New Orleans at night

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By the time spring break hits, Mardi Gras will be over. But fret not—no matter when you go, you'll find plenty of party left in N'awlins, especially in the historic French Quarter. Bar hop with a to-go cup of alcohol, kick back to the sounds of dixieland jazz or zydeco, and scarf some raw oysters and gumbo—and maybe even a little gator.

When the good times in the Big Easy get to be hard on your system, head for the bayou. Just 20 minutes outside of the "City that Care Forgot," you can ply your paddle in the same marshes and wetlands as 19th-century French and Spanish explorers. Do your own exploration of the region's natural and cultural history along Barataria Preserve's hiking trails and waterways. If you have time to head as far south as the Louisiana Gulf Coast, you'll find excellent cycling in the heart of Cajun country.