Things to Do in New Orleans This Summer

The Steamboat Natchez is taking some time off, but her sister vessel will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic experience of New Orleans at night on this romantic riverboat cruise! Journey through time on a paddle-wheel boat ride along the mighty Mississippi. Stroll the deck, cozy up with family and friends, and delight in the sparkle of the urban shoreline at dusk. This excursion includes a Creole‐inspired dinner (if option selected) and live jazz music.

Experience New Orleans’ wild bayou country on an exciting, family‐friendly airboat ride. This boat tour winds through the mossy cypress swamp close to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, named for the 19th‐century pirate and smuggler. While onboard, enjoy lively commentary from a native guide as you admire lush, forested shoreline and spot local wildlife. Both self-drive and hotel pickup options are available, and hotel pickups begin 75 minutes prior to tour time.

Exploring New Orleans in the evening can seem like an intimidating quest on your own, but this ghost, voodoo, and vampire walking tour takes you to the city’s most eerie sites at night in the safety of a group with a knowledgeable guide. Stop by top attractions such as the LaLaurie Mansion and New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, all while listening to your guide’s detailed stories of the paranormal and beyond.

Nowhere is Louisiana’s wildlife more abundant than in the swamps and bayous of New Orleans. Take a boat ride through these swamps and bayous and be on the lookout for alligators, raccoons, snakes, turtles and native birds. Hear stories from your guide about local Cajun culture and the mysteries of the swamps and bayous.

Although not your typical tour of New Orleans, this expedition through the Big Easy takes in some of the major points of interest, including the French Quarter, Treme, the Esplanade, the Garden District and the Metairie Cemetery. Relax in air-conditioned minibus comfort, and listen as a guide leads you through one of America's most historic cities.

Go beyond the French Quarter and discover the unique Cajun and Creole cultures of New Orleans during this full-day swamp and plantation tour. Venture deep into the bayous, with a small group limited to 12, to see Cajun living and spot wildlife like alligators and pelicans on your high-speed airboat ride. Then, admire the beautiful architecture and learn about the history of Houmas House and Laura Plantation. Gourmet, unlimited buffet lunch at Houmas House is included.

Witness a different side of New Orleans’s history on a visit to the dynamic National WWII Museum. While away the hours exploring wartime artifacts and discovering fascinating facts and histories at this world-class museum — considered one of the top museums in the nation!

Get the best of Louisiana with this historical tour that combines all the flavors of New Orleans with a trip into the past. You'll follow your expert guide to eight different locations throughout the city that include Creole restaurants, cocktail lounges, sandwich shops and pre-Civil War bars. This tour includes samples of up to ten different dishes, plus four full-sized drinks that showcase the best of Louisiana's culinary and cocktail heritage. This is the perfect tour for foodies and allows travelers to sample the best in a single afternoon!

Get the full Louisiana dining experience during a fun and educational New Orleans cooking demonstration class. Take a seat amongst other foodies in a converted 19th century molasses warehouse and get ready to learn and eat! Meet a lively local chef and learn the fundamentals of preparing classic Creole dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines. Then dig into delicious samples complemented by local beer or a sweet ice tea.

Discover historic New Orleans in an open‐top double‐decker bus on this hop‐on hop‐off sightseeing tour. With your 1-day ticket, design a personal itinerary with several stops, including the French Market, Jackson Square, and the Garden District, plus available walking tours, depending on the option you buy. Enjoy unobstructed views and fun onboard commentary as you soak up ‘The Big Easy’.

Rich history and voodoo legends make New Orleans one of the most fascinating places to visit, but if you see the sights alone, you could miss out on some of the key details that bring this vibrant city to life. Choose from two options - the voodoo walking tour takes you through the city during daylight hours—perfect for those who don’t want to get too scared, but still want a look into the city’s mysterious past. The BYOB Cemetery Insiders option is a walking tour that allows you to journey through three of New Orleans’ hallowed historical cemeteries. Bring your favorite beverage and learn of the city's burial customs and traditions. While you pass through the aisles of tombs, you'll hear stories like one of the thousands buried in the graveyard behind the Katrina Memorial. No matter which option you choose, you will leave you with feelings of trepidation and excitement, as well as an appreciation of New Orleans' incredible history.

Experience Louisiana’s wild bayou country on an exciting, family-friendly airboat tour. This tour includes an airboat ride that zips through the tree‐lined marshes at speeds up to 45 mph (72 kph). While onboard, enjoy lively commentary from your guide as you view lush scenery and local wildlife, including alligators, nutria, and native birds. Pickup and drop-off from downtown New Orleans and French Quarter hotels included.

Discover New Orleans ‘spirited’ side on a fun and informative cocktail tour! You’ll rub shoulders with local imbibers at historic bars and restaurants and have the option to sip on classic concoctions like the Sazerac and Pimm’s Cup. Immerse yourself in the stories from your guide and savvy mixologists, and learn the famous – and sometimes scandalous – histories of drink and drinking culture in New Orleans.