Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

New Orleans, LA - April 28, 2017: A local brass band plays on a street corner at Frenchmen Street.
New Orleans, LA - April 28, 2017: A local brass band plays on a street corner at Frenchmen Street.

The Best of Louisiana

#37 best destination in the world

Map view

Cane Bayou Trail, Fontainebleau State Park

MANDEVILLE, LOUISIANA, UNITED STATES - Feb 06, 2018: Fontainebleau State Park, Louisiana - February 2018: Sign mark the trailhead for several hiking trails inside Fontainebleau State Park.

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Cane Bayou Trail is a hiking trail and outdoor recreation area located in Fontainebleau State Park, near Mandeville
  • It consists of a mix of dirt paths and boardwalks, with minimal elevation gain
  • It offers views of the bayou and surrounding natural landscapes, with opportunities to see local wildlife, including deer and various birds
  • Cane Bayou is also known for canoeing and kayaking, as it flows into Lake Pontchartrain

French Quarter, New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA USA - JAN 22 2016: Historic building in the French Quarter in New Orleans, USA. Tourism provides a large source of revenue after the 2005 devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Best time to visit: Feb-May

  • The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans
  • It was founded by the French in 1718, and serves as the original city of New Orleans
  • The area is famous for its unique architecture, which reflects a blend of French, Spanish, and Creole influences
  • The neighborhood has been shaped by centuries of diverse cultural influences, including those from European settlers, African slaves, and later immigrants
  • The French Quarter draws tourists for its bars, restaurants, music venues, and annual events like Mardi Gras

Frenchmen Street, New Orleans

New Orleans, LA - April 28, 2017: A local brass band plays on a street corner at Frenchmen Street.

Best time to visit: Feb-May

  • Frenchmen Street is located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans
  • It is renowned particularly as a hub for live music, featuring genres such as jazz, reggae, and blues
  • The street is lined with numerous clubs and venues that showcase both local and touring artists
  • Performances occur nightly, contributing to its reputation as one of the premier spots for live music in New Orleans
  • In addition to music, Frenchmen Street offers a diverse range of dining options

Garden District, New Orleans

Garden district new orleans mansion

Best time to visit: Feb-May

  • The Garden District is a historic neighborhood located in Uptown New Orleans
  • Known for its architecture and landscapes, it features a variety of grand mansions, many of which have been preserved and maintained by the families who have lived there for generations
  • The Garden District showcases a range of architectural styles from 1832 to 1950, including Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian homes
  • Established in the 1840s by wealthy plantation owners, the district reflects the opulent lifestyle of New Orleans' elite during that era

Jackson Square, New Orleans

Saint Louis Cathedral and statue of Andrew Jackson in the Jackson Square New Orleans

Best time to visit: Feb-May

  • Jackson Square is a historic park located in the French Quarter of New Orleans
  • It has been a central gathering place for the city since its establishment in the 18th century
  • The layout of Jackson Square reflects influences from European designs, particularly resembling Paris's Place des Vosges, featuring grand walkways and landscaped gardens

Mardi Gras World, New Orleans

New Orleans, LA USA - 06/01/2015 - New Orleans Mardi Gras World Eclectic Collection

Best time to visit: Feb-May

  • Mardi Gras World is a prominent attraction located in New Orleans, which was established in 1984
  • It provides visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at the Mardi Gras festivities, particularly the float-building process that is central to the celebration
  • It operates as a working warehouse where the elaborate floats for Mardi Gras parades are created
  • Visitors can see artisans at work, engaging in various tasks such as molding and cutting materials

City Park, New Orleans

Stone bridge over pond with green foliage in City Park, New Orleans

Best time to visit: Feb-May

  • City Park in New Orleans is a vast public park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States
  • The park boasts a rich ecological landscape, featuring eleven miles of lagoons, lakes, and bayous, along with one of the world's largest collections of live oak trees
  • City Park offers a variety of attractions, including an amusement park, botanical gardens, and the New Orleans Museum of Art

Preservation Hall, New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana - April 30, 2023: The legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band performs during the Midnight Preserves concert series at Preservation Hall.

Best time to visit: Feb-May

  • Preservation Hall is a historic music venue located in the French Quarter of New Orleans
  • Established in 1961, its primary mission is to protect, preserve, and perpetuate the spirit of traditional New Orleans jazz, and serves as a venue hosting performances by a house band and various jazz musicians

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana / USA - February 14, 2019: Above-ground graves in the St. Louis Cemetery Number 1, a famous site where Marie Laveau, Voodoo Queen is buried.

Best time to visit: Feb-May

  • St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, established in 1789
  • It is renowned for its unique above-ground burial practices, which are a necessity in the region due to the high water table
  • The cemetery features hundreds of ornate tombs, where graves are stacked vertically
  • The historic site is the final resting place for many notable figures, including the famous Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau
  • St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 offers guided tours that delve into the history and unique burial customs of New Orleans

The National WWII Museum, New Orleans

New Orleans, USA - Dec 18, 2017: A life-size US World War II plane hanging over the lobby of the National WWII Museum. Entrance ticket booths below.

Best time to visit: Feb-May

  • The National WWII Museum, located in New Orleans, is a prominent military history museum dedicated to exploring the American experience during World War II
  • It was established to honor the contributions of American forces in the war, which significantly shaped the modern world
  • It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories, allowing visitors to learn about the experiences of those who lived through the war