Growing up in Louisiana I certainly have had the opportunity to explore a lot of the beautiful areas around the state and Avery Island is just another example that shows off what this state has to offer and exhibits a part of the culture that you may not know about. If you've made it here it's likely you've experienced some of the best of Cajun Country which is not only about the scenery but about the hospitality of it's people and the food which is some of the best you'll find anywhere. This is one of the most tranquil self guide tours you may ever experience and spending time here will not only reconnect you with nature but also give you a renewed appreciation for the importance of the preservation of these areas. It's also a place that you can visit over and over again and never get bored, so whether it's only a few hours or the entire day a visit to Avery Island is well worth your time - I always discover something new... read more

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If your in the area I highly recommend stopping here. It is very interesting to see how it started and how everything is with a condiment we see all the time. You can see from the beginning to end of how Tabasco is produced and the time and effort put into it. And then be sure to stop in the gift shop for samples of the sauce and then a tasty sample of some spicy ice cream which will feel so weird as you try that jalapeño ice cream that's cold in your mouth but burns down your the ought. Strangest thing ever lol. Then be sure to head over to the jungle garden tour. I recommend driving through although you can walk through if you'd like. But if you drive through there are places to park along the way and get out and walk also. Be sure to download the tour app so you have the audio map to guide you and speak along your route. Loved this part of nature and history. read more

I had never heard of Avery island until we were visiting Lafayette. One of the people working at our bed and breakfast recommended a trip to Avery island to visit the Tabasco factory and museum and jungle gardens. It was only about a 30 min drive and we spent the entire day here. Time well spent. read more

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I traveled to Avery Island years ago. It's changed a bit, but it's still enjoyable, especially the jungle drive-through area.

Even if you're not a pepper head, Avery island is a must ! This place is amazing and beautiful, the history alone is worth the trip, but the factory and the store are a blast, I spend 500$ every time I go on gifts and goodies read more

The salt from this salt dome has been harvested as far back as documented by the Native Americans in the 1800s, but probably long before that. I came out for a self-guided tour of the Tabasco Factory, somewhat unaware that there was the Jungle Gardens also located here that was started by the same family that started the Tabasco Company. These are the two primary things that this island is known for. A number of the employees live in the housing provided by the factory, and employees living here dates back to the beginning of the factory. Lovely area. It is just so nice to take a moment and appreciate the flora and fauna that are located here. So quiet and peaceful. A nice break from the fast-paced city life. Come on out and take a look around. Take a tour of the factory. Take a tour of the gardens. It is a nice way to relax for more than a few hours. read more

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I grew up right down the road from Avery Island and have visited on many occasions. It is wonderful. It is fascinating. It is breathtakingly beautiful. Where else can tour the birthplace of the best hot sauce on the planet, spot a doe and her fawn, see a beautiful swamp, and walk right next to alligators in their habitat? All in one place? Avery Island, that's where. Go on a weekday and do the Tabasco tour. It's fun and informative. Be aware that the red pepper permeates the air inside and may sting your nose a bit, but you'll acclimate quickly. Next I suggest a leisurely stroll of the Jungle Gardens. It's so tranquil it feels like a mini spa vacation in and of itself. On your way out stop by the Tabasco gift shop and pick up some Tabasco flavored chocolate and Tabasco flavored ice cream for your friends and some really cute Tabasco themed decor for your kitchen. I love this place and I know you will, too. read more

That was my last trip to Avery Island !!! They refused my American cash to enter. They forced me to buy my admission on credit. I am guessing that Avery Island was bought by foreigners and do not accept American cash for admittance, gift shop and restaurant . If i can't afford it i do not buy it on credit. I don't like giving out my credit card information with so many companies getting hacked. Avery Island can kiss my rear because i swear they and their products or on my "DO NOT BUY LIST" I use to go here every couple of years but swear that they have lost all of my business. How can this company operating in America not accept American cash ? Horrible experience ! read more

Great self guided tour worth the price of admission beautiful grounds well maintained

Unfortunately the tours are closed. We drove up from New Orleans to see it, got all the way to the entrance and there are 3 small signs saying it's closed. Would have been nice for them to post it on the website. Oh well! On to Arizona we go. read more

Avery Island - Closed! - Beaches Near Me - New Iberia, Louisiana

Fun facts about Avery Island: Sits on a salt mine and is leased out. Has their own post office. A lot of employees reside on the island. They grow peppers on the island but harvested for seeds only (bulk of peppers grown elsewhere) Check Wikipedia for a full history! read more

