
Loved the tour of the old house and the history of the area. The slave quarters where a nice depiction of what life was like when it was built of the hite owners with the backs of those slaves. Was not happy you could not take pictures of the inside of the house but I am used it now after Europe. Well worth the admission fee and the ground were truly the diamond of the tour!!
Mary Catherine Brady — Google review
Delightful! We loved it! We got there for the earliest tour in the morning and it was just perfect because we had the time to enjoy the beautiful 200 years old oaks and the alley before it got crowdier. We loved the house, it was so well preserved! The tour guide was very nice and she answered to all our questions. Maybe the tour was a little bit too fast (we would have liked to have more time to read about the history of the place, about the artifacts, but while we were doing that the tour guide was already talking in another room so we had to rush). Also, you can’t take pictures on the inside which we would have loved to, but at least we could take pictures on the balcony and it’s definitely a view worth taking pictures of! It was very nice to visit also the slave houses and learn more about the history and evolution of the plantation, it made the whole visit more grounded in the reality. It’s an hour from New Orleans, but if you have the chance, absolutely go and visit it, it’s worth it!
Ruth Cornea — Google review
Being from Baton Rouge, you sometimes forget to be a tourist in your hometown. Oak Alley is beautiful. The tour guide, Amy, was knowledgeable and courteous. I bought a mixed drink after to enjoy while walking around. My friends were concerned it would be too strong for me to drive but it was not. Not really sure they added alcohol really. But it made for a nice time drinking a cool beverage & enjoying the grounds.
Amy Gross — Google review
Such rich history and an amazing view. It’s just too bad it comes with such a horrid past. I did very much enjoy wandering the property and learning about its past. I found it was a great starting point to get interested in visiting and exploring more of the plantations.
Keven Skiles — Google review
My visit to Oak Alley Plantation was a journey back in time to the antebellum South. The majestic oak-lined alley leading to the plantation house was a breathtaking sight. The guided tour provided fascinating insights into the history of the plantation and the lives of those who once lived here. The beautifully preserved grounds and the iconic Greek-revival mansion were a photographer's dream. It's a place that beautifully encapsulates both the grandeur and the somber aspects of Southern history. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking a glimpse into the past.
BadAss Chick — Google review
We booked a guided tour through the house. The guide is related to some big sugarcane-farmers, so she had some interesting insiders from the present.
The history of this whole place is so dramatic but very interesting too.
Even if you're not interested in history and only a Red Dead Redemption Fan, the views from the balcony through the Oak Alley and the surrounding gardens are stunning. I guess it was 30$ per person, but it is so worth!
Simon — Google review
Oak Alley Plantation is an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring the deep South. Stepping onto its grounds feels like stepping back in time to 1899, with its stunning oak-lined avenue and impeccably preserved Big House. The guided tour was both informative and engaging, providing valuable insights into the complexities of plantation life. The beauty of the architecture and surrounding gardens is simply breathtaking. The staff were not friendly, but it enhanced the overall experience. A visit to Oak Alley is an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty. Highly recommended!
Elliot Breeze — Google review
I recommend getting the big house tour. It’s a different experience to hear the explanation and story from the docent. There were only 4 rooms we visited and can’t take pictures inside. There’s also a display with video about sugarcane industry in a different building.
The lady in the ticket booth was so kind to move our tour up since we came so early after our swamp tour. If you’re hungry, there’s a cafe near the huts. The food is edible but not special.
Dian Nusantari — Google review
It is an amazing plantation, rich in cultural history, incredible architecture, and an intriguing life story behind it! The land around the main home is breathtaking!! The huge trees, and fields as far as you can see. Staff here are so genuinely friendly and helpful. We went in the little store and there are such an interesting variety of gifts, or souvenirs. I enjoyed every moment of this tour!! They also have a bar outside that offers you authentic drinks from the time period this was a working plantation. Mint julep was one!! It's a lot of fun!!
