If you're an outdoors person and can stand the heat, there are so many beautiful parks around New Orleans that you must visit. With massive, hundreds of years old oak trees, walking trails, and the sound of nature, spend a day in one of the many parks listed below.
Grab some picnic essentials and go soak up sun this summer at a nearby park.
10 Must-See Parks in NOLA
1. Audubon Park
6500 Magazine St., (504) 861-2537
audubonnatureinstitute.org
One of the most, if not most, well-known park in New Orleans, Audubon Park occupies around 350 acres of land in Uptown, New Orleans. The park includes a 1.8-mile paved walking and biking path, a gulf course, play areas, picnic seating, a large lagoon in the center of the park, and so much more.
The Fly, a stretch of land along the Mississippi River, are also part of Audubon Park. The Audubon Zoo can also be enjoyed by people visiting Audubon Park.
2. New Orleans City Park
1 Palm Dr., (504) 482-4888
neworleanscitypark.org
New Orleans City Park is the largest and oldest park in New Orleans since 1854. This park is 1,300 acres of pure beauty, filled with sculptures, exotic flowers and plants, a large pond, a museum, amusement park, more.
The New Orleans Museum of Art, Botanical Gardens, City Putt, and the Louisiana Children's Museum are just some of the many attractions that lie within the park.
3. Louis Armstrong Park
701 N. Rampart St., (504) 658-3200
In remembrance of the jazz icon Louis Armstrong, this park is filled with beautiful sculptures of people playing jazz, a dazzling entranceway, and a small pond area.
Congo Square, an important gathering area in the 1800s for African Americans to sing and dance, is located inside this park. It wouldn't be Louis Armstrong Park without a large statue of Satchmo himself.
4. Marsalis Harmony Park
8211 S. Claiborne Ave., (504) 658-3200
Located on South Claiborne Avenue, Marsalis Harmony Park is another beautiful 5.6-acre of land that is filled with oak trees, tons of grass areas, and playgrounds. Not to mention, this park also has an arts market that pops up every now and then.
You can buy different unique items here. Make sure to visit before it gets too hot!
5. Crescent Park
2300 N. Peters St., (504) 636-6400
crescentparknola.org
Crescent Park runs along the Mississippi River, one of the most important rivers in Louisiana.
Grab a blanket and lay out next to the Mississippi River and watch the boats pass by or go at night and see New Orleans all lit up across the city. There are also bike paths and other areas for you to explore.
6. Coliseum Square Park
1708 Coliseum St.
Coliseum Square Park is nestled inside the Lower Garden District, a well-known historical residential area in New Orleans.
The scenery around this park is filled with greenery, but also many historic, New Orleans houses nearby. The large fountain inside the park is a pretty sight to see, especially when it's lit up at night.
7. Woldenberg Park
1 Canal St., (504) 861-2537
audubonnatureinstitute.org
Woldenberg Park runs along the Mississippi River by the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium. It is 16-acres of green area with a riverside path, sculptures, artwork, and more.
This is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. Talk a walk along the river, then stop in the Audubon Aquarium to cool off and see some cool sea creatures.
8. Washington Square
700 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 658-3000
Washington Square in New Orleans is the perfect park to go to if you are looking for cool sculptures to check out.
This park has some awesome artwork all over, a walkway, and ancient oak trees to provide some much needed shade. It is located inside the the Marigny/Bywater neighborhood.
9. Lafayette Square
S. Maestri St., (504) 658-3201
Located inside the Central Business District, Lafayette Square is a historical public park that was formed in the 1800s. It is a small, but pleasant spot to relax.
Lafayette Square is across the street from Gallier Hall, an event venue that hosts many important meetings, events, Mardi Gras, weddings, conferences, and more.
10. Lafreniere Park
3000 Downs Blvd., (504) 838-4389
lafrenierepark.org
Lafreniere Park lies on the outskirts of New Orleans. Only around 15-20 minutes outside the city, Lafrienere Park is 155-acres of greenery and a large pond in the middle, where many ducks and turtles like to reside.
There is a two-mile trail around the park. This park is known for its exotic Christmas decorations during December.
