Crescent Park — Attraction in New Orleans

Update. May 2021- This is my first time back to New Orleans in about a year. Surprisingly things do not look like they have changed much. The folks were partying like Covid did not exist on Bourbon Street with absolutely no masks on. The other folks still queued up, close to each other to get into Cafe Du Monde for Beignets. But it was a fun place to visit again. I took some more photos and will add them here, if google map let's me.

I only discovered this park on my previous visit to New Orleans, although I have been there at least 6 times.

The park is located about a 1/4 of a mile from Jackson Square, which is the gathering point in the French Quarter.

The park run along the Mississippi River and provides a great view of the city. It has a walking trail, landscaping and plantings, a bathroom and a couple of steel swings as well a places to sit.

It is just separated from the street, by a railroad track. So you must use pedestrian bridges to get to the park. There is an elevator adjacent to one of the bridges. Parking on the street is tight. But when I explored a little deeper I found a big parking lot that services the park (free parking) about two blocks further down. It is just a great spot to chill and relax and was the barges and ships go by.

From a photographer's standpoint, hit the park in the morning, with the golden sun kisses the buildings of New Orleans.

This is a place that basically only locals know about. Because even with Mardi Gras this past weekend, I saw only local car tags in this park (well with the exception of my car).

Come check this place out. Great spot in New Orleans for a downtown park. Here are some photos of the city from the...

As a blatant out-of-towner and tourist from nowhere nearby who was pressed for time on a trip, I had absolutely zero plans to visit this park, and to be honest, had no clue about it.

Luckily, the girlfriend did her research and directed us here.

Even as we climbed the stairs, walked over the rails, and back down into the actual park, I had a sinking feeling that we were heading into a trap or something.

The moment we set foot into the park itself, that feeling disappeared, soon replaced with my wide-eyed stare around.

Far far far far FAR too often, as a city sees itself change economically, the ruins of a bygone era become home to nothing more than the dirge of a forgotten time. Rust and dilapidation replace a once-vibrant area. Drugs and degradation kill a prominent area.

But holy cow, New Orleans did it right, did it correctly.

This park occupies what by all rights should be a haven for illicit activity and a place to go for back-alley deals. But it doesn't. It is plain by all accounts, but offers a breathtaking view of the city and the river. Plenty of space to wander, perfectly open (with the exception of collapsing piers that are blocked off), and a well-lit area to walk.

Chatted with locals, who were friendly and inviting. Met some dogs, who I assume were locals as well!

We walked for some time, then made a memory holding hands and saying nothing, staring at the artificial lights of a beautiful and wonderful city, as the natural light slowly dissipated.

Such a beautiful park. Truly wonderful that it was not just boarded up...

ADA friendly-riverside park. It doesn't get more "Bywater" than this!

The 1.4-mile long park is safe & serene, but you can't get in/out just anywhere - Crescent Park has only 3 entrances:

[West Entrance]: Near French Market, just off Elysian Fields - there is an elevator/staircase at 2300 Peters Ave. The park's only restrooms are located here.

[Middle Entrance - not ADA]: Rusty Rainbow Bridge is at the intersection of Chartres and Piety St. It's a great place to jump off the Trail and explore Bywater - you have Dr. Bob's Folk Art a few minutes' walk west, Elizabeth's praline bacon a few minutes east and a bunch of shops and places to eat to the north along Piety and Louisa.

[East Entrance]: Bartholomew St entrance is closest to the Crescent Park Dog Run. There is a ramp up from Chartres that crosses the railroad tracks. Get off here and head over to Bacchanal (21+) for drinks and live music or check and see if Music Box Village is hosting public hours (good for all ages).

Perfect spot to enjoy the weather for a daylight run or a sunset stroll.

Crescent Park begins at the French Market and runs east along the Mississippi River. It is a linear park, meaning it's a generous paved walkway surrounded by greenery and fenced in by the railroad to the north and off-limits river coast...