New Orleans is a vibrant and exciting city with so many things to see and do. Summer is one of the best times to visit the Crescent City, and you’ll find plenty of different activities for all different kinds of travelers. Whether you’re looking for festivals, food, are traveling by yourself or with a family, there are plenty of options. This summer promises to be better than ever as events get started again, and the crowds return to the streets to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
New Orleans is slow-cooked melting pot of different cultures and one of the country’s most unique music scenes. The city also oozes Southern charm and is packed with tours and experiences that make it one of the best travel destinations, according to reviewers. You can find a full review here. To help you have the perfect summer, we’ve listed five of the most exciting things you can do in New Orleans and made sure there’s something on the list for just about everyone.
A Mississippi Cruise
For a classic way to enjoy the city and take in some sights while on board a Mississippi steamboat, consider taking a cruise on the SS Natchez. Passengers can enjoy a two-hour trip along the Mississippi River to take in New Orleans’ grandeur and French Quarter romanticism. The Original Natchez was destroyed in a fire, but the current boat was built in 1975 and has all the charm of the steamboats of old. As well as touring the river, the boat offers you a chance to experience live jazz music and dinner while on the water, and this is a perfect day out.
A Summer Festival
New Orleans offers plenty of festivals to enjoy throughout the summer months, and there’s something for everyone. Charity barbecues, wine festivals, music festivals, and more are all taking place this year, each offering a unique look at New Orleans culture and a chance to experience something different. The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience is one of the summer’s biggest festivals, offering visitors a chance to try some delicious food and a huge variation of wines. The festival lasts for a week over June and attracts people from all over.
Seeing the French Quarter
The French Quarter is the most historic area of New Orleans, featuring a lot of the city’s most elegant buildings and monuments. It’s often described as the heart of the city and is known for its lively nightlife and colorful buildings with cast-iron balconies. Bourbon Street attracts crowds with its jazz clubs, Cajun cuisine, and busy bars serving interesting cocktails. Quieter streets lead to the French Market, which sells gourmet foods and handcrafted items, as well as Jackson Square, where street performers perform in front of the soaring St. Louis Cathedral.
The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
This is a perfect destination for families and anyone interested in wildlife, boasting a huge collection of more than 50 live exhibits over a 23,000 square foot facility. It’s the largest American museum dedicated to insects. You can learn a lot from studying the various creepy crawlies of the world, and the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is a great day out. Situated in the French Quarter, the museum was opened in 2008 and has received an award for Scientific Achievement. The exhibits feature giant animatronic insects as well as live creatures that can be safely observed as well as a place to try various dishes prepared with insects.
Lake Pontchartrain
This lake is actually a saltwater estuary, and while it once suffered the effects of overdevelopment, it’s now a great place for a day out to enjoy some nature outside of the bustling city. It makes the ideal spot for families and friends to get together and take in the sights of nature as well as spend time watching boats and picnicking, especially near the Mardi Gras fountain.
