Visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest is ideal as these two events not only generate the most revenue and tourists but also showcase New Orleans’ culture at its best. However, for locals and visitors from nearby southern states such as Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida, the best time to fully explore New Orleans is during the summer months because of the heat, which deters the big crowds that come here from all over the country and world. That’s right, if you can handle the swampy heat, then the summer months will show you New Orleans at its core – a laid-back yet full of action kinda city. Let Airboat Adventures walk you through this guide designed specifically for the southerners who can handle the humidity and heat of the summer and why this is the best for them to explore New Orleans.
Reasons to Visit New Orleans During the Summer Months
While it may seem like New Orleans offers nothing but the insane heat during summer months, it is quite the opposite. New Orleans in the summer gives visitors a different vibe, all the attractions that are available during peak seasons are also available during the summer with less waiting time. Restaurants are not packed with tourists, you won’t have to worry about waiting in line to get delicious food. More than that, it is generally less expensive as businesses like airlines, hotels and tour operators often lower their rates and offer discounts or deals to fill their seats and beds, to actually make some money during the slow season. Furthermore, with no high-demand events, visitors will get to spend time exploring places that are local’s favorites and have a chance to fall in love with the Big Easy like how locals have. New Orleans, being the major port of the U.S. since the nation’s birth, offers many cultural attractions, museums, and even some restaurants dating back to decades, hundred years ago. For nature enthusiasts, summer months are the perfect time to visit as most wildlife of the swamp become super active in the heat. Plus, regional travelers will get to explore New Orleans at their own pace without worrying about missing out on anything that they planned to do.
What to Do in Southern Style
When you are in the south, travel like a southerner. That’s to say, summer months in New Orleans are the best time to be embraced in the bayou’s enchanting nature.
Swamp Tours
During these months, wildlife are the most active as well as flora and fauna, regional visitors will get to see this through multiple activities in the New Orleans summertime. Board on a swamp tour to take an up close look at alligators, herons, turtles, critters, and many more chilling in their natural habitat as visitors glide through the cypress-lined bayous. For early birds, we have got your back. Airboat Adventures offers excursions that start early at 8AM, only available in the summer. For the summer, we recommend an airboat over a covered pontoon.
Fontainebleau State Park
Venture into the mystique bayou when kayaking, hiking, and tubing at Fontainebleau State Park on the Northshore. Kayaking at Fontainebleau State Park has always been a popular activity for New Orleans locals and visitors from nearby regions. The park offers a kayak rental kiosk that is easy to use. For visitors who lean more towards relaxing activities such bird watching and picnicking, the Fontainebleau State Park features a designated picnic area. This designated area invites guests to bring their own food and beverages for a meal in the enchanting nature. For those looking to wander and immerse themselves in nature, Fontainebleau State Park is home to local wildlife of over 400 species, including different kinds of woodpecker, waterfowl, wading birds, songbirds, American alligator, raccoons, otters, deer, and many more. The abundant nature and wildlife makes Fontainebleau State Park a perfect spot for on-land as well as on-water adventure.
Cool Pools in Fancy Hotels
Virgin Hotels New Orleans boasts an eclectic vibe pool with a bar located on the rooftop of the hotel. Their pool is open for hotel guests, and non-hotel guests can purchase a day pass. Indulge in the American fare and creative cocktails at the historical cottage The Country Club with its pool and cabana bar. Or immerse in luxury at Roosevelt Hotel with its rooftop pool, great bars and restaurants, and spa. Venture into a serene escape at the Colonial architecture style pool of Hotel Monteleone, located in the heart of the French Quarter right on Royal Street. If you want to take it slow and away from the hustling and buzzing downtown, hop on the streetcar to dive into a romantic getaway at the vintage style pool of The Chloe, a luxury retreat on St. Charles Avenue in Uptown.
Visit Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, and Insectarium
Take a chance to learn more about the wonders of Mother nature when visiting the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, and Insectarium. These three family-friendly attractions have always been a must-visit for many locals and regional visitors. Board on a safari-themed train at the Audubon Zoo. Or immerse in the mesmerizing of marine creatures at the Aquarium, and get a chance to pet the stingrays on their backs. Dive into the world of butterflies, beetles, and bug-themed adventure at the Insectarium. Guests can buy separate tickets for each attraction or purchase the combo ticket to visit all three.
Get a Snoball
Hop on the streetcar for an adventure of scenic ride past grand mansions and a burst of cool flavor to beat the heat.
William Plum Street Snowballs
With more than 50 flavors, William Plum Street Snowballs offers vibrant sno-balls just like the colorful vintage neighborhood that it is in. This sno-ball shop is located in the heart of uptown, accessible via streetcar for visitors who crave a cold and refreshing dessert after coming back from Audubon Zoo
Hansen’s Sno-Bliz
A short walk from Magazine Street and a 15-20 minutes walk from the streetcar line for visitors that enjoy sightseeing at slow pace is at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz. Head to this family-owned sno-ball shop on Tchoupitoulas or Tchoup for short as the locals like to say. Opened in 1939, since then, Hansen’s has been the spot to go to among many locals for a crafted soft-shaved ice and homemade syrups.
Get Stuffed by SNO-LA
Located on the popping Magazine Street near many shops and restaurants, Get-Stuffed by SNO-LA is a short walk from the streetcar and the perfect spot to get a refreshing dessert after a day of adventure.
Sno-ball on the West Bank
Uptown and the French Quarter are not the only areas where visitors can get tasty sno-ball from. Head to Abracadabra Snowballs and Snow World Snowballs & Her Coffee Shoppe on the West Bank. Especially for guests returning from airboat swamp tours in Lafitte, these two sno-ball stands are perfect for cooling off and unwinding.
Creole Tomato Festival in June
The Creole Tomato Festival invites locals and visitors from other parts of Louisiana and from neighboring states to join in the celebration of a staple ingredient of Creole cuisine, tomatoes. For three days, from the 6th to the 8th of June, the Creole Tomato Festival is being held at the French Market in downtown New Orleans. It is a beloved summer tradition for the people here as it marks the beginning of summer. The festival is free to enter, it features food booths, live music, family activities, and fresh local produce available for purchase.
FAQ
Where to go kayaking near New Orleans?
Within a drive from New Orleans, there are plenty of destinations for kayaking and hiking such as Bayou St. John located in Mid City, it is known for calm waters and scenic views of historic homes and City Park. Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville is another must-go spot for kayaking near New Orleans, located on the North Shore, the park has waterways that are easy for anyone to kayak and charming bayou sights.
Why visit New Orleans during the summer months?
While the summer heat of New Orleans often is the reason for many tourists to not visit the Crescent City. The summer months are actually the best time for regional people to come and explore New Orleans as the city has less crowds, airplane tickets and hotels are less expensive and more available accommodation with short to no line.
What to do in New Orleans during the summer?
Visiting New Orleans in the summer means endless adventures with numerous activities to partake in. During the summer months, visitors can witness more of the wildlife as this is the time the animals are most active. Explore the beautiful nature of the bayou when kayaking and enjoy the scenic sights of Lake Pontchartrain.