Elizabeth Frazier — Google review
It’s an hour away from the city but worth the money and experience. We toured the Big house which was beautiful inside and filled with lots of heart touching stories most of which are sad. Our tour guide was awesome, couldn’t remember her name though. The Oak trees are itself a beauty. If you need a break from the busy city life then this is the place to go.
Varsha Chipala — Google review
We enjoyed this tour a lot and got lots of great pictures, even though Hurricane Ida removed some foliage from the famous oak trees. It's a nice plantation and the original fan over the table was interesting to learn about. After the tour, we shared a mint julep which was very tasty. We had the original one with bourbon but they also have a non-alcoholic option. The grounds were nice to talk around and they had some educational exhibits in the slave quarters area. The shop has some good merchandise and in looking at the postcards, you can see what Oak Alley used to look like before the hurricane. Overall, it's a nice visit and a great way to spend a few hours.
Jayme Kirchner — Google review
I was so taken aback by my experience on this tour. I took this tour as part of a cultural journey for myself, and wanting to pay homage to my ancestors. I easily forgot that not everyone on the tour was there for the same purpose. I was quickly reminded though by the blatant disregard for the grounds that were being walked. The slave quarters are at the very beginning of the path to the “Big House”, and I watched as nearly every single person walked right past without even glancing in the direction of the slave quarters. What was worse for me was the offering of bed and breakfast cabins. I don’t personally understand, but of course I’m looking through a particular lens on my journey.
On the other hand, the grounds are absolutely picturesque. I certainly understand why it is such a popular place.The main house is a sight to see from any angle on the outside. I ultimately chose not to enter the main house, but I’m sure it was gorgeous. There is a hugely rich and popular history attached to this plantation, and it is interesting to hear. Many a Hollywood film and various music videos, have used this property. I’d recommend a little due diligence before taking this tour. It’s one of the big tours offered, and you should try to get the most from it.
Hope Ogunbamiyo — Google review
Oak Alley is magnificent. I only gave it 4 stars because there is no 'tour' of the grounds, only the house, and no pictures are allowed to be taken inside, which was disappointing. You can walk the grounds on your own. Much of the atmosphere unfortunately is very sanitized and commercial now. The grounds barely remind you of the past. Sugar cauldrons are used as landscaping decoration, and it took me a bit to realize what they were. There are a few cabins left. One cannot get an idea of what plantation life was like. The gardens are only an imagining of what gardens of the eras might be. Of course the oak trees lining the entryways are very grand. The plantation is very well taken care of, but the house and grounds look modern now, and like someone could just be living there today. We went with Cajun Encounters tours and paid one price for the tours of two plantations and transportation, so I'm not sure what a single ticket costs.
Stephanie Harris — Google review
Oak Alley Plantation in New Orleans is an absolute masterpiece. Stepping onto this historic estate is like stepping into a storybook. The iconic oak-lined alley leading to the stunning Greek-revival mansion is a sight to behold.
The guided tours are informative and provide a deep understanding of the plantation's history, including the complex story of slavery in the antebellum South. The guides are knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience even more enriching.
The plantation's well-preserved grounds and gardens are a feast for the eyes. You can feel the weight of history as you explore the various outbuildings and exhibits, including the poignant Slavery Exhibit, which offers a humbling perspective.
The Oak Alley Restaurant is a great place to savor delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine while taking in the breathtaking view of the alley of oaks. It's an experience that combines history, beauty, and culinary delight.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of the South's past, Oak Alley Plantation is a must-visit. It's a place that leaves you in awe of its beauty and contemplative about its historical significance. A true five-star destination.
Sean Doss — Google review
Take a walk around the ground before the main house tour. You get to see where the slave quarter was ( not the original but it has been rebuilt using historical photos). Our guide Mrs Anne was fantastic with the history of oak alley. Reading about the place before visiting will also help to understand how and why it is how it is today.
Michael Abiodun — Google review
A historic place. The main house is not very big compared to some of the huge mansions you can see in other places. They really maintained it well with so much tourism going on. The tours are both educational and insightful. The oak trees are really something else, especially when you just walk out of that door on the second floor. Some of them are more than 300 (or even 500?) years old I believe.
Zhiming Li — Google review
Absolutely wonderful experience!! The oaks were gorgeous and the grounds were very well-maintained. Jackie did our big house tour and did a great job. She was very knowledgeable about the family and house. Overall, I highly, highly recommend visiting Oak Alley Plantation if you’re in the New Orleans area.
Jaimie Just — Google review
A picturesque plantation about an hour from downtown New Orleans. Only guided tour portion is big house where you are not allow to take pictures inside (~30 minutes). There are gardens, slave quarter section, restaurants, spirit house, parking, and gift shop on site. There are adequate signage throughout estate for self-guided tour. Worth a visit to get a glimpse of the past.
Nat T. — Google review
Very disappointing tour. The plantation itself seemed more focused on the opulence of "big house" & French slave owners than how slavery and its abolition changed the course of America. Slavery was presented more as an afterthought. They didn’t even call the slave owners what they were… they instead repeatedly named them “Planters.” Well, I’m pretty sure those slave owners never “planted” a day in their entitled lives. Frankly, it’s modern-day “white-washing” of what this plantation really was. Sad that in 2024, many in the south & the world still deny the atrocities of slavery everywhere it existed & still exists on the planet. We did appreciate the tour guides. The atmosphere around us was full of selfies & jokes, not on the solemnity of the atrocities which occurred there. The slave quarters' remains were not preserved. These are replicas, as they are stated as such in the placards outside.
Bekka Prewitt — Google review
Beautiful Plantation Museum with plenty of displays and information. Nice guided tour inside the house, but photos were not allowed to share.
We had advance tickets with a tour company. Did notice people who just arrived not being able to go in or having a long wait because it was sold out
Dave Stern — Google review
Beautiful and well maintained with the oaks as the stars of the visit. We enjoyed the house tour, but just walking along the oaks was the best. We stopped and people watched for a while in the cool afternoon air. So majestic and scenic!
The Laura Plantation is a significant historic site that showcases Louisiana's rich Creole heritage. Visitors can take guided tours of the property, which includes the main house, grounds, and a slave cabin. The plantation is among several others in the area worth exploring such as Oak Alley Plantation, Houmas House Plantation, Nottoway Plantation and Whitney Plantation.
A must visit. This was by far the highlight of our visit to New Orleans and exceeded all expectations that we had. Visited other plantations but this stands out memorably. Did the tour of the plantation which was led by an amazing guide who brought so much perspective from all sides including the Creole and French aspects which are understated and usually not mentioned. It is a powerful experience that brings to life an era often hard to imagine and place in perspective for our current times. If visiting New Orleans or Louisiana, Laura plantation is a vital stop.
Omar Saleem — Google review
I really love the generation concept that is portrayed in all of their brochures. The property is spectacular, the gifts shope is exactly what I was looking for. There was a great mix of historical and local items for sale. Now for the reason I did not like the Laura. We were told we could take pictures but were "raced" through so quickly there was no opportunity. Pat our guide was extremely well versed in her subject however she seemed bitter about having to show "outsiders" her plantation. She spoke so quickly and stated she would accept questions yet when I asked questions she treated me as if I was stupid. One question was with regards to the dormer window. "People didn't live up there, it's for ventilation." Yes absolutely correct but answered in a way that told me not to ask any more questions. We were not allowed to walk around the property and I understand. But... the entire experience with Pat made me feel as if tourists are not wanted.
Katy Bischoff — Google review
If you want a snapshot into Louisiana history, this is a great place! The plantation’s story follows primarily one family. The ways their family have shaped the area was very interesting to me.
The gift shop is well stocked with decorative items, jewelry, and lots of food items. And our guide, Auguste, did a great job for having such a large group.
But on that note, we were grouped with 20+ people total—far too many for the small rooms. They were short staffed (on a Monday). That was the only downside. Overall I enjoyed the tour!
Hannah Terry — Google review
Beautiful authentic history. Fantastic guided educational tour. Well worth the time and money. We were very lucky to have Olivia as our tour guide. Olivia did an amazing job giving us an educated and factual look into the Creole way of life for all involved in the plantation life. Hope you get lucky enough to get Olivia on your tour.
