New Orleans Botanical Garden
A serene urban oasis in City Park, featuring diverse global flora, majestic live oaks, and a unique Kitchen Garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Free for LA residents!
New Orleans Botanical Garden
Best Time
Free for LA residents!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban oasis in City Park, featuring diverse global flora, majestic live oaks, and a unique Kitchen Garden.
"A peaceful escape from the busy French Quarter, the Botanical Garden is a must-see for its charm and beauty."
🎯 Free Wednesday Entry
Louisiana residents get in FREE on Wednesdays! Perfect for a budget-friendly visit.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on various paths.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kitchen Garden
Main Garden Area
Discover a unique and fun display of vegetables and herbs, showcasing local produce and gardening techniques.
Grand Live Oaks
Throughout the Garden
Marvel at majestic live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, offering classic New Orleans beauty and much-needed shade.
Themed Gardens
Various Sections
Explore diverse themed areas, including a tranquil Japanese garden and a vibrant butterfly garden, each with unique flora.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Wednesdays for Louisiana Residents
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Wednesday Entry
Louisiana residents get in FREE on Wednesdays! Perfect for a budget-friendly visit. 
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on various paths.
💧 Stay Hydrated
New Orleans is humid; bring water, especially in warmer months.
☀️ Seek Shade
The large oak trees provide great shade, making afternoons more bearable.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Wednesday Entry
Louisiana residents get in FREE on Wednesdays! Perfect for a budget-friendly visit.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on various paths.
💧 Stay Hydrated
New Orleans is humid; bring water, especially in warmer months.
☀️ Seek Shade
The large oak trees provide great shade, making afternoons more bearable.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Plenty of photo opportunities with diverse plants and scenic views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the New Orleans Botanical Garden for its beauty, tranquility, and unique features like the Kitchen Garden and majestic live oaks. It's seen as a peaceful escape from the city's hustle. However, some find the admission price a bit high for families, suggesting it might be better suited for plant enthusiasts or solo visits.
"We visited the New Orleans Botanical Garden today, and it was such a lovely experience. The gardens are really beautiful and full of charm. One of my favorite parts was the kitchen garden with all the vegetables growing—it was so unique and fun to see. The rest of the gardens were just as wonderful, especially the live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. They added so much character and that classic New Orleans beauty.
Coming from Birmingham, Alabama, where we have a very lovely botanical garden of our own, I can say this one is special in its own right because of those grand oaks and the Southern atmosphere. It made the visit memorable and peaceful all at once.
If you’re visiting New Orleans and want a break from the busy French Quarter, the Botanical Garden is a must-see. We truly enjoyed our time there."
Bill Tiemann
"We visited the New Orleans Botanical Garden during a trip to City Park, and while the gardens themselves are well-maintained and offer some lovely sights, the overall experience felt overpriced—especially for a family.
The space is peaceful and offers a mix of tropical plants, flowers, and a few artistic installations. It’s a nice place to explore if you’re really into horticulture or looking for a quiet walk. That said, I expected more for the cost of admission. I honestly would’ve preferred to visit alone or with other plant lovers rather than bring the whole family, considering how quickly the price adds up and how little there was to keep the kids engaged after a short while.
There were some highlights: the butterfly garden, interesting sculptures, and shaded areas to rest. But overall, it didn’t feel like a good value for a full family outing. If you’re on a budget or traveling with kids, I’d think twice unless you know they’ll be into the experience. Next door they have a story book land which kids may enjoy more.
I absolutely loved the kitchen garden and that part of the botanical garden."
Brittany Atkinson
"Beautiful garden. The covered gardens were nice and cool. Shade trees were magical, especially in the summer swelter.
We went on a Friday afternoon. Walking in the garden was very calming. Not many people around, so you could take you time and enjoy the view. The fans in some of the areas provided great relief for the heat."
Alicia C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The New Orleans Botanical Garden is located within City Park. You can drive and find plenty of parking nearby. Public transportation options are also available, with several bus routes serving the City Park area.
Yes, there is ample parking available in the vicinity of the New Orleans Botanical Garden within City Park.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach the garden, especially if you're coming from other parts of the city.
Yes, several New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) bus lines stop near City Park, providing access to the Botanical Garden. Check the RTA website for specific routes and schedules.
From the French Quarter, you can take a taxi, rideshare, or specific RTA bus lines that head towards City Park. It's a relatively short ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission for adults is typically around $10, with children aged 3-12 costing $5. Children under 3 are usually free. Louisiana residents can enjoy free admission on Wednesdays.
Yes! Louisiana residents get free admission every Wednesday. It's a great tip for locals and visitors from the state.
The garden is typically open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for free Wednesday admission or during peak times, can save you time and guarantee entry. Check the garden's website for their policy.
