Crescent Park

This newish, river-hugging green space paralleling the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods is ideal for a picnic, run, or walk, or just to get a different perspective on New Orleans. That starts as you cross the enormous, rust-colored steel arc, aka the Piety Street Bridge (aka the Rusty Rainbow), to reach the park. Or access it via the less dramatic, wheelchair-accessible Mandeville Crossing closer to the French Quarter. From the freshly planted and paved paths, the French Quarter is a mysterious, distant vision; from the expansive waterfront stage set amid decayed wharves, the area’s industrial legacy nips at the heels. Watch for concerts and other events at this substantial, welcome space.

Details

• Address: Enter from bridges at N. Peters St. at Marigny St. (ADA-accessible and closest to the French Quarter; diagonally across from the U.S. Mint); Piety St. and Chartres St. (stairs only—lots of 'em); Mazant St. at Chartres St. (ADA accessible).
• Hours: Daily 6am–7:30pm (may close earlier during winter).
• Prices: Free admission