Amanda Shanahan — Google review
This was such a great and amazing experience, that I truly truly recommend if visiting the New Orleans area. I highly recommend tour guide Lindie. She was super informative and deep vast knowledge of the plantation and just Louisiana slavery made the experience much more enjoyable. I learned things that I never knew and I thought I covered all the bases when it came to that topic. So if you're every in New Orleans, take the 40-50 minutes drive out to Laura Plantation ask for Lindie and have a great informative experience.
Ron H — Google review
Very informative tour guide, he took us around the house, grounds, and slave quarters. Gift shop had helpful and kind staff! Highly recommend.
Melany Smith — Google review
This was a great visit. We learned a lot. If you go to Oak Valley first be prepared for a different experience but not in a bad way. Both are informative and educational. Both give you a guy’s picture of life back then. Both don’t shy away from slavery or the horrible conditions that enslaved people lived in. The difference is in the story of the space owners who lived there and just how different they were. It’s well worth visiting by all means.
Jason Shultz — Google review
This was by far the most informative and engaging tour, I took the most out of this. I can't remember the tour guides name, (young man, from the area, blue eyes) but he was so informative. He talked about life there for everyone, really took note of the groups understanding of history and context during this period of time. He was great with conversation and open dialog. Answered lots of questions and provided accurate information. Would recommend visiting here to everyone.
Amanda Bourgeois — Google review
This was very educational and eye opening. The tour guide was super knowledgeable and I enjoyed all the information and the fact that they’ve tried to keep it all original down to the paint colors that were common to the creole culture.
Angie — Google review
The Laura Plantation itself is wonderful. They allow you to take pictures inside. There is a lot of history preserved there, and the tour guide tells you all of it, it seemed. They approach tours now from the people that lived and worked there point of view, and focus very little - and I mean VERY little, on the place (buildings, grounds) themselves. We stood for a long time in a few different spots, and my feet and legs were tired from standing listening to the tour guide. Yes, she is very knowedgeable, but after telling you generation after generation, and the trauma, and abuse, and literally nothing 'good' about it all, you're left wanting to just get out of there. You can't remember all that geneology in one lesson, and although it's a great history lesson, I would much rather have read it, or at least been given a guide to follow along. I probably wouldn't take another tour there if I go back to New Orleans. I certainly enjoy history, but this is too much standing with no place to sit, and one does get tired. Laura seemed dusty, especially the floors and like it could use a good cleaning.
Stephanie Harris — Google review
This plantation is fantastic. We had a really good guide tour. She went beyond explaining the plantation story which makes it more enjoyable.
Jovianne Mtbl — Google review
When exploring history, context is everything. I had the opportunity to tour the Laura plantation yesterday. Invited by an associate, I must confess I was hesitant. I had an unsatisfactory experience at one well established plantation that didn’t address the history of enslavement and one revolutionary experience at Whitney that solely focuses on enslavement. To me, I had struck out once and witnessed life changing history at the other. I am uncomfortable with the concept of tourism to any plantation that does not encourage anti racism. I reluctantly agreed to go.
Boy, am I glad I did.
It challenged me to explore the complex and often forced community of this particular site. It never glamorized or made the owners of the big house heroic or to be emulated but spoke with direct honesty of their view points and transgressions. It spoke of a woven narrative that explained the integration of the household side by side was not equality.
Due to the matriarchy of this Creole (not American) household there is a narrative offered here with direct sources that gives incredible detail and many specific enslaved individuals. The French records offer insight that often the American records can’t.
The willingness of this organization to hold themselves accountable to this narrative since 1994 means they are version 20 of the tour. Every time they uncover new information about a complexity they return to the drawing board and thoughtfully create a narrative that includes the brilliant craftsmanship of skilled labor and the absolute cruelty of capitalism around enslavement.
