A Non-Drinker's Guide to New Orleans
I took my first trip to New Orleans in the early years of my sobriety. I was nervous that the temptation to drink would be on every corner or there would be nothing for me to do if I wasn’t going to be dancing down Bourbon Street with a Hurricane in my hand. What I actually discovered was that while drinking is certainly a part of the Big Easy, it really is only a small one.
New Orleans is filled with history, culture, delicious food, great music, and plenty of unique experiences. I’ve returned several times and found something new to love about the city with every visit. The truth is that sobriety is not an easy path, especially when traveling, but with the right mindset and a little preparation, the journey can be incredibly rewarding.
1. Sip on a few mocktails in the French Quarter
You can certainly still enjoy the drinks scene in NOLA ... without the alcohol.
Sip on bartender-crafted mocktails at the popular Palm & Pine. Drinks including “So Fresca"—which combines hibiscus-flavored agua fresca, Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Italian Orange, and lime juice—make a bar setting feel more inclusive in the Big Easy. But if browsing a drinks menu is triggering, ask the server or bartender to share a few of their favorite booze-free options.
Then, once you've made your way through the mocktail menu, take off on a French Quarter food tour (no booze involved), or learn about the area's spooky past (and present) on a haunted history excursion.
2. Listen to live jazz in the French Quarter
A trip to New Orleans would be nothing without the jazz.
Because New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, a live show is an essential experience. Preservation Hall is a former art gallery turned intimate jazz institution that runs five 1-hour performances a night. Tickets cost $20 at the door (cash only), or you can pay $40–50 in advance through their website to guarantee a spot. There’s no booze served inside, which is nice because you won’t have to elbow your way to a crowded bar for a club soda.
But … if you are going to be surrounded by temptation, then having an exit strategy is always a good idea. A nice nearby escape from the busy bar scene is the Frenchman Art Market, an outdoor marketplace selling artwork, jewelry, and unique gifts from local and regional artists.
3. Enjoy the great outdoors
Don't skip the physical activity while in NOLA.
It's worth paying a visit to the Audubon Nature Institute, which is home to an aquarium, zoo, butterfly garden, and insectarium. Exercise is a great way to minimize any anxiety around sober travel, so make sure to check out their park with tennis courts, stables, golf, and running paths if you’re looking to blow off some steam.
City Park is another great place to stretch your legs. From botanical and sculpture gardens to a coffee shop and running trails, the 1,300-acre (526-hectare) urban park has something for everyone. Plus, it’s home to the excellent New Orleans Museum of Art.
4. Immerse yourself in the culture
Dig a little deeper in New Orleans culture while in the Big Easy.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a different culture is through the food. Take a cooking class and learn all about traditional Louisiana cuisine. If you need help changing your perspective, take a trip to Vue Orleans, a multi-level interactive cultural experience that offers an insightful look at the history, music, and culture of New Orleans. The spectacular 360° indoor and outdoor observation decks will definitely help you to see things differently.
5. Step back in time at the Whitney Plantation
Take an ethical tour of one of the US' best-known plantations.
Get a first-hand look at Louisiana’s antebellum past on a plantation tour. About 50 miles (80 kilometers) outside of the city, the Whitney Plantation is the only plantation that highlights perspectives of the site's enslaved workers. Take an early morning tour and you’ll be too tired to be tempted by the French Quarter later that night.
Or would you rather see a different side of Louisiana? Try a guided kayak tour of the bayou. And if you’re looking for some activity later in the evening (and don’t want to party on Bourbon Street), then grab a glow bracelet and see the city during a music party bike ride.
Related: How To Choose an Ethical Plantation Tour in the US—and Why It Matters
6. Hit up a great museum in the Warehouse District
Get to grips with the culture and history of New Orleans, without the addition of alcohol.
If you aren’t drinking, it helps to focus on something other than just not drinking. Visit The National WW2 Museum in the Warehouse District for an interactive multimedia experience and a moving story of the American Experience, which features detailed personal accounts from eyewitnesses. Plus, the very retro on-site restaurant, Jeri Nims Soda Shop, will transport you to a different era.
Another great stop is the Mardi Gras museum, which gives you a taste of the holiday without all of the drunken partygoers.
7. Relax and unwind with a spa day in the Garden District
Treat yourself and keep your mental health in check.
It’s incredibly important to take care of your mental health when you aren’t drinking. Relaxing with a massage or yoga class is a great way to destress and check in with yourself. From cozy robes and a luxurious eucalyptus steam room, the Spa at Windsor Court is the perfect spot to chill.
Afterwards, continue embracing the laissez-faire attitude that is so unique to New Orleans by treating yourself to some world-famous pastries after your spa day. Let a local help you find some of the best on Magazine Street.
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