Zoo days in Uptown New Orleans
On the banks of the Mississippi River, Uptown's Audubon Park boasts a host of family-friendly attractions that you'll want to check out. Head over to the Audubon Nature Institute to see jaguars, giraffes, gorillas and elephants hanging out in their zoo habitats, touch stingrays and stroll through a rainforest at the aquarium, and meet butterflies and creepy crawlies at the insectarium. Elsewhere in the park, you'll find a walking and cycling path encircling a scenic golf course and lagoons, and riverfront green spaces that are perfect for watching the boats float by while picnicking under ancient shady oak trees.
Living like a local in Uptown
Uptown and the nearby Garden District are great places to sightsee along streets filled with impressive architecture. Take a stroll down some of the quiet, residential lanes to admire the picturesque century-old Greek Revival mansions and ancient oaks that grow around them. Make time for antique shopping on Magazine Street, where you'll find a host of art galleries, sidewalk coffee shops and delicious local eateries serving up everything from traditional Creole recipes to tasty international dishes. If you're lucky enough to secure an Uptown vacation rental near here, you'll be just a short walk away from all the action.
New Orleans festival season in Uptown
The streets of New Orleans come alive during the 1st few months of each year as Festival and Mardi Gras season bring colorful parades, lively parties and fantastic concerts. Winter and spring are great times to visit weather-wise, with each offering pleasant daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s that make spending time outdoors much more enjoyable than during the sweltering summer months. You'll find that crowds and prices hit their peak between January and May, so be sure to look for your Uptown vacation rental early to snag your preferred dates. If you're hoping to experience the city outside the busy season, opt for a fall stay instead.