I’d like to mention that our tour guide Joseph was an absolute gem of a guide. Even though he primarily guides in French his descriptions in English were crafted with dignity and he wasn’t afraid to challenge pre established concepts. I have rarely seen such skill bridging any history much less one that requires such dexterity.
I now believe that if someone was interested in de-colonization and anti racism the Laura is essential. I think a day trip that would alter your concept of history forever would be Laura, a picnic at Laura after decompressing and then Whitney.
It’s essential to understand that if you visit New Orleans nearly every boutique hotel, every store, every historic house, every public park has a history directly linked to enslavement. At Laura they understand that responsibility.
If you are strong enough to look this history in the eye, you might see yourself reflected. But beyond that reflection is a path forward. But first we must do the work. The work is being done at Laura. And now it’s up to me to do better.
Private swamp refuge offering narrated boat tours with alligators & other wildlife sightings.
Incredible tour through and through.
Starting with the pick-up in New Orleans, our bus driver, Byron, did an incredible job entertaining and educating us the entire ride, pointing out local landmarks.
Then throughout the boat portion, our tour guide, Bishop, provided humorous stories, interesting facts, and fed the alligators twice (so both sides of the boat could enjoy the feeding frenzy).
He passed around an alligator head, osteoderms of turtles, and even let us hold a live 2.5 year baby alligator.
This was my first swamp tour in Louisiana, and I enjoyed the entire journey through and through. Would highly recommend!
James Wang — Google review
Such a wonderful experience for the whole family! Our captain, Tom, was so fun and full of wisdom. He cheerfully shared his wealth of knowledge and answered everyone’s questions, no matter how silly. We saw plenty of gators, raccoons, birds, & turtles. No wild hogs this time but the captain said they were seen the day before our tour. Their gift shop was full of unique items not seen in other area gift shops and the staff are all very warm & friendly. Plenty of space for large groups and small groups alike, lots of shaded areas with picnic tables and seating (with industrial size fan to help keep everyone cool), clean facilities and grounds, and they’re working on constructing a new, much larger building that when done, will make this place even more spectacular. We had a great time and highly recommend doing your tours here!
Deadly Mynxx83 — Google review
Took a trip to New Orleans to do something different and weather was really bad downtown, but clear outside of town, last minute found Cajun pride swamp tours online gave them a call and they said if we could make it there in time we’d have a ride to get on…. It takes a little longer to get to them on Highway 10 then the map shows but all in all it’s super easy to find and make it to their parking lot. Everyone there was super nice and it was fun to get out on the boat relax for a little bit and watch them talk about the gators. Weather was a bit cooler so some of the bigger gators were not out but we still had fun running around the swamp and seeing some of the midsize gators come to the boat to get fed. It did sprinkle a little while we were out there but the boat has a top on it which is probably great in the full sun and it kept the rain off. Fun trip and guide was really good with everyone. Fun to hold the baby gator. They are rebuilding their facilities that were destroyed during a hurricane so they use a temporary building for the gift shop and check in areas but the land is owned by them so you’re not competing with other boats out there on the property. Would recommend as a fun stop.
Chad Thomas — Google review
Staff was very nice and accommodating. Capt Dustin was extremely nice as well. This is well worth the $$ spent. Tour is roughly 1.5 hours and features alligators, wild pigs, raccoons, soft shelled turtles and more. This is pretty touristy and commercialized. I deducted 1 star, like others have stated, they feed the animals marshmallows and such, so they don’t act like totally wild animals, instead of being spooked by the boats and humans, they chase the boat. I get it, they have to have the draw to get people excited about coming, no hate from me on it, but I would have rather seen the tour with the animals acting like they normally would. (Doubt we would have seen the wild pigs though). Great job guys and I would recommend to others.
Kevin McKinney — Google review
From the beginning to the end of this adventure, everything was perfect. Very entertaining, and we had the opportunity to touch/carry a baby gator! Pretty cool!
I would recommend to bring a mosquito spray, pants and long sleeve. Just because there is so many mosquitoes.
