When we hear “New Orleans,” we immediately think of distinctive Spanish architecture and French culture, food, jazz, and, of course, Mardi Gras.
Located on the Mississippi River, this city boasts an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, from the well-known ones like The French Quarter and Bourbon Street to areas outside of the famous Quarter like Bywater and Marigny.
Whether you’re planning a first trip to New Orleans or you’ve visited several times, you’ll be surprised to find that in the ‘Big Easy’, as New Orleans is nicknamed, there’s always something new for you to discover.
And that is exactly what I want to share with you in this New Orleans off-the-beaten-path guide.
A Quick History of New Orleans
This iconic city, the largest in the state of Louisiana, is known for its unique heritage and intriguing history.
Founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, New Orleans has been shaped by French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and American influences.
France ceded Louisiana to Spain in 1762 before Spain returned it to France in 1800. Just three years later, Napoleon sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
This rich history is still visible today in the city’s architecture, food, music, and traditions.
If you’re up for an adventure, then you might want to check out the hidden gems that NOLA has to offer, from nature adventures to specialty museums.
Off the Beaten Path New Orleans
1. Explore the “Cities of the Dead”
New Orleans is rife with cemeteries, known as “cities of the dead” that shed light on the city’s history. NOLA’s tombs are known for their distinct placement above ground.
If you want to hear the city’s haunted history or if you want to know more about its fascinating local past and contribute to cemetery preservation at the same time, go on a cemetery tour. The local guides are incredibly knowledgeable, sharing many stories about the darker parts of the city’s history.
Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 is recognized as NOLA’s oldest city of the dead and houses the tombs of many notable people. This includes the final resting place of Marie Laveau, a powerful voodoo priestess who lived in New Orleans in the 19th century.
Metairie Cemetery is well-known for its unusual track contours, architecture, and funeral sculptures.
Although cemetery tours have become popular, so you could argue this is not truly off the beaten path New Orleans, it’s a great way to learn more about the fascinating history and voodoo culture of New Orleans.
So while you’re here, don’t miss a spooky afternoon at one of NOLA’s most famous cemeteries!
2. Escape Into Nature for a Few Hours
One of the most unique things about New Orleans is that you don’t have to travel far to find yourself surrounded by swamps, marshes, and wildlife.
Just outside the city, the Barataria Preserve is one of the best places to experience Louisiana’s natural landscape. Its boardwalks and walking trails wind through cypress swamps and wetlands where you can spot alligators, turtles, snakes, and dozens of native bird species. Ranger programs are offered throughout the year and are well worth joining if you’re interested in learning more about the area’s unique ecosystem.
For an even more memorable experience, head out on a swamp tour. Whether you choose a fast-paced airboat or a quieter boat tour, you’ll glide through the bayous while learning about the local wildlife and culture. Seeing an alligator in its natural habitat is something you’re unlikely to forget.
Back in the city, if you want to take a break from the busy streets, take a stroll through Audubon Park. One of its highlights is the famous Tree of Life, a magnificent live oak believed to be several centuries old. It’s the perfect place to relax for a while before continuing your New Orleans adventure.
3. Get Cultured and Inspired
New Orleans has a wide range of museums.
From the Historic Voodoo Museum, the Museum of Death, and the Pharmacy Museum to a WWII Museum, an African American museum, and many more.
You can find a full list of museums here and depending on how off the beaten path you want to go in New Orleans you can go for one of the major museums or pick one of the small, less-visited ones.
Getting lost in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden might be one of the best ways to experience New Orleans. After exploring the adjacent New Orleans Museum of Art, take a stroll through this outdoor space and enjoy all its quirky and wonderful installations.
4. Change Your Point of View
Experience New Orleans from the water for a different view of this beautiful city.
There are several boat tours you can choose from. For example, this evening Jazz boat cruise down the Mississippi. Or go on a swamp boat tour to explore New Orleans’ surrounding swamp and wetlands.
Ok, maybe this isn’t really off the beaten path New Orleans. But, it’s definitely a different way to see the city and surrounding nature, and it will show you why New Orleans is often listed as one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.
5. Walk Through Crescent Park
If you’re looking for a quieter side of New Orleans, take a stroll through Crescent Park.
Stretching for about 1.4 miles (2.3 km) along the Mississippi River, this linear park connects the Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods and offers some of the best skyline views in the city.
Unlike the busy French Quarter, Crescent Park feels peaceful and local. Walk or cycle along the riverfront, admire the colorful murals and industrial architecture, or simply sit on one of the benches and watch the ships pass by on the Mississippi.
One of the highlights is the distinctive Rusty Rainbow Bridge, which leads into the park and has become one of New Orleans’ most photographed viewpoints.
This park is a great place to escape the crowds for an hour while still being just minutes from the city’s most famous neighborhoods.
6. Get Musical
When you’re in the Big Easy, the birthplace of jazz, you don’t want to miss out on the music.
You can find live music almost anywhere in New Orleans, from jazz clubs to free concerts in the parks.
Check out Kermit’s Treme Mother in Law Lounge, which is a lively bar with cheap drinks that’s loved by the locals.
Head on over to the Musical Legends Park to see statues of jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton, or visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum to learn more about this musical art.
If you’re looking for live music without Bourbon Street’s party atmosphere, spend an evening on Frenchmen Street (specifically the part in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood). It’s one of the best places in New Orleans to hear live jazz, blues and brass bands.
7. Taste as Much Local Food as You Can
One of my favorite things to do when I travel anywhere is try the local food. And New Orleans is definitely a great place for that!
And because NOLA has such a rich culinary history I’d recommend going on a food tour. The local guide will teach you a lot about the history of the food and you’ll get to visit some of the best places and taste some delicious food.
There are so many great restaurants in New Orleans!
This food tour takes you through the French Quarter and is a great introduction to the food culture in New Orleans. Or check out this Garden District food and history tour to visit food stops that highlight Cajun and Creole flavors, learn about the history of this neighborhood, and explore local shops.
And, if you love cooking, then this Cajun & Creole demonstration cooking class might be for you!
Enjoy New Orleans Off the Beaten Path & the Must-Do’s
Now that you know a few ways to go off the beaten path in New Orleans, don’t forget to do the touristy stuff.
Of course don’t miss the French Quarter, one of NOLA’s most historic neighborhoods.
Try the chicory coffee and beignet scene at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, a purely NOLA experience you shouldn’t miss. Be prepared for a short wait, as it’s one of the city’s most enduring dining institutions.
Have your tarot read at Jackson Square, or try your first gumbo (a thick, stew-like soup and famous Louisiana dish).
Tip: If you plan to enjoy several attractions or tours in New Orleans, get the New Orleans Go City Pass. It saves you a lot of money on things like museums, city tours, the zoo, bike rental, etc.
And check out these tours and attractions for some more inspiration for things to do in New Orleans. From popular tourist attractions to tours helping you see more of off-the-beaten-path New Orleans.
Enjoy off-the-beaten-path New Orleans!
Also Read:
- The 5 Most Important Things to Look For When Booking a Hotel Room
- The Prettiest Cities to Visit in the USA
- Popular Weekend Getaways in the US
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