Outdoor Activities New Orleans

By Sarah Harris

A well-rounded city seated right by the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans is an exciting place to visit for first-timers and seasoned visitors alike. Around 20 million people flock to The Big Easy each year – and it’s easy to see why! Proving its status as one of the south’s top visitor destinations, the best things to do in New Orleans run the gamut. From admiring the beautiful mansions of the Garden District to ambling along the scenic hiking trails of the Barataria Preserve, the city presents ample opportunity for outdoor exploration and adventure. Looking for the best way to fill up your trip to the Big Easy? Look no further! Check out our guide to the best outdoor activities in New Orleans. However you choose to enjoy your time in the south, we’re sure it’ll be just wonderful.

See the City

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Perhaps no other place in the United States is known for its architecture quite like New Orleans. If you’re looking to marvel over some of the most gorgeous historic homes in the country, we recommend taking a walking tour through the Garden District. Well-revered for its stunning mansions and meticulously well-kept gardens, this charming neighborhood is a total treat for both history buffs and architecture geeks alike. We suggest bringing plenty of water and sunscreen since New Orleans weather can be pretty hot and humid. In addition to its diversity in beauty, the Garden District is a fantastic place to window shop, with Magazine Street on the southern border of the neighborhood boasting some of the best upscale boutiques and eclectic stores in the whole city. To take a break after some hardcore exploring, we suggest sitting down at a quaint sidewalk cafe, ordering a sweet tea, and soaking up those distinctly southern vibes.

If you're looking for something a little different, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Billed as ‘’the city of the dead’’, New Orleans is well-recognized for its fascinating historic cemeteries. Not only are these places known for their unusual above-ground graves, but they are also where some of the most famous jazz greats were laid to rest. If you’re looking to experience this creepier side of the city, we suggest checking out the St. Louis Cemetery Tour. Combining the city’s rich history with its wholly distinctive culture, this tour provides a great way to incorporate education into your vacation experience. Along the way, you’ll be able to learn more about the traditions which surround burials in the city, such as jazz funerals and Voodoo practices. Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau is buried in St. Louis No. 1 and jazz musicians Danny Barker and Ernie K. Doe are buried in St. Louis No. 2. Experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans and delve into the unique history native to this part of the United States alone. A thoroughly fascinating cultural experience, this tour is not to be missed.

Get in Touch With Nature

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If you love nature as much as we do, you might just be interested in our next suggestion. The New Orleans Botanical Garden was opened in 1936 and still stands as a popular oasis in the heart of the city. Covering over ten acres of enchantment, this beautiful green space is well-recognized for its lovely collection of 2,000 plants from around the world. The garden features several different components, including the Original Garden, the Demonstration Garden and Exotic Foliage. The park is also known for its wonderful art installations, most of which are the work of Mexican-born artist Enrique Alferez. Don't forget to check out the butterfly walk, where you can experience a wide array of species all in one spot. Offering a peaceful respite from the city, this wonderful outdoorsy mecca is a great place for gathering your thoughts and experiencing the true magic of mother nature.

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Seated along the southern coastline, New Orleans is rich and endowed with remarkable plant life to be explored. If you’re looking to get stuck in, there’s no better place to see than the Barataria Preserve. Located just outside Marrero, this space offers a great way to get in touch with nature and learn more about the world around us. The park covers over 23, 000 acres of bayous, swamps, marshes and wetlands to be explored. This unique nature attraction is home to a lot of animals – expect to see everything from minks and deer to alligators and water snakes. The spot is also a popular visitor site for birdwatchers, as it is home to over 300 bird species. Fun activities to do here include hiking, swimming, canoeing and kayaking. In addition, visitors can discover more about the environment at the site’s visitor center, which offers educational films, displays and interactive exhibits. With its meandering hiking trails and wonderful greenery, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day out in New Orleans!

Have a Blast!

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Those travelling with family might just appreciate the next item on our list. Set up way back in 1906, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park offers a full day of classic all-American entertainment to remember. Breaking away from your typical theme park experience, this spot works to retain much of its original old southern charm. The park has a great assortment of old-fashioned rides to choose from, making it a total crowd-pleaser. For younger visitors and those who like to play it safe, rides like the Ferris wheel and bumper cars would be just perfect. But if it’s a hit of adrenaline you’re after, you’ll probably prefer the tilt-a-whirl. There’s also a concession stand, serving up traditional theme park snacks like corndogs, sliders and cotton candy. We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without a huge smile stretched across your face.

