Audubon Park

A Peaceful Green Escape in the Heart of the City Audubon Park is a beautiful oasis in New Orleans — the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature. I took the streetcar out and walked through the park on my way to the zoo, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the day. The wide paths are great for walking, running, or biking, and the canopy of trees offers plenty of shade — which was especially appreciated on a warm June afternoon. It’s peaceful, scenic, and full of charm, with locals and visitors alike out enjoying the space. Whether you’re heading to the zoo or just looking for a relaxing stroll, Audubon Park is a lovely spot to slow down and soak in the natural beauty of the city.

Great park with humongous oak trees. It was beautiful here. There were gazebos and benches all along the pathway. A lovely lake with lots of great wildlife all around.

Audubon Park is a beautiful place to go sightseeing and they have the biggest and beautifulest oaks I've ever seen so come over and have a good time down in New Orleans Louisiana

Beautiful. HUGE! Great Gift etc etc Shoppe's. Wonderful and helpful employees throughout the Facility.

Very clean and the workers we friendly and informative. Great place for family, dates, or some much needed personal time.. It is a bit pricey for the food and drinks but still a great place to hang out on a beautiful day

Beautiful park. Definitely worth the time on the street car to get away from the city and see NOLA nature. (Although, you probably shouldn't climb the trees.)

Beautiful as ever. Some stretches seem to have lost their live oaks. (Katrina?) Need to replant some live oaks - we need the shade.

Absolutely beautiful park with 1.8 mile path winding around. The park is filled with birds by the water with ducks, egrets, swans, etc. and as you walk you can see them flocking and hear their cries. It’s an absolutely lovely nature walk.

Fancy a walk in the park? An utterly idyllic walk in the park is to be had Uptown at Audubon. It's not over crowded... at least it doesn't seem to be, ever, likely because it's large, but not large in the way that City Park is sprawling over miles. No disrespect to City Park, but it's a little more manageable to walk Audubon Park. There's fitness and bike and walk paths, yes. There's ducks galore (an entire bird island and you can read all about it). There's shelters that you can reserve for your family picnic. There's bathrooms. There are plenty of benches in pretty areas, many of them more on the private side. And the oak trees are simply gorgeous. My favorite thing to do, however, is to stroll past those dreamy homes on the edge of it, reminding me that there's another type of New Orleans living that may be out of reach for most of us, but it inspires me to dream big.

I'm putting aside my absolute, unbridled, and passionate hatred of golf and anything related to golf in giving Audubon Park a five star review. If the land that the golf course was on was either swallowed up by the Earth or returned to something that served some discernible use (and allowing nature to reclaim it would be entirely legitimate), then I'd happily give Audubon Park a sixth star, and possibly even a seventh. In all seriousness: Audubon Park is one of New Orleans' jewels. It is well cared for and has always felt safe to us. Despite the "g" word, there are plenty of hiking and walking trails with natural beauty and a lot of architectural charm in the form of fountains, gardens, etc. Audubon Park is also approved by His Furredness a great place to mark his presence.

Beautiful, serene park that we walk the furbabies regularly at (and we DO pick up after!). We were married here, because of the proximity to Tulane University (across the street), so it holds a very special place for us. There are sidewalks and pathways throughout. Plenty of places to sit and picnic, and simply enjoy the moment. There are public loos-although we don't utilise those, so I have no comment. Gorgeous green space, a zoo, golfing, in the middle of Uptown, so we think it's perfect!

Awesome. I went there and I saw a bird. The bird looked at me and it was cool. I have been many times and the bird was still there. One time when I went there there were two birds.

Absolutely gorgeous! I've never seen such a nice clean park! The trees are breathtaking taking! Loved visiting the tree of life !! Make this part of your trip!

Absolutely my favorite public park! Today I was going there for a bike ride which I often do because the biking/walking path is gorgeous. It's shaded by giant oak trees and has views of birds and turtles and fountains and willow trees and gazebos. Honestly what could you want that isn't at Audubon. It has two playgrounds to bring your kids to play as well as restrooms and water stations. Today I saw helpful signs advising people to be careful due to the extreme heat of the summer which was very considerate.

Beautiful large park with huge trees and so much water. Great place for a picnic. It's a very large park so if you really wanted to stroll the whole thing it'd probably take the afternoon (strolling speed). Cool bridges to admire, stand and watch the water. Many turtles in the water and other birds and wildlife. The University students are lucky it's across the street from their campus. You can take the Trolly to the park.

