If you're looking for a place to "pass a good time" in New Orleans, you can't go wrong spending a day at City Park. Spanning 1,300 acres, this 150 year old urban park is one of the oldest of its kind in the United States. The park features dozens of attractions and amenities including a botanical garden, tennis courts, The New Orleans Museum of Art, a golf course, pedal boating, and paths for jogging, biking or walking. There's lots of family-friendly attractions including City Putt miniature golf, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland Theme Park, featuring life-sized storybook characters that will delight visitors of all ages. It might sound cliche-ish but there's literally something for everyone to enjoy at City Park.
Parking and public transportation at New Orleans City Park
There's ample free onsite parking in one of the available lots or on the streets blanketing the park. You can easily access the park using public transportation, on either a city bus or the red Canal Streetcar using direct and connecting service.
Best and worst times to go to New Orleans City Park
In addition to all of the great attractions in City Park, the site is the venue for numerous special events throughout the year. One of the best times to visit the park is during one of these events like Swing in the Oaks, a free outdoor concert featuring the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra or Celebration in the Oaks, a month-long holiday lights celebration. One of the worst times to visit City Park is during Jazz Fest weekends. You can expect tons of traffic and very few (if any) places to park because many park and walk to the New Orleans Fairgrounds or take a shuttle bus to the popular music festival.
Admission to New Orleans City Park
Admission to the park is free, however, there are fees for many of the special attraction venues. For example, you can expect to pay around $5.00 for admission to the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, with children under 36 inches getting in free. The rides in the amusement park cost about $5 each or in the $20 range for an unlimited ride band. You'll pay about $10 for City Putt, with discounts for children under twelve.
Must see/do at New Orleans City Park
You cannot visit the park without strolling around Big Lake, 25 acres replete with art installations, wildlife and more. The Train Gardens is an architecturally stunning miniature New Orleans with train and street cars winding around the track that you'll definitely want to visit. When you're ready for a snack, stop by Morning Call for hot fluffy New Orleans beignets and a cup of java ( a playground is adjacent for the kiddies).
Other places to visit near New Orleans City Park
If you're hungry for authentic New Orleans cuisine after your visit, try Ralph's on the Park, where you'll find favorites like turtle soup, barbeque shrimp and of course, several seafood dishes. Residents of New Orleans get used to seeing our dead buried above ground, but many visitors are fascinated by our cemeteries. If you are too, stop by the historic Greenwood Cemetery, to see examples of classic and extravagant tombs and monuments. A few steps away from the park is Pitot House, well worth a visit if you want to see an authentic example of an 18th Century Creole home.
Insider tip for visitors to New Orleans City Park
A great way to see the park is by bike. No bike..no problem. Bike rentals are available and include everything from singles to kids to doubles to canopied surrey bikes. You can expect to pay about $20-35 an hour or about $50 for a full day rental.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner lives in New Orleans and along with her son Tyler, has spent too many days to count enjoying City Park.
Tucked away in Uptown New Orleans, Audubon Zoo offers visitors of all ages an opportunity to see a menagerie of animals in their natural habitat. Expect to see typical zoo animals like elephants and bears and some Louisiana favorites like the alligator and nutria. Over two dozen attractions and exhibits await visitors to this expansive wildlife oasis that also hosts numerous festivals and special events year-round.
Best and worst time to go to Audubon Zoo
A favorite destination for visitors and locals alike, to get the best Audubon experience visit on weekday afternoons when crowds are thinner. Avoid going to the zoo during peak school field trip times, typically weekday mornings October through May.
Must see/do at Audubon Zoo
Learn about Cajun culture and see a live alligator feeding at the hugely popular Louisiana Swamp Exhibit. Head over to Cool Zoo splash park, the perfect place to chill during the "so- hot- I -could- fry- an-egg- on- the- sidewalk" days in the Big Easy. Make sure you hop aboard the Swamp Train for a behind the scenes narrated tour that winds through the zoo, stopping at three locations to disperse and retrieve passengers.
Admission to Audubon Zoo
You can expect to pay about $20 for general admissions to the zoo with discounts for seniors and children. Some attractions, like the Cool Zoo, Swamp Train and Dinosaur World, require additional fees. For about $15 you can purchase a POP (Pay one Price) Wristband, that allows unlimited admission to all of the paid attractions.
Parking at Audubon Zoo
The zoo offers ample free parking and can usually accommodate the normal flow of visitors during daily operations. During major events, if the paved lot is full, visitors are usually directed to park on several grassy spots on the property. There is also plenty of street parking available in front of the zoo on Magazine Street.
Public Transportation to Audubon Zoo
The zoo is easily accessible by taking the historic St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, where you can enjoy a breathtaking tour of the beautiful mansions along the route. In addition, three buses provide service to the zoo. Both the streetcar and bus stops are within a comfortable walking distance to the main entrance.
Food at Audubon Zoo
There's no shortage of food at the Audubon Zoo including several concession stands, quick snack options and three cafes sprinkled throughout the property. You'll pay about $5 for a snack and for about $10, you can have a decent lunch. Sit outside on the wooden deck overlooking the swamp at the Cypress Knee Cafe, located in the Louisiana Swamp area, and enjoy New Orleans-style cuisine or classic, kid-friendly favorites like burgers, hot dogs and fries. Be sure to stop by the Roman Candy wagon, a New Orleans gooey, taffy tradition since 1915.
