New Orleans Parks

1. Annunciation Square Park

You can find Annunciation Square Park in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District, which was historically one of the most exclusive residential neighborhoods in the area.

It wasn’t designated for public use until the 1850s and the current design that you see now was is by a local firm in 1989. Covering one large city block, you’ll find the park to be filled with several features and amenities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Some aspects include a recreation center, a basketball court, a playground, and a designated picnic area. You can utilize the multi-use field for a friendly game of frisbee, catch, and other fun group activities.

Annunciation Square Park, 800 Race St, New Orleans, LA 70130, Phone: 504-658-3095

2. Audubon Park

Millions of people visit Audubon Park to relax and enjoy recreational activities while they are in New Orleans.

Prior to it being opened to the public in 1898, it was the site of the 1884 World Cotton Centennial. Today, you’ll be able to enjoy so much such as picnicking, walking, running, rollerblading, and cycling on a regular basis; there’s a 1.8-mile paved loop available for shared use. It’s also a wonderful place to host private events or attend public events since it’s surrounded with expansive green space, stunning lagoons, and beautiful towering oak trees. You’ll also find the Audubon Zoo and the Audubon Trail Golf Course within the walls of the park.

Audubon Park, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70118, Phone: 504-861-2537

3. Brechtel Park

Spanning 100 acres, Brechtel Park is a beloved urban outdoor space that generations of New Orleans residents and visitors have enjoyed.

There’s much for you to see and do while you’re there; one of the most popular activities is bird watching since the surrounding of native trees and vegetations attracts several residential and migratory species. Brechtel Park is also a stop on the Barataria Loop of America’s Wetlands Birding Trail. There are playgrounds, a toddler play area, campsites for the scouting community, a baseball field, designated picnic spaces, event shelters with bathroom facilities, and many more amenities which you can make use of.

Brechtel Park, 4401 Lennox Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70131, Phone: 504-364-4013

4. Coliseum Square

Named after the initial plan they had to build a Roman-style coliseum which never came to fruition, Coliseum Square is a three-acre park that has proven to be a fun outdoor space for the entire family.

The square is a part of the Lower Garden District, which in 1972 was added on to the National Register of Historic Places. Within the square, you will see paved walking paths, a fish pond, benches, night lighting, and oak and China trees. Be sure to spend time exploring the surrounding district which houses a number of restaurants, boutique stores, bars, and cafes.

Coliseum Square, 1708 Coliseum St, New Orleans, LA 70130

5. Congo Square

Often considered the birthplace of American music, Congo Square can be found on the southern side of Armstrong Park.

There is a lot of historic value there as the square was once an open space where blacks, both freed and slaved, would gather for meetings and open markets. Additionally, when they gathered here, they would also celebrate with African drumming and dancing - an aspect that would play a substantial role in the development of jazz in New Orleans and the rest of the nation. You may be surprised to see local voodoo practitioners gathering at

Congo Square, 835 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 504-658-3200

6. Crescent Park

Crescent Park is one of the newest additions to the many green spaces scattered throughout New Orleans.

You’ll find the park right on the Bywater riverfront, stretching for over a mile alongside the Mississippi River. You’ll be able to take in stunning views of the water, making it the perfect place to sit on the benches and simply watch the beauty of the river floating by. The paved path is often busy in the evenings and on weekends as people head out for a bit of fresh air, to take a stroll, go on a bike ride, or just relax with friends and family.

Crescent Park, Crescent Park Trail, New Orleans, LA 70117, Phone: 504-636-6400

7. Alcee Fortier Park

Alcee Fortier Park is named after Alcee Fortier, a Creole scholar and philanthropist who once owned the property the park now sits on.

Before being established as a public park in 1926, the plot of land also served as an elementary school for many years until the 1920s and was also named after Fortier. Today, friendly hand-painted mosaic signs can be seen guiding you through the park while colorful sculptures liven up the family-friendly outdoor space. Some of its distinct features include towering oak trees, dwarf palmettos, benches, lush grassy areas, and stone chess tables among other things.

Alcee Fortier Park, 3100 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119

8. Fulton Street Square

Fulton Street Square has been entertaining people for several years, dating all the way back to the 1984 World’s Fair.

Even today, it is one of the greatest entertainment destinations in New Orleans, housing a number of boutique retail stores, chic restaurants, fun bars, cozy music clubs, and much more. One of the main features of Fulton Street is the 25,000-square-foot Fulton Square, which is an outdoor event space that has something exciting going on throughout the year. For example, if you’re there in October, you’ll be able to attend the New Orleans Seafood Festival which brings together live music, family fun, and of course, deliciously fresh seafood.

Address: 228 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70115

Fulton Street Square

9. Jackson Square

Located right in the heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most recognizable places in all of New Orleans.

Over two million visitors flock to the 2½-acre space every year as it is the site of several city events and celebrations. You’ll find a bronze statue of Andrew Jackson at the center of the square, and surrounding it is a mixture of residential and commercial property. You’ll come across restaurants, shops, bars, cafes, museums, and other entertainment venues. One of the square’s most unique features is it being an open-air hub for artists to display their process as well as their work.

Jackson Square, 751 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 504-658-3200

10. Joe W. Brown Memorial Park

Joe W. Brown Memorial Park is a 163-acre open space that was donated by Dorothy Dorsett Brown in 1959 in honor of her husband who it’s named after.

She wanted the land to give people the opportunity to enjoy and educate themselves on their beautiful natural surroundings. You can explore the lagoon, which is surrounded by native vegetation, willow oaks, and cypress trees. There are paved pathways you can take a nature walk on. Other aspects include an interpretive center, a planetarium, and the Louisiana Audubon Nature Center. There are several sports fields dedicated to football, baseball, track, as well as tennis courts which you’re invited to make use of.

Address: 5601 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127, Phone: 504-658-3080