In my opinion, this is one of the nicer, safer parks of New Orleans, besides City Park. It's scenery is beautiful and peaceful. It's so green and lush. It's the perfect park to go bike riding, bird watching, walking, and people watching. The bathrooms are kept in pristine condition (as my pictures show), and it's in close proximity to Audubon Zoo. This is a great park for tourist. There's a few playgrounds for children and I believe there's some exercise equipment. I absolutely love this park!

Walk through this large park and enjoy the open air and the wide gravel walkways (see photo). Big enough place that you almost could get lost in, but the signs are helpful to prevent that. Some people (not us) were stopping at some of the exercise places where iron bars are mounted in the ground to assist in various forms of light strength exercises. Quite a pleasure that the City of New Orleans has kept such a large park on the outskirts to enjoy. Yes, it is on a trolly car route, so there is the ease of getting there from the city center. Come join the great outdoors and enjoy the large oak trees, the bushes, the flowers, the people.

Beautiful park with lots of animals and old trees to take in. The walking path is nice. We saw a swan and multiple turtles in the water. There are plenty of seating options.

We read on several blogs that this is the prettiest park in NOLA and it is also located next to several other tourist draws including The Tree of Life, the zoo, and the Mississippi River. If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, it wouldn't be a bad idea to head out this way and enjoy snacks and then spend some time going through the zoo. There are a whole host of great family activities conveniently located in and around the park. As mentioned you can go see the giraffes at the zoo (or peak at them from climbing on the Tree of Life and looking over into their sanctuary), the aquarium as well as a butterfly garden and insectarium are all part of Audubon, there's a nature center, golf course, and even a family pool. We were here during winter and it was a little less busy and nowhere near as lush and green as the pictures show it in full bloom. The pictures of the park in summer are really breathtaking with beautiful swampy tree canopies, ponds and lagoons with ducks, and various flowering bushes. In winter it was a little less worth the extra trip to this side of NOLA, but I have no doubt it would be more than rewarding at other times of year. We still enjoyed walking along the Mississippi and visiting the massive oak known as The Tree of Life.

A park outside then busy and bustling packed quarters of the French quarters? Lemme at em! Decided I had one way too many drinks and snacks so I wanted to hunt for something a bit more hands or;... errr I mean feet on. This place has ample parking and a ton of space for you to do picnics and just take the kids and elderly folk out for a nice walk. Every 1/4 or 1/2 of a mile, they had little work out stations to kind of make it feel like you can do more than just walk and run. Water fountains for the puppers, kiddos, and hoomans are also nicely spaced out. Make sure you bring a bottle so you can keep hydrated. Stay Healthy and Hydrated Nola!

This was definitely a worthwhile stop for us while we were visiting NOLA. Great views, well maintained, and some nice walking trails. If you need a break from the crowds or a means of burning off some of those extra food and drink calories it's definitely worth a stop.

So happy to live near Audubon where it's perfect to go for a run or take a stroll, sit on one of the benches, or simply get lost in my own thoughts. There's a few marked trails to get your fitness on but the park is perfect to just unwind and clear your mind. What makes me happy about the park is the close proximity it has to not only the Zoo, the Fly, but a few local food spots as well. Grab a spread from Picnic, a pizza from Reginelli's, or bring any of your fave foods and beverages and just lounge out for a bit. Nothing like a proper way to decompress and embrace nature all at the same time.

I think that this is one of the nicest parks that we have in the area. There are large fields to picnic or do fun outdoor activities. There are multiple restroom areas, excercise equipment, benches, and there is a playground area for the kids. Great place to bring the family.

Audubon is a long streetcar ride from the quarter, but it's a MUST visit while you're in town. Audubon Park is to New Orleans as Cherokee is to Louisville (KY). This park is AWESOME! Its a giant walk in/running/biking path (1.8 miles) circling a golf course, small ponds and open fields. The path is lined by trees of every variety and sand. There are established fitness stations every quarter mile or so. Just off the path you'll also find gazebos and meditation stations. The wildlife it what you'd expect to find in the south - large beautiful white birds in addition to the typical park birds and squirrels. The park is near the end of the St. Charles Streetcar. It's clearly labeled on the line. It's just across the street from Tulane College. The park also stands between the Streetcar and the Zoo. The breeze is great and if you're here to run, it's an easy, flat path with plenty to look at. It's also a great place to take pictures. Lots of fountains, low hanging branches and statues. The water fountain closest to St. Charles wasn't working, but there is another by the main entrance across from the Zoo. (That's where the parking lot is). After my run, I found a bathroom and water fountain on the golf course. The water was super cold and refreshing. Staying in the quarter and only bringing my headphones and myself, I appreciated the water stop before catching the street car back to the quarter. I will be back, every time I'm back in NOLA. I miss this park when I'm away.

