The Best Neighborhoods and Spots for Outdoor Exercising

With a renewed appreciation for outdoor exercise, New Orleanians have really jumped on the bandwagon (and their bicycles). Whether you want to make good use of a new bike, or you’re interested in walking, running, kayaking, paddle boarding, or hopping on some open-air exercise equipment, check out our suggestions for the best neighborhoods and spots to get your heart pumping.

Uptown

Audubon Park

Featuring a paved 1.8-mile route with outdoor exercise equipment at stops along the way, Audubon Park’s jogging path is great for runners, walkers, cyclists, and roller bladers of all levels. There’s a less-traveled route along the outer edge of the park that’s nice if you’d rather not walk or run on pavement, but watch out for the tree roots.

The Fly

Behind Audubon Zoo, a 12-mile paved trail sits atop the levee near the Fly at Audubon Park and extends all the way to Kenner. Awesome for long bike rides!

Mid-City

City Park

City Park boasts bikes and boats for rent, multiple paths and routes for walking, running, and biking, a tennis center, a disc golf course, and more ways to help you get out there and get moving.

Lafitte Greenway

Offering a well-paved 2.6 miles of walking, running and biking paths, the Lafitte Greenway extends all the way from N. Alexander and St. Louis streets in Mid-City to Tremé. Open 24 hours a day and fully lit with energy-efficient trail lights, it’s there for you whenever you need it.

Tremé

Lafitte Greenway

In the Tremé section of the Lafitte Greenway, you’ll find the paved walking, running and biking paths, plus outdoor exercise classes like yoga on the Great Lawn and two outdoor fitness parks for all to enjoy. There are also basketball courts, playgrounds, sports fields, and a community pool.

Marigny and Bywater

Crescent Park

A 1.4-mile, 20-acre urban park that runs along the Mississippi River from Elysian Fields to Bartholomew Street, Crescent Park offers walking, running and biking trails with amazing views of the river and the downtown skyline.

Lakeview and Lakeshore/Lakevista

Lakeshore Dr.

For those who live near the lakefront, or those who love the idea of exercising with views of Lake Ponchartrain, Lakeshore Drive is a great place to walk, run, or bike and extends about five miles — from West End Boulevard all the way to the Industrial Canal. Bonus: Depending on the time of day you like to exercise, you can enjoy some beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Bayou St. John

You can walk or jog along scenic Bayou St. John from Lafitte Avenue to Desaix Boulevard, or keep going towards the lake along Wisner Boulevard. Want to get out on the water? Rent kayaks and paddle boards at Bayou Paddlesports at 1101 Florida Avenue.

If you’ve got the desire to get outside and get moving, lots of awesome choices await!