New Orleans is a city that simmers with potential. ItÂ’s vibrant and bold, and there always seems to be something happening! Even newcomers to the city need to take a break occasionally, though, and these are the best ways to do it.
#1 Visit the Garden District
There are fewer more tranquil activities than strolling around New OrleanÂ’s Garden District. The area consists of lavish homes with beautifully manicured gardens. ThereÂ’s a strong sense of history in this area and the gardens hark back to the golden era of New Orleans. YouÂ’ll find that many of the mansions are open for tours, so youÂ’ll be able to explore those tranquil lawns to your heartÂ’s content.
#2 Sample coffee shop culture
New Orleans has a vibrant coffee shop culture including Pontilly Coffee, Park Island Brew and the Baldwin & Company. The latter is also a book store that supplies used books for customers to read for free while enjoying their coffee and amazing scenery. Kicking back in a coffee shop is an end in itself, but you might use the downtime to people watch, read a book or even sample the delights of an online casino like Jackpotcity online slots. Whatever you do, the unmistakable atmosphere of New Orleans will make the time feel like a dream.
#3 Go Bayou paddle boarding
Paddle boarding might not seem immediately relaxing, but the sedate bayou backdrop and laid back attitude of the instructors make this a perfect way to wind down. If youÂ’re new to paddle boarding, an instructor will take you through the basics, but after that, youÂ’re free to proceed at your own pace. Time spent in the bayou is serene and carefree, a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. If itÂ’s a particularly hot day on land, youÂ’ll find ample relief and cooler air out on the water, too.Â
#4 Sip cocktails on a rooftop bar
ThereÂ’s nothing more soothing than relaxing on a rooftop bar as the sun goes down. In New Orleans youÂ’re spoiled for choice. Hot Tin and Monkey Board are two of the most popular locations along with Alto Bar, which also offers a swimming pool to help you cool down. A sprawling, sky high view of downtown is one of the best sights in the world, and New Orleans is famous for its quality daiquiris. Sipping a cocktail as the city unfolds beneath you is about as relaxing as it gets!
#5 Head to the beach
Beaches certainly arenÂ’t the first thing that springs to mind at the mention of New Orleans, but the city is within short driving distance of some fantastic ones. Fontainebleau State Park has a small beach across Lake Ponchartrain, which also allows you to take a drive down the historic Causeway Bridge. ThereÂ’s also Grand Isle, Biloxi and Long Beach to choose from, to name but four. Some are quieter than others, but they all promise a relaxing day to the sound of rolling waves.
#6 Tour Royal Street
Royal Street is the location of choice for art lovers. There are galleries aplenty. Wandering down the street at your own pace, dipping in and out of galleries as you see fit, is a relaxing way to spend the time. You can easily make a day of this and you might even come away with a new favorite artist. If you visit during August, you can enjoy the annual Dirty Linen Night which is a block party where patrons can roam all the Royal St. art galleries with a cool glass of wine and help support the local art galleries.Â
