The Georgian's Guide to Exploring New Orleans this Summer

Explore the Great Outdoors

Stroll Through the French Quarter
Explore the historic heart of New Orleans, filled with vibrant music, unique shops, and stunning architecture. Don’t miss Jackson Square and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street!

Take a Swamp Tour
Experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Louisiana’s bayous on a guided swamp tour. Spot alligators, egrets, and other native creatures while learning about Louisiana’s unique ecosystem.

Relax at City Park
Spend a day at City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country! Enjoy walking trails, boating on Big Lake, or have fun at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. When you’re ready to head inside, be sure to check out the New Orleans Museum of Art location within the park!

Cruise the Mississippi River
Hop on a riverboat cruise for a scenic journey along the mighty Mississippi. Choose from jazz dinner cruises, historical tours, or daytime sightseeing trips.

Visit Audubon Park and Zoo
Explore the lush Audubon Park, perfect for picnicking, walking, or biking. The adjacent Audubon Zoo offers a diverse range of animal exhibits and attractions.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Take a family adventure into the natural beauty of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Explore the boardwalk trails through the swamp, where you can spot wildlife and learn about the local ecosystem.

Bike the Lafitte Greenway
Rent a bike and ride the Lafitte Greenway, a 2.6-mile linear park that connects the French Quarter to Mid-City. It’s a great way to see different neighborhoods and enjoy green spaces.

Attend a Festival
New Orleans hosts numerous summer festivals, such as the Satchmo SummerFest, celebrating the life and music of Louis Armstrong, and the Creole Tomato Festival, honoring the local harvest with food, music, and fun.

Explore Crescent Park
Walk along the riverfront in Crescent Park, offering stunning views of the Mississippi River and the New Orleans skyline. The park features walking paths, picnic areas, and access to the river.

Catch a Performance at an Outdoor Concert
Enjoy live music at one of the city’s outdoor venues. From jazz in the park to summer concerts at the Botanical Garden, there’s always something to enjoy under the open sky.
 

Enjoy Delicious Food

Outdoor Dining
New Orlean’s culinary scene is unparalleled, and summer is the perfect time to try something new! Visit restaurants with outdoor spaces to soak up the warm weather. Check out some of our local community favorites such as Commander’s Palace, Café Amelie, The Court of Two Sisters, Coquette, Saba, and Bayona.

Food Festivals
Explore one, or multiple of New Orlean’s food festivals happening this summer. With a wide variety of offerings, there is sure to be something for everyone! Local food festivals include: The Creole Tomato Festival, Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, Tales of the Cocktail, and of course, The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

Farmers Markets
The Crescent City Farmers Market is a beloved local institution that offers fresh, locally sourced produce, artisanal goods, and a vibrant community atmosphere. With multiple locations throughout New Orleans, the market operates on different days of the week, making it convenient for both residents and visitors to enjoy. The market is a fantastic place to find a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood, meats, dairy products, and baked goods. Many vendors also offer prepared foods, such as jams, pickles, and hot sauces, as well as handmade crafts and products. The market supports sustainable farming practices and promotes local food systems, ensuring that everything you purchase is fresh and responsibly sourced.

Sno-Ball Season in New Orleans
Sno-balls are a quintessential summer treat in New Orleans, offering a delicious way to cool down in the city's warm, humid climate. Looking for a local recommendation? Check out SnoWizard SnoBall Shoppe located at 4001 Magazine Street, this shop is not only known for their delicious sno-balls, but also for pioneering the sno-ball industry! They offer an extensive menu with over 150 options to choose from, including unique options such as pink champagne, orchid vanilla, and praline just to name a few.
 

Immerse Yourself in Culture

Visit Museums and Cultural Centers
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of New Orleans by visiting museums and cultural centers such as the New Orleans Jazz Museum, the National WWII Museum, and the New Orleans African American Museum of Art, History, and Culture.

Attend a Jazz Fest or Music Festival
Immerse yourself in the sounds of New Orleans by attending a music festival such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival or the Essence Festival. Enjoy performances by local and international musicians across various genres.

Participate in a Cemetery Tour
Explore the unique above-ground cemeteries of New Orleans on a guided tour. Learn about the city's rich history, folklore, and burial traditions while visiting iconic sites like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Volunteer for a Community Event
Get involved in the local community by volunteering for events such as neighborhood clean-ups, festivals, or fundraisers. Not only will you get to experience the culture firsthand, but you'll also have the opportunity to connect with locals and make a positive impact.
 

Fun for Families

City Park and Storyland
Visit New Orleans City Park, a vast green space featuring playgrounds, boating, and the famous Storyland. Storyland is a whimsical playground with larger-than-life sculptures of fairy tale characters, perfect for young children to explore.

Louisiana Children's Museum
Engage your kids with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays at the Louisiana Children's Museum. The museum offers educational fun with exhibits focused on science, arts, and local culture.

Steamboat Natchez Cruise
Take a family-friendly cruise on the Steamboat Natchez, where you can enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River, live jazz music, and optional meals. This iconic paddle-wheeler offers a unique perspective of New Orleans.

Aquarium of the Americas
Discover the wonders of marine life at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Explore exhibits featuring sharks, rays, jellyfish, and a walk-through tunnel. The aquarium also has a touch pool and interactive experiences for kids.

Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
Enjoy classic amusement rides at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park in City Park. The park features a vintage carousel, Ferris wheel, and various rides suitable for kids of all ages.

Mardi Gras World
Discover the magic of Mardi Gras at Mardi Gras World, where you can see how the elaborate floats are made. The tour includes a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into this famous celebration.