30 Best Things You Can Do Each Month in New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana, is a place that absolutely everyone needs to go to at least once, but to experience it all you will want to check this town out again and again and again. With mild winters and enough frozen drinks to combat the hot summers, there is no time of year that wouldn’t be a blast here. But, just in case you’re not sure when to plan your trip, we thought we’d cover the best things you can do each month in New Orleans!
From Mardi Gras fun, to historic plantation tours, the time of year can drastically change your vacation itinerary. From weather, to tour offerings, to NOLA travel expenses, when you visit the city can change from month to month. To find the best tours, attractions, and things you can do in New Orleans each month, check out TripShock’s list of fun ideas below.
Table of Contents
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
- What’s the Best Month to Visit New Orleans?
January
You might think visiting New Orleans in the dead of winter would limit your options, but think again! The Big Easy is filled with great indoor activities to keep your winter vacay exciting.
1. The National WWII Museum
Pictured above is the Road to Tokyo exhibit located at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans
One of the most popular things you can do each month in New Orleans is visit the National WWII Museum. Here, you will get to see a collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and hear moving personal stories about the war. This indoor attraction can be enjoyed year-round, but is the perfect activity to beat the cool weather in January!
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans National World War II Museum Admission Tickets Online}
2. Harrah’s Casino
Aerial view of Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans from Wikimedia
Test your luck at one of New Orleans’ best casinos. You will have 115,000 square feet to explore filled with over 2,000 slot machines, over 90 table games, and a poker room.
February
Get ready for the biggest party of the year, Mardi Gras! Grab your brightest beads and get ready to let loose at the city’s craziest celebration. While you’re in town, there are also plenty of other fun activities to help you recover from all of the delicious drinks you’re sure to be sipping on during the festivities. Be sure to check out our list of helpful Mardi Gras tips before your visit, too
3. Plantation Tour
Pictured above is Oak Alley Plantation, one of the most popular New Orleans plantations to visit
One the very best things you can do each month in New Orleans is go on a plantation tour, but especially in February. Cooler weather makes it a perfect time to explore the massive and magnificent grounds. And be sure to have your camera ready, as these are one of the top places to photograph in New Orleans. A great place to start when searching for a tour is by checking out the combination tours, where you will get to visit two of Louisiana’s most famous plantations!
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Plantation Tours Online}
4. Party at Mardi Gras
One of the many colorful floats during Mardi Gras in New Orleans
If you’re in New Orleans in February, you have to experience the magic of Mardi Gras! You will want to check out the unforgettable parades, and explore the excitement of the city during the biggest party of the year.
March
Experience the beautiful spring weather while going on adventures all around gorgeous New Orleans. When it comes to things you can do each month in New Orleans, March has you covered!
5. Jazz Cruise
Pictured above are the Dukes of Dixieland performing on the Steamboat Natchez
Enjoy the beautiful New Orleans sun and let the sweet sounds of jazz take you away while on a daytime cruise. The Steamboat Natchez Daytime Jazz Cruise is a great way to catch amazing views of the city, while also enjoying the city’s only authentic steam-powered paddle wheeler.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Daytime Jazz Cruises With Optional Lunch Online}
6. Cemetery Tour
Pictured above is Jackson Square in New Orleans, the perfect place for haunts and history
The Big Easy is filled with spirits that you will definitely want to get to know up close and personal. A haunted New Orleans pub crawl is one our top picks, but another one of the most unique experiences in the city is the 3-in-1 Cemetery, Voodoo, and French Quarter Tour. If you’d like to explore the French Quarter, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, and historical voodoo hotspots, this one’s for you.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Cemetery Tours Online}
April
April is the perfect time to experience everything the French Quarter has to offer. You can do virtually any of the exciting activities that New Orleans is known for, with the weather being relatively moderate this time of year.
7. Insectarium
Kids and kids at heart will both enjoy the Insectarium
Going to the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is one of the best things you can do in April in New Orleans. You will get to view thousands of live and preserved specimens, including the captivating butterflies in the Asian Garden exhibit.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Audubon Butterly Garden & Insectarium Admission Tickets Online}
8. Carriage Tour
Trot through the city streets with Royal Carriages and see this historic city up close and personal
Taking a carriage ride in the French Quarter and surrounding Creole Neighborhoods is one of the most memorable activities you can do in the area, and is especially one of our top activity ideas for couples in New Orleans. You will get a narrated tour from your guide that will expose you to the most scenic, entertaining, and fact-filled sides of the city.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Carriage Rides and Tours Online}
9. Music Tour
Pictured above is a group enjoying the Historic Riverlands and Soul River Music Tour
If you are looking for a way to learn more about the roots of the city, you should look into going on the Historic Riverland’s and Soul River Music Tour. You will get to take a musical journey through African American history, while being surrounded by the former Cornland Plantation grounds.
