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Urban Park · Louisiana

Audubon Park

Audubon Park in New Orleans offers a serene urban green space along the Mississippi River, known for its beautiful landscaping, recreational amenities, and the Audubon Zoo.

Urban Park3402+ Trails

Designation

Urban Park

Total Wilderness Area

340

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Audubon Park

Audubon Park in New Orleans offers a serene urban green space along the Mississippi River, known for its beautiful landscaping, recreational amenities, and the Audubon Zoo.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Audubon Park is a prominent urban park located in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, spanning approximately 340 acres along the Mississippi River. Established in the early 20th century and named after the naturalist and painter John James Audubon, the park features a blend of lush oak trees, open grassy areas, lagoons, and winding walking paths. The park was originally part of a plantation and was developed into a public park as part of the City Park system. Today, Audubon Park is a favorite destination for residents and visitors seeking outdoor recreation in a city setting. The park offers a variety of activities including jogging, biking on a dedicated scenic trail, picnicking, tennis courts, and a golf course. It is also home to the nationally renowned Audubon Zoo, which provides a connection to wildlife and conservation education. The park’s natural areas support local bird species, including herons and egrets, and features mature southern live oaks draped with Spanish moss, providing shade and habitat. Key landmarks include the Harding Memorial and the Mississippi River overlook, which provide scenic views of the waterway and the city skyline. The park’s proximity to the vibrant Audubon neighborhood and Tulane University make it a hub for outdoor activity, relaxation, and community events.

Field Guide · Urban Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Audubon Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Welcome to the Tranquility of Couturie Forest★ 7.6⌖ 5 miHiking
Couturie Forest

Welcome to the Tranquility of Couturie Forest

Couturie Forest in New Orleans offers easy, urban trails within City Park, perfect for peaceful hikes and birdwatching. Enjoy the serene landscapes at this family-friendly spot featuring the city's highest point, Laborde Mountain.

Discover Jean Lafitte's Hidden Treasure★ 7.6⌖ 9 miWildlife Viewing
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Discover Jean Lafitte's Hidden Treasure

Explore Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve near Marrero, LA. Enjoy easy walks along cypress forests and marshes or paddle through scenic bayous. Spot alligators and enjoy superb bird-watching. Best visited in spring or fall, about 30 mins from New Orleans.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→
Discover the Barataria Preserve★ 8.8⌖ 11 miWildlife Viewing
Barataria Preserve

Discover the Barataria Preserve

Explore the wetlands at Barataria Preserve near Marrero, LA. Enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities including alligators and over 200 bird species. A perfect spot for birding and canoeing, best visited in spring and fall. Access is drive-in and the area is generally quiet year-round.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→
Discover the Mystique of Honey Island Swamp★ 8.4⌖ 36 miSwamp Tours
Honey Island Swamp

Discover the Mystique of Honey Island Swamp

Explore the mysterious Honey Island Swamp, featuring guided boat tours through a unique ecosystem. Located near Slidell, Louisiana, visitors can enjoy kayaking and wildlife photography in a quiet, scenic environment. Ideal in spring and fall for viewing alligators, wild boars, and rare birds.

Swamp ToursView Details→
Sandy Shores of Grand Isle State Park★ 7.8⌖ 48 miBeach Camping
Grand Isle State Park

Sandy Shores of Grand Isle State Park

Explore Grand Isle State Park, a beach haven in Grand Isle, LA. Perfect for beach camping and fishing, it's also a birdwatcher's delight during late spring and early fall. Experience the local cultural charm with family-friendly activities and vibrant ecosystems.

Beach CampingView Details→
Wolf River, Mississippi★ 5.8⌖ 67 miKayaking
Wolf River

Wolf River, Mississippi

Explore the serene Wolf River in southern Mississippi. Ideal for kayaking and wildlife watching, this tranquil spot offers a natural escape with diverse wildlife. Best visited in spring and fall, it's a quiet retreat for adventure seekers.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Audubon Park Scenic Trail – a 1.8-mile paved loop popular with runners and cyclists✦ The Audubon Zoo – a world-class zoological park within the park grounds✦ Historic live oak groves draped with Spanish moss providing iconic southern landscape views✦ Mississippi River Overlook – offering panoramic views of the river and passing riverboats
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Audubon Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Cycling

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Tennis

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Golf

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Audubon Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Audubon Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; parking fees apply during peak hours and events

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Audubon Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Jefferson
⌖ 2.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jefferson, Louisiana

A vibrant riverside town blending New Orleans flair with rich bayou landscapes, perfect for paddling, biking, and wildlife spotting.

