Spring is an ideal time to visit New Orleans, with long days and pleasant temperatures. There are festivals every weekend—and during the week too. Spending time outdoors is an easy and affordable way to pass a good time. Combine lots to do with delicious seasonal food and you’ve got yourself the perfect New Orleans itinerary for a spring day—all on $50 or less.
*Editor’s Note: Totals for all food and beverage purchases include tax and gratuity. Please always remember to tip your servers and musicians.
Start your spring day with brunch at Up&Adam Eatz. This restaurant specializes in seafood and comfort food, and the menu features items such as honey Tabasco chicken biscuit and catfish & grits. The Up&Adam Eatz breakfast is a classic dish consisting of two eggs served with your choice of meat, grits or seasoned potatoes, and biscuit or toast—all for $14. Enjoy the crisp spring weather and dine outdoors on the patio. The total with tax and tip was $18.38.
For just $3, we can take public transportation all day long with a Jazzy Pass. First, we’re taking the streetcar. Hop on the #48 Canal Streetcar towards City Park at the Canal & Scott (Out) stop. Hop off at the end of the line, the Museum of Art stop. Walk towards the museum down Lelong Drive, and to the left of the museum is the Sculpture Garden.
The Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is free and open to the public seven days a week. Situated on 11 acres, the garden features several different types of sculptures, pedestrian paths, and tranquil spots to relax, all in beautiful City Park. Enjoy a lovely stroll on a spring morning (the garden opens at 10 a.m.).
Mid-City is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in New Orleans, with lots of parks and greenspaces. Once you exit City Park, follow Bayou St. John to our next location, Bayou Beer Garden. On your walk you’ll see people picnicking, walking their dogs, playing volleyball, and kayaking down the bayou. Give yourself a minute to take it all in and enjoy the great spring weather.
It wouldn’t be spring in New Orleans without stopping for some boiled crawfish. Just off Bayou St. John, Bayou Beer Garden is your spot for crawfish, both on the weekends and midweek. Grab a table in their large outdoor backyard and order a plate, which comes with three pounds of crawfish plus 'fixins, like corn and potatoes. Learn more about where to get boiled seafood in New Orleans here. Our total on this day was $19.
*Crawfish prices can change daily, but you can call ahead to see what they’re selling for per pound.
Next, head downtown for more New Orleans fun. Hop on the streetcar at the Canal & Norman C. Francis stop. Streetcar #47 or #48 (In) will bring you all the way down Canal up to the Riverfront. But, while enjoying the ride, make sure to hop off at the Canal & Camp stop. Turn right and walk to Lafayette Square.
The Wednesday at the Square spring concert series features local musicians every Wednesday evening at Lafayette Square. The park also fills with food, drink, and art vendors in this project from the Young Leadership Council. Best of all—admission is free! Wednesday at the Square is the perfect way to cap off a relaxing spring day in New Orleans. We grabbed a sno-ball for $7.20 as an afternoon treat.
If you find yourself doing this itinerary on a day that isn’t Wednesday, know that live music is plentiful around the city, especially on the weekends. Just walking through the French Quarter, you’ll come across street musicians like famed clarinetist Doreen Ketchens. Always make sure to tip your musicians to show appreciation for the people who make New Orleans a special place.
You might be craving a happy hour cocktail after a long day of exploring, and there’s plenty of spots all around New Orleans. Check out our Spring Travel Guide for more inspiration.
FINAL PRICE BREAKDOWN
Up&Adam Eatz: $18.38
Jazzy Pass: $3
Bayou Beer Garden: $19
Sno-ball: $7.20
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