The roads are pretty sketchy around here, but the park itself has a lot to offer. A walking and biking trail rings the golf course, and there's a few big outdoor meeting spaces and picnic areas as well. Speaking from ample experience, even with the shade, it is pretty intolerable to be outside here during peak summer heat. Get there early. You'll see an abundance of Spanish moss and birds, as well as the streetcar rumbling by the park's northern edge. It's pretty artificial, but it's one of the largest green spaces in the city, and is relatively safe (though I was harassed once). It's also notable for being close to the zoo and the riverside, so you can definitely make a day out of it.

What a wonderful shady park. Walk, picnic, feed the ducks. The walking path is long and mostly shaded by oak trees. There are benches, play areas for kids, wildlife to look at and excersize spots. The walking path goes around the golf course and is edged by old fancy homes. This is a very safe area to be. Accessible by street car and car. There are also spots to have a picnic or gathering of any size. This is such a romantic area. Audubon Zoo is here as is the tea room. I love to come here on nice days to walk. The walking path also allows for bicyclists, and there always seems to be people roller skating along the way. Free parking, free walking, free people watching. What could be better? Come and enjoy this little slice of heaven.

What beautiful place to get away from the craziness of New Orleans for an afternoon. Whether it's marveling at the Tree of Life, feeding the turtles swimming near the fountain or just in the mood for a leisurely nature stroll, Audubon Park provides something for anyone looking to spend some time outdoors.

About a 20 minute ride on the streetcar or a 15 minute bus ride from downtown. Totally different world and a great change from the French Quarter. Sizable park with trails (both dirt and asphalt), a big pond, fountains, a stone bridge, big trees, wildlife, and quite nice homes bordering the park. Plenty of places to sit and enjoy. The public bathroom facilities were better than most. People were picnicking here, playing frisbee, walking, jogging, and some sprawled out to nap in the sun! On one side is Tulane University. On the other is the Mississippi River (or the zoo and stables are between the park and the river). The surrounding neighborhood is impeccable. Great place to get away from it and relax - very close to the central city.

I have loved Audubon Park since we moved to New Orleans in 1979. I used to jog from our place on Valmont Street and then do a loop or two around the park. My first child, who was born in New Orleans, played on the playground there and fed the ducks in the lagoon. We had picnics there. My wife went to law school at Tulane just across the street and road her bike home through part of the park. Audubon Park was and is the jewel of New Orleans. Beautiful, serene, an oasis in the heart of Uptown. On a recent return to New Orleans for business, and a little vacation, of course we took the street car (still only $1.25) from the CBD to Audubon Park. Our first stop was to get a sno ball at a moveable stand parked beside the park. Little did we know that earlier that morning a jaguar had escaped from the Audubon Zoo (also wonderful) and killed about nine zoo animals.I'm sorry for the alpacas, foxes and other animals that the jaguar killed, but hooray for the jaguar, which was only being what he is and deserves to go back to the rainforests of Belize, Guatemala or wherever it's from.

This park definitely fails short next to City Park, while it is beautiful it boasted many less free amenities such as swings, fountains, or gardens. It's also definitely less lush and more dry than City and seems to be a favorite of local photographers to bring the families for pictures. We ended up walking around, realizing the Tree of Life wasn't a free attraction (it's located within the zoo) then headed back to City Park later in the day. Audubon Park was cute but definitely less comfortable than City Park, which I'd choose any day of the week over Audubon.

This was a great area to run. A runner has several options... Inside the park Immediately outlining the trail Tree line route outside the main entrance As a visitor I felt safe running, as there were running in all options! This was a great experience... The only thing I wish they had posted was a map indicating the possible mileage within and without the trails.

I love Audubon Park. It is simply a great public park. It has a trail that goes around the park with gorgeous views of New Orleans trees and even some waterways. You will often see if filled with families and students. There is plenty of space to spread out and have a picnic or play spike ball. There is a beautiful garden near the St. Charles entrance that attracts butterflies.

Pretty park with plenty of green area and parking. There is running and biking trail which runs adjacent to the mighty Mississippi river. The road within the parks aren't in good shape. Nice spot to watch the sunset.

