Step into a world of mystery surrounded by exotic sea animals with a visit to the Audubon Aquarium. With exhibits that offer up-close looks at local wildlife and exotic animals alike, the aquarium puts you in the middle of the vibrant underwater scene.

Begin by walking through a 30-foot (9.1-m) underwater tunnel surrounded by exotic sea animals in the new 4,200-square-foot (390-sq-m) Great Maya Reef. Don't miss the opportunity to spot an aquarium diver hand-feeding the rays.

Immerse yourself in the sea-animal kingdom at the 400,000-gallon (1,514-cbm) Gulf of Mexico exhibit—complete with gigantic sharks, tarpon, and cow-nose rays. Keep an eye out for southern sea turtles, many of which are being rehabilitated to be released back into the wild as part of the Audubon Aquarium's conservation program.

After perusing the homes of white alligators and more of New Orleans' native sea creatures, rest your feet at the Aqua Grill and enjoy some refreshing made-to-order salads and sandwiches.

Feast on a true Cajun-Creole brunch with 80-plus menu items, including local favorites such as eggs benedict, grits, duck à l'orange, and of course, mimosas. Complete with a live jazz band, this mix of New Orleans' food and culture leaves you wanting more.

As you feel the sweet breeze in the courtyard, immerse yourself in the birthplace of jazz and smell the extravagant hot and cold dishes that bring the Southern spirit alive. Sample Cajun-Creole delicacies without the commitment of sticking to just one dish. The diverse menu ranges from made-to-order omelets and fresh seafood pasta to turtle soup and shrimp etouffee. Top off your meal with a glass of COTS Private Label chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, champagne, or an orange-garnished mimosa.

The lavish buffet dishes vary seasonally, daily, and hourly, allowing the chefs to take advantage of the freshest ingredients.

Get swept up in the history of the war that changed the world in this epic-scale yet intimate museum, located right in the heart of New Orleans. Discover fascinating, in-depth exhibits that offer engaging accounts of the war from the perspective of those who lived through it.

As you wander through the three thoughtfully organized buildings, explore a wealth of artifacts specially selected from the museum’s vaults, which house more than 100,000 items. Uniforms, weaponry and vehicles from the Allies and the Axis transport you to the front lines of crucial battles, while mementos like letters and diaries offer deeply personal insight from everyday men and women into important events.

With the museum’s impressive collection of memoirs, you can immerse yourself in the stories of wartime experiences. Learn from veterans who served on all fronts as you listen to engaging oral histories in their own words.