Let New Orleans' Garden District Charm You

Garden District Walking Tour

Garden District Gate

Come explore the Garden District, a stunningly beautiful area of New Orleans.

A visit to New Orleans brings the past and present crashing together with an excitement that can be found nowhere else. Beautiful architecture, great parties, history and mystery come together to make the "Big Easy" one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The cultural background and diversity of this area lends to the mystique that draws millions of visitors each year and offers everyone the chance to experience something new no matter how many times you visit.

New Orleans Garden District Overview

The Garden District of New Orleans is no exception to this. With gracious Victorian mansions dotting the beautifully landscaped streets, the Garden District is the center of New Orleans history and provides a glimpse into the lives of some of the most influential and well-known aristocrats of the past. Most of the area was developed between the mid 1800's and the early 1900's after the Livaudais Plantation was sold to a group of entrepreneurs who chose to split the property into large lots for residential homes. Due to a flood of the Mississippi to the north in 1816, the area was covered with nutrient rich soil which had been washed down and subsequently became well-known for its beautiful foliage and some of the most beautiful architecture in the country. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the Garden District attracts floods of visitors who enjoy the walking tours and streetcar rides in the area.

Along Jackson Avenue you'll find the Henry Sullivan Buckner House, Sweet-Uhault House, Hobson-Haack House and more. Along Prytania Street Toby's Corner, the oldest home in the Garden District, and the Alexander Harris House offer a look at the diverse architecture of the area. And First and Second Streets feature Morris House, Brevard House, Payne House, Schlesinger House and Williams-Ordemann House, all built between 1850 and 1869.

New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour

One of the best ways to experience the beauty and grace of the area is through the Garden District Walking Tour. You'll learn about the deep history of the area and its homes, including Toby's Corner, and hear stories of local celebrities like well-known author Anne Rice. After the tour of the magnificent homes of the Garden District you'll head to the Lafayette Cemetery where you'll see the unique above-ground burial system of New Orleans. The wireless headset provided will enable you to hear the guide even at the back of the group and you'll stop at a local caf' for a quick break during the tour.

New Orleans Benthusysen-Elms Mansion

Another must-see during your time in New Orleans is the Van Benthusysen-Elms Mansion. This spectacular home is located on St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District and is one of the few homes here open to tourists. Built in 1869, the home features furnishings from that era. You'll marvel at the 48 foot grand ballroom, jeweled windows, 24 karat gold sconces and ornate marble mantelpiece. Not to be outdone, the luscious gardens try to steal the spotlight on the tour with beautiful foliage and fantastic patios.

For most a trip to New Orleans brings to mind late night dancing and parties and fast-paced excitement around every turn. The Garden District can help bring you back to Earth and slow the pace a little while you step back in time to get a peek at the exquisite lives of New Orleans past and present residents. Local hotels offer everything you need for the perfect getaway. The Best Western French Quarter Landmark Hotel, Best Western Parc St. Charles, Days Inn Canal, Hotel St. Marie, Prince Conti Hotel or Quality Inn Midtown will provide the best in amenities, comfort and convenience during your stay.