THE TOP WAYS TO FIND ADVENTURE, FUN, AND LEISURE IN NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans is a rare city filled with history, culture, and a plethora of exciting things to do for visitors and locals alike. The city offers people the chance to experience fantastic music, food, drinks, and historical sights. One can even live out a Creedence Clearwater Revival song by hitching a ride on a riverboat or chasing down some hoodoo.
Ride in New Orleans Style
In New Orleans, there’s no need to rely on mobile ride-hailing services to get around. New Orleans streetcars are a throwback to classic transportation, offering reliability and great city views.
Additionally, people can travel even further back in time by enjoying a mule-drawn carriage ride while listening to sensational tales of New Orleans’ past.
One of the best rides in New Orleans is a riverboat cruise. The New Orleans Steamboat Company and New Orleans Paddlewheels allow their guests to dine on jazzy cuisine with spectacular views of the mighty Mississippi River and the City of New Orleans.
Relax at New Orleans City Park
New Orleans is a getaway destination with plenty of family-friendly outing opportunities for lifting spirits and rejuvenating souls.
If there is one place in New Orleans with something to offer the whole family, it’s City Park. The urban park is one of the largest in the country, with 1,300 acres for friends and families to enjoy. City Park is also the 20th most visited public park in the country and was ranked as one of the best parks nationwide by Thrillist.
The park offers scenic locations for picnics and paddle boating, museums and a botanical garden for culture, and tennis courts and a golf course for exercise. City Park also has Storyland, an amusement park for children, as well as so many other things to do. Visit City Park to find out more about its offerings.
Check Out the Animals at Audubon Zoo
Going to the zoo might not be at the top of most people’s list of things to do in New Orleans, but it should be. USA Today’s 10Best editors and a panel of experts comprised a 2022 list of the ten best zoos in the country, and Audubon Zoo ranked 6th.
“We’re thrilled to be honored by the most meaningful judges we could ask for—our guests,” said Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman. “We believe that every person who comes through our gates has the power to impact the natural world for the better, and we are committed to engaging and educating them about the wonders of nature and encouraging them to take action to protect.”
Some of the top attractions at Audubon Zoo include its Louisiana Swamp, Jaguar Jungle, South American Pampas, Audubon Aviary, African Savannah, World of Primates, Sea Lions, Asia, Reptile Encounter, and Swamp Train. Visit Audubon Zoo to learn about its offerings.
Cheer at a New Orleans Sporting Event
The Caesars Superdome is the place to be for any football lover. The dome is home to the city’s beloved Saints, and the team’s fans are as diehard as it gets. The rowdy feelings of culminated passion can ignite a fire in even the coldest hearts.
Everyone should experience at least one Saints game in their life. Other sporting events at the Caesars Superdome include the Bayou Classic and the Sugar Bowl. Another sporting event to do in New Orleans is going to a Pelicans game at the Smoothie King Center.
Boogie Woogie at a New Orleans Music Festival
New Orleans is widely considered the festival capital of the country, maybe even the world. The city hosts year-round outdoor music festivals, each with its own unique vibe.
French Quarter Festival
Since 1984, the French Quarter Fest has been located in the Quarter. It will take place April 13-16, 2023. Admission is free to all. For more information, visit (www.frenchquarterfest.org).
New Orleans Jazz Fest
The legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest returns to the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots April 28-30, 2023, and May 4-7, 2023. Admission starts at $80. For more information, visit (www.nojazzfest.com).
Bayou Boogaloo
This annual Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo will take place on the banks of Bayou St. John, May 19-21, 2023. Admission is $10 at the door and $20 for a three-day pass. For more information, visit (www.thebayouboogaloo.com).
Essence Festival
Essence Festival of Culture, presented by Coca-Cola, will occur at the Caesars Superdome on June 29, 2023, through July 3, 2023. The dates are subject to change, and the price of admission varies. For more information, visit (www.essence.com).
Hoodoo, Voodoo, and Ghost
There are endless options for ghost tours and haunted pub crawls in New Orleans, which are worth experiencing. However, there are so many more haunting things to do in the Cities of the Dead (one of New Orleans’ many nicknames), like visiting voodoo shops, the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum (www.voodoomuseum.com), or Marie Laveau’s tomb.
The iconic Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau is remembered as one of the world’s most influential voodoo practitioners. The people of New Orleans would come to her for charms, fortunes, and advice. Stop by her tomb in St. Louis Cemetery with an offering and a wish; perhaps, she’ll see it to fruition from the afterlife.
Stay at the Jung Hotel & Residences
One of the best ways to experience all the things to do in New Orleans is by staying at a hotel in the middle of it all. The Jung Hotel & Residences is ideally situated near the Canal Streetcar line, allowing easy accessibility. Make a reservation at the Jung Hotel today, and experience adventure, fun, and leisure.