When New Orleanians want sky, breeze and open water, they head to the Lakefront — miles of public parks, seawalls and marinas along the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain.
Here you will find the Mardi Gras Fountain with its dancing jets of water, the long Lakeshore Drive made for biking and sunset watching, grassy picnic areas, fishing spots and wide views across a lake so big it looks like the sea. Pelicans, sailboats and spectacular sunsets come standard.
It is ideal for families, cyclists, kite flyers and anyone craving a breather from the city buzz — and it is completely free, every single day.
Practical tip: bring a bike or just your walking shoes, and time your visit for sunset, when the lake turns gold and pink and the whole shore seems to glow.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Jared