No doubt New Orleans has plenty to see and do in the outdoors. The city has a charm all of its own which can’t quite be replicated. Whether you’re interested in learning more about the history of The Big Easy or getting some fresh air and soaking up the sun, you’ll be blown away by all that there is to discover. Just remember to pack plenty of sunscreen! Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Week in New Orleans

Heading over to New Orleans but aren’t quite sure how to make the best use of your time? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Known for its vibrant culture, food and music, New Orleans is one of the most popular visitor destinations of the south, drawing in around 20 million people each year. From learning about the history of the city at The Presbytère to catching a live jazz show on Bourbon Street, there’s a lot to see and do there for every type of traveller. Though a week there might not sound like a lot, with the right planning it should be just enough time to squeeze in everything which you’d like to see. Still daunted by the prospect of touring a new city? Have no fear! We’ve spent a lot of time in The Big Easy and are sharing our favorite things to experience in the area! Keep scrolling to check out some of the most popular things to do in New Orleans. Day 1 What better way to start off your trip to New Orleans than by checking out The Presbytère? A perfect spot for history buffs and architecture geeks alike, the institute is well-recognized for its interesting background and wonderful design. In addition to being one of the most popular visitor attractions in the city, this place is known for being of the best examples of Spanish colonial design in the United States. We recommend taking a minute to appreciate its commanding brick façade and sweeping arches before entering. Whilst The Presbytère once served as a residence for Capuchin monks, it is now a museum housing engaging exhibits concerning the history of the state of Louisiana. The institute’s two permanent exhibits, Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond and Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana, work to tell both the living history and progressing story of the area. As thoroughly fascinating cultural endeavor, this place is most certainly not to be skipped. Day 2 Another one of our favorite places to visit in New Orleans is the Cabildo. Located right along Jackson Square, the Cabildo is a historically significant structure first built under Spanish rule in 1795. Whilst the building once served as the center of New Orleans government, it is now open as an educational institute for visitors to learn more about the history of the state of Louisiana. Though the Cabildo's collection is small (around 500 artifacts and original artworks), it packs quite the punch. Amongst its impressive repository, you’ll find historic documents, portraits of famous Louisiana figures, as well as Napolean’s death mask. Whilst you’re in the area, we also recommend checking out the St. Louis Cathedral. Originally built way back in 1727, the cathedral is recognized as the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the United States. Today, visitors can take self-guided tours to admire the attraction’s intricately painted ceilings, arched stained-glass windows and ornate statues. Day 3 Indeed, there’s a lot more to see in New Orleans outside of the French Quarter. That’s why for your third day in the city we suggest checking out the Garden District, known for its historic mansions and lush greenery. This place is a total haven for architecture lovers and is perhaps best explored on foot. Since the homes around this area are well-recognized, you can actually book guided tours to learn more about their architectural styles, fascinating history and famous residents. In addition, the Garden District is a great place to casually meander through, with lots of fantastic shopping opportunities and dining options to choose from. For total shopping addicts, Magazine Street is a six-mile stretch known for its high-end boutiques and sidewalk cafes. Offering all of the beauty of the city center with less of the hustle and bustle, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a nice sunny day in New Orleans! Day 4 There’s no festival quite like Mardi Gras. This is why even if you’re not travelling during the unique Christian holiday, we suggest dedicating your fourth day in New Orleans to checking out Mardi Gras World. Located along the Mississippi River, this large working warehouse seeks to provide visitors with an inside look into all the work and preparation which goes into Mardi Gras. Covering over 300,000 square feet, Mardi Gras World is recognized as the largest float designing facility in the world, putting out over 80 per cent of the pieces for Mardi Gras. Walking through the warehouse, guests can see how the floats are made, and also the integral role which technology plays in the creative process. Whether you’re an artsy type or just curious, this place works to provide a thoroughly one-of-a-kind visual experience to remember. Day 5 A visit to New Orleans just wouldn’t be complete without heading over to Tremé, America’s oldest African American neighborhood. For those looking for history and culture in New Orleans, this is the place to be. Start your day by checking out the Petit Jazz Museum, dedicated to over 4,000 years of black music. What better way to learn about the history of jazz than in its rightful birthplace? And since this is a fairly small speciality museum, you just might be able to squeeze in two – we recommend also taking a look at the Backstreet Cultural Museum, which houses intricately made Mardi-Gras costumes from the past. There are also many great places to eat around the area - whether you’re looking for a small bite or something a little more decadent, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. Some of our favorite places include Li’l Dizzy’s Café, Sweet Soulfood, and Gabrielle Restaurant. No doubt one of the most interesting areas in New Orleans, Tremé is a total dream for culture vultures and foodies alike. Weekend! Vibrant and bustling with life, New Orleans presents more than a few options to grab a drink and catch some live music on vacation. Still, our ultimate nightlife choice has got to be Bourbon Street in the French Quarter for its lively atmosphere and world-class entertainment. We recommend staying in the French Quarter after a day of touring in the area and checking out the broad array of dive bars and jazz clubs – trust us when we say that you won’t be disappointed! New Orleans is one of the most exciting cities in the United States to explore. Discover the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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New Orleans in September

