Soak up the beauty of summer with New Orleans outdoor activities

Yes, summer in New Orleans is hot and humid. The beauty of our surroundings this time of year, however, is undefeated. Add some of these New Orleans outdoor activities to your to-do list.

In many places across the country, planning a staycation or family activities during the summer can be a little … well, boring. That’s definitely not the case here in NOLA!

There’s a plethora of outdoor activities in New Orleans, with something for everyone. Below, our LCMC Health team shares a few of their summer favorites.

Why spending time outdoors matters

When you head outside, your health enjoys the benefits. For one thing, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spending time in green spaces makes you more likely to be physically active. Since most Americans don’t get enough physical activity, that’s certainly a positive.

Time spent outdoors also helps you relax and feel less stressed. When you’re less stressed, the levels of stress hormones in your body decrease—and so does your heart rate, which gives your heart health a boost.

Your mental health benefits in other ways, too. Those who spend more time outside are at a lower risk of depression and more likely to interact with others, decreasing the risk of loneliness.

Plus, exploring our community’s green spaces has another benefit—you’ll get a breath of fresh air, which can feel like a welcome relief if you usually spend time around busy (and polluted) roads or in front of a computer screen.

Your summer to-do list of outdoor activities in New Orleans

There are so many reasons why folks visit NOLA during the summer, with free activities, festivals galore and an ample supply of sno-balls.

Wondering what you can do outdoors? You can enjoy one of those festivals, or head to a local farmers market or an art market. People-watching is also a joy, so take a stroll through the French Quarter to see the sights!

Here are some other ideas:

• Head to City Park. New Orleans’ favorite park since 1854, City Park offers 1,300 acres of green spaces, with themed gardens and tons of trails. While we take it for granted here in our backyard, this park has one of the oldest and most beautiful collections of live oak trees.
• Play tourist. Even if you think you know our community like the back of your hand, you can probably learn a thing or two by taking a tour! Take in the beauty of the area and put in some physical activity for your day by taking one of our city’s bike tours or walking tours.
• Take in the sunrise. If you leave your house early enough, you can make it to Algiers Point to catch the glory of a sunrise across the Mississippi River. What’s more beautiful than that? (Bonus: Bookend your day by also watching the sunset from Lakeshore Drive.)
• Check out community events. The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission offers a variety of opportunities for families to get out and have fun, including a FitNOLA Superhero Run in July.
• Get a little swampy. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, sign up for one of the many swamp tours offered in our area. These tours will take you out to engage with the local sights and plenty of wildlife.
• Embark on a day trip. You can also spread your wings beyond our community. Many sights along the Mississippi River are an easy drive, allowing you to get out and explore nature and historic locations.

Whatever you choose to do, have fun! Apply a good layer of sunscreen and take it with you so you can reapply. Also, seek shade when possible and drink plenty of water to stay cool in the summer sun.

Has it been a while since you had a checkup? Add that to your summer to-do list, too! Schedule a primary care appointment today.