10 Best Ways To Beat the New Orleans Heat
Whether you live here or are visiting on vacation, there is no getting around it: New Orleans is hot and humid in the Summer. And, if you are visiting from up North, the heat and humidity may seem especially cruel. And, no, we are not laughing at you. We feel it, too. But, Royal Tours New Orleans is always here to help. So, here are 10 things you can do to keep cool in the New Orleans heat.
2. FIND A SHADY SPOT IN JACKSON SQUARE
– The French Quarter is a New Orleans bucket list for quite a few. But, it gets toasty in the Summer when the sun is beating down. That’s when you grab a bottle of water (or a cold beer!) and head to Jackson Square. The benches around the edge of the square are usually shaded from the sun by the Live Oaks. Statues dedicated to the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter seasons are placed in each corner. It’s the perfect place to cool off and do a little people watching.
3. VISIT A MUSEUM
– Museums are notorious for cranking the A/C, so why not take advantage? New Orleans is home to a number of world class museums, from the classic to the kooky. Here are a few of my faves:
Mardi Gras World
– See colorful Mardi Gras props and floats being built up close, then try a slice of King Cake.
The National WWII Museum
– This is the second most popular museum in the US, and for good reason: it’s amazing. Planning on spending about half a day here (at least).
New Orleans Museum of Art
– Enjoy the wide-ranging exhibits at this world class museum, then check out the sculpture garden and City Park when you’re done.
Visiting New Orleans? On vacation? A private tour with Royal Tours New Orleans
is one of the best ways to gain insider secrets on favorite local spots from our local tour guides.
4. RIDE A STREETCAR
– So you want to see the sights, but can’t bear to walk around in that New Orleans summer heat? Catch a streetcar.
Riding a streetcar
is one of the best ways to see the sights in New Orleans! So grab a seat by a window and enjoy the breeze (some streetcars are air conditioned and some aren’t). *Rides cost $1.25 each way ($2.50 round trip). Save yourself the trouble of digging up exact change though and download the
RTA GoMobile app
… a one day pass only costs $2.50, and it’s good for 24-hours (a total bargain!).
St. Charles Streetcar: ride this popular line through the Garden District and Uptown. Along the way, you’ll pass historic mansions, Tulane University, Loyola University, Audubon Park, and more. You’ll pass numerous places on St Charles to enjoy lunch, or you can hop off as the streetcar turns onto Carrolton and grab a bite at the famous Camelia Grill.
Canal Streetcar: passes through the Central Business District, Mid-City, and Bayou St. John, ending at City Park.
Riverfront Streetcar: runs along the edge of the French Quarter, passing by Woldenberg Park, the Aquarium of the Americas, Canal Place Mall, Harrah’s Casino, and the Riverwalk Marketplace, ending at the Convention Center in the CBD (which is near Mardi Gras World).
Rampart Streetcar: this is the newest NOLA streetcar. It runs from the Union Passenger Terminal to Elysian Fields Ave, passing by modern buildings, classic New Orleans architecture, and Louis Armstrong Park along the way. Get off at the end and explore the Faubourg Marigny and St. Roch neighborhoods.
5. VISIT VACHERIE FOR AN ICE CREAM
– Stroll over to Vacherie Cafe (not the restaurant) at the corner of Dauphine and Toulouse and enjoy a couple of scoops. This delicious ice cream is hand-made by a local artisan.
8. START YOUR DAY EARLY…OR LATE
– It’s almost inevitable that you’ll be uncomfortably hot when visiting New Orleans in the Summer. It doesn’t hurt to be a little strategic when planning your day, though. Plan your outdoor activities for the morning, late afternoon, or evening … basically anytime the sun won’t be directly overhead. And, walk on the shady side of the street. It seriously reduces the temperature by 10°, and the sun is not burning you. Remember, this is a 300-year-old city built in the swamps. You gotta learn a few tricks to deal with that summer swamp heat.
One of the best ways to enjoy the French Quarter is with a walking tour from Royal Tours New Orleans.
Email us
or call us at 504-507-8333 for more information or to book a tour. Remember, being on tour with Royal Tours New Orleans
is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.