Avery Island - Did you know there is a post office on Avery Island? - Beaches Near Me - New Iberia, Louisiana

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The jungle gardens are beautiful. I am so glad I insisted on driving here from Baton Rouge! I was really happy with my tour, you can see my full review under the tobasco yelp. I really wanted to drop a line here though for the gardens. The Buddha was so beautiful, the walking trail at the first stop was so picturesque! I even got the perfect shot of a blue heron! Really, spend the extra and go see this little slice of heaven in the bayou! read more

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Do not come to this place unless you are driving your own car. No UBER, no LYFT or taxi will come to your rescue. We had to wait til 4pm to get a ride from the manager. 4pm is when they close. We have to fight tooth and nails to get out of this Tabasco place and there was nothing much to see any way. P.s UBER took us there from Lafayette but we could not find any form of ride back. read more

1868! Has to have the best red beans and rice ever made. The gardens are absolutely beautiful during spring time and the factory tour is really awesome. read more

Don't skip the jungle gardens when you visit the Mcilhenny Tabasco plantation. Jungle gardens are filled with historic oak trees and wildlife. We saw all kinds of herons, rabbit, alligator and deer. The lagoons are beautiful as is the historic Buddha. The new Tabasco tour is terrific. So much history- a must so for tourists and visitors from within the state as well. The old country deli is a great spot for Lunch or a snack- eat where the residents dine. read more

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A magical place in the midst of Cajun Country. This is an old Confederate salt mine that's on a salt dome in the midst of the swamp in the middle of nowhere. Dem Yankees came and blew up the salt mine, and they ended up resurrecting it as a hot sauce factory. It's a true island, with a swampy lake all around it. You can fish in these waters. You must pay a dollar toll to drive onto the island, which I'd highly recommend, since there's plenty to see and do on this small island. Much of it is dedicated to the Tabasco factory, but there's also the Jungle Garden Nature Preserve here, that you can drive through. read more

You can Just walk and look at everything, at your own pace, with self guided tour. Very interesting and multiple stages of how hot sauce is made that you can walk and view. Prices are reasonable, between this and gardens it can take a couple of hours. Nice and clean place to tour. read more

Avery Island - Hot sauce factor & you can tour it - Beaches Near Me - New Iberia, Louisiana

A.K.A. the Jungle Gardens of Avery Island. This is one of the most beautiful places. You can see anything from thousands of white birds, to alligators right at your feet, to 300 year old live oaks with beautiful moss hanging from them to a giant Buddha overlooking an algae covered swamp. It's very intriguing. read more

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On my drive back from Lafayette, LA, being an avid fan of Tabasco, I decided to detour to Avery Island to visit the Tabasco Museum and its surrounding beauty. I got there, paid $1 and drove to the museum. It was Sunday so the bottling was not being done but they had a short tour which included the history of the Island. It was really fascinating, then we walked through the bottling area and then to the store, where I tasted everything and bought a few things, which I cannot wait to try. After the museum, I drove to see how long it would take to tour the Island's egret sanctuary and other beautiful parts, and was told 2 hours or I can drive right through it. The entry fee is $8. I thought about it and decided I did not want to drive through such beauty and miss it, so opted to come back to do this on foot so I can thoroughly enjoy it. Probably in the early Spring when the weather is decent will be a good time. I definitely recommend this place to be on your "must stop by" place if you are in the area. I wouldn't mind coming back to watch the bottling so will add that in my "to do" on my return. I LOVE TABASCO!!! read more

Avery Island is the home of Tabasco Sauce and you can tour the historic factory. They also have a gift shop, restaurant and other tours available (like the Jungle Gardens). This is an easy trip that is good for families and people of all ages. You get to sample all the many different flavors of hot sauce Tabasco produces in the gift shop and then they also have many of them available on the tables in the restaurant. read more

Okay, so I had no idea that Tabasco's birthplace was here in Louisiana! Avery Island is pretty fabulous! There you can visit the Tabasco plant and where the pepper harvesting for the famous sauce takes place. You can even drive through what is called "The Jungle" to see the nature preserve. The fams and I made a weekend out of this and had some lovely leisure time on all the grounds. If you live here in Louisiana and haven't been there yet, you need to put it on your immediate list of places to visit in Louisiana. So much education and rural life surrounds this place. Beware, because you may even see alligators milling around. Leave them alone and they will gladly leave you alone. Thanks to those that take care of these grounds, so we can take advantage of seeing all of its greatness. Coming from Baton Rouge or Lafayette? The drive is not too bad coming from either direction. Hope to come back, when the plant workers are in the factory. read more