Fall and SpringExplore Town
Westwego
⌖ 2.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Westwego, Louisiana

A historic river town offering unique access to Louisiana's coastal wetlands, ideal for water-based adventures and birdwatching enthusiasts.

Fall through early SpringExplore Town
Marrero
⌖ 3.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marrero, Louisiana

Marrero offers a blend of cultural heritage and easy access to captivating outdoor activities in the lush bayous of Louisiana.

Fall and SpringExplore Town
Metairie
⌖ 3.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Metairie, Louisiana

A suburban town with easy access to waterways and park trails, offering casual outdoor activities including biking, walking, and paddling near New Orleans.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Gretna
⌖ 3.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gretna, Louisiana

A charming riverfront town with easy access to water-based activities and nearby parks, offering a relaxed outdoor experience in the Greater New Orleans area.

Fall through SpringExplore Town
Nash
⌖ 7.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nash, Louisiana

A quiet small town offering access to tranquil bayous, lakes, and forested areas for outdoor exploration in northeast Louisiana.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Audubon Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Wetlands Boat Tour with Beyond the Bayou Tours in MaurepasMaurepas, Louisiana · 2.49 mi away
On the Water· Beyond the Bayou Tours

Wetlands Boat Tour with Beyond the Bayou Tours in Maurepas

Discover Louisiana’s wetlands with the Madisonville Swamp and Marsh Boat Tour by Beyond the Bayou Tours. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and curious travelers, this intimate boat adventure reveals the hidden wonders of the Louisiana swamp in just two hours. Join a small group and cruise the Tchefuncte River, where the scenery shifts from lush marshes to quiet waterways, all while your guide shares local history and points out native wildlife. This tour is a fantastic way to get up close with the region’s unique ecosystems without strenuous activity, making it accessible for most visitors. You’ll see soaring herons, lurking alligators, and maybe even a playful otter or two, all in their natural habitat. The experience goes beyond just sightseeing—it’s an educational journey into Louisiana’s ecological and cultural landscape. Beyond the Bayou Tours prides itself on delivering personalized, eco-conscious tours that highlight the importance of wetland preservation. Whether you’re visiting the area for a weekend or seeking the perfect small-group adventure, this trip offers both a peaceful retreat and an engaging exploration of Louisiana’s iconic wetlands.

2 hours

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French Quarter & Cemetery Bike Tour by Paved Paradise NOLANew Orleans, Louisiana · 2.53 mi away
All Adventures· Paved Paradise New Orleans Bike Tours

French Quarter & Cemetery Bike Tour by Paved Paradise NOLA

Discover the vibrant culture and hidden stories of New Orleans on a lively bike tour through the French Quarter. Perfect for all ages, this guided ride offers an active way to see iconic sites and secret spots in the Big Easy. Join Paved Paradise New Orleans Bike Tours for a fun and educational 2.5-hour journey that weaves together history, architecture, and local lore—delivered at a relaxed pace suited for everyone. Pedaling through the lively streets and quiet alleys, you'll pass by famous landmarks and discover lesser-known gems that reveal the real soul of NOLA. Knowledgeable guides share colorful anecdotes and cultural insights, making each stop an engaging part of the adventure. This tour is an especially attractive choice for visitors who want more than just sightseeing—it's a chance to get active, uncover the city’s layered past, and experience its lively atmosphere in a uniquely immersive way. The flat terrain makes it accessible for most riders, while the opportunity to see the historic cemeteries and bustling plazas up close makes every pedal stroke worthwhile. With safety in mind, riders are advised to wear helmets, stay hydrated, and be aware of city traffic. Ideal year-round, but particularly enjoyable during mild seasons, this ride highlights the rich cultural fabric that continues to define New Orleans. Whether you're a history buff, a casual visitor, or a local seeking a fresh perspective, Paved Paradise’s French Quarter Bike Tour promises a memorable, heart-pumping way to spend a few hours in the Big Easy.

2–2.5 hours

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Craft Beer + Garden District Bike Tour by Paved Paradise New OrleansNew Orleans, Louisiana · 2.53 mi away
On the Water· Paved Paradise New Orleans Bike Tours

Craft Beer + Garden District Bike Tour by Paved Paradise New Orleans

Hop on a bike with Paved Paradise New Orleans and enjoy a 3-hour journey through the Garden District, complete with stops at three microbreweries. Perfect for beer lovers and history buffs alike, this tour offers an engaging way to experience the city’s vibrant culture. Join a lively crowd, pedal past stunning historic mansions, and sample some of the best local craft beers. Whether you're new to biking or just looking for a fun activity, this tour provides a memorable taste of New Orleans’ rich flavors and stunning architecture.

3 hours

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Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.