It’s no secret that Louisiana has an abundance of beautiful natural spots and wildlife. I mean, they don’t call it Sportsman’s Paradise for nothing. And with so many outdoor options for exploring, why not add a little romance to the mix? Here’s a list of our favorite picnic spots for your next outdoor adventure with your special someone.
The Fly behind Audubon Park
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA
It’s no surprise to most locals that The Fly is one of the best places to enjoy a day outdoors in New Orleans. Tucked away behind Audubon Zoo, The Fly offers plenty lush green waterfront space along the Mississippi River. On weekdays you can almost always find a spot under one of the pergolas that extend over the river. The Tree of Life (pictured below) with its moss-hanging branches is the perfect shady spot to enjoy a picnic for two on a warm sunny day.
The Port of New Orleans
1350 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA
For some of the most intimate views of the Mississippi found inside city limits, check out this hidden gem located behind the Convention Center. The Port of New Orleans’ front courtyard has a unique vantage point usually only seen by those with business to attend to at the port. There are several wooden swings – each with enough room to comfortably fit two. The swings are just steps away from the Mighty Mississippi making it a great choice for a unique picnic date spot with a spectacular view.
Rusty Rainbow Bridge in Crescent Park
Piety Street at Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA
Crescent Park is a beautiful linear park that runs along the Mississippi River. The park stretches from the Bywater to the French Quarter. Inside the park, at the bottom of the Rusty Rainbow Bridge, sits several concrete picnic tables. Here you can share a meal with some of the best downtown river views as your backdrop. Afterwards, you can work off lunch on the biking trails or walk around exploring the funky Bywater neighborhood.
The Beach at Fountainbleau State Park
62883 Highway 1089, Mandeville, LA
Just 45 minutes outside of New Orleans, you can find the perfect escape from the everyday hustle-and-bustle of the city. At Fountainbleau State Park on the Northshore you’ll find mossy tree-lined nature trails and unrailed wooden bayou walkways that make you feel as though you’re walking on (swamp) water. There’s no doubt you’ll find an escape from everyday stresses surrounded by all the natural beauty. And if you find yourself wanting to extend your visit, there are plenty of secluded campsites to hole up with your honey for a night (or two!)
Pecan Grove at Barataria Preserve Trails
6588 Barataria Boulevard, Marrero, LA
For an escape closer to the city, you can take a 25 minute ride out to Jean Lafitte State Park on the Westbank. After exploring the trails, take a second to relax at Pecan Grove, the park’s dedicated picnic site with wooden tables and beautiful scenery. Relish in an intimate lunch for two surrounded by forest. Located at the end of the Christmas Road trail, you might even be lucky enough to cross paths with some white-tip deer.
Couturie Forest in City Park
1009 Harrison Avenue, New Orleans, LA
Located inside City Park, Couturie Forest consists of two walking trails covering 60 acres. Touted as New Orleans’ top bird watching destination, over 40 species of birds have been known to frequent these parts. The bridge overlooking the water at the forest entrance provides the ideal vantage point for spotting indigenous fish and turtles. Here at the entrance of the Forest (pictured below) is a great place to enjoy a meal at the picnic table under the stately limbs of an old oak tree.
What’s your favorite spot to picnic? Let us know in the comments below!\
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