Set in the leafy Uptown area of New Orleans and named after famed nature artist John James Audubon, the park is home to Audubon Zoo, a public 18-hole golf course, a riding stable and a nearly two-mile running/cycling track, among many amenities. The park, a favorite of two-wheel aficionados, joggers, golfers and bird watchers alike, was designed in the 1890s by John Charles Olmsted, son of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of New York's Central Park.
Parking and public transportation at Audubon Park
When visiting, the best places to park your car are on St. Charles Ave. at the park's north end, or along either side of Magazine St., which runs through the park's lower half. Alternatively, it's free to park along the roads in the park south of Magazine St., which form a one-way loop accessible via River Dr. on the park's west side.
If you're coming from the French Quarter, take the St. Charles Ave. streetcar at Canal St. and enjoy views of the Garden District as you travel. The trip takes about half an hour.
Best and worst time to go to Audubon Park
There's really no bad time to go. The park is busy most times of the year, even in the heat of summer, and particularly popular in the evening with students and other locals working out. Autumn and spring are great (and generally cooler) times to see flocks of egrets and whistling ducks on Bird Island, about half way up Audubon Park Lagoon, which is toward the park's east side.
Admission to Audubon Park
Park entrance is free. Be advised that the park closes at 10 p.m. daily and reopens at 5 a.m.
Admission prices for the zoo, part of the Audubon Nature Institute, are available at the Institute's website.
Must see/do at Audubon Park
Sit by the mighty Mississippi River on "The Fly", a local name for the portion of the park along the water's edge, and watch tug boats at work on the water as they push massive barges to and fro. That thrum reminds visitors and locals alike of the city's heritage and present-day existence as a working port.
Other places to visit near Audubon Park
Wander around the Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans campuses and the Uptown/Carrollton neighborhood adjoining the two. You'll find many interesting spots for a bite to eat along Freret St. and Maple St., ranging from coffee spots to student pubs and sushi joints.
If you're heading back to the Central Business District and French Quarter, don't miss the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium at the corner of Canal St. and N. Peters St., which is open seven days a week. It's also run by the Audubon Nature Institute.
Insider tip for visitors to Audubon Park
In hot weather, look for the "snowball" (shave ice) truck parked on Magazine Street. It can provide a refreshing way to cool off with a tasty treat!
Author's bio: Bill T. is a writer and photographer who has called New Orleans home for the last three years and is still exploring the city. He has previously written for newspapers and blogs.
If you're planning a trip camping or RV trip to the New Orleans area and you're looking for a place to stay, consider St. Bernard State Park. Although it's a great day trip for visitors, it's the ideal spot for campers as it's not too far from the city, but close enough to nature to make your trip seem like you're miles away from civilization (you can make it to downtown New Orleans in about 30 minutes). The park offers man-made lagoons, short nature trails, covered pedestrian bridges, a boat launch, a water playground for the kiddies, and grills for barbecuing or creating other tasty treats. Campers also enjoy free WiFi, power and picnic tables at each station and the park is safe and secure; the doors are locked each night at closing.
Parking and public transportation at St. Bernard State Park
There's a small parking lot near the water playground , if you're driving in for day use. A larger lot is not too far away in the area where the pool (permanently closed, as of this writing) is located. Campers, of course, can drive right up to their assigned site. There's no public transportation to the park, so if you're wanting to just drive in and check it out, you'll need your own wheels.
Best and worst time to go to St. Bernard State Park
There's really no bad to visit the park, it's always serene and generally not crowded. However, if you plan to use the water playground it's only open Tuesday through Sunday, from April 1 to October 31. If you're camping out, the day rate is slightly cheaper from October to March and the weather is far better. Summer in New Orleans means, not only hot, sticky weather, but pesky mosquitoes, so this may not be the best time to visit, if you don't want to encounter these little critters.
Admission to St. Bernard State Park
There's free admission to the park and it is the only Louisiana state park that does not charge an entry fee. This is because the family that donated the land stipulated there was never to be a fee charged for entrance. There is a fee for campers. You'll pay in the $18.00 to $ 25.00 per night range. The park opens at 7 a.m. daily and closes at 9 p.m. , Sunday through Thursday and at 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturdays and any day preceding a holiday.
Must see/do at St. Bernard State Park
If you're driving in for day use and you have kids, plan on using the water playground if it's open. The nature trails are short enough where you won't get tired but just long enough that you might be lucky to see a few forest animals (there's usually a bunny or two hopping around). The park is best suited for camping and if you do, you can hang out by your site, bike, explore, grill or do just about whatever you like. There's also a separate playground for the kids in the camping area, clean restrooms and a laundry facility.
Other places to visit near St. Bernard State Park
While you're in this area, be sure to check out the Chalmette Battlefield, site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. If you're looking for a good place to eat, try Today's Ketch , for great boiled and fried seafood. If you haven't had your fill of parks (or if you're camping and need to make a run to Walmart), try this neat little neighborhood park, Sydney Torres Memorial Park, it has a nice lagoon for relaxing, a playground area for the kids and a short walking track.
Insider tip for visitors to St. Bernard State Park
If you're camping out, don't worry about the 9/10:00 p.m. gate closure, if you're going to be out and about. As of this writing, overnight campers receive a code to the gate after closure.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner lives and writes from New Orleans.
