New Orleans City Park

One of the biggest urban parks in America — 1,300 acres of ancient live oaks, lagoons, NOMA and its free sculpture garden, a botanical garden, an amusement park for littles, and a Café du Monde with mercifully short lines. The park is free and the Canal streetcar delivers you to the entrance. Budget a half day minimum.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Botanical garden — worth the admission?

At about $8 ($4 kids, free under 3, and free Wednesdays for Louisiana residents), yes for garden people — 2,000+ plant varieties plus the WPA-era sculpture garden of Enrique Alférez. Last entry is 4pm; it's a peaceful hour.

Is City Park free to enter?

Yes — the park grounds, the ancient oaks, and NOMA's Besthoff Sculpture Garden are all free. You pay only for extras: the botanical garden (about $8 adults), the amusement park rides, boat rentals, and NOMA itself.

How do I get to City Park from the French Quarter?

The Canal Street streetcar marked 'City Park/Museum' runs from downtown to the park entrance in about 30-40 minutes. Driving is easy too — parking near NOMA is generally straightforward outside event days.

What is Celebration in the Oaks?

The park's huge holiday light festival, roughly late November through early January, when the oaks and gardens are strung with light displays. It's a beloved local tradition — buy tickets ahead, and expect crowds on weekend nights.

Is the Café du Monde in City Park as good as the original?

Same beignets, same chicory café au lait, a fraction of the line, and you eat them under oak trees. Locals will tell you it's the better experience; the Decatur Street original just has the history.

What are the must-sees in City Park?

The centuries-old live oaks (some approaching a millennium), the free Besthoff Sculpture Garden, NOMA, and beignets at the park's Café du Monde. With kids, add Storyland and Carousel Gardens; with a date, rent a pedal boat on the lagoon.

How old are the City Park oaks?

The oldest live oaks here are estimated at 600-900 years — among the oldest in the country, draped in Spanish moss around the lagoons. The grove near the Peristyle pavilion is the most photogenic and completely free.

Is City Park good for kids?

It's the best family day in New Orleans: Storyland's fairy-tale playground, the antique carousel at Carousel Gardens (seasonal hours), pedal boats, and endless picnic space. You can burn an entire day without repeating anything.

Nearby in Ask New Orleans

• Louisiana Children's MuseumMuseum0.5 km · 6 min walk
• Pelican ProduceMarket0.55 km · 7 min walk
• New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)Museum0.86 km · 11 min walk
• City ParkAttraction1.21 km · 15 min walk
• Toups' MeateryRestaurant1.4 km · 18 min walk