My favorite place to go running in New Orleans! It's safe, pretty clean and the people are friendly. I run here every other day and generally the people are pretty friendly. There is always a security patrol car that circles the park until dark. Security responds pretty quickly when called. Pros: Free! Clean, not super crowded, lots of play areas for kids, lots of open grass for picnics, nice running trail for both bikers and runners, safe and friendly people. Cons: Poor lighting at night and it smells bad this time of year for some reason from the ducks. Overall, highly recommend this park if you're into golf, picnics, running, biking or just want to take a nap under the sun.

We stopped at Audubon Park to burn off calories after eating a heavy meal. With 350 acres of greenspace, Audubon has all the amenities you need in a park: a 1.8-mile jogging path, baseball diamonds, a golf course, playgrounds, horse riding stables, cookout areas, soccer fields, a swimming pool and tennis courts. It's also home to attractions not found in other New Orleans city parks: Bird Island--This refuge is home to flocks of herons, swans and ducks. Labyrinth--This path is near the intersection of East Drive and Aquarium Drive. Walking a labyrinth is supposed to be a good way to relax and quiet the mind. Tree of Life--There are countless live oaks in the park but this one is the most majestic. It's not the oldest tree in the city but it's the oldest in Audubon Park and it's sweeping branches and dripping moss make it a great place for a photo op. When the weather is nice, Audubon Park is a beautiful place to escape the bustle of the city.

Very walkable, has a beautiful lake, and the magnificent tree branches stretch out above you in a way that takes your breath away. Lots of benches to sit and read, which I did for a couple of hours while nibbling my way through three pounds of crawfish. Great access to bathrooms and water fountains (with the vertical water dispenser for water bottles!) as well. Just a really great, peaceful environment. Unfortunately, most of the tourist draws were closed when I was there (global pandemic and all) but I enjoyed my time here a lot. Also, a guy walked over and made conversation with me for an hour about racial profiling and sensitivity to electromagnetic fields. Because it's New Orleans.

Lovely escape from the narrow, vehicle-filled asphalt transportation veins in NoLa. You can reach the park by the street car of St. Charles, by foot, by bike or by car via the boundary roads like St. Charles and Magazine. There is a golf course within the park, but most people are here to bike, walk, run or enjoy the greenery. There is a cool bird watching area where water fowl congregate, like ducks, swans, egrets and some bird that looks like a cormorant. I also saw plenty of turtles and a heron. As you stroll, you can partake in the set of metal exercise equipment for things like pull ups and sit ups, balancing and climbing, and maybe some good stretching. The path around the park leads you to some covered gazebos, benches for viewing and relaxing, some artistic pieces and just an enjoyable time over all. It is also conveniently split for cyclists on one side, and people on foot on the other. There are more people on foot, so that may be why that side is larger. If in the area and in need of some green sanctuary, this is a great choice for 15 min to a couple of hours.

I can't say enough good things about Audubon Park. I freaking LOVE IT. The old oaks with magical Spanish moss are enchanting at all times of day, all year round. The ~1.2 mile loop around the park is a must do for tourists. You'll see some of the nicest beings New Orleans has to offer (think people, Ducks, birds, squirrels, dogs, even turtles!). Explore off the loop and you'll find amazing homes along the park and fountains tucked in hidden places (find the Hyams fountain, you will not be disappointed)! Enjoy the park rain or shine, morning or evening, it is always beautiful and enchanting. My family and I often bring games and/or snacks or a meal and meet at the leidenheimer gazebo for an outdoor get together. The park is close to shops and cafes along magazine st and Tulane & Loyola campuses along st Charles side. Also explore the Fly!!!! There is a spot near the Tree of Life where you can see the giraffes from the zoo over the fence, it is my favorite place in the whole city. The labyrinth and stables are cool to walk by too. Take some deep breathes and enjoy the fresh air at Audubon Park. 10 stars if I could!

I know City Park is a bigger draw, but I think this is NOLA's best park. It has elegantly planned greenery with walkways that take advantage of this, classical public art, and other details make for a spiritually refreshing stroll. It feels like New Orleans' Central Park, and even has a lake that mimics Jackie O reservoir in NYC, but retains a lazy river like quality and a distinct dark blueness that gives it its own personality.

I've been to many park in the city and this is one of the two of my all time favorites. They are located near a golf course, the Audubon Zoo, two large college campus, church, street car and surrounding restaurants and Boutiques. The other reason I like this park is for the cleanliness and maintain of the park. The walking trail has large trees to block out the hot blazing sun. There are kids area near a restroom! Four water fountain when we get thirsty. A huge nice fountain with a statue and nice view of the street cars passing thru and the Tulane and Loyola university. I feel really safe at the park with the extra security panic station around the park and the park is never deserted when I'm there. You can catch people playing volleyball, soccer, biking, picnic, reading, sleeping, picture taking and sun bathing.

