Audubon Insectarium

Boldly standing out along New Orleans' riverfront is the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, with its aqua-colored glass and circular, angled roof. Opened in 1990, the Audubon Aquarium is at the intersection of Canal Street and the Mississippi River on the western edge of the historic French Quarter. Perfect for the time-crunched explorer, traveling family and longtime local alike, the Audubon Aquarium features a Mayan-themed Caribbean reef and tunnel, a huge Gulf of Mexico tank, Mississippi River and Amazon exhibits, and a free-flying parakeet habitat.When to visit the Audubon Aquarium of the AmericasThe Audubon Aquarium is a great destination to escape the heat of the New Orleans summer (July, August and September) or the spring rain (March, April and May). Just remember to check the festival calendar, because when huge crowds come to town, the aquarium can get crowded (Carnival is February or March, French Quarter Fest is early April, JazzFest is the last weekend in April and first weekend in May).What to see and do at the Audubon Aquarium of the AmericasUpon entering the Audubon Aquarium, visitors walk through a tunnel beneath the Caribbean reef, with stingrays, angelfish, snapper and lobsters living amongst ruins of an ancient Mayan city. The aquarium now offers a dive and snorkeling experience in the Great Maya Reef tank. Other exhibits include the Mississippi River (with owls and hawks), the Amazon Rain Forest (with colorful macaws), penguin and otter habitats, and a large collection of seahorses. Near the food courts, visitors may venture into Parakeet Pointe (where parakeets may explore pockets and handbags). The last exhibit highlights the Gulf of Mexico. The 400,000-gallon tank is set at the base of an abandoned oil rig and features schooling fish, sharks and a giant sea turtle.Admission to the Audubon Aquarium of the AmericasThe Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $24 to $27, with a child's ticket between $15 and $20. Senior admission is just under $20. For just over $40 for adults (under $30 for children and seniors), visitors can receive tickets to the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy IMAX Theatre and Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium. The Audubon Institute maintains a discounts webpage.Parking at Aquarium of the AmericasThe Audubon Aquarium validates parking at several street lots and parking decks near where Canal Street meets the Mississippi River. These lots are well marked with the aquarium logo. The aquarium is also an easy walk anywhere from the French Quarter to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.Public transportation for the Audubon Aquarium of the AmericasRide one of New Orleans' historic streetcars to the Audubon Aquarium. The Canal Streetcar line terminates near the aquarium, and the Riverfront line passes just steps from the entrance. Staying Uptown? Take the St. Charles Streetcar to Canal Street and go from there.Food at the Audubon Aquarium of the AmericasThe Aquarium of the Americas offers a decent range of foods and treats, including sandwiches, ice cream and pizza. Plan to reasonably spend $5 to $15 per person for lunch, and look out for deals. Don't be afraid to go for pizza. It's hot, fresh and simple.Insider tips for visitors to the Audubon Aquarium of the AmericasAfter visiting the Aquarium of the Americas, grab your shrimp boots and cool off at a new kid-friendly 90-foot fountain just outside in Woldenberg Park. Hungry after visiting the aquarium? Don't forget to visit the nearby Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium. Not only can you see and touch many insects, some are on the menu.Author's bio: Frank McCormack is a freelance writer and photographer, family chef, aspiring Italian and fair weather sailor living in New Orleans, La.