Set in the leafy Uptown area of New Orleans and named after famed nature artist John James Audubon, the park is home to Audubon Zoo, a public 18-hole golf course, a riding stable and a nearly two-mile running/cycling track, among many amenities. The park, a favorite of two-wheel aficionados, joggers, golfers and bird watchers alike, was designed in the 1890s by John Charles Olmsted, son of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of New York's Central Park.
Parking and public transportation at Audubon Park
When visiting, the best places to park your car are on St. Charles Ave. at the park's north end, or along either side of Magazine St., which runs through the park's lower half. Alternatively, it's free to park along the roads in the park south of Magazine St., which form a one-way loop accessible via River Dr. on the park's west side.
If you're coming from the French Quarter, take the St. Charles Ave. streetcar at Canal St. and enjoy views of the Garden District as you travel. The trip takes about half an hour.
Best and worst time to go to Audubon Park
There's really no bad time to go. The park is busy most times of the year, even in the heat of summer, and particularly popular in the evening with students and other locals working out. Autumn and spring are great (and generally cooler) times to see flocks of egrets and whistling ducks on Bird Island, about half way up Audubon Park Lagoon, which is toward the park's east side.
Admission to Audubon Park
Park entrance is free. Be advised that the park closes at 10 p.m. daily and reopens at 5 a.m.
Admission prices for the zoo, part of the Audubon Nature Institute, are available at the Institute's website.
Must see/do at Audubon Park
Sit by the mighty Mississippi River on "The Fly", a local name for the portion of the park along the water's edge, and watch tug boats at work on the water as they push massive barges to and fro. That thrum reminds visitors and locals alike of the city's heritage and present-day existence as a working port.
Other places to visit near Audubon Park
Wander around the Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans campuses and the Uptown/Carrollton neighborhood adjoining the two. You'll find many interesting spots for a bite to eat along Freret St. and Maple St., ranging from coffee spots to student pubs and sushi joints.
If you're heading back to the Central Business District and French Quarter, don't miss the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium at the corner of Canal St. and N. Peters St., which is open seven days a week. It's also run by the Audubon Nature Institute.
Insider tip for visitors to Audubon Park
In hot weather, look for the "snowball" (shave ice) truck parked on Magazine Street. It can provide a refreshing way to cool off with a tasty treat!
Author's bio: Bill T. is a writer and photographer who has called New Orleans home for the last three years and is still exploring the city. He has previously written for newspapers and blogs.
Boldly standing out along New Orleans' riverfront is the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, with its aqua-colored glass and circular, angled roof. Opened in 1990, the Audubon Aquarium is at the intersection of Canal Street and the Mississippi River on the western edge of the historic French Quarter. Perfect for the time-crunched explorer, traveling family and longtime local alike, the Audubon Aquarium features a Mayan-themed Caribbean reef and tunnel, a huge Gulf of Mexico tank, Mississippi River and Amazon exhibits, and a free-flying parakeet habitat.
When to visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
The Audubon Aquarium is a great destination to escape the heat of the New Orleans summer (July, August and September) or the spring rain (March, April and May). Just remember to check the festival calendar, because when huge crowds come to town, the aquarium can get crowded (Carnival is February or March, French Quarter Fest is early April, JazzFest is the last weekend in April and first weekend in May).
What to see and do at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Upon entering the Audubon Aquarium, visitors walk through a tunnel beneath the Caribbean reef, with stingrays, angelfish, snapper and lobsters living amongst ruins of an ancient Mayan city. The aquarium now offers a dive and snorkeling experience in the Great Maya Reef tank. Other exhibits include the Mississippi River (with owls and hawks), the Amazon Rain Forest (with colorful macaws), penguin and otter habitats, and a large collection of seahorses. Near the food courts, visitors may venture into Parakeet Pointe (where parakeets may explore pockets and handbags). The last exhibit highlights the Gulf of Mexico. The 400,000-gallon tank is set at the base of an abandoned oil rig and features schooling fish, sharks and a giant sea turtle.
Admission to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $24 to $27, with a child's ticket between $15 and $20. Senior admission is just under $20. For just over $40 for adults (under $30 for children and seniors), visitors can receive tickets to the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy IMAX Theatre and Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium. The Audubon Institute maintains a discounts webpage.
Parking at Aquarium of the Americas
The Audubon Aquarium validates parking at several street lots and parking decks near where Canal Street meets the Mississippi River. These lots are well marked with the aquarium logo. The aquarium is also an easy walk anywhere from the French Quarter to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Public transportation for the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Ride one of New Orleans' historic streetcars to the Audubon Aquarium. The Canal Streetcar line terminates near the aquarium, and the Riverfront line passes just steps from the entrance. Staying Uptown? Take the St. Charles Streetcar to Canal Street and go from there.
Food at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
The Aquarium of the Americas offers a decent range of foods and treats, including sandwiches, ice cream and pizza. Plan to reasonably spend $5 to $15 per person for lunch, and look out for deals. Don't be afraid to go for pizza. It's hot, fresh and simple.
Insider tips for visitors to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
After visiting the Aquarium of the Americas, grab your shrimp boots and cool off at a new kid-friendly 90-foot fountain just outside in Woldenberg Park. Hungry after visiting the aquarium? Don't forget to visit the nearby Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium. Not only can you see and touch many insects, some are on the menu.
Author's bio: Frank McCormack is a freelance writer and photographer, family chef, aspiring Italian and fair weather sailor living in New Orleans, La.
