Summertime is a great season for taking a family road trip. While many leave Louisiana for vacation destinations with sandy white beaches and crystal blue waters, there's something to be said for exploring your own state. Louisiana has endless places that are perfect for a weekend trip, and this one Louisiana town tops the list. Gas up the car, because we’re headed to Iberia Parish to explore one of Louisiana's most popular salt domes.

Avery Island is a salt dome located in Iberia Parish that’s the perfect destination for a day trip with friends or family.

Though the island was named for the Avery family, who settled on the land in the 1830s, Native Americans had discovered the island’s bountiful natural resource long before the Averys arrived. During the Civil War, large amounts of rock salt were mined here, but Avery Island was only recently added to the National Register of Historic Place in September of 2018.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable.

The mineral-rich soil of Avery Island makes it a surprisingly lush landscape, filled with native and introduced exotic plants.

However, most people know of Avery Island for another reason: it’s the production location for Tabasco sauce.

The Tabasco company was founded in 1868 by Edmund McIlhenny and it remains a family-owned and operated business to this day. Visitors to Avery Island can take a tour of tour of the Tabasco factory that is truly fascinating.

During your tour, you’ll learn all about how this famous pepper sauce is made.

The tour is self-guided and features 10 stops that will teach you everything from the history of the McIlhenny family to the process of blending and bottling the sauce. Tours cost $5.50 per person and are offered daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After your tour, you’ll want to stick around and explore the grounds.

Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike absolutely love strolling through the Jungle Gardens.

Nestled along Bayou Petite Anse, the 170-acres of semitropical gardens that make up the Jungle Gardens are truly mesmerizing.

Depending on the season, visitors can expect to see azaleas, camellias, colorful bamboo, and much more.

You’re almost guaranteed to see some wildlife too.

Deers, alligators, snakes, and turtles all call the area home. There have even been several sightings of black bears!

In addition to the flora, fauna, and hot sauce, Avery Island is also home to a bird sanctuary known as Bird City.

What began as a refuge for snowy white egrets has become home to many additional species like herons, anhingas, ibises, songbirds, and more. Many migratory birds stop by throughout the year, making Bird City a true birdwatcher’s paradise.

After you’ve strolled through the Jungle Gardens and Bird City, you’re bound to be hungry. A meal at Restaurant 1868 is just the ticket.

The menu here is full of Louisiana classics seasoned with - you guessed it - Tabasco.

A trip to Avery Island is the perfect family-friendly adventure to take this summer.

From its history to the wildlife, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful little salt dome.

Have you ever been to Avery Island? Let us know in the comments below!