Things To Do Near New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
At New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, you can explore the rich history and culture of the jazz scene that's made "The Big Easy" a one-of-a-kind destination for every kind of music lover. Tours of the park are available year-round, and the visitor center is a great place to start your exploration of this unique park. This location features a video history of the park and photo exhibits along with memorabilia and ranger-led talks. Live events are held at the park along with walking self-guided tours that take you to different areas of the city for a full-on jazz education. Some of the places you'll visit are Canal Street, Lafayette Square District, Vieux Carre / Decatur Street, and Central Business District.
Hiking Trails
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Louis Armstrong Park
Louis Armstrong Park offers a relaxing loop trail that encircles the park's most lovely features with great views of nearby neighborhoods. In the park, you can explore 33-acres of historic land that's home to Congo Square and shares the block with the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. This path is paved and is dog-friendly.
Location
701 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Length
0.6 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Lafitte Greenway
On Lafitte Greenway, you'll enjoy a beautiful walk along a paved path that takes you all the way from Louis Armstrong Park to Bayou St. John. This easy trail also connects to the French Quarter and Lakeview Neighborhood where you can marvel at the old-world style of the architecture, and take an exciting detour to explore the shops, cafés, and cuisine of New Orleans. Hikers of all skill levels can traverse this trail, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Location
2200 Lafitte Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
Length
4.6 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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LaLaurie Mansion
The LaLaurie Mansion is considered to be one of the most haunted sites within the French Quarter and is a definite must-see as you spend time exploring the area. Walking ghost tours of the Quarter tell ghastly tales of the mansion's past while you check out the Baroque-style architecture and experience the creepy vibes of the "Haunted House of New Orleans." The LaLaurie Mansion was once owned by Nicholas Cage and is now privately owned by a Texas oil tycoon who also resides within the mansion. Outside visitors are prohibited from entering the premises, but the historic building can be viewed and photographed from the street.
Location
1138 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
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Marie Laveau's Tomb
Another ghostly location that's a must-explore is Marie Laveau's Tomb located in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Guided tours of the resting place of New Orleans' most famous voodoo priestess tell the story of her life as a hairdresser by day and Voodoo Queen by night. At Laveau's aboveground burial site, you'll see messages written on her tomb along with trinkets and other tokens honoring her supernatural contribution to the city and its past and present residents.
Location
1201-1253 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Museums
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Backstreet Cultural Museum
Backstreet Cultural Museum honors the long history of the beloved New Orleans processional events that have brought the local community and worldwide visitors together in celebration of song and dance. The culturally rich museum houses a number of artifacts, costumes, and photos representing these traditions. Guided tours take you on a journey from the past to the present of some of the most documented Carnival parades and jazz funeral processions in New Orleans history. Entry is by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead for tickets.
Location
1116 Henriette Delille St, New Orleans, LA 70116
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Museum of Death
Museum of Death is a world-famous New Orleans destination that allows you to explore the darker side of life with exhibits that feature crime scene photographs, original serial killer artwork and artifacts, funeral and coroner's tools, and much more. Self-guided tours last for 45-minutes to an hour; however, you can stay for longer. The museum is recommended for mature audiences only, and admission does not require pre-purchased tickets or appointments.
Location
227 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo
Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo offers quintessential keepsakes for a time spent in one of the most haunted cities in America. This shop of oddities sells everything from mugs and clothing to tarot cards and voodoo dolls. Tarot and psychic readings are also available.
Location
739 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
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Shops at Jax Brewery
At the Shops at Jax Brewery, visitors can enjoy four floors of fun shops and cafés. Some of the stores featured in this converted 1890s brewery are Vans, Sephora, H&M, and Urban Outfitters. Popular food establishments include Gumbo Ya-Ya, Café Beignet New Orleans, and Jazz Sushi.
Location
600 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
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Café Du Monde
Café Du Monde is a world-famous coffee and beignet shop located in the French Market that offers Chicory au lait, flavorful brews, and powdered sugar topped delights. Canned coffees and chicory are also sold along with t-shirts and souvenir mugs.
Location
800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
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Restaurant R'evolution
Restaurant R'evolution features upscale dining in a ritzy hotel atmosphere and a mind-blowing selection of wines from a cellar with over 10,000 bottles. Cajun fare includes delicacies of strawberries and beets, snapping turtle gumbo, and wild boar bolognese, in addition to caviar, crawfish, and mouth-watering desserts.
Location
777 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130