New Orleans is meant to be explored, and each of its distinctive neighborhoods adds to the overall landscape of the city. During your next trip, venture beyond the world-famous French Quarter and the always bustling Bourbon Street to spend a day in Lakeview New Orleans. This quaint and cozy escape is the perfect way to balance out an epic weekend in the heart of the Crescent City.

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Justen Williams

There’s no better way to start a day in New Orleans than with the iconic beignet and cafe au lait duo. Instead of heading downtown to Decatur Street, beat the rush and make your way to City Park to check out Café du Monde. Before a mid-morning stroll, treat yourself to the famous, powdered sugar pastry that draws people from around the world.

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Zack Smith

Once you’ve finished breakfast NOLA-style, spend some time exploring the many offerings of New Orleans’ City Park. Beyond the beignets, City Park is filled with lush oak trees, picturesque views and plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy. From paddle boating to the New Orleans Museum of Art to putt-putt golf, there’s so much to explore.

For more information to start planning your park visit, click here.

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Paul Broussard

Free and open to the public seven days a week, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a peaceful and hidden cultural destination in City Park featuring a world-class collection of modern and contemporary sculptures. The lush garden and priceless works of art make for a photo-worthy backdrop and an awe-inspiring afternoon.

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Justen Williams

An afternoon filled with activities calls for a lunch fit to fuel. Filmore in the Oaks is a convenient and delicious lunch option located in the City Park Golf Clubhouse. Fresh salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps and snacks are among the menu’s highlights. Have your meal overlooking the Bayou Oaks course, and you can even book a tee time for yourself.

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Rebecca Todd

Take a quick trip along Harrison Avenue for some early evening shopping. Charming boutiques are home to unique ensembles, hand-crafted accessories and vintage furnishings. If you work up an appetite, be sure to check out one of the strip’s many eateries, from donuts and sliders at District, to tacos and queso at The Velvet Cactus.

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Justen Williams

Dessert before dinner? We won’t tell if you don’t! Swing by Cookie Dough Bliss for a scoop of premium, ready-to-eat cookie dough. Flavors range from traditional chocolate chip and sugar cookie to Snickerdoodle and red velvet. Enhance your sweet experience with “doughlicious” creations like cookie dough ice cream sandwiches, bliss sundaes and much more. This is the perfect midday pick-me-up to get you ready for an evening out in Lakeview New Orleans.

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Rebecca Todd

The Blue Crab is best known for their specialty crab dishes like blue crab spinach dip, stuffed crab, blue crab cakes, chargrilled crab cakes and much more. Dine-in upstairs for the dinner overlooking Lake Pontchartrain, or head downstairs for live music, drinks and crawfish.

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Justen Williams

Close out the day with house cocktails, on-tap wines and beers and an ambiance that can’t be beaten at Cask. A new addition to Mid-City/Lakeview neighborhoods, Cask is a casual bar with elegant touches. Their happy hour pricing makes ending a day in a spirited way easy and affordable.