350-acre park in Uptown New Orleans with centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, lagoons, a 1.8-mile jogging path, golf course, and quiet lawns. The park sits on the former Etienne de Boré plantation and later served as the site of the 1884 World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition. The Audubon Zoo occupies the far end.
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Walk or jog the loop under the oak canopy. The Tree of Life (a 300+ year-old live oak) is near the St. Charles Avenue entrance. Sit by the lagoons if you want stillness. The Audubon Zoo is a separate paid attraction but shares the park grounds. The Riverview area at the levee provides Mississippi River views and a quiet overlook.
Early morning for joggers and dog walkers. Late afternoon when the light through the oaks is at its best. Weekends bring families and picnickers. The park is open dawn to dusk year-round. Summer heat is real — bring water.
Named after painter and naturalist John James Audubon, who lived in New Orleans in 1821. The park was designed by John Charles Olmsted (stepson of Frederick Law Olmsted) in 1898. The 1884 World's Fair held here was a financial disaster but left the city with the park infrastructure. The live oaks are the main attraction — some are over 300 years old. Free admission. The St. Charles streetcar drops you at the main entrance.