Things to Do Near the Audubon Zoo

Where to eat, drink, and stay in Uptown New Orleans

The Audubon Zoo, located in a sprawling part of Uptown New Orleans, is a destination for families year-round. Surrounded by shopping, dining, greenery, and the Mississippi River, the zoo is just one stop on a fantastic trip to New Orleans.

Where to Stay Near the Audubon Zoo

Staying in Uptown New Orleans is convenient for those who want to visit the Audubon Zoo. All you have to do is hop on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line! The Hampton Inn St. Charles is easy and welcoming for kids - it has a fun outdoor pool, continental breakfast, and front-door access to the gorgeous St. Charles Avenue and streetcar. St. Charles Inn, Hotel Superior is also located on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line, just a short ride from the zoo. For more hotels in New Orleans, see here.

Things to Do Near the Audubon Zoo

Audubon Zoo is located in Audubon Park, so right outside the zoo gates you’ll find an oak-tree-filled trail for walking, biking, skating, and running, plus a golf course, equestrian stables, and a public pool. The Fly is also in Audubon Park, an excellent spot for picnicking, tossing a ball, or relaxing with a front-row view of the Mississippi River.

Outside of Audubon Park, stroll Magazine Street, a New Orleans shopping destination. Browse antique shops, clothing stores, record shops, gifts, stationery, and more along the iconic six-mile thoroughfare.

Where to Eat Near the Audubon Zoo

There’s plenty of dining near the Audubon Zoo. Outside of the zoo grounds, Audubon Clubhouse Café is open for lunch across Magazine Street in the park. Further down Magazine Street and within walking distance to the zoo, Reginelli’s Pizzeria and Picnic Provisions & Whiskey are two family-friendly eateries. Enjoy Mexican food at Taqueria Corona, Italian at Avo, Asian cuisine at Wishing Town, and Middle Eastern at Saba. District Donuts is a great spot for breakfast (or dessert).

In the opposite direction over in East Carrollton, there are even more places to eat. Empanola is a local favorite for empanadas, and Satsuma is a great spot for breakfast or lunch. The Camellia Grill is a classic diner with counter seating and excellent burgers, waffles, and milkshakes. Head to Brigtsen’s for a Cajun meal, boiled seafood at Seafood Sally’s, sno-balls and ice cream at Sno-La, or 14 Parishes for Jamaican cuisine. Visit Oak Street for even more dining options.

Where to Drink Near the Audubon Zoo

Grab a cocktail at Monkey Hill Bar, cozy up to the pub that is St. Joe’s Bar, or head to a brewery on Tchoupitoulas Street. Port Orleans is the closest one to the park, and there’s Miel and Urban South a little farther down. Oak St. Brewery is also close by. Cooter Brown’s is a laid-back sports bar specializing in raw oysters and an extensive beer list, Bourreé is the place for frozen daiquiris. If you can’t decide where to go for a drink, hop about the streetcar and follow our St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Cocktail Crawl.