Jackson Square
DESCRIPTION: The most beloved and photographed park by tourists features much more than an equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson; the St Louis Cathedral forms one boundary, while typical French Quarter buildings surround the West and west of the square, as it empties in Washington Artillery Park; street vendors, artists, and magicians perform regularly; the park
DAYS & HOURS: closes at 9p
ADDRESS: Jackson Square  MAP

Washington Artillery Park
DESCRIPTION: As you walk across Decatur Street, you'll notice a small amphitheater for street performers; after walking up a few steps, you see a wide expanse of grass leading to the Moonwalk adjacent to the Mississippi River; the park was used as a military training ground
ADDRESS: Decatur Street across from Jackson Square  MAP

Louis Armstrong Park
DESCRIPTION: A large bronze statue gives ‘Satchmo his props; a recently built public garden with man-made waterways makes this a pleasant repast during the daytime only; Mahalia Jackson performance hall is also on site
ADDRESS: North Rampart and St. Ann Streets  MAP

Woldenburg Riverfront Park & Moonwalk
DESCRIPTION: A rather large green space extending from Jackson Brewery to the Canal Street Ferries provides ample room for romantic strolls and early morning jogs; if you get tired there are plenty of benches for relaxation and street performers to entertain you; Riverwalk is adjacent and the Riverfront Streetcar line passes through the park and the Aquarium of the Americas sits on the edge of the park at the foot of Canal Street
DAYS & HOURS: only daytime jogs are recommended
ADDRESS: Downtown at Canal Street and the Mississippi River  MAP

Audubon Park
DESCRIPTION: Features one of the nation’s top-rated zoos, Louisiana swampland, riverboat rides, Heymann Conservatory with 20 varieties of orchids
ADDRESS: St. Charles Ave and Magazine Street  MAP
PHONE: 504-581-4629

City Park
DESCRIPTION: At 1,500 acres, it is one of the largest urban parks in the nation; the park is best loved for having the world's largest collection of mature oak trees; 30,000 trees fill this urban oasis, many of them moss-draped beside lazy lagoons, hiking and biking trails, golf courses, tennis courts; the Botanical Gardens are so nice they seem at times, magical; small children adore the wooden carousel and Storyland amusement park; families enjoy the ample picnic grounds of what was formerly a plantation
ADDRESS: 1 Palm Drive  MAP
PHONE: 504-488-2896

Longue Vue House & Gardens
DESCRIPTION: Listed on National Register of Historic Places; features a 20th century mansion on delightfully landscaped eight acres of gardens; includes a Children's Discovery Garden
ADDRESS: 7 Bamboo Road  MAP
PHONE: 504-488-5488