Best Places to Go Biking in New Orleans

Rent a bike and take the scenic route around New Orleans! The city’s many parks and bike trails make it a cycling-friendly spot for casual bike rides or a heart-pumping workout. In fact, there are now over 100 miles of bikeways in and around the city, thanks to the surge of cyclist-minded infrastructure. Plus, the majority of places to bike in the city are nice and flat.

Biking gives you a new appreciation for the beauty of New Orleans, whether you’re cruising under live oaks or admiring street art along the way. Start your exploration with a bike rental or get some additional guidance on a bike tour with a NOLA local. Check out a few of our favorite places to ride bikes in New Orleans!

City Park

Best for: Families who want to spend the day in City Park

By bike or on foot, City Park is a must-visit New Orleans attraction, especially if you’re looking for ways to entertain your kids. City Park has 4 miles of dedicated bike paths, giving you a chance to ride under live oaks, past ponds and picnic spots, and to attractions like the carousel, Train Garden, and Botanical Garden.

City Park’s bike paths take you all the way from Bayou St. John to Lake Pontchartrain. Plan your bike ride in the early evening so you can catch the sunset over the lake! These bike routes are family friendly and a great place to help your kids build confidence away from busy streets.

Visit City Park on a guided bike tour.

Lafitte Greenway Trail

Best for: People with young kids or those looking for an easy ride

At just over 2 miles in length, the Lafitte Greenway Trail is a nice way to stretch your legs and get the lay of the land if it’s your first time biking in New Orleans. (As an added bonus, it’s flat and paved). Winding from Mid-City to the Treme neighborhood, this NOLA bike route connects to other paths like those through City Park, the French Quarter, and the Wisner Trail, which runs parallel to Bayou St. John. Enjoy views of green space, residential areas, and bayou scenery.

Mississippi River Trail

Best for: Advanced cyclists

The Mississippi River Trail offers a real challenge for advanced riders or anyone looking to work up a sweat. It spans over 60 miles with incredible views of the river along the way. You can ride all the way to Laplace! The most popular segment of this trail begins at Audubon Park. Keep an eye out for joggers or dog walkers sharing the trail with you. The best part about riding your bike here is that you can make the ride as long as you’d like before turning back toward the city.

Marigny & Bywater Neighborhoods

Best for: Cyclists who want to avoid traffic

Ride the mellow backstreets of the Big Easy in the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods. This off-the-beaten-path area has less traffic and fewer tourist hotspots, and it’s one of the most bikeable areas in the city. Cruise past art galleries and dive bars, as well as a voodoo alley and the ancestral home of voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Architecture enthusiasts will love the neighborhood’s large collection of 19th-century homes and the explosion of character that defines this area.

Pontchartrain Lakefront Trail

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Best for: Bike enthusiasts of any skill level

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature, you can’t go wrong with the Pontchartrain Lakefront Trail. Starting at the south shore of the lake, this 12.3-mile out-and-back trail lets you ride as far as you want while enjoying great views of the water. You’re able to exit at most of the major cross streets, so you can really customize this ride to suit your skill level depending on how much exercise you want to get.

Woldenberg Park

Best for: Visitors to the French Quarter

Looking for a unique way to see the sights of the French Quarter? Pump up those tires and ride through Woldenberg Park, located in the upper French Quarter along the Mississippi River. See ships on the river and check out the park’s interesting sculptures as you ride. Wide paths make it a convenient and comfortable place to go for a ride before heading back into the tighter streets of the French Quarter.

Woldenberg Park is an excellent starting point for a French Quarter bike tour, giving you a chance to stretch your legs before visiting other attractions. See the oldest parts of New Orleans as you continue your ride through this popular neighborhood.

St. Charles Avenue

Best for: Cyclists comfortable riding on the street

One of the most popular and historic streets in New Orleans, St. Charles Avenue offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities for a pleasant bike ride. Stretching 5 miles to the river at South Carrollton Ave., St. Charles Avenue is lined with some of the city’s most sought-after views and attractions. See live oak trees, sprawling mansions, and the famous St. Charles Streetcar. There are lots of places to take a break, whether you want to grab a quick coffee or stop for a meal.

Eager to bike your way through New Orleans? If you’re not sure where to start, a guided bike tour is the perfect way to begin your city adventure! Experienced tour guides know all the best places to bike in the city and are happy to share their recommendations for the rest of your trip. Visit the neighborhood guide for more things to do in New Orleans.