New Orleans Attractions
While you’re attending the 2024 ADEA GoDental Recruitment Event in New Orleans, look at below for a list of top can’t-miss attractions and museums that make New Orleans an exciting place to explore.
Credit: Photo courtesy of @catchingmoments.by.the.sea
Jackson Square
Distinguished as one of the most iconic landmarks in New Orleans,
Jackson Square stands proudly as a National Historic Landmark at the heart of the French Quarter. This 2.5-acre expanse draws over 2 million visitors and locals annually, serving as the venue for various city events, celebrations, weddings and photography sessions.
Jackson Square has also graced the screen, providing a picturesque backdrop for numerous popular feature films and television shows. The square takes its name from the central bronze statue of Andrew Jackson, adding to its historical significance.
Where: Google Map to Jackson Square
Photo courtesy of neworleans.com
Audubon Zoo
Audubon Zoo has been home to animals since the 1884 World Exposition in Audubon Park. Presently, it spans 58 acres, providing natural habitats for a diverse range of animals. Renowned for its excellence, the zoo consistently secures a place among the finest in the country.
Where: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
Photo courtesy of Zack Smith
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Audubon Aquarium
Standing prominently along the banks of the Mississippi River is the globally acclaimed
Audubon Aquarium . Housing over 3,600 animals representing 250 species, the aquarium provides an opportunity for visitors to observe some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures up close and at eye level. During your visit, you can see African penguins, moon jellyfish, potbellied seahorses, and even a Louisiana alligator.
Advance online tickets are available for purchase.
Where: 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Photo courtesy of Zack Smith
Frenchmen Street
Formerly a concealed treasure cherished by locals,
Frenchmen Street has evolved into a renowned destination in New Orleans, celebrated for its vibrant live music scene.
The notes of jazz, reggae and blues emanate from the various clubs along the corridor, creating a lively and animated atmosphere. Enthusiastic audiences from around the globe converge on Frenchmen Street to experience the authenticity of New Orleans’ music.
Where: Frenchman Street Guide
Credit: Photo by Paul Broussard
National World War II Museum
As a premier draw in New Orleans and a must-visit for history enthusiasts and students worldwide, the
National WWII Museum offers a compelling and inspiring expedition. It transports visitors through the perspectives of those who fought for freedom and democracy in the pivotal war that reshaped the world. Through immersive galleries, interactive exhibits, oral histories, and more, the museum vividly brings to life the American experience during World War II, leaving a lasting impact well beyond the visit.
Advance
online tickets are available for purchase.
Where: 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Credit: Photo by Kelsey Campion
New Orleans Museum of Art
Established as the oldest fine arts institution in New Orleans and ranked among the premier art museums in the South, the
New Orleans Museum of Art , commonly known as NOMA, showcases a remarkable permanent collection exceeding 40,000 objects. Renowned for its exceptional holdings in French and American art, photography, glass, African and Japanese works, along with dynamic rotating exhibits, NOMA caters to diverse interests and those seeking inspiration and cultural enjoyment through art.
Tickets are available for purchase
online or in-person.
Where: 1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, LA 70124
Credit: Photo by Rebecca Todd
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Wandering through the expansive 11 acres of the
Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a captivating experience that transports you to another realm. Adorned with nearly 100 distinctive works of art, each thoughtfully situated amidst a lush landscape of mature pines, magnolias and live oaks adorned with Spanish moss, the garden surrounds two tranquil lagoons adjacent to the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Admission is free.
Where:1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, LA
Credit: Photo by Paul Broussard
New Orleans City Park
Encompassing 1,300 acres,
New Orleans City Park stands as one of the most extensive urban parks in the United States. Within its borders lies the world’s largest grove of mature live oaks, with some of these majestic trees dating back nearly 800 years.
This expansive park hosts a multitude of beloved attractions and outdoor spaces, including the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Couturie Forest and Arboretum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Carousel Gardens, City Putt, and opportunities for bike and pedal boat rentals at Big Lake.
Where: 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA
Credit: Photo by Vue Orleans
Vue Orleans
Vue Orleans offers a unique observatory and cultural encounter, blending indoor and outdoor spaces to provide the exclusive experience of 360-degree panoramic riverfront views of New Orleans.
Situated on the 33rd floor of the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, at the base of Canal Street, this attraction features educational and cultural exhibits highlighting the music and history of New Orleans. After immersing yourself in the exhibits, take an elevator ascent to the observatory decks and discover firsthand why New Orleans is rightfully named the Crescent City from the heights of Vue Orleans.
Where: 2 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
(Entrance to the left of the Four Seasons)
Dine & Shop
Dining
Rooted in a culinary tradition that spans from Paris to Port au Prince, and from Cadiz to the Congo, New Orleans’ cuisine is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the city. It’s both a reason locals call this place home and an enticing lure for visitors. Each day, the city's abundant eateries—numbering more than 1,000—prepare to greet their guests with enthusiasm. They skillfully craft gumbo, blacken redfish, smoke pork, and present dishes that honor age-old flavors while embracing the warmth of contemporary culinary trends.
See dining options in New Orleans
Shopping
The diverse essence of New Orleans resonates in the array of offerings available for purchase. Whether it’s quirky art discoveries or unique antiques, stores and art markets resemble curated museums designed to delight both casual browsers and avid buyers. Abundant book and record stores showcase the richness of local music, while the renowned shops in the French Quarter and on Magazine Street are destinations in themselves. Awaiting exploration are treasures like clothing, jewelry, furniture, costumes, souvenirs and much more.
See shopping options in New Orleans