Spring Travel to New Orleans
Spring in New Orleans is blooming with possibility—walkable days, unforgettable nights, and magic in between.
Ahhhh, spring in New Orleans. While other places are still thawing out from harsh winters, New Orleans’ transition to mellow temps and gorgeous days is a more subtle shift. Once Mardi Gras has passed, spring celebrations really get underway, beginning with St. Patrick’s Day and Black Masking Indians showing off their beautiful suits on Super Sunday. From there, you’ll find April jam-packed with everything from big-name festivals like French Quarter Fest and the legendary New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. But even if you’re not looking for major events, there’s something truly unforgettable about spring in New Orleans. It’s an excellent time to enjoy outdoor dining, swamp tours, neighborhood walks, live music, and maybe even a crawfish boil or two.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or a full-blown spring break vacation, New Orleans in the spring has something for everyone. Explore below to see why there’s truly no place like NOLA in the springtime.
Jump To: Top Spring Picks | Where (and What) To Eat & Drink | Where to Stay | More Trip Planning Inspiration | Fest Season
Spring Blooms in New Orleans
Spring starts early in New Orleans—music in the air, flavor on every block, and discovery everywhere you turn.
Top Spring Festivals in New Orleans
- 7 min read
Tough time picking which spring festival to attend? We get it. From legendary festivals like Jazz…
Ultimate Outdoor Guide to New Orleans
- 4 min read
New Orleans offers a rare blend of nature, culture, and adventure—all within easy reach. From…
12 Things to Do This March in New Orleans
- 4 min read
March in New Orleans is festival central. We’ve got literary fests, music fests, food fests, and St.
12 Things to Do this April in New Orleans
- 5 min read
April in New Orleans is another jam-packed month of fun, full of one festival after another. Pig out…
10 Things to Do in New Orleans this May
- 4 min read
New Orleans in May is a mix of spring and summer, crawfish and sno-balls, and some of the year’s…
New Orleans: A City Like No Other
Experience the unmatched beauty of New Orleans—where history, music, food, and celebration come together like nowhere else in the United States. From the lively sounds of jazz in the French Quarter to stunning Creole architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and world-famous festivals, this city captivates at every turn. Whether you're strolling under the oak trees, savoring beignets, or dancing in a second line parade, there's no place quite like NOLA.
visitneworleans
What (and Where) To Eat & Drink in New Orleans This Spring
Crawfish? Sno-balls? Outdoor dining? Check, check, & check.
Streetcar Cocktail Crawl
Hop aboard the historic St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, pop down the windows, and breeze your way along a cocktail crawl on wheels. Stops include historic mansions-turned-hotels, rooftop bars, and…
Top Spots for Outdoor Dining
From the patios and balconies of the French Quarter to hidden gardens tucked under oak trees, tropical foliage, and twinkling lights, New Orleans is full of outdoor dining oases.
New Orleans Sno-Balls
Powdery light ice, house-made syrups, and neighborhood institutions that have been around for generations. Whatever you do, just don't call it a snowcone.
Locals Share: 26 Dishes You MUST Eat in 2026
Chefs, influencers, writers, and other notable locals share the best bites they had last…
Famous New Orleans Foods that are Worth the Hype
From beignets to gumbo, there are a lot of famous dishes that make everyone's must-try list. We…
Classic New Orleans Cocktails
From sazeracs to gin fizzes, here are some of the city’s most iconic cocktails and the best…
French Quarter Cocktail Crawl
From high-brow cocktails crafted by award-winning mixologists to kitchsy-but-delicious frozen…
Find Your Perfect Springtime Stay
Explore hotels in New Orleans and find your ideal home base.
Boutique Hotels in New Orleans
- 1 min read
In New Orleans, no two hotels are alike. This is especially true for boutique hotels, which include…
Best New Orleans Hotel Pools
- 9 min read
Whether you’re looking to lounge at a trendy pool with a craft cocktail in hand or you have a family…
Hotels with Live Music Venues
- 3 min read
Live music is everywhere to be found in New Orleans, including at many hotels. You barely have to…
Discover Even More in New Orleans This Spring
Follow the music, experience something new, stop and smell the jasmine.
Good Times Pass
Ready to unlock the magic of New Orleans? The Good Times Pass is your all-access ticket to the city’s most iconic, immersive, and unforgettable experiences. Six…
Streetcar Itinerary By Route
All aboard! Our guide to the best things to see, do, eat and explore along the city’s streetcar routes.
LIVE Music Calendar
In partnership with New Orleans' legendary radio station WWOZ, we bring you the best music in America.
Spring Theater in New Orleans: Shows, Performances & Events 2026
As New Orleans welcomes spring, theater schedules are packed with music, dance, opera, and plays…
Top Things To Do With Teens in New Orleans
New Orleans has plenty to offer for all age groups. From delicious food and world-class museums…
Local Favorites: What Chefs, Musicians, and Creators Love to Do in New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the top travel destinations in the U.S.—and for good reason. In 2024…
26 Things to Do in 2026
Header Image: Sudan Social Aid & Pleasure Club Second Line by Dmitriy Pritykin There are…
See Why Fest Season is the Best Season
French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest are two quintessential New Orleans celebrations. Explore what makes them so treasured, and plan your trip today.