We’ve wanted to visit New Orleans, but felt overwhelmed by all there is to do. Add to that a few health limitations that need to be factored in.
Fortunately, it’s possible to see the city, sample its famous cuisine, enjoy the music, and experience its unique spirit—all in one trip.
Forget your hiking boots
That’s right, you can leave your hiking shoes back in your RV. New Orleans (like many cities) offers several ways to experience its culture and see the sights. Check out a few favorites listed here.
Swamp and bayou airboat rides
Want to see Louisiana marshes and gators without a long hike? Several operators run airboat and guided swamp trips. They’ll pick you up near the city and take you right out into the bayou.
Many companies advertise short drive times from the French Quarter and offer round-trip pick-ups or clearly listed departure points. Tours vary in length from about an hour to longer eco-style outings. Book morning slots for the best wildlife activity.
Google: New Orleans swamp or airboat tours
Hop-on, hop-off, and guided coach tours
Open-top and enclosed bus tours let you loop the French Quarter, Garden District, Warehouse District, and major riverfront sights with ease. Routes are typically timed so buses arrive every 20–40 minutes. You can pick a full-loop ticket or a hop-on pass, depending on your time and mobility. Coaches are a straightforward, low-effort way to get a city overview in a single afternoon.
Google: New Orleans hop-on, hop-off bus
Tripadvisor lists the top 15 New Orleans bus tours here.
Steamboat river cruises
For a different view, take a Mississippi River cruise aboard a historic steamboat. Daytime sightseeing or jazz dinner cruises combine river scenery and music along the Mississippi River. Many cruises board at the riverfront near the French Quarter, so you can park nearby and enjoy a relaxing cruise.
Google: New Orleans river cruises
Historic streetcars and short streetcar loops
Streetcars are part of the New Orleans experience. The St. Charles streetcar winds through Uptown and the Garden District past oak-lined avenues and antebellum mansions.
Streetcars are inexpensive, run frequently, and let you soak in neighborhoods from your seat. Check them out here.
Garden District and historic house tours
If you want mansion views, take the Garden District Driving Tour. You can do this in your tow vehicle or on a guided minibus. The result is the same—big houses, garden squares, and photo stops that are quintessential Big Easy scenes. Many driving tour scripts are available for self-drive loops if you want to be your own tour guide.
Top free things to do
Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. This historic plaza is a living postcard. You’ll see artists, street musicians, and the cathedral’s façade, which frames the square. This wide-open space includes benches and food vendors for treats and relaxation.
French Market. The long riverside market is free to enter and browse. Visitors love this mostly level, shaded market. It’s ideal for sampling local snacks. Vendor hours are regular and the market area connects easily to riverfront attractions. [If that link doesn’t work, try this one.]
Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park offers a wide, paved riverfront park with sculpture, benches, and views of the Mississippi. It’s right by the Aquarium and near many riverboat piers.
Quick logistics tips
Plan pick-ups and drop-offs: Many swamp and airboat operators list pick-up locations or offer shuttle service from the French Quarter. Reserve those to avoid parking hassles.
Buy a day pass for transit: If you plan to use streetcars and buses multiple times, a day pass is usually cheaper and keeps you from waiting in line at ticket machines.
Queue-time matters: Carriage and steamboat boarding windows can form lines during peak tourist times. Try for mid-morning departures if you prefer smaller crowds.
Three nearby RV campgrounds
Here are three RV campgrounds with easy access to the city.
• French Quarter RV Resort (closest, walk/drive access). This property brands itself as a short drive from the French Quarter and aims specifically at urban visitors who want fast access to downtown New Orleans. Small parks in this category often advertise gated sites and easy in/out for 5th wheels and motorhomes. Check current site rules for size limits and reservations.
• New Orleans RV Resort & Marina (lakefront, ~10–15 minutes to downtown). A gated resort on the city side of Lake Pontchartrain that advertises a short drive time to the French Quarter and nearby riverfront areas. It’s a practical pick if you prefer a full-service RV resort while staying very close to downtown.
• Bayou Segnette State Park (budget/state park option, 25–35 minutes away). A state park on the West Bank that’s about a half-hour drive to downtown New Orleans (depending on traffic). It has improved RV campsites and a more outdoorsy setting for RVers who want a quieter stay with access to the city.
Final pro tips for RVers
• Always check visitor reviews before reserving tours or other adventures. Note that some attractions and services may close during the off-season.
• If you’re towing, verify park pull-through availability and local bridge/underpass restrictions before you enter the city.
• Expect heavy traffic around festival dates. New Orleans runs several large, free street festivals that can shift traffic and parking quickly.
• For comfort, schedule outdoor cruises and slow tours in the cooler morning hours and save streetcar/riverfront rides for late afternoon.
Have you visited New Orleans while RVing? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
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RVT1248
Thanks for the article as we are planning to travel north to Michigan along the Great River Road starting from NOLA.
Personal safety should be a priority when visiting New Orleans. It is one of the more dangerous cities in the country especially after dark. Keep your head on a swivel when on Bourbon Street. And then there’s the drunks. But the food is good and the music is even better. Visit the Garden District and Uptown New Orleans in the Tulane area, get a fried shrimp po-boy and a huge omelet at Camillia Grill.
One trip we used a short-term rental. The owner’s smart advice was to use a taxi service for the evenings’ half-mile hop into and out of the French Quarter. While out walking, stay with the crowds in better lighted areas. Pick pockets are still around, but the chance of violence is minimized.
Surprised you didn’t mention the National World II Museum. A wonderful experience.
I appreciate your information for New Orleans as I am planning on a trip there this spring. I feel you left out 2 rather large attractions in the area. One is the WWII memorial and museum and the Tobasco factory on Avery Island. Both of those are high on my list of places to visit while in the New Orleans area.