Day Cruises in New Orleans

If you’re in New Orleans and feel like escaping the usual French Quarter hustle, a day cruise on the Mississippi or nearby waters is a brilliant way to chill and take in the city’s unique vibe. I’m talking about more than just big tourist paddlewheelers,there are smaller boats that sneak through the bayous and marshlands, giving you a surprisingly quiet peek at wildlife and some parts of town you won’t see otherwise.

One of my favorite routes heads out toward the Chalmette battlefield area or cruises beneath the Crescent City Connection bridge. It’s pretty serene, and if you time it right, you catch the city skyline all lit up or the slow-moving barges pushing downriver. Pro tip: the late afternoon cruises tend to be less crowded and cooler, especially in summer (and yes, it can get sticky here). Some boats even have local musicians playing along the way, which just adds that authentic New Orleans flavor.

Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen and a camera. You’ll want to snap those views of moss-draped cypress trees and maybe a heron or two. Just remember, these cruises give you a totally different New Orleans story to tell,not the one you’ve heard walking up Bourbon Street.