Maybe you’re in charge of planning a killer bachelor party, or perhaps you’re just looking for a relaxing escape with a few of your guy friends — regardless, New Orleans has plenty of options for entertainment and recreation. Read our guide to get some ideas and learn where you can find New Orleans’ best golf courses, jazz clubs and nightlife spots.
Golf
Golf pros know that New Orleans is a prime golfing destination due to its warm climate and proximity to well-designed private and public courses. Round up the guys and schedule a tee-time at a nearby golf facility, such as the TPC Louisiana, which is the official host of the Zurich Classic. Offering 18 professional-level holes, this upscale public golf course is located only 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans and touts challenging aspects like water elements and more than 100 bunkers. For a more leisurely game, hop on a historic streetcar and ride to the Audubon Park Golf Course. This par-62 course designed by Dennis Griffiths includes Bermuda fairways, Tif-Eagle greens, calm lagoons and mature oak trees.
Fishing
If you’re looking to score that big catch, you’ll want to take advantage of New Orleans’ wildlife-laden waterways and oceanfront location. Arrange for a guided fishing tour on a charter boat so you can reel in anything from redfish to speckled trout. Of course, with Louisiana’s murky bayous and swamplands, you might want to take your sport to the next level by opting for a private tour with Airboat Adventures, which can arrange a thrilling alligator hunt.
Jazz Clubs
A trip to New Orleans just wouldn’t be complete without listening to live music. Sure, you can catch snippets of performances by street musicians throughout the city, but for an authentic experience, grab a table at one of New Orleans’ many jazz clubs and music halls, like Tipitina’s or The Spotted Cat Music Club. These intimate music venues feature up-and-coming musicians and established resident performers.
Whiskey and Cigars
When some relaxation is in order, it’s time to break out the cigars and kick back with a glass of whiskey. Get the night started with dinner at Bourbon House, an upscale restaurant with an extensive selection of — you guessed it — bourbon, including premium and hard-to-find bottles. After filling up on steak and American whiskey, take a trip to The Cigar Factory, where you can watch master rollers at work and smoke one of their hand-rolled cigars, including the hearty Vieux Carre or a mild Plantation Reserve.
Casinos
Everyone likes to get lucky, and you’ll have plenty of chances to hit it big at New Orleans’ casinos. Harrah’s New Orleans offers gamers more than 2,000 slot machines and 200 table games, as well as high-end lounges and restaurants. For a more laid-back gaming experience, head to Treasure Chest Casino in nearby Kenner, where you can choose from nearly 1,000 slots and 30 table games.
Sports
With numerous professional and college sports teams, New Orleans is a great place to catch a game and root for your favorite team. Reserve tickets to a New Orleans Saints or New Orleans Hornets game, or head to a nearby sports bar to watch the action on the big screen.