Garden District Tour by Nola Historic Tours in New Orleans
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical strain required beyond walking at a moderate pace.
Overview
Discover New Orleans’ Garden District with Nola Historic Tours. This two-hour walk through lush streets and iconic architecture offers rich history, famous homes, and captivating stories.
Garden District Tour
2 hours • All Ages • Perfect for Families
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Witness how history and culture are reflected in the use of architectural styles including Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic, Georgian, Swiss Chalet, Queen Anne and more!
The City of New Orleans has temporarily closed Lafayette Cemetery for repairs but we still do the cemetery tour from the gates.
Duration
2 hours
About
Explore one of the world's most dazzling residential neighborhoods, the Garden District, with knowledgeable and entertaining guides. Experience the architectural splendor of the live oak-tree lined "American" sector of town and examine the antebellum era "Creole vs. American" conflict.
Highlights of this walking tour include: The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar; The homes of Anne Rice, Trent Reznor, Archie and Peyton Manning, Nicolas Cage and John Goodman; The Cornstalk Fence House; the death site of Jefferson Davis; the film site of Brad Pitt's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". Explore the famed aboveground tombs of Lafayette Cemetery #1, including the Interview with the Vampire film site and the Jefferson Fire Company No. 22 society tomb, situated across from the fictitious Mayfair family tomb featured in Anne Rice's The Witching Hour. (On Sundays the cemetery is viewed and explained only from outside the gate.) The Garden District/Cemetery tour emphasizes history, architectural style, personal anecdotes, and tropical plant life.
What to Bring
- Please remember to wear comfortable shoes
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Hat
- Umbrella for the sun or rain
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers uneven sidewalks and several city blocks; sturdy shoes help keep your feet happy.
Bring sun protection
Sunscreen and a hat are advisable, especially during warmer months when the sun can be intense.
Stay hydrated
Carry water with you as the tour lasts about 2 hours and involves sustained walking outdoors.
Photography-friendly
Bring a camera to capture exquisite architectural details and lush tropical plants lining the streets.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban squirrels commonly sighted scampering in the live oaks.
- Various tropical bird species nesting among the neighborhood trees.
History
The Garden District was established in the early 19th century as a residential area contrasting Creole New Orleans with American settlers, reflected in its distinct architectural styles.
Conservation
Efforts to preserve the Garden District focus on maintaining historic buildings and protecting mature live oaks that define its urban canopy.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear ensures comfort across city streets and sidewalks.
Water bottle
Hydration is important, especially during warmer seasons.
summer specific
Sunscreen
Protects skin during long outdoor periods in the sun.
spring|summer|fall specific
Hat or umbrella
Useful for sun protection or unexpected rain showers.
summer|spring specific