It’s officially the point of summer where the heat and humidity form a wall so thick you can feel it as soon as you leave the comfort of the indoors. It’s as though mother nature greets you at the door, like a physical force, urging you to go back inside. If you ignore her warning, you find yourself breathing in the thick air and breaking a sweat before you even make it to the car. The thought of spending an extended amount of time outdoors sounds about as much fun as a root canal. So, do you choose to spend the rest of the summer locked up in your house until the “ber” months slowly start emerging, offering some cooler weather? Or do you find other ways to cool off and make the most of the sultry weather? If you choose the latter, here are some ways to still have fun and beat the heat in New Orleans.
Enjoy Indoor Attractions
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium are great options for indoor entertainment. Both offer an escape from the heat with their cool, air-conditioned exhibits which can provide hours of entertainment and exploration.
The aquarium is well known for the walk-through tunnel where you will be treated to vibrant colors and mesmerizing views as the fish and other sea creatures swim all around you. Other attractions, like the penguin and otter exhibits, provide both entertainment and factual presentations. Several exhibits even offer hands-on experiences, making it the perfect stop for individuals of all ages.
The Insectarium is a unique venue which showcases a wide variety of insects and butterflies. Like the aquarium, there are many interactive displays, shows, and educational programs that provide entertainment for everyone. Plan a visit to escape the heat and head on over to the “Bug Appétite” for an unexpected treat!
Sip on a Cool Treat
New Orleans is known for its food and culture, including its spirited beverage culture, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. What better way to cool off than to indulge in a local treat! For a virgin option, pass by an iconic snoball establishment like Hansen’s Sno-bliz or Plum Street Snoballs. With a long list of flavors, you’re sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds and leave you longing for more… perhaps another flavor for another visit!
Looking for a little more out of your cold beverage? Take it up a notch with a caffeinated drink from one of the various French Truck Coffee locations located throughout the city. They serve freshly roasted coffee, including iced coffees and refreshing cold brews.
Caffeine not doing the trick? Still wanting something a bit stronger? Grab a daiquiri to go at a New Orleans Original Daiquiri location or opt for a craft cocktail at a historic bar. The Carousel Bar & Lounge, located in Hotel Monteleone, is known for its iconic rotating bar and classic cocktails.
Take a Dip in the Pool
Throughout the city, you will find many hotels which offer day passes to utilize their rooftop pools. This allows non-hotel guests to take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, including cooling off in the pool while enjoying views of the city’s skyline. The Ace Hotel, The NOPSI, and The Roosevelt are popular rooftop pool venues, complete with lounge seating, bars, picturesque views, and even occasional live music.
Explore Museums
The National WWII Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Arts (NOMA) are 2 well known museums located in New Orleans. Both have many exhibits to explore, allowing you to “get lost” in the moment for a better part of your day. That National WWII museum includes artifacts, personal stories, interactive displays, and even 4-D immersive experiences. NOMA has an extensive collection of art spanning a 5,000 year history. If you’d like to take a closer look at Louisiana history, try visiting the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Louisiana State Museum, or The Cabildo for exhibits specific to Louisiana culture.
Stroll Through a Shaded Park
Although the temperatures are brutal, you can still enjoy the outdoors if you’re strategic about it. Plan to visit a nice shaded park, like City Park or Audubon Park, in the early morning or evening. The beautiful live oaks throughout the park offer a significant amount of shade which can provide protection from the intense heat of the sun. Even if you plan to be in the shade, remember to practice smart sun safety!
Rollin’ on The River
The Big Easy can also be enjoyed from a breezy river boat ride, overlooking the city. Jump on board the Steamboat Natchez for a true New Orleans experience complete with jazz music and views of the city skyline. As one of the last authentic steamboats on the Mississippi river, this easy breezy ride down the river is sure to be a nice reprieve from the summer heat!