City Park wilderness guide
Urban Park · LA

City Park

City Park, located in the heart of New Orleans, offers a rich blend of lush landscapes and recreational facilities that attract both locals and tourists for various outdoor activities.

Urban Park1,3002+ Trails
DesignationUrban Park
Total Wilderness Area1,300
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About City Park

City Park, located in the heart of New Orleans, offers a rich blend of lush landscapes and recreational facilities that attract both locals and tourists for various outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

City Park in New Orleans spans over 1,300 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Established in 1854, the park is renowned for its historic oak trees, some of which are over 800 years old. The park provides a diverse range of attractions like the New Orleans Museum of Art, Botanical Garden, and the whimsical Storyland. City Park is a favorite spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering golf courses, tennis courts, a driving range, and multiple sports fields. Additionally, the park is a haven for bird watchers and those seeking a peaceful retreat within the bustling city. With its mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks, City Park is a vital part of the New Orleans community.

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near City Park

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The New Orleans Museum of Art with its impressive sculpture garden✦ The Botanical Garden displaying vibrant native and exotic plants✦ The centuries-old live oaks that provide a serene canopy✦ Storyland, an enchanting area featuring larger-than-life fairy tale sculptures
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in City Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in City Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in City Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in City Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in City Park
Park Recreation

Jogging

Available in City Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in City Park
Park Recreation

Golf

Available in City Park
Park Recreation

Tennis

Available in City 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 City Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access; fees required for some 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

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

Metairie, Louisiana
⌖ 3.15 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
⌖ 3.76 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
⌖ 5.60 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
⌖ 6.13 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
⌖ 6.51 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

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

Knee Scooter
ADVEXPEDITION
New Orleans, Louisiana
RentalsADV Bookable

Knee Scooter

Injured but eager to stay active? Total Access Mobility Services in New Orleans offers Knee Scooter rentals—an easier, more stable alternative to crutches that keeps your recovery mobile and hassle-free.

RentalsAges 18+ to Rent · 1 - 7 Day RentalsCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Tour of the Historic Pitot House and St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
ADVEXPEDITION
New Orleans, Louisiana
History TourADV Bookable

Tour of the Historic Pitot House and St. Louis Cemetery No. 3

Discover New Orleans' rich past on a guided outing to the Pitot House and St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. This unique urban tour blends architecture, local legends, and evocative burial grounds just off Esplanade Avenue.

History Tour2 Hours • All AgesCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 near City Park
ADVEXPEDITION
New Orleans, Louisiana
City TourADV Bookable

St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 near City Park

Step into St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 with Save Our Cemeteries for a revealing walk through New Orleans' rich burial heritage. Learn the real stories behind the city's famed residents on this accessible 1.5-hour tour.

City Tour1.5 Hours • All Ages • Cemetery-centric!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
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
New Orleans' Sunset Food and History Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
New Orleans, Louisiana
History TourADV Bookable

New Orleans' Sunset Food and History Tour

Discover New Orleans’ rich culinary heritage on a 3-hour Sunset Food and History Tour through the vibrant French Quarter. Taste iconic Creole dishes while uncovering the stories behind the city’s most beloved eateries.

History Tour3 Hour TourCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Private Party Night at The Museum: Seance, Ghost Hunt & Voodoo
ADVEXPEDITION
Springfield, Illinois
History TourADV Bookable

Private Party Night at The Museum: Seance, Ghost Hunt & Voodoo

Dive into the paranormal with Bloody Mary's Tours’ haunted museum night, featuring ghost hunts and spooky seances amid historic surroundings. Discover local legends and communicate with spirits in this unforgettable adventure.

History TourA Haunted Night at the Museum; The VIP Trinity Event PRIVATECertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Garden District Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
New Orleans, Louisiana
City TourADV Bookable

Garden District Tour

Experience the Garden District's stunning architecture and Lafayette Cemetery on a guided walk packed with local insights. Discover why this New Orleans neighborhood is a living history lesson.

City TourAll Ages | 2 Hours | Explore the Gardens of New Orleans!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Three Hour Citywide Tour of New Orleans
ADVEXPEDITION
New Orleans, Louisiana
City TourADV Bookable

Three Hour Citywide Tour of New Orleans

Discover the vibrant heart of New Orleans with a guided tour that delves into its history, culture, and local secrets. Uncover hidden gems and iconic landmarks in just three hours.

City Tour3 hours • All ages • Up to 4 peopleCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip