City Park in New Orleans is one of the oldest and largest urban parks in the U.S., even larger than Central Park in NYC! With moss-draped oaks, botanical gardens, sculpture exhibits, walking trails, swan boats, and family-friendly attractions, a City Park Tour is a peaceful, beautiful break from the French Quarter’s buzz.
Here’s your complete guide to planning the perfect City Park Tour in New Orleans! 🛶🎨🌼
📍 Where Is City Park?
📍 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124
Located in the Mid-City neighborhood, about 15 minutes from the French Quarter.
🚋 Take the Canal Street Streetcar – City Park/Museum line
🚗 Free and paid parking lots available throughout the park
🚴♀️ Bike- and pedestrian-friendly!
🗺️ What to See on a City Park Tour
🌳 Live Oak Trees & Nature Walks
- Over 600 acres of walking and biking trails
- Home to some of the oldest oak trees in the U.S. (over 800 years old!)
- Beautiful bridges, lagoons, and shaded paths
🎨 New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)
- Impressive collection of art from around the world
- 📍 Located at the front of the park
- General admission: ~$15 (free for kids under 12)
🗿 Besthoff Sculpture Garden
- Free entry
- 90+ modern & contemporary sculptures in a tranquil outdoor setting
- Pathways wind through gardens, trees, and lagoons
🌼 New Orleans Botanical Garden
- Beautifully landscaped gardens, greenhouses, and seasonal displays
- Admission: ~$10 adults / $5 kids
- Great photo spot!
🚣♂️ Big Lake Activities
- 🛶 Rent a swan boat or kayak
- 🚶 Walk or bike around Big Lake
- 🦆 Feed ducks or just enjoy the views
🎠 Family Fun
- Carousel Gardens Amusement Park (seasonal)
- Storyland – Fairytale-themed playground
- 🎠 Antique wooden carousel from the early 1900s
- 🎟️ Admission varies; combo passes available
☕ Café du Monde (City Park location)
- Same beignets and café au lait as the original, but with way fewer crowds!
- Located near Big Lake and the sculpture garden
🚶♂️ Tour Options
1️⃣ Self-Guided Tour
🕒 1–3 hours (or more if you explore everything!)
💰 Free access to most of the park
📱 Use park maps or the City Park app to plan your route
2️⃣ Guided Walking or Bike Tour
🕒 1.5–2 hours
💰 ~$30–$50
✅ Available via local tour companies or Airbnb Experiences
✅ Covers history, ecology, and hidden gems
📌 Some include bike rentals or photography tours
📸 Best Photo Spots
- The iconic stone bridges
- Under the 800-year-old oak trees
- In the sculpture garden and botanical garden
- Paddle boats on Big Lake
- Morning mist or golden hour for dreamy light
❓ City Park Tour – FAQ
1️⃣ Is City Park free to enter?
✅ Yes! The park grounds are open to the public.
🎟️ Some attractions (NOMA, gardens, amusement park) require paid admission.
2️⃣ How do I get there from the French Quarter?
🚋 Take the Canal Street streetcar to City Park/Art Museum stop
🕒 About a 20-minute ride
🚗 Or drive (plenty of parking available)
3️⃣ When is the best time to visit?
| Time of Day | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Morning | Cooler temps, quiet, great light |
| Afternoon | Ideal for activities and family fun |
| Evening | Gorgeous sunset walks or twilight picnics |
📆 Best season: Fall through spring (Oct–April) for mild weather and blooming gardens
4️⃣ Can I bring food or have a picnic?
✅ Yes! City Park is perfect for picnicking
🧺 Bring your own food or grab a snack from Café du Monde or nearby cafés
5️⃣ Is the park family-friendly?
✅ 100%! With Storyland, the carousel, and boat rentals, it’s great for all ages
✅ Bonus Tips
- 📱 Download the New Orleans City Park app for maps and info
- ☀️ Wear sunscreen and bring water — it can get hot
- 🧺 Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a lazy afternoon
- 🧘♀️ Check the park calendar for yoga, concerts, and events
- 📸 Photographers: visit during golden hour for stunning shots!
🎟 Want help pairing your City Park Tour with NOMA, Mid-City dining, or a streetcar ride?
Let me know! I can help you plan a relaxing, scenic, and artsy day in New Orleans’ most beautiful green space 🌳🎨🛶
🌳 City Park Tour – FAQ
Planning a visit to City Park in New Orleans? This FAQ covers everything you need to know to enjoy your tour of this stunning, historic green space filled with oak-lined paths, art, gardens, family fun, and outdoor activities. 🛶🎨🍩
1️⃣ What is City Park known for?
City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., famous for:
- 🌳 Centuries-old live oak trees
- 🖼️ The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)
- 🗿 The Besthoff Sculpture Garden
- 🛶 Boating, biking, and walking trails
- 🎠 Family-friendly attractions like Storyland and Carousel Gardens
- 🍩 A quieter Café du Monde location
2️⃣ Where is City Park located?
📍 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
Located in Mid-City New Orleans, about 15 minutes from the French Quarter
🚋 Accessible via the Canal Street streetcar (City Park/Art Museum stop)
🚗 Ample free & paid parking available
3️⃣ Is City Park free to enter?
✅ Yes! The park grounds are open to the public at no cost.
🎟️ Some attractions require separate admission (e.g., NOMA, Botanical Garden, Storyland).
4️⃣ What are the top attractions in City Park?
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 🖼️ NOMA | Fine art museum with global collections |
| 🗿 Sculpture Garden | 90+ outdoor sculptures (free entry) |
| 🌼 Botanical Garden | Lush seasonal plants & greenhouses |
| 🎠 Carousel Gardens | Vintage rides, kids’ amusement park (seasonal) |
| 📖 Storyland | Fairytale-themed play area for children |
| 🛶 Big Lake | Swan boat & kayak rentals, scenic walking loop |
5️⃣ How long should I plan to stay?
⏳ 1–2 hours for a short stroll
⏳ 3–4+ hours if visiting museums, gardens, and family attractions
🧺 Many visitors spend a full half-day relaxing, exploring, or picnicking
6️⃣ When is the best time to visit City Park?
| Time of Day | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Morning | Cooler temps, fewer crowds, good for photos |
| Afternoon | Best for boating, kids’ attractions, gardens |
| Evening | Lovely sunset views and twilight walks |
📅 Best seasons: Fall to spring (October–April) for milder weather and flowers in bloom
7️⃣ Is City Park good for kids?
✅ Absolutely! It’s very family-friendly, with:
- 🎠 Carousel & amusement rides
- 📖 Storyland play area
- 🛶 Boat rentals
- 🦆 Open green space for running, playing, and exploring
8️⃣ Can I rent a bike or boat?
✅ Yes!
🚲 Bikes, swan boats, kayaks, and surrey bikes are available near Big Lake
💳 Rentals require a photo ID and credit card
9️⃣ Is there food inside the park?
🍩 Yes — Café du Monde (City Park location) serves beignets and drinks
🥪 Additional cafés, snack stands, and nearby restaurants are available along Esplanade Ave and City Park Ave
🔟 Are pets allowed?
🐶 Yes — leashed pets are welcome in most areas of the park
🚫 Not allowed inside certain attractions like the Botanical Garden or NOMA
✅ Bonus Tips
- 📱 Use the City Park website or app for maps and event updates
- 🎟 Book NOMA and attraction tickets online during busy weekends
- ☀️ Bring water, sunscreen, and comfy walking shoes
- 📸 Visit during golden hour for stunning photos under the oak trees
- 🧺 Pack a picnic or relax by Big Lake for a chill afternoon
🎟 Want help planning your City Park visit or combining it with a streetcar ride, NOMA, or Mid-City eats?
Let me know! I’ll help you create a laid-back, nature-filled New Orleans day you won’t forget 🌳🛶🎨
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