How long does it take to walk through City Park?

A thorough walk including the sculpture garden and a stop for beignets typically takes 2 to 3 hours. The distance covered in this specific route is approximately 1.5 to 2 miles.

Is the Sculpture Garden in City Park free?

Yes, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is free to the public. It features over 90 sculptures across 11 acres and is open seven days a week, though hours may vary.

Can I take the streetcar to City Park?

Yes, you can take the Canal Streetcar (Line 48) marked 'City Park/Museum.' It terminates right in front of the New Orleans Museum of Art, which is the start of this walking route.

What is the Singing Oak in New Orleans?

The Singing Oak is a large live oak tree near Big Lake that features a set of wind chimes tuned to a pentatonic scale. It creates a constant, harmonious musical backdrop when the wind blows.

Is City Park New Orleans safe for solo travelers?

Yes, City Park is very safe and popular with locals for exercise and recreation. It is best to visit during daylight hours when the park is well-populated and the attractions are open.

Where can I find food in City Park?

Café Du Monde is the most famous spot for beignets and coffee. There is also a kitchen at the Botanical Garden and various seasonal food stands near Big Lake.

Are dogs allowed on this walking route?

Dogs are welcome in most outdoor areas of City Park on a leash. However, they are generally not permitted inside the Sculpture Garden or the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Escape the neon lights of the French Quarter and find tranquility in the heart of Mid-City. This self-guided walking route invites you to explore New Orleans City Park, a 1,300-acre urban oasis that is as much a gallery as it is a garden. Established in 1854, this park is home to the world's largest collection of mature live oaks, some of which have stood for nearly a millennium. On this neighborhood stroll, you will witness the seamless blend of wild Louisiana nature with sophisticated man-made beauty. The journey begins at the majestic New Orleans Museum of Art, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece that serves as the city's cultural anchor. From there, the path winds through the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, where contemporary masterpieces from around the globe are nestled among lily-filled lagoons. You will also discover the park's architectural heritage, specifically the elegant Art Deco and Neo-Classical structures funded by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the 1930s. Landmarks like the Popp Bandstand and the iconic Peristyle offer a glimpse into the city's social history and its love for public gathering spaces. No exploration of City Park is complete without a sensory experience. This walking route guides you past the legendary Café Du Monde, where the scent of chicory coffee and powdered sugar fills the air, and leads you to the mystical Singing Oak. Throughout this walking tour New Orleans reveals its quieter, more contemplative side. Whether you are an art aficionado, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this route provides the perfect balance of fresh air and cultural enrichment. Discover at your own pace why this park is considered the soul of the city, all while walking beneath the moss-draped canopy of trees that have watched over New Orleans for centuries.

Highlights

The world-renowned Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, some over 800 years old

The elegant 1911 Beaux-Arts New Orleans Museum of Art building

Iconic Art Deco and Neo-Classical architecture like the Peristyle

A stop for world-famous beignets and café au lait at Café Du Monde

The Singing Oak, a musical art installation hidden in a massive tree

Tour Stops (7)

New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)

Begin your journey in front of the New Orleans Museum of Art, the city’s oldest fine arts institution. Opened in 1911 as the Isaac Delgado Museum of Art, this striking Beaux-Arts building was designed by Samuel Marx. Its grand columns and symmetrical facade stand as a testament to the City Beautiful movement of the early 20th century. While the interior houses thousands of works spanning centuries, the exterior itself tells a story of civic pride. Notice how the building sits at the end of Lelong Drive, acting as a majestic gateway to the park. It survived the Great Depression and multiple hurricanes, remaining a steadfast symbol of New Orleans' commitment to the arts.

Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Just behind the museum lies an eleven-acre sanctuary where art and environment collide. This garden is widely considered one of the finest sculpture gardens in the United States. As you walk the winding paths, you will encounter over 90 works by masters like Henry Moore and Louise Bourgeois. The garden is split into two halves: the original pine-shaded grove and the newer expansion that features a stunning contemporary bridge and water-integrated installations. Look for the way the sculptures interact with the landscape—some are hidden in the brush, while others appear to float on the lagoons. It is a free, open-air gallery that changes with the light of the day.

Café Du Monde – City Park

Housed in the historic 'Casino' building, which was never actually a gambling hall but a place for refreshments, this Café Du Monde offers a scenic alternative to the crowded French Market location. This building, with its Spanish-influenced architecture, was renovated in the late 1930s. It serves as a perfect mid-walk break. Grab an order of beignets—square pieces of fried dough buried under a mountain of powdered sugar—and a café au lait. As you sit on the patio, you are participating in a New Orleans tradition that dates back to the mid-19th century. Watch the local families and dog-walkers pass by as you enjoy one of the city's most iconic treats.

Popp Bandstand

Just a short stroll from the café is the Popp Bandstand, a gift to the city from local businessman John F. Popp in 1917. This Neo-Classical structure, with its white columns and domed roof, was inspired by the Temple of Love at Versailles. For over a century, it has served as a stage for community concerts and celebrations. During the 1930s, the surrounding area was enhanced by the Works Progress Administration, which added much of the park's current infrastructure. The bandstand remains a popular spot for weddings and impromptu music, echoing the park's long-standing role as the 'people's living room.'

Peristyle

Walking further into the heart of the park, you will reach the Peristyle. Built in 1907, this Neo-Classical pavilion was originally designed as a platform for dancing and music. It is flanked by concrete lions that guard the entrance, overlooking the tranquil waters of the park’s lagoons. The open-air design allows the breeze to flow through the columns, making it a favorite spot for locals to escape the Louisiana heat. Notice the intricate details on the columns and the ceiling; it is a prime example of the early 20th-century architecture that gives City Park its timeless, European feel. It is one of the most photographed spots in the city for good reason.

Big Lake

Continue toward Big Lake, the recreational heart of the park. This area underwent a massive restoration in the early 2000s, transforming it into a hub for walking, jogging, and boating. The trail around the lake offers panoramic views of the park’s skyline and the wildlife that calls these waters home—look for swans, ducks, and the occasional turtle sunning on a log. The lake represents the park's transition from a wild swamp to a curated public space. It’s a great place to observe the scale of City Park; at 1,300 acres, it is significantly larger than New York’s Central Park.

The Singing Oak

Your walk concludes at one of the park’s most whimsical hidden gems: The Singing Oak. At first glance, it looks like any other massive, ancient live oak draped in Spanish moss. However, as you step beneath its heavy branches, you will hear a hauntingly beautiful melody. This is a sound installation by artist Jim Hart, who hung dozens of wind chimes within the tree. The chimes are all tuned to a pentatonic scale, ensuring that no matter how the wind blows, the music is always harmonious. It is a place of profound peace, where the ancient age of the tree meets a modern artistic touch, providing a perfect final moment of reflection for your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided audio walk is the best way to explore at your own pace. It covers the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Sculpture Garden, and iconic live oaks over a 2.5-mile easy route.