THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Urban Park · Louisiana

Audubon Park

Audubon Park in New Orleans offers a serene urban green space along the Mississippi River, known for its beautiful landscaping, recreational amenities, and the Audubon Zoo.

Urban Park3402+ Trails

Designation

Urban Park

Total Wilderness Area

340

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Audubon Park

Audubon Park in New Orleans offers a serene urban green space along the Mississippi River, known for its beautiful landscaping, recreational amenities, and the Audubon Zoo.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Audubon Park is a prominent urban park located in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, spanning approximately 340 acres along the Mississippi River. Established in the early 20th century and named after the naturalist and painter John James Audubon, the park features a blend of lush oak trees, open grassy areas, lagoons, and winding walking paths. The park was originally part of a plantation and was developed into a public park as part of the City Park system. Today, Audubon Park is a favorite destination for residents and visitors seeking outdoor recreation in a city setting. The park offers a variety of activities including jogging, biking on a dedicated scenic trail, picnicking, tennis courts, and a golf course. It is also home to the nationally renowned Audubon Zoo, which provides a connection to wildlife and conservation education. The park’s natural areas support local bird species, including herons and egrets, and features mature southern live oaks draped with Spanish moss, providing shade and habitat. Key landmarks include the Harding Memorial and the Mississippi River overlook, which provide scenic views of the waterway and the city skyline. The park’s proximity to the vibrant Audubon neighborhood and Tulane University make it a hub for outdoor activity, relaxation, and community events.

Field Guide · Urban Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Audubon Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Welcome to the Tranquility of Couturie Forest★ 7.6⌖ 5 miHiking
Couturie Forest

Welcome to the Tranquility of Couturie Forest

Couturie Forest in New Orleans offers easy, urban trails within City Park, perfect for peaceful hikes and birdwatching. Enjoy the serene landscapes at this family-friendly spot featuring the city's highest point, Laborde Mountain.

Discover Jean Lafitte's Hidden Treasure★ 7.6⌖ 9 miWildlife Viewing
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Discover Jean Lafitte's Hidden Treasure

Explore Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve near Marrero, LA. Enjoy easy walks along cypress forests and marshes or paddle through scenic bayous. Spot alligators and enjoy superb bird-watching. Best visited in spring or fall, about 30 mins from New Orleans.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→
Discover the Barataria Preserve★ 8.8⌖ 11 miWildlife Viewing
Barataria Preserve

Discover the Barataria Preserve

Explore the wetlands at Barataria Preserve near Marrero, LA. Enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities including alligators and over 200 bird species. A perfect spot for birding and canoeing, best visited in spring and fall. Access is drive-in and the area is generally quiet year-round.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→
Discover the Mystique of Honey Island Swamp★ 8.4⌖ 36 miSwamp Tours
Honey Island Swamp

Discover the Mystique of Honey Island Swamp

Explore the mysterious Honey Island Swamp, featuring guided boat tours through a unique ecosystem. Located near Slidell, Louisiana, visitors can enjoy kayaking and wildlife photography in a quiet, scenic environment. Ideal in spring and fall for viewing alligators, wild boars, and rare birds.

Swamp ToursView Details→
Sandy Shores of Grand Isle State Park★ 7.8⌖ 48 miBeach Camping
Grand Isle State Park

Sandy Shores of Grand Isle State Park

Explore Grand Isle State Park, a beach haven in Grand Isle, LA. Perfect for beach camping and fishing, it's also a birdwatcher's delight during late spring and early fall. Experience the local cultural charm with family-friendly activities and vibrant ecosystems.

Beach CampingView Details→
Wolf River, Mississippi★ 5.8⌖ 67 miKayaking
Wolf River

Wolf River, Mississippi

Explore the serene Wolf River in southern Mississippi. Ideal for kayaking and wildlife watching, this tranquil spot offers a natural escape with diverse wildlife. Best visited in spring and fall, it's a quiet retreat for adventure seekers.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Audubon Park Scenic Trail – a 1.8-mile paved loop popular with runners and cyclists✦ The Audubon Zoo – a world-class zoological park within the park grounds✦ Historic live oak groves draped with Spanish moss providing iconic southern landscape views✦ Mississippi River Overlook – offering panoramic views of the river and passing riverboats
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Audubon Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Cycling

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Tennis

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Golf

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Audubon Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Audubon Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Audubon Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; parking fees apply during peak hours and events

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Audubon Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Jefferson
⌖ 2.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jefferson, Louisiana

A vibrant riverside town blending New Orleans flair with rich bayou landscapes, perfect for paddling, biking, and wildlife spotting.

Fall and SpringExplore Town
Westwego
⌖ 2.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Westwego, Louisiana

A historic river town offering unique access to Louisiana's coastal wetlands, ideal for water-based adventures and birdwatching enthusiasts.

Fall through early SpringExplore Town
Marrero
⌖ 3.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marrero, Louisiana

Marrero offers a blend of cultural heritage and easy access to captivating outdoor activities in the lush bayous of Louisiana.

Fall and SpringExplore Town
Metairie
⌖ 3.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Metairie, Louisiana

A suburban town with easy access to waterways and park trails, offering casual outdoor activities including biking, walking, and paddling near New Orleans.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Gretna
⌖ 3.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gretna, Louisiana

A charming riverfront town with easy access to water-based activities and nearby parks, offering a relaxed outdoor experience in the Greater New Orleans area.

Fall through SpringExplore Town
Nash
⌖ 7.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nash, Louisiana

A quiet small town offering access to tranquil bayous, lakes, and forested areas for outdoor exploration in northeast Louisiana.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Audubon Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.