Amidst a vibrant, colorful, party-filled city, quiet and serenity await discovery. While walking down Bourbon Street with a slushie in hand or listening to sweet-sounding jazz allows you to enjoy the classic touristy experience New Orleans offers, you can find the city’s heartbeat in the nature surrounding it. And no, I’m not talking about a walk along the brown and unappealing Mississippi River.
I want to take you on a journey around The Big Easy and show you the spots less traveled. Next time you find yourself in this unique city, I encourage you to add one or two of these to your itinerary to experience the beauty beyond Bourbon Street.
Audubon Park
While you’re in the Garden District (Historic Uptown), check out Audubon Park. Walk along the shady path, picnic under the ancient live oak trees, or watch the hundreds of birds that spend their day here. It isn’t precisely the quietest spot in New Orleans, thanks to all the birds and their excellent singing, but you won’t find many tourists here, so it’s a great way to start your day.
Admission Fee: FREE!
New Orleans Botanical Garden
Like Audubon Park, the New Orleans Botanical Garden is a great way to escape the busyness and noise of the French Quarter. Its website page calls it “ten acres of enchantment”, and I couldn’t agree more. The grounds are quiet and peaceful and filled with thousands of different plant species from all around the world. Even if you’re not a big “garden person”, the beauty of it all will blow you away. Take a stroll through the different gardens (yes, there’s more than one), visit the Conservatory of the Two Sisters (my personal favorite), or look for butterflies on the Butterfly Walk. The colors are constantly changing through the season, so even if you’ve been there before, you need to go again!
Admission Fee: Adults – $12, Children 3-12 – $6, & Children Under 3 – free. Free admission on WEDNESDAYS for LA residents.
City Park
City Park is where you’ll find the Botanical Garden, but I figured it deserved its own spot. As one of the largest urban parks in the United States, it spans 1,300 acres and is home to activities everyone will enjoy. So whether you walk through the Botanical Garden, explore the New Orleans Museum of Art, picnic under 800-year-old live oak trees and watch the birds, or enjoy a beautiful sunset on the bridge; City Park is a lovely place to spend the day. Check out the link above for a complete list of things to do in City Park (there’s a lot).
Oh, and I can’t forget to mention that you’ll find another Café Du Monde in the park. Since it’s in a less-touristy area, you won’t have to wait 30+ minutes to get your hands on a classic New Orleans beignet. Plus, you can enjoy it while staring out at City Park instead of at a small table with hundreds of people around you.
Admission Fee: FREE!
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
On your way into New Orleans, plan for a pit stop at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center for a special taste of Louisiana. After being devastated by Hurricane Katrina, the nature center utilized this as an opportunity to rebuild. Their modern buildings are full of interesting facts and stories about the land surrounding New Orleans, including the wildlife that calls it home. Walk along the boardwalk, check out one of the adventure trails, or try to spot a gator at the Crawfish Pond. I couldn’t imagine a better way to kickstart your New Orleans trip!
Admission Fee: FREE!
Bonus: The BEST Food Spot in NOLA
I could only finish this post by including my favorite spot to eat in New Orleans. Honestly, Sweet Soulfood is hands down, the BEST vegan food I’ve ever had. I’m sure some of you just checked out and are thinking, “Vegan? No thanks, I’ll pass.” But hold on a second because I encourage you to try something new. You may just be surprised and forget it’s even vegan. Sweet Soulfood offers some of the most delicious New Orleans and Southern favorites that will keep you coming back for more! I recommend trying the Sweet Heat Cauliflower, Macaroni & Cheese, Okra Gumbo, Jambalaya, and the brownie.
Ugh, my mouth is watering just thinking about the deliciousness. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
