Spring in New Orleans
1. Tour the meticulously landscaped Garden District (shown).
With its well-preserved collection of antebellum mansions, pristine gardens and southern charm, New Orleans’ Garden District is the perfect place to enjoy the spring splendor. Hop on the St. Charles Streetcar or schedule a guided tour.

2. Play a round of golf.
It could be the warm climate, or maybe it’s the proximity to a number of designer courses — either way, New Orleans is the perfect destination for a golfing getaway. Book a tee-time at a high-end course, or check out some of the area’s budget-friendly golf courses. 

3. Shop for spring fashions on Magazine Street.
We don’t really need a reason to go shopping — new season is a good enough excuse. Spend a day strolling along Magazine Street, New Orleans’ six-mile mecca of trendy boutiques, gift shops, jewelry stores, upscale restaurants and more.

4. Attend an outdoor music festival.
Yes, New Orleans has an amazing music scene. So why not get the full experience by attending one of the city’s many music festivals? With live performances in open-air venues, mouthwatering aromas drifting from street food vendors, and an unmistakable energy, New Orleans’ music festivals are well worth the money — especially considering many are free.

5. Rent a bicycle at New Orleans City Park.
Whether you want some fresh air or just need a break from partying, New Orleans City Park is the ideal place to enjoy the great outdoors. Rent a bike and pedal past peaceful lagoons, moss-covered live oak trees and the New Orleans Museum of Art. 

6. Charter a boat for a day of fishing.
You won’t have to make up tall tales about big fish — in the South, you can just reel ’em in. Score your own great catch with a saltwater fishing charter in the Louisiana gulf. Your haul could include blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, albacore and wahoo.  

7. Order a tropical cocktail.
Springtime in the Big Easy calls for a New Orleans-style cocktail, and the more tropical, the better. Go for something over-the-top, like a rum-filled frozen daiquiri garnished with a umbrella and a few slices of fruit. After all, you’re on vacation — start acting like it. 

8. Ride a horse at Audubon Park.
Whether you’ve never ridden a horse before or you’re a bona fide world champ, there’s a horse lesson to suit your style at Audubon Park. Get into the saddle and enjoy some sunshine at this sprawling green space, which encompasses the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, Insectarium and IMAX Theatre. 

9. Stroll through the New Orleans Botanical Garden.
You don’t need to have a green thumb to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the New Orleans Botanical Garden. This lush oasis features lily pad-covered ponds, fragrant rose gardens, dancing water fountains, exotic foliage and a collection of sculptures.

 
Photo by Miles| Weaver, Denise Chambers.