New Orleans City Park

While there is some auto traffic and fewer runners when compared to other routes, City Park is still a great run. A 1,300-acre park near central New Orleans, City Park is the 87th largest and 7th-most-visited urban public park in the United States. Known to be “as magical and unique as the city of New Orleans,” this outdoor oasis has enchanted New Orleans residents and visitors since 1854. Each year, millions of visitors stroll under the same historic oaks and picturesque moss canopies that served as the backdrop for dances, concerts and even gentlemanly duels or “affaires d’honneur” for generations.

This route will take you around most of park, past the Botanical Garden, Bestoff Sculpture Garden, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park – a hand-carved marvel of “flying horses” that has been a family favorite for nearly 100 years. The Botanical Garden is open year round, and offers twelve acres of gardens and art. Furthermore, the Bestoff Sculpture Garden is an exquisite pearl wrapped inside City Park’s gorgeous natural landscape. It is noted for its extraordinary strengths in French and American Art, photography, glass, and Japanese works.

There’s a running track just across Palm Dr. from the City Park parking lot.