Ultimate Outdoor Guide to New Orleans

Spend a Day at City Park 

With centuries-old live oaks and endless recreation options, City Park is a must for outdoor lovers. Wander the sculpture and botanical gardens, explore Storyland and Carousel Gardens with the kids, or relax by Big Lake with access to bike, kayak, gondola, and pedal-boat rentals. Play a round at City Putt, try disc golf, tennis, or stroll scenic walking trails and pick up an order of beignets. You could easily spend an entire day here.

Relax in Audubon Park 

Across Uptown, Audubon Park offers shaded jogging paths, biking loops, picnic areas, and beautiful views under moss-draped oaks.   

Explore Bayou Sauvage & Wildlife Areas 

Nature lovers can visit the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, home to easy trails and the Madere Marsh Boardwalk. It’s an ideal place to see Louisiana’s native wildlife and take in quiet natural scenery just minutes from downtown. 

Walk With the Animals 

For more close-up encounters, head to the beautiful, award-winning Audubon Zoo to see sea lions, tropical birds, the African savanna, and more. In the summer months, bring a swimsuit to enjoy the Cool Zoo, a seasonal splash area perfect for families. 

Golf Around the City 

Grab your clubs and tee off at one of New Orleans’ scenic golf courses. Play in the heart of Uptown at the Audubon Park Golf Course, challenge yourself at TPC Louisiana, home of the PGA’s Zurich Classic, or enjoy a peaceful round at the Joseph M. Bartholomew Municipal Golf Course in Gentilly. Between tee times, explore our golf itinerary to plan the perfect outdoor golf day. 

Kayak Bayou St. John 

Kayaking along Bayou St. John is a favorite for both locals and visitors. Rent equipment or book a guided tour from Kayak-iti-Yat to enjoy a peaceful paddle through Mid-City.  

Book a Swamp Tour 

Discover Louisiana’s wetlands with a guided swamp tour. From pontoons and airboats to relaxing kayak tours, you’ll find endless options to explore wildlife, cypress forests, and ecosystems unique to the region. Browse a variety of Swamp Tours, including nature-focused experiences from Swamp Lotus or thrill-filled adventures like Zip NOLA, the world’s only aquatic swamp zipline.

Bike Through New Orleans Neighborhoods 

Biking is one of the best ways to explore the city. Follow our bike itinerary or join social rides and tours offered by groups like Get Up N Ride NOLA and Flambeaux Bike Tours. 

Walk, Bike, or Run the Lafitte Greenway 

The 2.6-mile Lafitte Greenway connects Mid-City to the French Quarter with public art, restaurants, green spaces, bike paths, farmers markets, and community gathering spots along the way. 

Picnics, Crawfish Boils & Waterside Hangouts 

Whether you're planning a laid-back picnic or craving a classic New Orleans crawfish feast, the city offers plenty of outdoor spots to enjoy good food with great views. Spread out a blanket at Woldenberg Park, Lakeshore Drive, The Fly, Crescent Park, or the Lakefront. Grab-and-go bites from nearby restaurants make picnicking easy, and crawfish (especially in spring) is best enjoyed outdoors, so be sure to get a couple pounds from our favorite spots. 

Patios, Courtyards, and Rooftops 

From hidden French Quarter courtyards to breezy rooftop views, outdoor dining is a quintessential New Orleans experience. Browse our full list of restaurants with outdoor seating or restaurants with balcony dining to find the perfect spot. 

Sweet Treat at a Sno-ball Stand   

Locals know when the weather warms up, sno-ball season begins. Whether you're loyal to Hansen’s, Pandora’s, or Sno-LA, enjoying a sno-ball outdoors is a beloved New Orleans tradition and a refreshing way to cool down. Check out some more sno-ball stands we deem visit worthy. 

Live Music Outdoors

Wondering where to enjoy live music outdoors? Visit open-air venues like Broadside, the Music Box Village, Frenchmen Street courtyards, and various seasonal outdoor stages throughout the year.