New Orleans is home to vast parklands and expansive swamps and wetlands that provide a home for the unique wildlife outside the city. Though only a short distance from the urban centre, many of the parks and natural areas in New Orleans feel like a wild and remote environment.

You can find fun adventures in New Orleans that cater to every skill level and interest. Whether you want to kayak in the swamp, walk on boardwalks above alligators, or spend time playing catch or having a picnic in the park with the kids, check out the 10 best outdoor adventures in New Orleans.

  • 1

    City Park

    Enjoy the fresh air in a massive park

    City Park
    • Avventure

    City Park is a vast park with a large collection of live oak trees, athletic fields, and attractions like carousels, museums, and botanical gardens. Located about 15 minutes from city centre, City Park is a popular destination for residents and visitors and one of the oldest parks in the country.

    For outdoor adventure, nothing beats City Park. You’ll find driving ranges, golf courses, tennis courts, baseball fields, and other athletic fields. The park also has a birding corridor, a dog park, bike and boat rentals, an amusement park, horse stables, and a vast forest with walking trails and ponds

    Posizione: 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA

    Orario di apertura: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm

    Telefono: +1 504-482-4888

    Mappa
  • 2

    Audubon Park

    Take pictures of rare and beautiful birds

    Audubon Park
    • Foto

    Audubon Park is a municipal park on the riverfront that’s home to an abundance of wildlife. Located about 6 miles west of city centre, the park is a popular birding spot that was named in honour of artist and naturalist John James Audubon.

    The park has picnic areas and athletic fields along the Mississippi River for outdoor fun and recreation. Birders and nature lovers enjoy the park for its abundance of wading birds, including ibis, herons, and egrets. You’ll also find ducks, cormorants, and other birds that stop in during migration.

    Continua a leggere

    Posizione: 6500 Audubon Park Trail, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA

    Orario di apertura: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm

    Telefono: +1 504-861-2537

    Mappa
  • 3

    New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours

    Have an adventure in the swamp

    New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours
    • Avventure

    The New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours company offers an opportunity to explore the swamps near the city and experience its unique ecosystems. Swamp tours take place in various swamp areas near the city and provide different experiences, such as historic tours, eco-tours, and more.

    You can choose from tours that take you to places like the Bayou Bienvenue or the Manchac Swamp. Experienced guides help you navigate the swamp and offer insights into the ecology and flora and fauna of the area, as well as point out historic locations and share local lore along the way. Swamp tours are suited to different skill levels, so you can enjoy as much adventure as you wish.

  • 4

    Barataria Preserve

    See Louisiana wildlife

    Barataria Preserve
    • Avventure

    The Barataria Preserve offers an adventure in the wild wetlands of Louisiana that are home to alligators, birds, and other wildlife. Located about 26 minutes from city centre, the preserve offers 26,000 acres of bayous, marshes, swamps, and forests with walking trails and boardwalks amongst native wildlife.

    You can take a trail map for a self-guided tour or book a guided tour to learn about the wildlife and ecosystem in the area. On your tour, you may spot alligators, turtles, snakes, and wading birds. Before you go, you can stop in the visitor centre to get field guides, insect repellent, children’s books, and other gear.

    Continua a leggere

    Posizione: 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA

    Orario di apertura: Wednesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm (closed Monday–Tuesday)

    Telefono: +1 504-589-3882

    Mappa
  • 5

    Crescent Park

    Enjoy a picnic in the park

    Crescent Park
    • Avventure

    Crescent Park is a 20-acre urban park with landscaping, bike paths, a dog area, and multiuse pavilions for outdoor fun. Located east of city centre in the French Market District, Crescent Park is easily accessible by car, bus, or riverfront trolley.

    The park is a lovely place to go to get some fresh air and enjoy the scenery and riverfront views, but it’s also a popular spot for biking and walking dogs. You can bring the family for a riverfront picnic or nature exploration with the kids.

    Continua a leggere

    Posizione: Cres Park Trail, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA

    Orario di apertura: Daily from 6 am to 7.30 pm

    Telefono: +1 504-636-6400

    Mappa
    • Avventure

    A steamboat cruise at Woldenberg Riverfront Park is a great way to take in the views of the city landmarks from the water. Located east of city centre on the Mississippi River, the park features several art installations, including the New Orleans Holocaust Memorial Sculpture and the Ocean Song steel sculpture.

    When you take a steamboat cruise, you’ll have a unique vantage point on New Orleans landmarks and the romance and history of the city. You’ll pass numerous attractions, such as Jackson Square, the Aquarium of the Americas, and Canal Street.

    Continua a leggere

    Posizione: 1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

    Orario di apertura: Cruise times vary

    Mappa
  • 7

    Bayou St. John

    Explore the bayou

    Bayou St. John
    • Avventure

    Paddleboarding in Bayou St. John is a fun way to experience New Orleans like a local and travel through the city’s waterways. You can book paddleboarding tours, kayak tours, and other adventure experiences on Bayou St. John that are suited to your skill level and group.

    Located north of city centre, several tour operators offer bayou paddleboarding that includes equipment rentals, itineraries, and experienced guides. You can book trips for exploration, family fun, paddleboard yoga, bird-watching, and more, ensuring you can make the most of the experience on the water.

    Mappa
  • 8

    Mississippi River Trail

    Hike the riverfront trail

    Mississippi River Trail
    • Avventure

    The Mississippi River Trail is an extensive trail for hiking and biking that travels along the Mississippi River. The trail begins from Lake Itasca in Minnesota and stretches all the way to the mouth of the river in Venice, Louisiana, but the New Orleans portion travels through Jefferson, Orleans, St. Charles, St. James, and St. John the Baptist counties.

    In total, over 60 miles of the trail are near the city, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get on the trail and experience the landscape. The most popular portion of the trail extends from Audubon Park to the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish.

    Continua a leggere
    Mappa

    Foto di Dominic (CC BY-SA 4.0) modificata

  • 9

    Lafitte Greenway

    Bike through the city

    • Avventure

    The Lafitte Greenway is a pedestrian and bicycle trail that travels along Bayou St. John and offers beautiful views of the city. Starting from the Basin Street Trailhead near city centre, the greenway travels through Tremé, Lafitte, and Mid-City.

    Along the trail, you’ll see native plants and bioswales as well as iconic New Orleans landmarks and attractions in the French Quarter and Lakeview. While you’re welcome to embark on the trail on your own, the city offers organised events for hiking and biking that may take place during your trip.

    Continua a leggere
    Mappa
  • 10

    Bayou Segnette State Park

    Explore vast wetlands and marshes

    • Avventure

    Bayou Segnette State Park is a vast park with wetlands, swamps, and marsh on the banks of the Mississippi River. Located only a few miles from city centre, the Bayou Segnette is home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, armadillos, raccoons, opossums, hawks, and eagles.

    When you visit the park, you can take walking trails through the wetlands and marshes to see the native wildlife. If you prefer to experience it by water, there’s a boat launch and nearby rental shops for kayaks. Other attractions in the park include campsites, athletic fields, comfort stations with showers, and a wave pool and swimming pool.

    Continua a leggere

    Posizione: 7777 Westbank Expy, Westwego, LA 70094, USA

    Telefono: +1 504-736-7140

    Mappa