Avery Island Adventures with Tabasco Visitor Center
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking on mostly flat, well-maintained paths.
Overview
Uncover the story behind TABASCO® sauce on Avery Island while wandering botanical trails and tasting authentic Cajun dishes. This unique Louisiana outing blends history, flavor, and nature into one unforgettable adventure.
Tabasco & Jungle Gardens - The Avery Island Experience
Self-guided tours • Tabasco 45min •Jungle Gardes 1 Hour
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About This Adventure
Embark on a flavorful journey at Avery Island, home of TABASCO® Brand sauce. Discover the rich history of the McIlhenny family through a captivating 10-stop tour, indulge in tastings, savor authentic Cajun cuisine, and explore the enchanting Jungle Gardens, all set in a stunning natural landscape.
Where is TABASCO® Brand sauce made?
Duration
You may begin your tour at any time from 9AM–3:30PM on the date listed on your ticket.
Please be aware that the Jungle Gardens tour does have a bus and RV Route. The height restriction for this route is 12'8", any vehicle over this height will not be able to drive through, however you can still walk through if you would like to.
The TABASCO tour itself lasts about 45 minutes and the Jungle Gardens experience lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes. Total experience takes about 2 hours!
If you choose to purchase tickets upon arrival, please be aware that we only accept Debit and Credit as a form of payment.
About
Where is TABASCO® Brand sauce made? With this Avery Island Experience, find out how The McIlhenny family has made TABASCO® Brand sauce on Avery Island, Louisiana for over 5 generations. Built on a salt dome, it is a mysteriously beautiful place where the red peppers grow, and the factory hums. Explore the 10-stop tour that takes you from seed to sauce, get a full tasting at the tasting bar in the TABASCO Country Store®, light up your taste buds with authentic Cajun dishes and a Bloody Mary in Restaurant 1868!®, and explore the ancient oaks and admire the wildlife through 170-acre,14-stop tour in Jungle Gardens.
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Adventure Tips
Wear insect repellent
The Jungle Gardens’ wetlands invite mosquitoes, especially near water; keeping repellent handy ensures a more comfortable visit.
Check vehicle height restrictions before driving
Bus and RV routes in Jungle Gardens have a 12’8" height limit; taller vehicles should plan to walk the gardens instead.
Stay hydrated during your visit
Louisiana’s humid climate can be taxing; bring a water bottle to stay refreshed on the gardens’ walking tours.
Plan for 2+ hours to enjoy fully
Allow at least 45 minutes for the Tabasco tour and about an hour for Jungle Gardens to experience both without rushing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- alligator
- great blue heron
History
Avery Island has been home to the McIlhenny family and the TABASCO® sauce tradition for over 150 years, rooted in the island’s unique salt dome geology.
Conservation
The preserve manages native habitats in Jungle Gardens with a focus on sustaining wildlife and plant diversity in an ever-changing Southern landscape.
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Adventure Hotspots in Lafayette
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Critical for navigating paths in Jungle Gardens and walking between tours comfortably.
Insect repellent
Helps guard against mosquitoes and other insects, especially near wetland areas.
spring|summer|fall specific
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated while walking the gardens and touring the factory.
all specific
Light rain jacket
Useful for occasional showers common during spring and fall seasons.
spring|fall specific