May
There are so many great outdoor adventures to go on in New Orleans. You will find some of the very best things you can do the month of May in New Orleans, below.
10. Haunted Pub Crawl
Haunted pub crawls are a great way to experience the history and flavor of New Orleans, all at once
If you want a spooky and fun night, make sure to check out the Haunted Pub Crawl Tour by Haunted History Tours on your next vacation. You will get to hear tons of ghost stories, while keeping your spirits high with famous drinks from the neighborhood pubs.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Pub Crawls Online}
11. Dinner Cruise
According to a recent Traveler Story, a New Orleans dinner cruise is the perfect way to create beautiful memories with loved ones
If you want to add some magic to one of your evenings in New Orleans, you have to try out a nighttime cruise. The Steamboat Natchez plays host to a great sunset dinner cruise that even has live jazz music to really make your evening special.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Dinner Cruises Online}
12. Airboat Tour
Airboat tours give you the best views of the Louisiana countryside and the amazing wildlife that inhabits it
One of the must-do activities in New Orleans is going on a swamp tour. Hop aboard a high-speed airboat and you will get to explore the wild swamps and bayous of south Louisiana. Get ready to see alligators, turtles, wild hogs, and more, while speeding along the Louisiana landscape. You can easily find the best swamp tours in New Orleans and the best deals, to boot, with TripShock.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Airboat Tours Online}
June
With the temperatures getting hotter, the opportunities to get out of your comfort zone on your New Orleans trip get even better!
13. NCIS New Orleans Site Tour
Pictured above is a group taking in the sights and sounds on the NCIS New Orleans site tour
Who hasn’t seen at least a few NCIS episodes? Take a Big Easy-themed NCIS walking tour and dive into the details of the most well-known set locations from the popular TV show set in New Orleans.
14. Chalmette Battlefield Tour
Pictured above is the Creole Queen, rollin’ down the Mississippi River
Climb aboard the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler and enjoy one of the most iconic boat tours in New Orleans. You will enjoy historical narration about the 1815 Battle of New Orleans, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, and tour the Chalmette Battlefield, while munching on some delicious local cuisine.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Chalmette Battlefield Tour & Paddlewheeler River Cruises Online}
15. Aquarium
Child enjoying the massive and incredible Aquarium of the Audubon Americas in New Orleans
One of the best things you can do in the month of June in New Orleans is taking a trip to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. See penguins, sharks, and stingrays up close and personal. You will also get to experience the 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit during your visit.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Aquarium Of The Americas Admission Tickets Online}
July
Why not spend your summer vacation exploring the French Quarter and the surrounding areas? You will find great food, amazing culture, and beautiful scenery to enjoy.
16. Ogden Museum of Art
Image from the Ogden Museum of Art by Ed Bierman via Flickr
If you need to escape the New Orleans sun and want to experience a more sophisticated side to the city, take a trip to the Ogden Museum of Art. Open seven days a week, this museum is home to beautiful pieces of artwork in its five-story glass and stone building.
17. French Quarter Tour
Pictured above is a local musician walking the colorful streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans
You can’t come to the area and not spend some time exploring the beautiful French Quarter! You can definitely go by yourself, but a French Quarter tour is a great way to learn all there is to know about the history, architecture, and culture of this special area.
18. Workout Classes
From yoga class to dance, there’s a workout class for everyone in NOLA
Although New Orleans is known for its food, some of the most fun and unique workout classes and gyms can be found here. Try out a new way to burn off that gumbo from last night at Dancing Grounds, Reyn Studios, or Higherpower.
August
When it comes to things you can do each month in New Orleans, August gives you a great opportunity to see the city in full bloom. You will definitely want to alternate between fun outdoor activities and cooling off with some fun indoor options.
19. Sightseeing Bus Tour
See the city by bus on the New Orleans Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, pictured above
If you are looking for a fun and memorable way to do some sightseeing in New Orleans, make sure to book a spot on a New Orleans Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. You will get to enjoy a tour from a local guide and can get off and back on the bus whenever you choose to further explore the area.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Tickets Online}
20. Bike Tour
Enjoy the French Quarter and the fresh air with a NOLA bicycle rental
There are just some things you can truly only explore by bicycle, and that goes for many parts of New Orleans. Hop on a cruise bicycle and pedal along with your educational tour guide, as you learn about the 300 years of history in the French Quarter.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Bike Tours Online}
21. Sailing
Kick back, relax, and see the city in style on a sailing charter in New Orleans
Whether at sunset or during the day, you will definitely want to treat yourself to a sailing trip in New Orleans. Listen to the waves around your stunning sailboat, while you get to see the city from a completely new perspective.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Boat Tours Online}
September
To avoid the crowds, you might want to wait to take your vacation to New Orleans until after school starts back up again. Fall is a great season for travel with milder temperatures, smaller crowds, better deals on tours, and a fun and spooky atmosphere as Halloween approaches. For a great escape from your daily stresses, you should go enjoy some Creole-inspired food and delicious frozen drinks.
