Only in New Orleans could a national park be devoted to music — and the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park delivers exactly what its name promises: free concerts, ranger talks and the living story of jazz, several days a week.
Run by the National Park Service, the park’s programs unfold at its French Quarter visitor center and at historic venues like Perseverance Hall in nearby Armstrong Park. Rangers and local musicians trace jazz from its Congo Square roots to the present day, with free performances that regularly fill the room.
It is perfect for music lovers of every age — including kids, who are welcome at the family-friendly concerts — and for travelers who want to understand the soul of the city through its sound.
Practical tip: check the National Park Service calendar before you go. The concerts are free but popular, and arriving early gets you the best seat.
Photo: Hunter Miles Davis for NPS, via Wikimedia Commons