The New Orleans Botanical Garden is generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Always confirm hours on their official website before your visit.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the unique Kitchen Garden, the majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and the various themed gardens like the Japanese Garden and Butterfly Garden.
While it offers a peaceful walk, some reviewers suggest it might not hold the attention of younger children for extended periods unless they have a strong interest in plants. The nearby Storybook Land might be more engaging for them.
Yes, the garden has many large shade trees, especially the live oaks, and some covered areas that provide relief from the heat. Fans are also present in some sections.
Absolutely! The New Orleans Botanical Garden is a beautiful spot for photography, with diverse plant life, sculptures, and scenic views.
The garden is not incredibly large, but it offers plenty to see with its various themed sections and diverse plant collections.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Currently, there is no food service or cafe within the New Orleans Botanical Garden itself. Visitors are advised to bring their own snacks or plan to eat before or after their visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally recommended to check the garden's policy on outside food and beverages. Picnics might be allowed in designated areas, but it's best to confirm.
There are dining options within City Park, and of course, the wider New Orleans area offers countless culinary experiences. Nearby cafes and restaurants are a short drive away.
It's advisable to bring your own water bottle, as water fountains may not be readily available throughout the garden. Staying hydrated is key in the New Orleans climate.
You can find various eateries around City Park, from casual cafes to more upscale dining. Many visitors also combine their trip with a visit to iconic New Orleans spots like Cafe Du Monde for beignets.
📸 📸 Photography
The lush greenery, vibrant flowers, Spanish moss-draped oaks, and the unique Kitchen Garden offer fantastic photo opportunities. The themed gardens also provide picturesque settings.
Typically, drone usage is restricted in botanical gardens and public parks to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and wildlife. It's best to check the garden's specific regulations.
Early morning or late afternoon, during the 'golden hours,' offers the most beautiful natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm glow.
While general photography is encouraged, professional photoshoots or commercial filming may require permits. Always respect signage and other visitors.
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both wide landscapes and close-up details. A macro lens can be useful for flower photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To enhance the experience for children, focus on specific areas like the Butterfly Garden or the Kitchen Garden, which can spark curiosity. Bringing snacks and plenty of water is crucial, as there are no food facilities within the garden.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 Even for non-residents, the admission fee is relatively modest compared to other attractions, especially considering the beauty and tranquility it offers. To save further, pack your own snacks and water, as there are no dining facilities on-site.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Outings
Visiting during the late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photos and a peaceful ambiance as the day winds down.
The quiet paths and secluded benches provide intimate spaces to connect and enjoy the natural beauty together. Consider packing a small picnic to enjoy in a scenic spot (check garden policy first) for an even more memorable experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring City Park's Green Heart
Visitors often rave about the unique atmosphere created by the grand live oak trees, their branches adorned with ethereal Spanish moss, which lends a distinctly Southern charm to the landscape. This natural canopy provides welcome shade, making it a comfortable retreat even on warmer days. The garden's layout encourages exploration, with distinct sections that offer varied sensory experiences, from the vibrant colors of the flower beds to the calming textures of the foliage.
Beyond the sheer beauty of the plants, the garden incorporates artistic elements, including sculptures that are thoughtfully integrated into the natural surroundings. This blend of horticulture and art creates a dynamic and engaging environment. Whether you're a seasoned botanist or simply someone who appreciates the tranquility of nature, the New Orleans Botanical Garden promises a peaceful and enriching experience.
A Taste of Local Horticulture: The Kitchen Garden
Visitors find this garden particularly engaging because it connects them to the food they eat and highlights the possibilities of home gardening. The vibrant colors and textures of the growing produce make it a visually appealing and educational space. It's a place where you can learn about different plant varieties and how they are cultivated, offering a unique perspective on local culinary traditions.
The Kitchen Garden serves as a reminder of the rich agricultural heritage of Louisiana and inspires visitors to consider growing their own food. Its thoughtful design and educational value make it a standout feature, offering a different kind of beauty than the ornamental gardens, one rooted in practicality and sustenance.
Navigating the Garden: Tips for a Perfect Visit
+1 For all visitors, weekdays and mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience. Remember that New Orleans can be hot and humid, so wearing comfortable shoes for walking and staying hydrated are essential tips shared by many visitors. While the garden is not overwhelmingly large, it's packed with diverse plant life and scenic spots. Take your time to wander through the various themed areas, and don't forget to seek out the shade provided by the magnificent live oak trees, especially during the warmer months.
Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of picturesque scenes, from blooming flowers to the iconic moss-draped oaks.
While the garden is a beautiful place for a quiet stroll, some visitors note that it might be less engaging for very young children compared to other attractions, so consider your family's interests. 
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