What sat abandoned for decades is now one of the most popular recreational trails in the state. In 1992, the St. Tammany Parish government purchased the abandoned Illinois Central Railroad corridor and remodeled it into what is now known as the Tammany Trace. Whether you’re looking to explore all 31 miles or just a short section, the Trace is the perfect spot for a summer adventure.
The Tammany Trace is a rail-to-trail pathway that spans five different cities in St. Tammany Parish.
You’ve seen the French Quarter, taken a ride on the streetcars, and strolled through Jackson Square. What is there to do now? Well, there are plenty of unique places in New Orleans that you may not have experienced just yet! New Orleans is filled with all kinds of hidden gems that are just waiting for you to explore them. If you think you’ve seen everything, think again— here are 12 unique things to do near New Orleans when you think you’ve done it all.
Just a stone’s throw away from New Orleans in Marrero, you’ll find this paradise. Barataria Preserve is filled with several miles of boardwalk trails that will lead you through areas of the bayous and swamps you wouldn’t be able to get to any other way. Get a closer look at this magnificent nature preserve:
Nola City Lights offers night tours on bikes with LED lights. Cruise down the streets on a colorful bike with your favorite music, a beverage of your choice, and 10 to 20 of your friends. It’s certainly a unique way to spend an evening with your buddies.
This hidden gem is perfect for anyone interested in architecture, design, or gardens. You can tour the historic estate featuring a world-class house museum and eight acres of perfectly manicured gardens seven days a week.
The WWII Museum is an essential stop for both tourists and locals. You could easily spend five hours here and still not see everything. The museum features immersive exhibits and a massive collection of artifacts and first-hand personal stories. You’ll walk away with an understanding of this war, why it was fought, and a deep appreciation of our Veterans. Get an in-depth look at this great museum:
Established in 1791, the French Market is America’s oldest public market. The large variety of food stands, restaurants, shops, crafts, art, and antiques make this one of the most popular destinations for locals and tourists alike.
Stroll down one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in America, the Garden District. Admire the architecture of these historic homes and enjoy the beautiful gardens that complement each home. Take a virtual tour of the Garden District:
The sculpture garden is located in City Park and is free to enter. Stroll through the garden and admire the breathtaking sculptures that are perfectly nestled in nature. There are more than 60 sculptures within the garden along with reflecting lagoons and 200-year-old oaks.
An afternoon at Audubon Park is a wonderful way to spend the day. Located in historic Uptown, there’s a 1.8-mile paved jogging path, three playgrounds, picnic areas, and wide open spaces for laying out or throwing the ball around. Among the 150 oak trees in the park, one stands out from the rest — the Tree of Life. Just about every local has memories of climbing this ancient oak, and if you haven’t done so yet, go ahead and check this off your bucket list.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 was opened in 1789, and it’s worth your while to pay this historic site a visit. Famous New Orleanians buried there include Etienne de Bore, Homer Plessy, and of course, the Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. You need a tour guide to enter the cemetery, so be sure to schedule a tour ahead of time.
Magazine Street is perfect for shopping and dining. The six-mile stretch from the Garden District to Uptown has some of the best art galleries, antique stores, and boutiques in the city.
Head on over to the French Quarter for an interesting lesson in the history of pharmacy and healthcare in Louisiana. The building is the site of America’s first licensed pharmacist, Louis J. Dufilgo, Jr., and you’ll learn about the different medicines and treatments that were used in the 1800s.
Kids and adults with have a blast wandering through this space, creating music from the most unlikely of sources. Each house has its own sound unique sound quality to it, and you’ll discover how to make music from the doors, windows, shutters, and practically everything. On the weekends you can find local and national musicians performing, so be sure to check their website for future events. Please note that Music Box Village is open seasonally in the fall.
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How many of these unique things to do around New Orleans have you seen? Should there be any other unique places in New Orleans on this list? Let us know in the comments! Start planning your trip to New Orleans today!
Looking for something new and exciting to do in New Orleans? New Orleans Yacht Experience offers private luxury sailing excursions that will show you an entirely different side of New Orleans, all from the comfort of a 47-foot luxurious Beneteau sailboat. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night or a family adventure, sailing around Lake Pontchartrain is an experience you won’t soon forget.
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You’ll board the yacht at the dock behind the Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar.
All of the tours include complimentary craft beer, white wine, and non-alcoholic beverages as well as individual packages of Zapp’s chips and popcorn. You’re allowed to bring your own beverages and snacks if you’d like, but with a few conditions. The owners would like to keep this yacht looking nice for many years to come, so red wines, dark berries, and anything that could possibly stain the fiberglass are not allowed.
Ready to book your adventure? Head on over to their website for dates and availability, and don't forget to give them a follow on Facebook so you never miss out on any of the latest updates.
If you've ever taken a private yacht experience from New Orleans Yacht, we'd love to hear from you! Share your experience with us in the comments!
