Le Wild Explorer
Louisiana North America United States

The Best Outdoor Activities New Orleans Has to Offer

woman walking in front of home in new orleans louisiana

New Orleans is a city full of fun things to do and if youโ€™re wanting to explore the outdoors youโ€™ve come to the right place. When Hotels.com asked me to share some of my favorite New Orleans adventures I immediately compiled a list. From urban hikes, bike riding, and touring a swamp with alligators New Orleans is also full of adventure. Here are some of the best outdoor activities New Orleans has to offer!

woman walking with bicyle at city park in new orleans with big trees with spanish moss

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you click my link, I make a small percentage (at no extra cost to you). This helps me keep the travel blog running.

As travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind. If youโ€™re comfortable with traveling at this time, please do so responsibly and within regulation as any travel is at your own risk.ย 

ย If you do decide to travel at this time, here are some recommendations:ย 

  • Wear a face mask.ย ย 
  • Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands on a regular basis.ย 
    • Check official websites before your trip to stay up-to-date on policies, closures, and the status of local businesses.ย 
  • Book a hotel with free cancellation in case you need to change your plans at the last minute.

Best Outdoor Activities in New Orleans

Ready for adventures in New Orleans? Keep ready for some ideas to add to your itinerary.

Go for a Hike

There are hiking trails in New Orleans? You can go on an urban hike in Crescent Park. If you donโ€™t have a rental car this is the easiest โ€œhikeโ€ to get to from the French Market District. Itโ€™s a great place to feel like your a bit way from the city without having to leave the city

bridge at crescent park in new orleans

Visit City Park

City Park is the largest outdoor โ€œgreen spaceโ€ in New Orleans at 1,300 acres! The area is huge and the best way to explore it is with a bicycle so you can cover lots of ground. However, if youโ€™re short on time do check out the Singing Oak Tree. This tree has wind chimes that โ€œsingโ€ and is a cool spot just to hang for a bit.

new orleans singing oak tree city park

Tour a Swamp

Whatโ€™s so special about a swamp? The alligators! If youโ€™re looking for an alligator tour, New Orleans is just the place. This is for the adventurers who really want to get out on the water for an experience they wonโ€™t forget.

Visit the Cemeteriesย 

Would you visit a cemetery? This might sound creepy but New Orleans cemeteries are so widely visited there are even tours! In fact, if you plan on visiting St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, be sure to have a guide because you canโ€™t visit without one. Itโ€™s the oldest and most famous cemetery in New Orleans.

things to do in new orleans cemetery

Tour The City Via Bicycle

New Orleans is perfect for cycling! The city is flat and there are tons of bike lanes. Itโ€™s easy to rent a bicycle from one of the bicycle rentals in the French Quarter. Or you can go on a guided tour.

women riding bicycles in new orleans

Renting a bicycle is a great way to see the city especially if you donโ€™t plan to rent a car.

Walk Around the Garden Districtย 

Some of the most beautiful houses in New Orleans are located in the Garden District. Take a streetcar to St. Charles Street and stroll the neighborhood. These houses are charming and this makes for casual outdoor activity.

home in garden district new orleans louisiana

Where to Stay in New Orleans

If youโ€™re looking forย where to stay during your New Orleans adventure there areย plenty of hotels in the French Quarterย and throughout the city. The French Quarter is where a lot of action happens and is central to many activities. If youโ€™re looking for something more upscale head to Uptown or the Garden District. And if youโ€™re wanting to opt for something a bit more hip check out the Lower Garden District.

Enjoy your trip to New Orleans!

Pin for later!