There are so many things to do in New Orleans in September. The weather is less humid, the crowds are smaller, and we’re ready to explore all that the city has to offer. Whether you’re soaking up the culture at one of the city’s many fine museums, taking in the breathtaking architecture of a historic estate, or having a blast at a festival, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, make sure to read our rundown of the very best attractions and activities to check out in The Big Easy. Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t leave disappointed! Fall is the sweet spot for tourists in New Orleans. The city has an entirely different pulse to it than during the summertime; the weather is balmy, there are fewer crowds, and all the while, the area is bustling with life. Still, what really draws in visitors year after year is the town’s wide array of world-class attractions. Whether you’re exploring some of its best institutions, uncovering under-the-radar gems, or having a ball at Southern Decadence, this place has it all. To make the best out of your vacation, check out Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. So grab a New Orleans pass and save while you sightsee!
Sarah Harris
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Things to do in New Orleans

A melting pot of great food, music, history and culture, New Orleans has been drawing in visitors from near and far for decades – and with good reason! There are lot – and we mean a lot of fantastic things to do in The Big Easy. From the stunning design of the Presbytere and learning about how parade floats are made at Mardi Gras World to great music at Preservation Hall, New Orleans pretty much has it all. Whether you’re a culture vulture, an artsy type, or a foodie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. If you’re a first-time visitor you might feel a little overwhelmed by the possibilities – but don’t worry – that's what we’re here for! If you’re planning to head over to New Orleans, and aren’t quite sure where to begin, make sure to read through our list of the best cultural gems and hidden treasures in the area. You might not be able to squeeze all of them in, but there’s certainly no harm in trying! See the Sites Brimming with a unique and storied history, New Orleans is well-known for its magnificent venerable structures. The city was founded by the French in the early 1700s and ruled by the Spanish for 40 years, all of which can be seen through its eclectic mix of architectural styles. Whilst much of the city’s architecture speaks NO’s past, The Presbytere stands out as one of the nation’s best examples of colonial Spanish architecture. Once serving as a courthouse under Spanish rule, this Designated Historic Landmark is now open to the public, with engaging educational exhibitions focusing on the background of New Orleans. There are two permanent exhibitions: ‘’Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond’’ and ‘’Mardi Gras: it’s Carnival Time in Louisiana’’. We also recommend taking some time to see St. Louis Cathedral, which is right next door. Learn About the City Another one of the top visitor attractions in the city is the Cabildo. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, The Cabildo is great for those who want to learn more about the background of the city. First constructed in 1795, the building is recognized as one of the most historically significant buildings in America and is known for its classical style of architecture. Once serving as the seat of government during the Spanish colonial period, this spot is now a fantastic educational attraction open to visitors all throughout the year. The museum’s small yet comprehensive collection features around five hundred artefacts taking visitors through the storied history of New Orleans and Louisiana. Located along Jackson Square, this spot is easily accessible by bus or cab and has a lot of interesting things to do in the surrounding area. We recommend checking out St. Louis Cathedral, which is right next door! No other place in America knows how to put on a festival quite like New Orleans. Even if you’re not visiting during Mardi Gras, you can still get a sense of the traditional Christian holiday at Mardi Gras World. As fun as it is fascinating, Mardi Gras World seeks to offer a behind-the-scenes look into the nation’s biggest party. Tour a 300, 000 square foot working warehouse where the floats, characters and costumes are made for this unique event and learn more about the work that goes into these spectacular pieces. In addition, you’ll be able to hear more about the history and traditions of the holiday and see how technology helps to aid the creative process. The guides are very friendly and informative here, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask away! Whether you’re a total crafting geek or just looking to snap that perfect Instagram shot, this is the place to be. Find Fun Activities to Do If you love animals like we do, you’re sure to enjoy the next item on our list. Located in the historic Uptown New Orleans, Audubon Zoo is the perfect place to spend some quality time with the family whilst seeing some great critters. We especially love this place because it offers a great opportunity to see some exotic wildlife without causing any harm to the animals. This attraction is home to a whopping 2,000 animals, so you know that there’s plenty to see here. Amongst its expansive repository, you can expect to see everything from American river otters and spider monkeys to gorillas and Mayalan tigers. If you’re the type who likes to get up close with the animals, this place offers special exhibits and feedings. We suggest checking online before you head out, so you won’t miss the chance to interact with your favorite furry friend. In addition, this spot has a gift shop, a play area, as well as a café to enhance the experience. Both educational and fun, we love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Of course, a trip to New Orleans just wouldn’t be complete without listening to some authentic jazz. Whilst the city is chock-a-block with some fantastic jazz spots, none can quite compete with the likes of Preservation Hall. Established way back in 1961, the venue often served as a rehearsal spot for the likes of some of New Orleans’ most highly revered jazz musicians, including George Lewis, Punch Miller, The Humphrey Brothers, and more. Today, this small though venerable structure now serves as a great place to hear some of the best jazz in the city. The house band is none other than The Preservation Hall Jazz Band – you can catch these guys around the globe, but there’s no better place to see them than at their home venue. This spot also has limited seating and doesn’t take reservations, so we recommend showing up early to ensure your seats! A charming and atmospheric venue with a lot of history behind it, Preservation Hall provides a fantastic cultural experience to remember. No doubt New Orleans is one of the most exciting cities to visit in the south. Known for its fascinating history, great music and vibrant culture, The Big Easy really has it all. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding interesting things to see and do there. Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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