7 Top-Rated Fall Attractions in New Orleans
In New Orleans, fall marks the beginning of exciting festivals and events. Celebrations like Halloween and events like BBQ Fest, Tremé Fall Fest, and Reggae Fest are fall staples in "The Big Easy"! The season brings in much-awaited relief from the high summer heat and humidity, accompanied by the amazing blue skies, and enchanting jazz music. This sets a stunning atmosphere to enjoy every bit of these top-rated fall attractions.
French Quarter
The French Quarter is the most visited attraction in New Orleans. Set along the Mississippi River, it is not only scenic and beautiful but famous among tourists, especially for the experience of enjoying the old buildings, some of which go back 300 years. The architecture is one of a kind, stunning and beautiful with French influences, tiled red roofs, styled iron balconies, and glorious courtyards.
Although the architecture is the primary reason for it being a top attraction, it also serves as a famous entertainment, and dining spot. Many old places here have been converted into restaurants, souvenir shops, and spots for jazz music entertainment. If you visit this place you will walk along some notorious bits like Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street, Royal Street, Jackson Square, and St Louis Cathedral, each known for their own thing but all great places to see and enjoy.
Steamboat Natchez
For some, it is a nostalgic throwback to the days when steamboats cruised up and down the great Mississippi River for pleasure trips and also commerce and trade. Initially, the illustrious Captain P. T. Leathers built eight boats named Natchez, with the original route being New Orleans to Natchez, Mississippi. Subsequently, the route was then also adapted to accommodate cruises to Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Although the Steamboat Natchez runs all year round, the pleasant weather during fall allows you to soak in the stunning deck views while cruising through the Mississippi River. The cruise includes music, live jazz melodies, steam engine room visitation, optional local beverages, and Creole food for lunches and dinners. The dining area is climate-controlled so tourists can comfortably feast on the food of their choice all year round. Guests interested in dance can use the dancing area to indulge in some delightful dancing too!
Bike Rides And Kayaking
The fall scenes in New Orleans with colorful landscapes and cooler weather are ideal for enjoying Tire Bike Rides, and Kayaking Tours.
The Tire Bike Ride tours are available via Segway Tours, Fat Tire Bike, and other bike ride conductors. The tour guides help you explore, discover, and admire the places with a key focus on some interesting places, including those outside the French Quarter and Garden District. The tours usually begin after an orientation by the Mississippi with plenty of breaks and stops along the way, so it is not tiring but enjoyable and refreshing even though it is about three and a half hours of biking.
The next thrilling option is Kayaking Tours, Kayak-iti-yat is a popular one headed by locals Sonny Averett and Sara Howard. The tours are brilliant and unique as they allow for historical exploration through the canal, a transportation waterway connecting the famous Ponchartrain, with jaw-dropping views of the charming city, antique architectural homes, and the beautiful birds like pelicans and herons that inhabit the waterways.
Scenic Bus Tours And Streetcars
Envision experiencing these tours during fall, imbibing the history and gazing at the beauty amidst the vibrant colors and pleasant weather, which surely makes it memorable. If you are not a fan of bike riding and you do not really enjoy kayaks or even if you love it all, here are some more fascinating guided tour options.
The first touristy sightseeing option is the big double-decker red bus with its fancy look tempting visitors to experience the super touristy ride to the “must visit” places around the city. City Sightseeing New Orleans offers its guests the luxury of comfortably sitting and looking around as the bus rides the city. From the French Quarter, along the Mississippi River to the Superdome, St. Louis Cemetery, Historic Tremé, and more. Just have your complimentary earplugs plugged into your ears and take in all the information about the tourist spots you are riding through.
There is yet another sightseeing option, touring by the Streetcars. The historical significance of these dates back to the nineteenth century when they helped carry passengers around the city. New Orleans streetcars are listed among the oldest operating streetcars in the world. These typical street railway-like tours are available for a convenient price of $1.25. The streetcar operator may sometimes act as a tour guide, but this may not always be the case. Streetcars are famous in Crescent City, riding through big streets like St. Charles, Carrollton, and Rampart Street.
The Halloween Parade
This is the time kids get excited about going trick-o-treating and more about experiencing The Halloween parade. New Orleans’ frightening parade called “Krewe of Boo” is held in the third week of October. “Krewe of Boo” is the New Orleans' official Halloween parade. The krewe was started by the Mardi Gras World owner Blaine Kern.
The parade includes true-spirited Halloween lovers dressed in extraordinary attires varying from funny, and spooky to hell-bent scary looking. The vibrant-colored, massive floats move through the French Quarter where onlookers can view them in amazement and horror. You can heighten the Halloween enjoyment and make memories by partaking in haunted or ghost tours. Haunted tours tell stories of ghosts and hauntings that cover secrets of the yesteryears in New Orleans. If you enjoy celebrating Halloween, then October is the perfect time to experience Halloween in New Orleans.
History And Art Museums
Those who are passionate about history and World War heritage must visit the National WWII (World War II) Museum. The powerful images and antique pieces in the museum take you back in time and walk you down WWII memory lane. It is interesting to note that you may require more than a day to explore and discover the details of WWII history. Those who participate in the tour can feel and see historical treasures, have a special lunch and get access to a second-day ticket to appreciate the museum’s collections.
For art lovers, the New Orleans Museum of Art is one that tops the list of attractions. With more than 40,000 objects from over 5,000 years of art, the museum is famed for preserving the specialties of American and French art, Japanese and African works as well as other kinds of art, which include photography and more. The museum continues to grow even today with the addition of newer masterpieces.
Outdoor Dining And Live Music
The atmosphere during fall is lively and cheerful in restaurants and dining places characteristically equipped with well-lit balconies, garden courts, patios, and friendly banter all around. Everyone enjoying the cool fall weather and good food. Dining at stunning locations such as French Quarter Courtyard or Balcony Dining restaurants, and attending a live music concert would be an excellent way to enjoy the evening.
Although the music performances are active all through the year, nothing beats the charm of the live music experience during the fall. The cool fall weather makes it a special experience to enjoy music at iconic places like Preservation Hall, Tipitina’s, Snug Harbor, and Maple Leaf Bar. Music lovers must take part in the legendary NOLAxNOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana’s collaborative mix of venues, artists, and cultural leaders who take initiative in celebrating music) concert series, which is a big celebration of musical culture in New Orleans. The citywide NOLAxNOLA festival goes on from late September to early October.
An interesting fact about New Orleans is that it is called the “Birthplace Of Jazz” because jazz music has integrated into the community, making it an important part of their lifestyle.
Whether it's in one of these top-rated destinations or any other culturally rich place, being in New Orleans during fall is an extraordinary experience. The ambiance around this time is a perfect fit for all the fall festivities that ultimately add to the excitement of the attractions. Fall identifies as the right time to tick these top-rated New Orleans attractions off your bucket list!