A beautifully designed park! Not one of my favorites due to the lack of overgrown flowers and such. But, a beauty for those who like crafted gardens!

I love Audubon park (but not as much as city park hehe). The location is just perfect, across from Tulane and Loyola, and right along the St Charles street car line. So gorgeous with wide bike and walking trails. There's also a dirt path along the entire park so you can take it easy on your joints. Tons of benches scattered here and there. They also had some work out stations where you could do box jumps as push ups. Very well maintained and clean!

Best place to jog, best place to run or walk with the dogs. Breathtakingly beautiful! Always open. Lots of parking on the street. Enchanting. I am at a loss for words to describe this unfathomably magical park!

I love birds and I love parks, and this was the perfect place to experience both -- I wouldn't expect anything less from a place called Audubon Park. It's a quiet, fairly large oasis in the area of New Orleans that feels more residential and academic (lots of nice houses nearby, and immediate proximity to Loyola and Tulane). There's a great set of walking/bike paths and plenty of benches near the lake and under trees to watch people and wildlife go by. I spent a few hours here on a weekday, and everyone from teenagers practicing dance moves to college students on a date to elderly birdwatchers and exercisers of all stripes crossed my path. I sat by a waterfront bench for a long time and saw an amazing variety of animals: tons of small squirrels, all different sorts of turtles, three kinds of ducks, swans, two types of geese, some blue jays, and a bunch of other birds I couldn't identify (full disclosure: I was completely obsessed with birds as a child). The birds here seem to be fairly tolerant of people, and there are also some really beautiful old trees all around. There's a golf course right in the middle of the park, which I found a little distateful, but I guess they need to make money somehow to maintain this place. The public bathroom facilities were totally fine and even a little better than I expected for a park, and this seems to be a nice place to picnic as well. If you're in New Orleans, take a ride on the #12 St. Charles streetcar to get here -- totally worth it!

If I only remember one thing from my years living in New Orleans -- and there might only be one, thanks to liquor -- it definitely wouldn't be Bourbon Street. It wouldn't be Jazzfest, Voodoofest, the French Quarter Festival, Tulane University, or even the amazing food you can find from one end to the other. (It certainly wouldn't be Mardi Gras, as I seem to have forgotten everything about that.) If I only remember one thing when I'm old and grey, it will be the magnificently gnarled oaks stretching across the sky in the afternoon sunlight, their branches splayed out in every direction, some heavy enough to brush the ground. And although these ancient, gorgeous trees can be found all over the city, it's worth taking a trip uptown just for the Tree of Life. This majestic oak is the centerpiece of Audubon Park, and there is nothing better than a lazy afternoon spent in its shade.* Even without the Tree, Audubon has plenty to offer. With squirrels running to and fro and quiet fountains emptying into peaceful ponds teeming with fish, ducks, swans, turtles and more, you can easily get your nature fix. If you're into exercise, runners and bikers seem to enjoy themselves, and there's even golf for you to play, or golfers if you just prefer someone to poke fun at. Family fun is in abundance; kids run around excited about the prospect of the zoo, and there probably isn't a better spot for a BBQ than the Fly. The Fly represents what life should be like all the time. It's the huge grassy area next to the Mississippi where life is absolutely paradisiacal on sunny days. It's made for kegs and crawfish, lacrosse and soccer, frisbee, daiquiris and procrastination. You can play, eat, drink, watch the river flow by or just fucking sit there and have a fantastic time. It's where doing nothing is everything you thought it could be. No matter your age, occupation or state of mind, Audubon Park is worth a visit. _______________ * Hallucinogenics optional. So I hear.

I came to the park to see the tree of life specifically. After pulling up the park map, locating the tree was very easy. It was easy to find a spot to park close by and hop out to marvel at this site. The park was very clean and wasn't crowded at all. There were ppl with dogs just running around off a leash that scared the hell out of me, but I didn't get bitten or even sniffed. So that's good. All in all, very nice park!!!