22. Hurricane Katrina Tour
Pictured above is just a part of the devastation that occurred during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans
At the Hurricane Katrina Bus Tour, you will learn about the events surrounding the most devastating natural disaster on American soil. This guided tour will help you understand pre- and post-Katrina New Orleans.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Hurricane Katrina Bus Tours Online}
23. Audubon Zoo
With zoo discounts and coupons available, taking the family to the Audubon Zoo is more affordable than ever
Take a break from your normal day-to-day life and spend some time with all of the amazing animals at the Audubon Zoo! You will find award winning exhibits, educational programs, hands-on encounters, and lush gardens at this must visit attraction.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Audubon Zoo Tickets Online}
24. Theater
Image of the Joy Theater in New Orleans from Wikimedia
One of the best things you can do in the fall months in New Orleans is see a performance or concert at one of the local theaters. The city is host to Broadway musicals, comedy shows, and numerous musical acts. Make sure to check the schedules for upcoming shows at:
- Saenger Theater
- Orpheum Theater
- Joy Theater
- Civic Theater
October
New Orleans is home to spirits and Voodoo galore, so if you like to get a bit spooky, this could be the best place for your next October trip!
25. Ghost Tour
Tour group experiencing the haunted stories of the French Quarter on a spooky NOLA ghost tour
There are few better cities to be in than New Orleans in October with all of its spooky history. Many believe that the city is home to tons of spirits, especially at the most famous New Orleans cemeteries and that Voodoo is strong in the area. On a nighttime haunted tour, you will learn all about the ghosts and spirits that call New Orleans home.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Ghost Tours Online}
26. True Crime Tour
Pictured above is a tour guide presenting the New Orleans true crime hot spots
If you’re a true crime buff, or just want to learn about some of the darker sides of the city’s history, you should book a true crime walking tour. You will get to learn about some of the most infamous true crimes in The French Quarter and learn some of the city’s little-known secrets.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans True Crime Tours Online}
November
Before you head down south to The Big Easy, make sure to check out all of the best things you can do each month in New Orleans that will be fun even if it’s a bit chilly on your trip.
27. Cooking Class
Taste the New Orleans flavor during a cooking class, and bring home recipes the whole family will enjoy
New Orleans is a true foodie town, so why not learn how to make some Creole and Cajun style cooking while you’re there? A food demo is a terrific way to learn how to cook specialities like Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Pralines. Plus, you will get to enjoy a full meal when the demo is over.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Cooking Classes Online}
28. Spa
Hitting the spa is the perfect way to rest and relax after all the walking and exploring you’ve been doing on vacation
Take some time to pamper yourself at one of the area’s many spas. Indulge in a pedicure, facial, or full body massage at Windsor Court, the Ritz Carlton, or Belladonna, just to name a few options.
December
If you choose to go to New Orleans in December, you’re in luck! Temperatures rarely drop below 45 degrees, so pack your light coat and prepare to experience a city whose fun never stops. For complete info, check out our guide to New Orleans in December.
29. Mardi Gras World
With coupons to Mardi Gras World available, visiting this iconic location doesn’t have to break the bank
So you can’t make it down to Mardi Gras in February, or you just don’t want the kids to see that wild side of New Orleans? No worries! Mardi Gras World is a family-friendly activity that is open year-round to the public. You will get to learn the history and magic behind one of the biggest celebrations in the country.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Mardi Gras World Admission Tickets Online}
30. Shopping
From local artists showcasing their work on Frenchman Street, to designers and boutiques, there’s something for every taste when shopping in New Orleans
New Orleans is home to some amazing shopping. If you want to keep warm, make sure to check out the stores located at the Shops at Canal Place or the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk to find some great items to take home to family and friends.
What’s the Best Month to Visit New Orleans?
Now that you’ve seen the best things you can do each month in New Orleans, we’ll let you decide when the best month to visit NOLA really is. There is no end to the awesome things to do in New Orleans, LA! No matter if you go in the dead of winter or the bright sunshine of summer, you are sure to have the most amazing time on your next vacation to The Big Easy.