A bucket list item, and I was not disappointed. Took the self-guided short tour and learned a lot about the very interesting history and makings of Tabasco. The highlight was the cooking class, which was really a cooking demonstration. What made it special was that the class was not in session on that day, but they accommodated my prior arrangements because my brother-in-law from the UK was visiting (also a huge Tabasco fan). Our private two-hour session flew by while we watched, asked questions, ate, drank Bloody Mary's and shared recipe experiences. The Mcilhenny family heirs should be very proud how our cook host represented their company. read more

What an amazing place. There is such a rich history behind this company. The tour is a little lacking, but it's not bad considering it's within a working plant. Our most favorite part was touring the Jungle gardens. The work it takes to upkeep the grounds must be tremendous. We happened to glimpse a otter running across a small clearing to a pond. Stop by the store and get yourself a souvenir. Everything was super clean with exception, the Jungle Gardens gift shop restrooms were quite dirty. The men's room was filthy, only 1 wet roll of toilet paper and a hand dryer that barely worked. Come back during spring to see the migrating birds and flowers that will be in full bloom. read more

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I love this place, of course anytime I get to go back to my Ancestral roots in Louisiana is a great time. I love the tour of the factory making Hot Sauce. Now there is a gift shop and picnic area. Great Place and People and of course the food is the best. read more

A beautiful sight! The jungle gardens are really spectacular! The Buddha shrine is breathtaking & has an amazing history to it! A must see if you're traveling through south Louisiana! read more

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The Gardens are beautiful and walking around the swamp (assuming it's not mid July) is a fantastic relaxing way to spend the afternoon. However, avoid the Tabasco museum like the plague. I tried to count the number of times hey said "Tabasco, the worlds most famous hot sauce" in the video which they made you watch after locking you in a room. read more

What a lovely island. What a place it would be to call home. If you were born to the Mcllhenny family you would have lived here! The public side will get you to the Tabasco factory and the Jungle garden after you pay a buck to enter. Then the tour of the factory is free, the Jungle Gardens does cost to enter, and is a very pleasant drive around the swamp, the gators, the deer, the Buddha and incredible bird views, and more. Come with a picnic and enjoy all the island has to offer at a slow pace and a lazy afternoon. Oh an afternoon nap there sounds just so right...... read more

Neat place to visit - they have the Tabasco Factory and Jungle Island. Both are worth the visit. The factory is a short tour but they've got an awesome gift store. The "jungle" you get to roam around in your car and get off at certain stops for a scenic walks. read more

The only downsides to this place are the mosquitoes and spiders! However, there are lakes and trees everywhere so what do you expect? Besides that, this place is amazing. So many sites to see! My favorite was Buddha! The area was so beautiful and very well kept. You are driving through the entire island the whole time, but you are allowed to stop anywhere and get out of your car and then drive to the next location on the map. I would highly recommend this place, but I went in late July and didn't see many gators, and birds. read more

We were there yesterday around 3pm. Best time of day to be there, the light was magnificent. The parc, called Jungle Garden, is amazing too. A really beautiful, special place. I love all these oaks and their spanish moss. we saw birds, turtles, and a baby gator sleeping on the grass, even though it's apparently not uncommon to see bigger gators (there are warning signs everywhere, exciting !). A good place for wedding photography or a picnic with kids, as long as you keep an eye on them (because "don't feed the aligators") :) We didn't visit the tabasco factory, it was closed by the time we finished wandering in the parc. Since its so close to Lafayette if i was a local i wouldnt mind coming here frequently. A must see near Lafayette. read more

Tabasco plant wasn't running so the tour was a bummer but their gift shop made it worth the trip. Words and pictures can not describe how beautiful the Jungle Gardens are. Glad we made the detour to NOLA to stop and take in the beauty. read more

Fantastic place to stop and enjoy the beauty of old oak trees with spanish moss. Very relaxing and peaceful! Great photo opportunities. Alligators and lots of Louisiana swamp birds! Don't miss the Buddha! read more

My husband and myself had a great afternoon touring the Tabasco factory then going to drive around the jungle gardens (you get a map, then drive around the gardens). The Tabasco factory had a lot of neat history, and the tour was well done. The gift shop had some cool souvenirs and you were able to taste test Tabasco products (there are a lot!). The jungle gardens were beautiful to drive around, and you could get out to picnic and walk around - we saw 5 alligators! read more

Just here to take photos, beautiful area, nice little drive. Here in January, not many birds around and no alligators. Would come again, if you want mossy oak tree shots this is a good place to come to. We did not do the tabasco tour. read more