For me, this park is pure New Orleans. That is probably because it was one of the first places I visited when I first came here. I won't compare it to City Park as they are completely different parks but for me it's Audubon all the way. The loop is about two miles and it is two miles a pure beauty. And the oaks are just magical, encompassing the entire loop. There are ample places to relax or get your sports on and if you include the Fly there is more than enough room for everyone. There is nothing liking picnicking on a lazy day and watching the river roll by. If my magic wand wasn't broken I would use it to do something about the golf course (I don't golf and would prefer the space be usable to more people) but I must admit it is beautiful. You can cut through the course and its a great detour but be on the lookout for flying balls....of the golf variety. A trip to New Orleans isn't complete until you walk through Audubon park. Go chill in Audubon Park, you will be glad you did.

Another great park in this wonderful city. Again a great place to relax, bring the family and pets, play golf, have a picnic. Lots of spots to sit after your workout or just taking a walk. The zoo is also here so the kids will be able to see the animals.

I come from a city full of amazing marks. And let me tell you, Audubon Park is quite impressive. It's big and larger is always better when it comes to parks. I can't think of any park that I wished was smaller. It's interesting AND beautiful. Lots to see when strolling around. This keeps things interesting when aimlessly strolling. Also, I saw a couple get engaged when I was here. So clearly locals thinks it's a nice place to hang. And lastly, the houses around it rock. This kind of goes with my interesting AND beautiful point, but I was totally admiring their park-side appeal. 5/5 would stroll around again.

Step away from city life and partake in nature's breathtaking beauty at Audubon Park, located near Tulane and Loyola in Uptown. Take a leisurely stroll or jog/run/bike through the park on the wide looping trail, which is a little less than 2 miles long. Whether visiting on your own or with family and friends, there is indeed something for everyone here. Magnificent old oak trees stand tall, with Spanish moss flowing in the wind. Even on warm days, the trees provide ample shade from the sun. Stop by one of the many ponds/fountains to watch the turtles, birds, ducks, or swans. Squirrels are running around the trees in their own game of "tag you're it." Admire the lush greenery and colorful landscape, attend an outdoor weekend activity, walk your dogs, or even people watch. Such wide, open spaces make the park a great picnic spot. Words cannot capture the spectacular beauty of this well-maintained park. You'll have to visit and see for yourself! Audubon Park is easily one of my favorite places to visit in New Orleans when I feel the need to escape and relax.

I love walking around this park every time I come to New Orleans - it's gorgeous, with lots of little ponds all over the park and a paved road that cars can't drive on. They do have a bike lane too. It's about 2.5 miles around the park with plenty of benches along the way if you wanted to sit down for a few to take a break. I recommend checking this place out especially if you have kids.

One of my most memorable experiences from my trip to NOLA is coming to this park. There was so much wildlife to see, including a Sean. The path just keeps going and going, we ended up turning around. From the path you can also look at really beautiful houses, landscaping, old trees, and there are places you can sit down too. Plenty of free parking! I hope to visit again one day!

Great zoo! Live the layout and appreciate the shade! The animals looked well cared for and didn't seem tense like in other zoo's. The map needs a lot of work but the signs were very helpful!

A really beautiful break from the hustle and bustle of NOLA. The St. Charles streetcar rides right by the park, so it is very accessible. Also very close to the zoo, so you can easily spend half a day to a full day in and around the park. There is more to NOLA than just Bourbon Street!

It's a park. A great park for walking, running and has some monuments. I was fortunate to see the 150th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers. Seeing something like that doesn't get much better.

A peaceful and restful urban park with many large and beautiful live oaks draped with Spanish Moss. My main interest in the park comes from its being the former site of the 1884-1885 World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, which can be read about in my book "1884-NEW ORLEANS-1885 The Great World's Fair" - ISBN 9780692065099 - containing over 250 rare photographic images from my personal collection. The park is also the home of Audubon Zoo, a section of which was once the location of the exposition's Horticultural Hall. You can easily spend a day in this beautiful park, visiting the zoo, strolling the park's many pathways, and having a relaxing lunch at the Audubon Clubhouse Cafe.

My favorite place in New Orleans! Bring your kids or your dog. Water fountains for everyone scattered through the park. Walk, bike, or run! Full loop between Mag and St. Charles is 1.8 miles. Watch the ducks. Watch the horses. Watch the people. Make a picnic or have a crawfish boil at the Fly. Play volleyball, kickball, or golf! Breathe in the fresh air.

The Audubon is a gem. In a city well known for its craziness and colors, the Audubon is quiet and peaceful, and beautiful. While they do host events throughout the year, I am most in love on days where I can walk around the loop, find a great spot to read, or just sit by the water and watch the birds! It's a great place to "get away" and relax with nature.