New Orleans Driving Tour with Bayou St. John, City Park, Treme

New Orleans , United States

New Orleans Driving Tour with Bayou St. John, City Park, Treme

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(16 reviews)

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About this experience

Travel in a comfortable minivan from the French Quarter through the Treme and along the historic mansion lined Esplanade Ave to the Bayou St. John neighborhood where we will trace an ancient portage road used by natives for thousands of years, and discover the very origins of why this site was selected by the French to build the city of New Orleans!

Along the way we will stop at an old cemetery where we just might encounter some restless spirits! We'll then travel through the Bayou St. John neighborhood and see the oldest house in New Orleans and the bayou that made the city possible! We'll visit the very spot Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau once held her rituals, before going to City Park to see some of the oldest oak trees in the city. In City Park we'll stop and get some beignets at Cafe Du Monde! Then we'll stop in a nature reserve and look for alligators and exotic birds before traveling to the lakefront and the ruins of a 300 year old French fort!

Available options

New Orleans Driving Tour with Bayou St. John, City Park, Treme

Pickup included

What's included

Driving tour of New Orleans with several stops

Detailed itinerary

We drive from the French Quarter area through the Treme neighborhood down Esplanade Avenue and see all the historic mansions of this historic Creole neighborhood. We'll give you a brief history on some of the coolest ones and if you want to grab some photos we can stop at your leisure!

Stop 2

We stop in at the St Louis Cemetery #3 for a quick walk through the old tombs and graves and perhaps visit with some of the ghostly residents!

We drive through the Bayou St John neighborhood and along the bayou and learn about how the area where the city of New Orleans is currently located was chosen due to it's proximity to this bayou. We'll see one of the oldest houses in New Orleans, pass by a market built in the mid 1800s, see the oldest brick road in New Orleans, visit a heron breeding ground, and learn about rituals once held in this area by Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau!

We stop in City Park and see some of the oldest oak trees in New Orleans and learn about the history of the area and the bayous and its significance. We'll learn about duels once held in this area and perhaps have a duel ourselves! We'll take some photos and videos before getting beignets at Cafe Du Monde and then moving on to see a cool nature with birds and gators!

Stop 5

We then drive to the lakefront along the levees and do some fun nature watching along the way. We'll take a scenic drive along the lakefront and see an old lighthouse before visiting the ruins of a 300+ year old fort that once guarded the entrance of Bayou St. John before making our way back to the French Quarter along the bayou.

What's not included

Beignets (own expense)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The meeting point is in front of Armstrong Park on edge of the French Quarter. It's no more than a 15 minute walk from anywhere in the French Quarter or Canal Street.

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

Top Attractions

French Quarter

The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Garden District

A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.

Historical Half day Free to explore, tours available

National WWII Museum

A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive

City Park

A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.

Nature Half day Free to enter, attractions vary

Frenchmen Street

A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

Entertainment Evening Varies by venue

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gumbo

A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Jambalaya

A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Beignets

A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy.

Po' Boy

A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.

Sandwich Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Popular Activities

Swamp tours Kayaking Biking Spa treatments Park picnics Café hopping Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter Garden District Warehouse District Faubourg Marigny Mid-City

Day trips

Plantation Country

30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day

Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.

Swamp and Bayou Tours

30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day

Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Baton Rouge

80 miles (129 km) • Full day

Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.

Festivals

Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year) Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends) French Quarter Festival • April (four days)

Pro tips

Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes