Spend a sunny day exploring the lush green stretches of Audubon Park, a beautiful grassy oasis that runs to the edge of the Mississippi River. Join the local residents who incorporate a cycle or run here into their daily routine, or simply lounge in the wide open green areas and have a picnic or a nap. As there are also some great outdoor and indoor attractions located within the park, it is very easy to fill an entire day here.
Audubon Park is not only a great place to visit today, but also an important piece of history. Visit it to wander paths that people have been walking for well over a century. As you explore New Orleans, look out for the other sites that share the same name as the park. They are all named after John James Audubon, a famous naturalist and artist who made New Orleans his home in the early 19th century. The impressive Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Audubon Insectarium are two other nature-based tourist favorites that were set up to preserve this important figure’s legacy.
Bring your whole family when you visit Audubon Park and you will be sure to find something to keep everyone entertained. Stroll amid the ancient oak trees, tranquil lagoons and covered picnic areas that pepper the park. Play a round of golf at the scenic Audubon Park Golf Course. Set aside at least a couple of hours to meet the animals who live at the Audubon Zoo. If you have some time left over, visit the Cascade Stables and head out on a picturesque horseback ride around the park’s winding trails.
Get to Audubon Park via the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line. It is a short journey from the downtown area of the city. To see it at its best, come at the very start or the very end of summer, when many of its beautiful flowers will be in bloom but the weather will still be pleasantly cool.
