There are some places that are just so insanely beautiful, you’d swear you’re on another planet. The Jungle Gardens in Louisiana is one of those places. Located on Avery Island, most people flock to this famous salt dome to learn all about Tabasco, but the surrounding grounds are just as worthy of a road trip. Go ahead and spend an entire day here! Tour the Tabasco plant, dine at the iconic Restaurant 1868, and then spend the rest of your day strolling these beautiful grounds. Let’s check it out:

The Jungle Gardens are a 170-acre botanical garden and bird sanctuary on Avery Island.
Jungle Gardens/Google
They were created by Edward McIlhenny, the son of Edmund McIlhenny, the man who invented Tabasco sauce.
It's one of the most stunningly gorgeous places in the Pelican State. Speaking of birds...
Yorick de Wid/Google
...don’t forget to check out Bird City while you’re here.
Kat/Google
Edward McIlhenny raised eight egrets here and then released them in the fall for migration. To his surprise, they returned in the spring with all their friends, and have continued to do so every year since! Thousands of egrets flock to bird city every spring and hang out here until late summer.
While you're strolling the grounds, you might just come across some of the local wildlife.
David Hill/Google
Alligators and turtles are the usual suspects here, but you might get lucky and catch a glimpse of a deer or even a black bear!

Just remember: do not feed the wildlife. The general rule of thumb is just to leave them alone. Don't mess with them, and they won't mess with you!

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There's one particular spot in Jungle Gardens that has captivated visitors for close to a century.
Jungle Gardens/Facebook
You can't miss it. The Monet-style scenery instantly stands out among the cypress trees and Spanish moss.
Jungle Gardens/Facebook
The Chinese garden is home to the iconic Buddha statue which dates back to 1100 AD.
Doreen T./Trip Advisor
It was gifted to McIlhenny in 1936 by two friends from New York. As the story goes, the statue had been sitting in a warehouse in New York City for many years before his buddies got their hands on it and decided to send it down to Louisiana.
McIlhenny built the Asian-influenced gardens surrounding it, and today it’s one of the most popular attractions on the island.
Jungle Gardens/Google
It's a beautiful Asian-Cajun fusion that you don't see every day, and when you see it in person, you'll be mesmerized.

Visit the Jungle Gardens website to learn more and start planning your day trip today! While you’re on the island, all of that wandering around is bound to work up an appetite. Might we suggest a meal at Restaurant 1868?

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Jungle Gardens, Louisiana 329 &, Main Rd, Avery Island, LA 70513, USA