You might not think of Avery Island, Louisiana as a town, but that’s exactly what makes it unlike any other place in the world. Louisiana’s most famous salt dome is best known for being the home of Tabasco, that wonderful little bottle that graces just about every table in the world, but it’s so much more than that.

Avery Island isn’t the only salt dome in Louisiana, but it may be the most iconic.
Library of Congress / Wikimedia
The others are Jefferson Island, Weeks Island, Cote Blanche Island, and Belle Isle. Surrounded almost entirely by bayous, there’s one road in and one road out to this famous island and that’s Highway 329, also known as Avery Island Road.
Many visitors to Avery Island, LA come to take a factory tour.
Jeff Walker / Google Reviews
The tour goes into detail about the Avery family, the family who settled there in the 1860s as well as the McIlhenny family, who started the Tabasco company in 1868.
Nancy Prudhomme / Google Reviews
You'll learn all about how the famous little pepper sauce is made, and it's honestly pretty fascinating!
Julien Lyardet / Google Reviews

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Of course, you'll be tempted to try a few Tabasco flavors.
TABASCO Factory Tours / Google Reviews
But the hidden gem of the island is the Jungle Gardens.
Jungle Gardens / Google Reviews
The 170-acre botanical garden is simply enchanting, no matter what time of year you visit.
Bird City is another popular spot.
Bruno Kaczan / Google Reviews
Edward Avery McIlhenny, one of the founder's sons created the sanctuary in 1895 after plume hunters nearly wiped out the entire snowy egret population. Back then, the bird's delicate, white feathers were in high demand for women's hats and other accessories. He released the birds for their annual migration in the winter, and to his surprise, they came back in the spring, and brought friends! Today, Bird City is a pit stop for thousands of egrets every year. President Theodore Roosevelt once was quoted as saying that Bird City was "the most noteworthy reserve in the country."
After you've taken the factory tour, strolled through the gardens, and made some new feathered friends, end your visit with a meal from Restaurant 1868.
Marjorie Vi / Google Reviews
The menu is full of Louisiana staples, and of course, many of the dishes are made with Tabasco. The restaurant truly highlights the versatility of this famous pepper sauce.

Check out some of the best things to do on Avery Island, Louisiana including how Tobasco sauce is made in this video from Davisbeenhere:

Avery Island, Louisiana is full of interesting surprises. Have you had a chance to visit? Share a story or two in the comments. Then, visit the Tobasco website to learn more about factory tours, Restaurant 1868, and Jungle Gardens.

While you’re nearby, you may want to watch the sunset from Cypremort Point State Park. Trust us, it’s a beauty!

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More to Explore

More Louisiana Small Towns

Chris Muras | November 26, 2023

What are some interesting small towns in Louisiana?
Louisiana has played an influential role in our cultural and culinary history. Many of its small towns are at the heart of that influence. Here are a few interesting small towns in Louisiana we think you'll love to explore:

  • Ponchatoula, LA: If you enjoy exploring a historic downtown with antique shops and cute cafes and restaurants, Ponchatoula might just be one of your new favorite towns. The town is especially festive in the spring when the strawberry festival rolls around. What could be better than a warm spring day and sampling all sorts of strawberry goodies?
  • St. Francisville, LA: St. Francisville is a lovely hidden gem in Louisiana, especially if you love the outdoors and beautiful natural areas. Afton Villa Gardens is a charming place to explore with its bright flowers and Spanish moss-covered trees. Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Refuge and Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge are two other spots in the area that provide outdoor adventures like hiking and camping.
  • Ville Platte, LA: This historic city settled in the 1780s is in the heart of Cajun and Creole culture. It is often attributed to be one of the birthplaces of Zydeco music. Visit the iconic Floyd's Record Shop that has been treating Ville Platte residents to the best Cajun, Zydeco, and Swamp Pop records since 1956. If you enjoy a good Louisiana music festival or a jambalaya cookout, head to Ville Platte for a good time.

One of the best ways to enjoy small towns in Louisiana is by hopping in an RV from RVShare and taking a road trip. Let us know what fun things you discover.

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Avery Island, LA, USA