Ryo Shigemitsu — Google review
Informative and something different to do. It was a cloudy cool day so beware that gators this time of year, end of Nov, are not out moving much or at all. We were lucky in that we saw 4 on the noon excursion. Guide was great and down with the reality of not seeing much.
Kevin Stewart — Google review
I gave them five stars even though we didn't see many alligators. I was there as part of a tour group. We had gone to Mardi Gras parades the day before and it's still cool outside this time of year and the alligators are just starting to come out of hibernation. So, of course that is not something the tour company can control. But it was a beautiful sunny day which made the boat ride pleasant. Tom was our guide and he was humorous and knowledgeable.
Marla Salyer — Google review
This tour was fun and informative! The driver and the tour guide both did a great job of keeping up the energy of the group and keeping us entertained during the drive to the plantation. The swamp tour was full of wildlife and I'm talking up close and personal! Alligators, wild pigs, raccoons and turtles all within a few yards. We were even able to hold a baby gator! The best way to spend a day in New Orleans!!!
Glenn Cornelisse — Google review
It's been a few years, actually, but better late than never I suppose.
Went on the tour with my wife and a close friend. We had a boat to ourselves, but the guide gave us an enthusiastic ride nonetheless. A fantastic way to spend an afternoon - entertaining and educational. Very highly recommended!
Greg Zillgitt — Google review
A great time. The captain was so informative and made sure everyone saw plenty of gators before we went back in. All the people that worked there were very friendly. Kids really enjoyed it too and got to hold a baby gator on the boat. Price was reasonable for the length of the boat ride. Will definitely come back if we are in the area.
Emily Lynch — Google review
This was one of the best Swamp Tours I've been on lots of gators and what I really wanted to see were the wild boars and I got to see them. Our entire group loved it. I definitely recommend. BTW They also offer $30 RT Transportation. That was a tour in itself.
Michael Daniels — Google review
Captain Tom took us on an incredible tour of the swamps of Louisiana!! You get way up close and personal with all the wildlife including alligators. wild boars, raccoons, and birdlife. Captain Tom has spent 40 years chasing the dream, and he shares his experiences in an exciting way. it is way fun for the whole family!!!
Scott Jones — Google review
I would highly recommend doing the Swamp Tour with Cajun Encounters when in New Orleans. My girlfriends and I had a fun time and our swamp tour guide, Captain Pat was such a delight. Very informative and also fun, wouldn't have picked anyone else. We got to see a lot of wildlife such as many different alligators, birds, raccoons & wild boars. I think our time at the swamp was well used up very well & it was entertaining the whole entire time, super friendly staff as well at the gift shop and in general. 10/10.!
Jeannie Chong — Google review
What an awesome experience. Our tour guide was easy-going, informative, funny, and a blast to hang out with. His banter during the tour was a bigger highlight than the gators. If you’re in New Orleans, spend a day with these people. You won’t regret it.
Glen Hallock — Google review
We had a great time! The captain was a great guide and was very knowledgeable. He had some great stories to! We saw lots of gators and other wildlife. It was a beautiful ride! At the end of the ride we got to hold a baby gator. Would definitely recommend! Plus this tour is a lot cheaper than the tours in New Orleans.
Kinzetta Harris — Google review
Amazing tour. The captain was informative and funny. They have a zip line and transportation to take you to the swamp and back to your hotel. We also held a baby alligator which was the highlight of the tour. Definitely worth it. 👌. Would recommend the morning tour. And shout out to our amazing bus driver. He was funny and informative as well.
Forgot to add they have swamp camp for kids too. That was interesting.
oranzhevyyptitsa alou — Google review
We enjoyed our Cajun Pride Swamp Tour very much! The guide was affable and filled the tour with humor. We saw about 25 alligators and learned there are no crocodiles in the US. We also saw raccoons and wild hogs.
We came during the heatwave but fortunately it rained just before our tour so it was cooler than the rest of the day. This is a great way to get a taste of the swamp while visiting New Orleans or Baton Rouge.
Benswing Rich (Ben Rich - Electric Biker) — Google review
Amazing experience in August! We visited Whitney Plantation in the morning and the we had swamp tour in the afternoon, they're very near. Our captain easy very funny and kind. A real exiting way to experience the Louisiana Bayou and see alligators and racoon.
