Picnicking Along the Mississippi River This Summer
Summer in New Orleans brings warm breezes, longer days, and the perfect excuse to enjoy the outdoors — yes, despite all the heat and humidity. Whether you’re packing a homemade picnic basket or picking up local favorites like po-boys and fried chicken, the Riverfront offers some of the city’s most picturesque and relaxing spots to dine al fresco.
The Fly (Audubon Riverview Park)
From sprawling levees and oak-shaded lawns to scenic promenades with a view, here are the top places to enjoy a picnic by the Mississippi River in New Orleans this summer.
Tucked behind the Audubon Zoo Uptown, The Fly, officially known as Audubon Riverview Park, is a beloved picnic destination for locals. Sitting high on the levee, it offers expansive green space, sweeping views of the Mississippi River, and a relaxed vibe perfect for tossing a frisbee, walking your dog, reading under a tree, or simply watching the barges float by.
What makes The Fly extra special is its combination of natural beauty and urban charm. Spread out a blanket under the shade of a tree or take in a sunset as tugboats drift past. Grab a po-boy from nearby Domilise’s, a wood-fired pizza from Pizza Domenica, or some cold drinks and snacks from a local deli. With ample space and plenty of fresh air, it’s a picnic go-to for families, students, and couples alike.
Audubon Park
Just a short walk from The Fly is Audubon Park, a serene and sprawling greenspace that provides both open lawns and deeply shaded spots under centuries-old oak trees. It’s an Uptown gem, offering peace and quiet even in the heart of the city.
The park’s “Riverview” section along the river is especially ideal for a summer picnic. Whether you’re fueling up after a jog or meeting friends for a relaxing afternoon, Audubon Park’s scenic paths, benches, and open fields provide the perfect setting.
Before you head over, stop by Picnic Provisions & Whiskey or Stein’s Market & Deli to pick up gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie, a hoagie, or a chilled salad. Bring a blanket or use the park’s built-in picnic tables, and enjoy one of the most peaceful outdoor experiences in the city.
Crescent Park
For those who love urban scenery with its greenery, Crescent Park is a must. This 1.4-mile linear park along the Riverfront in the Bywater connects to the French Market and stretches all the way to the Marigny. With walking trails, picnic tables, native gardens, and shaded benches, it’s a modern outdoor space that blends nature with striking views of the New Orleans skyline and the mighty Mississippi.
At Crescent Park, you’ll find ample space to lay out a picnic blanket or settle into a shaded area. Watching the sun set behind the city’s bridges is an unforgettable way to end a summer evening.
Nearby food options include local haunts like The Joint for barbecue or Satsuma Café for light fare and juices. Whether you’re here for a romantic date or a family-friendly outing, the park’s accessible design and bike-friendly paths make it easy to enjoy.
The Batture
The Batture is a newly reimagined 10-acre space along the Mississippi River in Uptown New Orleans, where an old industrial site is being transformed into a welcoming destination for the public. Once home to the Bisso Marine salvage yard, this part of the riverfront has been off-limits for over a century. Now, it’s being opened up as a lively, green area where the community can reconnect with the river.
This new space is meant to feel distinctly New Orleans — casual, social, and tied to the rhythm of the river. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic at dusk, relaxing with a drink after biking the levee, or grabbing a bite with friends on the lawn, The Batture invites people to slow down and soak in the view. It’s a place for neighbors and families to gather, with a mix of open green space and local businesses that reflect the city’s charm and creativity.
You’ll find The Batture just steps from Audubon Park and The Fly, located between Walnut and Lowerline Streets. It’s easily reached via the levee from Leake Avenue. While nearby favorites like Broadway Beach and the levee dog park remain unchanged, The Batture adds something fresh to the neighborhood — a blend of restaurants, retail, office space, and wide-open lawns designed for enjoying the river in a relaxed, community-focused setting.
The first renovated buildings now house The Rigs Workspace, with a coffee shop and bar underway. Full-service restaurant spaces are also in the works. In the meantime, expect pop-up events, food trucks, and seasonal programming.
The Rigs Workspace is open daily to its members. For the public, The Batture is open Friday afternoons and evenings from 3 to 9 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Crescent City Farmers Market is now open at The Batture every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Please note that dogs are welcome but must stay leashed, and outside drinks are allowed, but no outside food.
Are you planning to spend some time in New Orleans soon? To stay close to all the action, book a historic boutique hotel in the French Quarter at FrenchQuarter.com/hotels today!