Insider tip for visitors to the Audubon Zoo
If you're visiting during Mother's Day, the "Soul Queen of New Orleans", Grammy winner Irma Thomas, hosts an annual Mother's Day extravaganza, with good food, good music and free admissions for all mothers.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner writes from New Orleans and frequently visits the zoo with her adorable son, Tyler.
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens is an outdoor gallery adjacent to the New Orleans Museum of Art. This stunning, five-acre oasis features over sixty life-sized sculptures, lagoons, moss-draped Live Oaks, a cascading garden and more. Stroll across pedestrian bridges or take a seat and simply enjoy the scenery. A free audio tour, accessible on your cellphone, is available (ask at the entrance for information on how to access). The gardens is the perfect spot for nature and art lovers.
Parking and transportation at The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens
The gardens are located in City Park, so there's ample free parking in either of the parking lots or in designated spots along the streets. Visitors can easily access this quiet oasis via public transportation or by hopping aboard the red Canal Streetcar.
Best and worst time to go to The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens
One of the best times to visit the gardens is during special events like Movies in the Gardens, which features an outdoor movie on a large inflatable screen. Before the movies start there's usually live music, food and activities for the kids. The last admission to the gardens is 30 minutes before closing (6 p.m. during the week; 5 p.m. on weekends), so the worst time to visit is late afternoon when you won't really have time to explore.
Admission to The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens
Admission to the gardens is free except during special events. For instance, Movies in the Gardens will cost about $10.00 with discounts for seniors and children. During these events seating is not provided so you'll need to bring a folding chair or a blanket.
Must see/do at The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens
There are numerous sculptures that offer a memorable photo opportunity. For example, have your camera ready to snap a photo while next to life-sized figures seated peacefully on two of the park benches. You'll definitely want to see Louisiana native, famed painter George Rodrigue's Blue Dog sculptures. The red, white and blue Love sculpture is also a favorite spot to snap a photo.
Other places to visit near The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens
A trip to the gardens should be part of your overall visit to City Park, where you can literally spend an entire day enjoying this great attraction, including the New Orleans Museum of Art. Looking to quench your thirst? Stop by Pandora's for a cold, yummy sno-ball, a New Orleans sweet, crushed ice treat.
Inside tip for visitors to The Sidney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens
The gardens does not allow any pets (with the exception of service dogs). There's also no picnicking, bicycling, skateboarding or rollerblading in the gardens -- save these activities for City Park.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner is a writing living in New Orleans and when the weather is agreeable, you just might find her strolling in the gardens.
A 60-acre forest embedded in the heart of New Orleans is a perfect example of a hidden gem in plain sight. Couturie Forest is a nature lovers dream come true and is a perfect spot for health enthusiasts who often walk or run along the trail. Couturie Forest has the distinction of having the highest elevation point in the city, Laborde Mountain, which is 43 feet above sea level. It's the perfect place to take the kids to introduce them to the various ecosystems that co-exist within the forest.
Parking and public transportation at Couturie Forest
Couturie Forest is located in City Park, so there's tons of places to park within easy walking distance. At the actual entrance parking is limited, with fewer than ten off-street spots available. Couturie Forest can be accessed through public transportation.
Best and worst time to go to Couturie Forest
The best time to explore the forest is early to mid-mornings, giving you ample time to hike before dark. If you arrive too close to closing time, you may not be able to hike through the entire forest and potentially miss out on seeing parts of this beautiful ecosystem. Check the weather forecast before you go; the worst time to get caught in the forest is during a rainstorm. You may want to consider bringing a compact umbrella since it can be used to shade your from the sun as well as a sudden downpour.
Admission to Couturie Forest
Admission to the forest is free. Visitors can hike daily during daylight hours.
Must see/do at Couturie Forest
Climbing to the top of Laborde Mountain is a must do when visiting the forest. In fact, some people visit the forest for this reason alone, opting not to go deeper inside. There's a nice observation deck overlooking the lake and an amphitheater, complete with seating, be sure to check these gems out also.
Other places to visit near Couturie Forest
The New Orleans Lakefront at Lakeshore Drive, a popular local hangout, is located near the Couturie Forest and is well-worth a visit. Here you will find one of the best views of Lake Pontchartrain. If you've ever wanted to see a lighthouse up close and personal, stop by the New Canal Lighthouse and Education Center, a reconstructed lighthouse rebuilt after suffering extensive damage during Hurricane Katrina. A visit to Lakeview also necessitates a trip to Landry's Restaurant for some of the freshest seafood in the city.
Insider's tip for visitors to Couturie Forest
Pack a picnic lunch or snack; there are several picnic tables for visitors to stop and enjoy the forest. There are also several places places to sit on the grass and enjoy a view of the lake.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner is a writer living in New Orleans who has hiked through the Couturie Forest numerous times and not once has she gotten lost.
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.
