About 1.5 hours outside of New Orleans exists Morgan City, a small Southern town with a lot of natural beauty and captivating traditions. There is plenty to do any day of the week, especially if you enjoy being out in nature and breathing fresh air.

The population hovers between 11,000 and 12,000 people, and the average hotel costs around $97, making Morgan City a nice, affordable choice for those looking to explore more in Louisiana than New Orleans.

Eli Braud / Flickr

Every year, Morgan City hosts the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, which is free to attend. It is a five-day event with food, crafts, music, and a carnival.

Mary / Flickr

The Swamp Gardens & Wildlife Zoo is another affordable attraction in Morgan City.

Myriam Manuel / Google Local It is a 45-minute tour of the native lands filled with animals and wax replicas of indigenous and Cajun peoples that is meant to educate and entertain.

“Tarzan of the Apes,” a silent film from 1918 and the first Tarzan movie, was shot in Morgan City due to its good railway system and swampy backdrop.

Eli Braud / Flickr Fans can search for the filming locations around town, such as Lake End Park.

Speaking of the swamps, several companies offer tours of the wetlands. It’s an option that will give visitors a different view of the area.

Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau / Facebook

Like most towns across America, Morgan City has a nice downtown area filled with shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

David Wilson / Flickr It is easy to fill a few hours browsing the windows or stopping for a bite to eat.

But unique attractions are abundant in town: Mr. Charlie is the only offshore oil rig the public can explore, and it is right off the shores of Morgan City.

Mike Towber / Flickr Nowhere else will visitors get this experience.

Morgan City is 1.5 hours southwest of New Orleans. For a quick getaway from the city, this is a great option for those looking for a slower pace.

Eli Braud / Flickr

Mary / Flickr

Myriam Manuel / Google Local

It is a 45-minute tour of the native lands filled with animals and wax replicas of indigenous and Cajun peoples that is meant to educate and entertain.

Fans can search for the filming locations around town, such as Lake End Park.

Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau / Facebook

David Wilson / Flickr

It is easy to fill a few hours browsing the windows or stopping for a bite to eat.

Mike Towber / Flickr

Nowhere else will visitors get this experience.

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Address: Morgan City, LA 70380, USA