Claudia Schiattone — Google review
Taking a trip with Capt Tom is a great experience. He’s knowledgeable about the eco system and can explain it very well. Since it’s gotten cold the big gators are not very mobile so that was a bummer but He’s got a tank and has 3-4 baby alligators so he brings them along and you get to hold the. A very cool experience! We saw lots of wild Pigs and even 3 piglets less than a month old. Lots of Raccoons you get to see how they all jockey for the feed he throws out. He explained the difference in how you make money with selling hides which requires a license. They bought the swamp land and manage it themselves. Mention AAA get a few dollars off. I had done the plantation tour many years ago skipping it this time.
T. R. — Google review
This swamp tour focuses on the history of the area (like they all usually do) and they tell the story of the town of Frenier that was wiped off the map. There was a lot to look at. Racoons and alligators were the main attraction, but wild hogs did make an appearance which was delightful. This place seems to get a lot of tours, and busses come out brimming with people, so there must be some deal going on there.
Andrea F — Google review
Absolutely captivating swamp tour in the bayou of New Orleans! The thrill of encountering wild animals in their natural habitat was unmatched. Knowledgeable guides provided fascinating insights, making it an educational adventure. From alligators to raccoons, the diverse wildlife sightings were a photographer's dream. A must-do experience for nature enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic taste of Louisiana's untamed beauty.
Hev — Google review
Dived into the heart of Louisiana with Cajun Pride Swamp Tours and let me tell you, it was a wild ride minus the seatbelts! This isn’t your grandma’s boat trip unless she’s into gators, tales taller than the trees, and Captain Brandon’s legendary swamp wisdom. The man’s a swamp whisperer, cracking jokes while casually pointing out critters that’d make a grown man squeal. Comfortable boat? Check. Nature’s untamed beauty on full display? Double check. Learning something new without realizing it because you're too busy being entertained? Triple check.
If you're itching for adventure or just want to see if alligators are real, book a tour and ask for Captain Brandon. It's half education, half entertainment, and all unforgettable. Cajun Pride Swamp Tours isn’t just a 5-star experience—it’s a “why isn’t this everywhere?” kind of good.
Robert W — Google review
Really close to the Highway. Super easy to get to. The parking lot is big enough for a tractor trailer and several tour buses. We called ahead and were told to pay over the phone. When we got there, a pair of really nice ladies greeted us in the gift shop and gave us our colored tickets, which they stated corresponded with colored flag on the boat we would be riding. There were alligators in the water near the shore before the tour even left. They chopped up some chicken and we loaded onto the boats and took off. There was some nice shade that covered the waiting area. Now, we went on just the right day....Cloudy and 70 degrees. They stated that there are no alligators to be seen during the winter hibernation months....December, January and February. The water is too cold and they go into hibernation mode where their heart beats only once every 4 minutes. Conversly, if you go when it is too hot, you may not see alot of alligators because they dig deep into the cool mud in the dhade.l amd do not always come out.The alligators are trained to come around the boats because they get corn, marshmallows, and chicken. There are a ton on bird feeders that attract a ton of birds although I did not see any rare or exotic birds. The boat is covered and has gasoline outboard motors that are very quiet. Now, when you get on the boat, make sure you sit on the outer seat at the front (the side opposite the driver where the entry ramp is) Sitting in the front gives you the best vantage point to view all of the wildlife at the landings. The tour was about 1.5 hours long and the excitement began to wear off on some of the riders. There were about 40 people on the boat with us. We were the 2:15 tour on a Saturday. (busy) The driver was personable and knowledgeable and gave some intersection facts. Definitely recommend!
Joshua Steele — Google review
I felt my “cityness” melt as Captain Tom regaled us with stories of each gator we met. Pigs. Raccoons. Turtles. It was amazing scenery, but Tom really helped me shift away from my preciousness and embrace the raw joy of the bayou. It was the best, I hope I get to come back some day.