Activity Overview
The Garden District is a National Historic Landmark thanks to the great number of 19th Century southern mansions in the area. These beautiful houses stand as relics of a bygone age and make for a fabulous sightseeing stroll. Though the District did suffer some wind damage during Hurricane Katrina it managed to escape serious damage from flooding thanks to its location on high ground. As such this area avoided the kind of catastrophic damage which so much of the rest of New Orleans suffered.
Things to Do
- The Garden District is full of old world southern charm. Its antebellum houses are the pride of its residents and they are preserved in pristine condition. The District's gardens are kept in bloom throughout the year and are a beautiful sight.
- Most of these houses are private homes and therefore are not open for tours by the general public. There are however many tour operators who run tours of the area. These tours usually take you to see the District's principal attractions which include the famous New Orleans streetcar and the Lafayette cemetery #1. This is where you can see the above ground tombs that are a New Orleans trademark.
Garden District Insider Tips
- Film fans should have a great time exploring the Garden District. They are sure to recognize certain locations from there appearance in movies such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Interview With a Vampire. Many Hollywood stars also call the area home including Nicolas Cage, John Goodman and Sandra Bullock.
