Located just 20 mins from each other, south of Lafayette near Delcambre, Louisiana both Jefferson Island and Avery Island make the perfect day trip getaway for anyone in southern Louisiana. The Islands are is 2-3 hours from Alexandria, Lake Charles, or Baton Rouge, or Covington (without traffic). If you start early enough you can definitely do both in a day, but if you want to take your time each is worthy of a day or even weekend alone.
What's there?
Each Island is distinct enough to require it’s own section, but they can both be seen in a day. Both sites are about 20 minutes apart.
Here are a few features the islands have in common:
- Snowy Egret rookeries where the egrets nest in the hundreds and even thousands sometimes in late January/early February through July.
- Host magnificent gardens and trails with species from around the world.
- Are salt domes that are part of the “Five Island Trent” geological feature.
- Have a restaurant rated over 4⭐ on Google Maps
- Offers tours
Now let’s get to what makes each of them special…
Avery Island
It’s no secret though that Avery Island is home of Tabasco! But I won’t go much into the history of the island as that is part of the magic provided in the tours. As a plant nerd the Jungle Gardens was the highlight this trip. There is an extensive collection of camellias that bloom from through the winter from November to March. There is also a wide variety of bamboo, though the Moso Bamboo forest was my absolute favorite. This short trail is completely encompassed by bamboo, if you are quiet for a bit you can hear the creaks, cracks, and pops of the rustling and growing bamboo. Yes, it grows fast enough to hear at some times!
Activities
There is a little something for everyone as the island offers multiple activities. Here is an important bit of info: the factory closes early so don’t do what we did and show up late!
- Tabasco Factory Museum and Tours
- Guided Island Tour
- Acadiana Culinary Experience
- Cooking Demo Experience
- Jungle Gardens Travel story tour
- This is a pre-recorded tour self guided audio tour. As you drive around the site the app points out different features of the island and give you the story behind that area. You can connect it to your car for the whole family to enjoy at once! We loved it! And it was included when we bought our tickets!
You can buy tickets to the activities on their website here.
Where to Eat
The Tabasco Restaurant 1868! is on site and available for brunch and lunch.
The gift shop also has a very good selection of food items you can take home, flavors of Tabasco sauce I haven’t been able to find anywhere else so if you find one you like be sure to stock up!
Cost
The cost starts around $15 per person to visit with experiences costing around $45-$50.
Jefferson Island and the Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Activities
Touring the gardens cost $12-$14 per adult and cheaper for kids. I highly recommend you plan your tour around getting into the daily house tours! It is worth the wait if you have to.
Cost
Touring the gardens cost $12-$14 per adult and cheaper for kids. I highly recommend you plan your tour around getting into the daily house tours! It is worth the wait if you have to.
Where to Eat
Cafe Jefferson is on the island and open to the public. The restaurant is rated 4.7⭐ on Google Maps! The cafe closes early so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay
Well at the Rip Van Winkle Garden Cottages of course! These cottages are so charming and cute! We haven’t stayed in the cottages, but if you take the House Tour (100% do that) you will see them just beside. There are three. Details can be found on their website here.