New Orleans

You can wander the French Quarter's cobblestone streets past ornate iron balconies and tucked-away courtyards, pause at Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral, and try a beignet at Café du Monde. Then follow street musicians into lively jazz clubs and the neon buzz of Bourbon Street, and take your time to soak up the city's rhythm.

You can stand before St. Louis Cathedral, one of the oldest continuously active cathedrals in the United States, and step inside when services are not in session to admire the ornate altar and stained glass. Then wander Jackson Square to watch street performers and local artists, stroll the riverfront for sweeping views of the Mississippi River, and soak up the lively atmosphere, so go explore.

Climb aboard a historic paddlewheel steamboat like the Steamboat Natchez for a relaxing cruise along the Mississippi River, where you can hear live jazz and sample Creole-inspired bites while watching the changing riverbank scenery. Book a daytime or sunset trip to soak up the music and views.

Sample gumbo, po’boys, beignets and crawfish at neighborhood cafés, food halls, and long-running Creole and Cajun restaurants for an authentic taste of New Orleans. Wander markets and late-night spots, then pick a place and start your own food crawl.

Take a day trip along the River Road to visit plantations from before the Civil War that are open to visitors, then return to explore New Orleans' famous above-ground tombs—the "Cities of the Dead"—and the city's voodoo history. Note that some sites, including St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, require entry with a licensed guide, so book a guided tour in advance.

Head to Frenchmen Street, just outside the French Quarter, for intimate jazz clubs, lively brass bands, and late-night street performances that capture New Orleans' musical soul. Duck into a club for a close-up set, then wander the sidewalks to catch spontaneous jams.

You can step into vivid exhibits, authentic artifacts, and firsthand veteran accounts at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans to trace the global story of World War II. Allow two to three hours for galleries and multimedia films, and consider booking timed tickets ahead to avoid lines.

Experience New Orleans' Carnival season from Epiphany (January 6) through Fat Tuesday, when krewes parade with floats, throws, and costumed revelers. Or catch a second-line parade led by lively brass bands through the neighborhoods, and check local listings or krewe websites for routes and times before you join the dancing.