A visit to Crescent Park provides the visitor with unparalleled views of the New Orleans skyline, in an architect-designed 1.4 mile long park adjacent to the Mississippi River.
Located in the Bywater neighborhood of the city, the first phase of the green space has reclaimed a former industrial wharf to create a main viewing platform, and incorporates a walking and biking trail and dog run as well as native plantings. It has been planned for development in three phases and will eventually span the riverfront from Esplanade Avenue to Mazant Street.
The park is hidden behind the levee wall beside the river, and visitors must climb over a pedestrian bridge, the Piety Street Arch, in order to enter it.
Parking and public transportation
You can park in the parking lot at Chartres St. and Piety St. If you don't have a car, get a cab or rent a bicycle to get to the same location. A walk from the French Quarter will take about half an hour.
Best and worst time to go
Any time is a great time to catch majestic views of the New Orleans skyline from Crescent Park. You can catch a spectacular view of the Crescent City from the park late in the day, when the sun lights up the highrise towers of the Central Business District.
Admission
The park is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except during daylight savings time when it is open until 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Must see/do at Crescent Park
Walk out onto the edge of Piety Wharf to catch the best views of the city skyline, tugs and ships working on the river and Algiers Point across the water.
Other places to visit nearby
Drop into Elizabeth's Restaurant, a local spot for Southern fare, a couple blocks down Chartres St. at Gallier St. Elizabeth's serves a weekend brunch and is known for decadent specialties like praline bacon and duck waffles.
Insider tip for visitors
You can snap some gret take-home pictures from the top of the Piety Street Arch, particularly if you raise your camera up high.
Author's bio: Bill T. is a writer and photographer who has called New Orleans home for the last three years and is still exploring the city. He has previously written for newspapers and blogs.