Essential Tips for Late Summer Travel to New Orleans

New Orleans greets over 18 million visitors annually, and the late summer season presents an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s captivating culture, cuisine, and attractions, all while enjoying fewer crowds and enticing deals. This guide offers essential insights to make the most of your late summer visit to the Big Easy.

TL;DR

• Late summer brings warm temperatures, occasional rain showers, and exciting events like COOLinary and Southern Decadence.
• Explore the city with ease using historic streetcars, bike rentals, and walkable neighborhoods.
• Unmissable cultural highlights include the French Quarter, local museums, and live music venues showcasing the city’s rich heritage.

Understanding Late Summer Weather in New Orleans

During August and September, New Orleans experiences high temperatures averaging in the low 90s°F (32-34°C) with humidity levels around 80%. Sudden afternoon thunderstorms are common, so it’s advisable to carry an umbrella and light rain jacket. Stay cool by wearing loose, light-colored clothing, applying sunscreen, and keeping a refillable water bottle handy to stay hydrated while exploring.

Planning Your Visit: What to Know Before You Go

Book accommodations early for the best rates and availability, especially during popular events like COOLinary (all of August) and Southern Decadence (Labor Day weekend). Many hotels offer summer discounts and packages.

Familiarize yourself with local customs and cultural considerations. New Orleanians are renowned for their warm hospitality, so friendly greetings from strangers are commonplace. Tipping is customary at restaurants (20% for good service), bars ($1-2 per drink), and for tour guides.

Transportation in New Orleans

The city’s historic streetcars offer a charming way to get around, with fares just $1.25 per ride or $3 for an all-day pass. The St. Charles Streetcar Line is a must-ride, tracing a scenic path through the Garden District. Alternatively, rent a bike from Blue Bikes NOLA ($8/hour) or explore the compact French Quarter and nearby Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods on foot.

Must-Visit Open Establishments and Attractions

Take advantage of COOLinary in August, when over 80 restaurants offer prix-fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus at discounted prices. Don’t miss classics like Dooky Chase’s Restaurant (2301 Orleans Ave, Tues-Fri 11am-3pm) for Creole gumbo and Parkway Bakery & Tavern (538 Hagan Ave, Wed-Mon 11am-4pm) for overstuffed po-boy sandwiches.

Beat the heat in the city’s world-class museums like the National WWII Museum (945 Magazine St, daily 9am-5pm, $28.50 adults) and the New Orleans Museum of Art (1 Collins Diboll Circle, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, $15 adults). Spend an afternoon in City Park, a 1,300-acre oasis with walking paths, picnic areas, and the New Orleans Botanical Garden (5 Victory Ave, Wed-Sun 10am-4pm, $8 adults).

Music lovers can’t miss live shows at Preservation Hall (726 St Peter, nightly sets) or the Maple Leaf Bar (8316 Oak St, nightly sets), two iconic venues that have showcased local jazz talent for decades. Check their schedules for current hours and ticket prices.

Dining and Cuisine in Late Summer

Savor seasonal dishes like fresh Gulf oysters (Casamento’s Restaurant, 4330 Magazine St, Tues-Sat 11am-2pm, 5:30-9pm), Creole tomato salads (Upperline Restaurant, 1413 Upperline St, Wed-Sun from 5:30pm), and snowballs, a beloved local treat of shaved ice drenched in sweet syrups (Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, 4801 Tchoupitoulas St, Tues-Sun 1-7pm).

Dine al fresco in courtyards or on balconies to enjoy the warm evenings. Grab a coveted patio table at Bacchanal Wine (600 Poland Ave, daily 11am-midnight) for live music, small plates, and an extensive wine list in the Bywater. Sip a Sazerac cocktail on the elegant gallery of The Columns Hotel (3811 St Charles Ave, daily 11am-midnight) as the streetcar rumbles by.

Safety and Health Precautions

Stay safe by being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods. If you feel unwell, seek medical attention at one of the city’s urgent care clinics or hospitals like Tulane Medical Center (1415 Tulane Ave) or Ochsner Urgent Care (900 Magazine St).

Cultural Events and Festivals

Mark your calendar for Southern Decadence (Aug 29 – Sep 2, 2024), a vibrant LGBTQ+ celebration with block parties, parades, and drag shows centered in the French Quarter. Art lovers can gallery hop on White Linen Night (first Saturday in August) when the Warehouse District hosts an evening of openings and receptions.

Dance in the streets with the Tremé neighborhood’s lively second line parades every Sunday afternoon, a brass band tradition dating back over a century. Check WWOZ’s online calendar for routes and start times.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Find unique late summer souvenirs at the Frenchmen Art Market (619 Frenchmen St, nightly 6pm-midnight), an open-air bazaar with local artists and craftspeople. Pick up a hand-painted Mardi Gras mask at Maskarade (630 St Ann St, daily 10am-7pm) or browse the extensive selection of new and used vinyl at Euclid Records (3301 Chartres St, Mon-Sat 11am-7pm).

With these insider tips and a sense of adventure, you’re ready to experience the magic of New Orleans in late summer like a local. Laissez les bons temps rouler – let the good times roll!