New Orleans’ City Park is often described as the jewel of the city. Lush and verdant, this urban park is a welcome relief from the city’s hustle and bustle. Spread over 1,300 acres (526 hectares), it uniquely and ingeniously blends natural beauty and art with exciting recreation and food amenities, to create a wonderfully engaging atmosphere. Set amidst a rich landscape of greenery, you will find numerous carefully developed attractions including a museum plus an ever-changing menu of eclectic events, making the park an exciting hub of fun. Read on to find the 10 best things to do in New Orleans’ City Park, Louisiana, a green space that’s more than a park!
1. Appreciate the beauty of the lush botanical garden
The Rain Goddess surrounded by beauty! Located on the corner of the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Victory Ave. in New Orleans City Park #neworleansbotanicalgarden #cityparknola #plantlove #enriquealférez
Posted by New Orleans Botanical Garden on Tuesday, 23 April 2019
Often called the highlight of New Orleans City Park the Botanical Gardens is a beautifully designed verdant space spread over 10 acres (4 hectares). Walk around the glorious grounds that are dotted with sculptures, fountains and beds of colourful flowers. Check out special exhibits like the one that recreates the tropics with authentic plants and even a waterfall. Another standout is the Enrique Alferez Sculpture Garden that creatively melds art and nature.
New Orleans Botanical Garden
Address: 5 Victory Ave, New Orleans
Website: New Orleans Botanical Garden
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD
2. Witness Shakespeare, Miller, and the best works from local playwrights here
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden showcases world-class art but in an outdoor setting. Occupying around 11 acres (4.5 hectares) in the City Park, this magnificent art garden features nearly 85 pieces by globally renowned artists. Displayed imaginatively amid the beautiful backdrop of a mature garden featuring magnolia trees, oaks, flowering shrubs and palmettos, the garden makes the art accessible and offers an interesting way to explore. Theatrical productions and cultural events are also frequently held at its new outdoor amphitheatre so do check the calendar.
The Sculpture Garden
Address: 1 Collins Diboll Cir., City Park, New Orleans
Website: The Sculpture Garden
Opening hours: Apr 1 – Sep 30: 10am – 6pm (daily); Oct 1 – Mar 31: 10am – 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Go paddling through the Big Lake
One of City Park’s most exciting attractions, the Big Lake is a popular spot for both residents and visitors. The Lake’s scenic walking path is where many come to bike or stroll. If you are keen for some fun on the water, then rent a boat and spend a lazy afternoon floating. Serenading someone special? There’s a gondola experience available! If you prefer a more quiet time, then relax on one of the many benches there, take in the abundance of greenery around you, and enjoy the chirping of birds and the melodious chimes of the Singing Oak.
Big Lake
Address: 4 Friedrichs Ave, City Park, New Orleans
Website: Big Lake
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - sunset; Sat - Sun: 9am - sunset
Price: Free entry
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4. Rejuvenate yourself at the Goldfish Island
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This tiny island located near Anseman Avenue can be reached only by a charming stone bridge that’s been there since the park was built. A haven of quietude and natural beauty, sit awhile in the island, relax amid the serene surroundings and enjoy the view of the elegant Peristyle in the distance.
Goldfish Island
Address: City Park, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
Website: Goldfish Island
5. Awaken your inner child at Storyland
Storyland is open from 10am to 4:30pm every day! Admission is $4/p. Always check neworleanscitypark.com for the latest details. Buy tickets and enter at the Tolmas Visitor Center at 5 Victory Avenue.
Posted by New Orleans City Park on Sunday, 14 January 2018
This wonderland will truly thrill the child in you (and the children with you!). Featuring 26 large installations themed around fairy tales, Storyland is a colourful playground for the young and the young at heart. Explore and walk around striking installations such as Captain Hook’s pirate ship, the Dragon slide, and the Pumpkin Carriage. If you have kids with you, then a ride on the miniature train is a must. Don’t forget to check if the nearby Carousel Gardens amusement park is open, as you can visit it on the same ticket.
Storyland
Address: 1 Palm Dr, City Park, New Orleans
Website: Storyland
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 4 USD
6. Embrace the spirit of Halloween at Voodoo Fest
If you are in New Orleans around Halloween then the Voodoo Fest is not to be missed. This three-day music festival held annually in October during the Halloween weekend typically features live acts by top music artists that can number over 60. The themed fest is an experience in itself with the grounds set up with spooky art installations amid the greenery, and many guests turning up in elaborate costumes. The top class food trucks and beer gardens on site ensure you can dig into some of the city’s best eats as well!
Voodoo Fest
Address: 1 Palm Dr, City Park, New Orleans
Website: Voodoo Fest
Opening hours: Oct 25 - 27 2019; 12pm onwards
7. Explore the New Orleans Museum of Art
Spread across 46 galleries, the incredible art collection of the New Orleans Museum of Art comprises over 40,000 pieces of works. Admire splendid masterpieces from across the world that span four centuries, starting from the 16th century up until the modern era. The collection includes artworks by celebrated artists like Degas, Monet, Picasso, Matisse and Rodin.
New Orleans Museum of Art
Address: 1 Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans
Website: New Orleans Museum of Art
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun:11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 15 USD
8. Enjoy City Park’s "Thursdays at Twilight" concert series
Experience the city’s famed music scene by attending a performance at the Thursdays at Twilight Concert Series. Every spring and fall, this weekly series hosts performances on Thursdays by some of the best musicians of the city across different music styles. Appreciate the talent of these musicians while you relax with a glass of the famed mint julep or a beer! Be sure to reserve ahead as tickets run out fast.
Thursdays at Twilight Concert Series
Address: Pavilion of the Two Sisters in the Botanical Garden, City Park, 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans
Website: Thursdays at Twilight Concert Series
Opening hours: Thu: 5pm - 8pm (closed from Fri - Wed)
Price: 10 USD
9. Get your adrenaline rush at the fitness zones in the City Park
Keen on getting your heart pumping? Check out the range of fitness activities that City Park hosts. From zumba classes to running, there are several groups/classes that are held within the Park on a weekly basis. The list often changes based on the season, so look up online to find what’s on offer and find your jam!
City Park Practice Track
Address: 12 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Website: City Park Practice Track
10. Wonder at the the gorgeous oaks
Posted by New Orleans City Park on Friday, 3 May 2019
Saving the best for the last, the live oaks inside the City Park are a delightful wonder. Called the pride of the Park, this grove of mature live oaks is the oldest one worldwide, with some of the trees nearly 900 years old. Wrapped in reams of characteristic Spanish moss, these trees spread over acres are a sight to behold indeed, so take the time to wander around for a remarkable experience!
Live Oaks of City Park
Address: City Park Ave, New Orleans
Website: Live Oaks Of City Park
A wonderland with something for everyone
As you can see, there’s always so much going on in City Park that you are sure to find something that’ll interest you. Whether you are looking to spend a lazy afternoon, or a family outing or a relaxing date, the park can be the perfect venue for a memorable time. There’s a calendar of events available on the City Park’s official website that you can check to figure out your options for things to do in New Orleans’ City Park, Louisiana.
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