City Park, New Orleans wilderness guide
Urban Park · LA

City Park, New Orleans

City Park in New Orleans is one of the oldest urban parks in the United States, famous for its oak trees and wide range of recreational activities.

Urban Park1,3002+ Trails

Designation

Urban Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,300

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About City Park, New Orleans

City Park in New Orleans is one of the oldest urban parks in the United States, famous for its oak trees and wide range of recreational activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

City Park in New Orleans spans approximately 1,300 acres and is known for its impressive collection of mature Southern live oaks, some of which are over 600 years old. Established in 1854, it offers a rich history intertwined with the culture and growth of New Orleans. The park features a botanical garden, an amusement park, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. As a hub for outdoor activities, it offers paths for jogging and biking, fishing spots, and opportunities to experience art and nature. It showcases numerous sculptures and art installations throughout its grounds, adding cultural depth to its natural beauty. The park hosts events year-round, making it a lively spot for both locals and visitors.

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near City Park, New Orleans

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The New Orleans Museum of Art and its Sculpture Garden✦ Historic live oak trees throughout the park✦ City Putt, the mini-golf complex✦ Morning Call coffee stand, a local favorite
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in City Park, New Orleans

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in City Park, New Orleans
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in City Park, New Orleans
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in City Park, New Orleans
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in City Park, New Orleans
Park Recreation

Golfing

Available in City Park, New Orleans
Park Recreation

Jogging

Available in City Park, New Orleans
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in City Park, New Orleans
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

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

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with some paid attractions

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 City Park, New Orleans

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

Metairie, Louisiana
⌖ 3.13 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Metairie, Louisiana

Metairie offers easy outdoor access with biking and walking trails, calm bayous for kayaking, and family-friendly parks. It's a low-key spot to enjoy nature near New Orleans with good bird watching and fishing.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Jefferson, Louisiana
⌖ 3.74 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jefferson, Louisiana

Jefferson, Louisiana offers outdoor enthusiasts a gateway to the bayou with kayaking, fishing, biking, and bird watching. Its scenic waterways and nearby protected parks make it a must for adventure seekers visiting the NOLA area.

Fall and Spring
Explore Town
Gretna, Louisiana
⌖ 5.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gretna, Louisiana

Gretna offers a laid-back outdoor vibe with riverfront trails and paddling spots ideal for exploring the Mississippi River corridor. Perfect for casual bikers, kayakers, and birdwatchers seeking a water-centered adventure near New Orleans.

Fall through Spring
Explore Town
Arabi, Louisiana
⌖ 6.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Arabi, Louisiana

Arabi is a quiet river town that offers outdoor lovers serene paddling, excellent bird watching, and fishing along the Mississippi River and nearby wetlands. It’s a great base for exploring Louisiana’s unique bayou terrain.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Marrero, Louisiana
⌖ 6.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marrero, Louisiana

Marrero is the perfect spot for exploring Louisiana's bayou ecosystems. Kayak through swamps, enjoy birding and fishing, or take a wildlife tour in the Barataria Preserve.

Fall and Spring
Explore Town
Westwego, Louisiana
⌖ 7.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Westwego, Louisiana

Westwego, Louisiana is a gateway for outdoor explorers seeking wetland paddling, birdwatching, and fishing along the Mississippi River coast. Experience quiet bayous, rich wildlife, and the charm of a historic coastal town.

Fall through early Spring
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in City Park, New Orleans

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

River Road Revealed: A Private Full-Day Tour of Two Plantations
ADVEXPEDITION
New Orleans, Louisiana
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

River Road Revealed: A Private Full-Day Tour of Two Plantations

A seven-hour, private outing from New Orleans that visits two River Road plantations with docent-led house tours and the option for a picnic lunch — this guide lays out what to expect and how the day flows.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip