The Garden District is arguably the most beautiful neighborhood in New Orleans.
Here you will find quiet streets lined with oak trees, stately mansions surrounded by ornamental cast iron gates, and historic homes tucked behind manicured gardens.
It’s no wonder that over the years, many celebrities and well-known public figures have chosen to call this neighborhood home.
The Garden District is located only a few miles from Bourbon Street, but feels like it’s a world away!
It is a very walkable neighborhood, so be sure to set aside a few hours to take this self-guided walking tour to discover 18 of the best places to see in the New Orleans Garden District!
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or book a reservation through the provided link then we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support!
18 Famous Places to See in the New Orleans Garden District
Table of Contents
- A brief history of the Garden District
- A Self-Guided New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour
- 1. Pontchartrain Hotel
- 2. St. Mary’s Chapel
- 3. Magnolia Mansion
- 4. Buckner Mansion
- 5. Trinity Episcopal Church
- 6. Magazine Street
- 7. Goldsmith-Godchaux House
- 8. District Donuts Sliders Brew
- 9. Brevard-Rice House
- 10. John Goodman House
- 11. D’Arcy Manning House
- 12. Toby’s Corner
- 13. Bradish Johnson House
- 14. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel
- 15. Nolan House
- 16. Sandra Bullock’s House
- 17. Commander’s Palace
- 18. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
- A few more stops on a New Orleans Garden District walking tour:
- FAQ:
A brief history of the Garden District
The New Orleans Garden District was first established in the early 1800s by wealthy plantation owners.
The sprawling plantations were eventually parceled out and the lands were purchased by some of New Orleans’ most affluent residents.
Regal mansions surrounded by seductive gardens began populating the area known as the city of Lafayette.
As the area grew, Lafayette became annexed into the city of New Orleans and the lots were further subdivided.
This led to the Garden District’s distinct eclectic mix of opulent antebellum mansions, ornate Victorian homes, and utterly charming shotgun cottages.
Many of the original homes still remain, and this area is considered to have one of the largest and most well-preserved collections of historic mansions in the South.
The Garden District has even been designated a National Historic Landmark.
As you walk around, you’ll notice historical markers on the gates of some of the more significant homes. It is so interesting to read the history about the homes and the families that lived there.
The Garden District’s boundaries extend approximately from St. Charles Avenue on the north, Josephine Street on the east, Magazine Street on the south, and Toledano Street on the west.
This walking tour begins at St. Charles Avenue and Josephine Street. The St. Charles Avenue streetcar line has a stop conveniently located here if you are coming from the French Quarter.
See below for a self-guided walking map:
A Self-Guided New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour
1. Pontchartrain Hotel
Address: 2031 St Charles Ave
The Pontchartrain Hotel is an iconic historic hotel that dates back to 1927. It first opened as a luxury apartment building before transitioning to a high-end hotel in the 1940s.
Pontchartrain’s guest list includes the likes of movie stars and presidents such as Frank Sinatra and Gerald Ford.
But the real reason that we are starting this New Orleans Garden District walking tour here, is for the mile-high pie at the hotel’s restaurant!
Jack Rose is located inside the Pontchartrain Hotel and is one of the most photogenic restaurants in New Orleans. The dining rooms are both elegant and whimsical and the food is delicious!
You’ll find a well-executed menu with a modern twist on classic Creole dishes. Just be sure to save room for the mile-hie pie for dessert!
Now that you are sufficiently stuffed, it’s time to burn some calories and head out on a walking tour of the New Orleans Garden District!
2. St. Mary’s Chapel
Address: 1516 Jackson Ave
St. Mary’s Chapel was built in 1844 and was the original church of the St. Alphonsus Parish.
It was the first Roman Catholic church in the city of Lafayette, which was later incorporated into the city of New Orleans.
This was also the first church for German-speaking Catholics in Louisiana.
The small and intimate one-room chapel has been moved three different times and lovingly rebuilt board by board.
The chapel is generally closed to the public except during mass. We lucked out as the priest just so happened to pull up as we were walking by and let us in to take a look.
The interior is simple yet charming, just as you would expect a neighborhood church in the south to look!
Mass is held six days a week. Here is the schedule if you would like to participate.
3. Magnolia Mansion
Address: 2127 Prytania St
Magnolia Mansion is the epitome of a southern antebellum-era mansion with a sprawling wrap-around porch, haint blue paint, hurricane shutters, and gas lanterns.
But Magnolia Mansion also has a storied past.
It was originally built in 1857 by investment broker Alexander Harris for his underage bride.
Eleven years later, Harris died in the home of yellow fever and after much family drama, his widowed wife sold the home to the Maginnis family.
After living in the home for 10 years, tragedy literally struck again. On the fourth of July, John Maginnis was struck and killed by lightning, leaving yet another widow to care for the home.
His widow, Lizzie, continued to live in the home and their daughter, Josephine, thrived here. She was one of New Orleans’ most beloved debutantes and went on to become a Mardi Gras Queen.
She hosted many lavish parties and social gatherings in the home and brought some much needed joy inside these walls.
Josephine later gifted the Magnolia Mansion to the New Orleans chapter of the Red Cross. During WWII, the home was filled with volunteers cutting and hand-rolling bandages.
In 1954, the home became a private family residence once again until 2021 when it reopened as an elegant boutique hotel.
The rooms are reasonably priced, the location is great, and it’s quite a memorable experience to spend the night in a historic southern mansion!
4. Buckner Mansion
Address: 1410 Jackson Ave
Buckner Mansion is perhaps the most regal and most photographed home in the Garden District.
This 20,00 square-foot mansion was built by cotton tycoon, Henry Sullivan Buckner in 1856.
It was meant to be the most grandiose home in the south, with three ballrooms and a wrap-around porch featuring 48 columns.
The home stayed in the family for 67 years until it was sold to the Soule Business School, one of the finest schools in the south.
Buckner Mansion once again became a private residence in 1983. Today it is supposedly available to rent for a whopping $4,700 per night, but I couldn’t find the listing.
But one thing I can confirm is that the Buckner Mansion was featured in seasons 3 and 8 of American Horror Story: Coven.
The exterior of the home served as Miss Robichaux’s Academy For Exceptional Young Ladies. It is quite fitting, considering that this house is rumored to be haunted.
Miss Josephine was a former slave of the Buckner family. After the Civil War, she stayed on as the family’s governess and midwife and many believe she never left.
There have been reports that the ghost of Miss Josephine can be heard sweeping the floor, opening and closing doors, and turning lights off and on.
People have even occasionally caught the hint of lemon wafting by which was her favorite scent.
5. Trinity Episcopal Church
Address: 1329 Jackson Ave
The Trinity Episcopal Church was the first non-catholic church in the original French colony that settled in Louisiana.
The congregation was formed in 1847 in a small one-room building. The current Gothic Revival Style church building was consecrated in 1866 and has stood as a beacon in the community ever since.
The interior features some of the original furnishings dating back to the late 1800s with intricate stained glass windows and hand-cut timber flooring.
Next to the church, you’ll find the private Trinity School housed in the most beautiful pink historic home.
6. Magazine Street
The 6-mile-long Magazine Street is filled with antique stores, boutique shops, and art galleries all with richly embellished storefronts.
This is the best spot in the Garden District to pick up a unique souvenir, score that one-of-a-kind antique, and discover handcrafted gifts.
You’ll even find an alligator museum and the coolest Free People store I’ve ever seen!
The best shops can be found starting at Felicity Street and extending about four blocks down Magazine Street to Philip Street.
7. Goldsmith-Godchaux House
Address: 1122 Jackson Ave
The Goldsmith-Godchaux House has a delightful color scheme with pink siding, kelly green shutters, and a haint blue porch ceiling.
But the interior is the real showstopper. This home was designed in 1859 by the well-renowned 19th-century architect, Henry Howard.
The soaring 15-foot walls are splashed with bright hues of pink, green, and gold. You’ll also find more fresco wall paintings and stenciling in this home than in any other home in the South from the same era.
The original paint colors and patterns have all been painstakingly preserved by the current owners, the Sheen family.
This home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places but is closed to the public as it is a private residence.
Click the link to see photos of the interior and learn more about this home.
8. District Donuts Sliders Brew
Address: 2209 Magazine St
If you need a pick-me-up during your New Orleans Garden District walking tour, then be sure to stop at District Donuts.
Here you will find some of the best donuts in all of New Orleans. They make their donuts fresh from scratch every morning. Everything is homemade, even the sprinkles!
Their menu features a rotation of six different flavored donuts.
This includes classics like glazed and chocolate, and a few unique creations like Girl Scout Cookie, Maple Bacon, Blueberry Cheesecake, Horchata, Nutter Butter, Hibiscus, Pink Lemonade, and so many more!
District Donuts is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition to their donuts, the menu also includes a selection of sandwiches, sliders, and salads. As their name states, they are also known for their freshly brewed coffee.
District Donuts has a few locations around New Orleans, but the Garden District location is our favorite.
The hip coffee shop is housed in a historic building and is bursting with character. You’ll find original brick walls, exposed ductwork, and brass fixtures.
9. Brevard-Rice House
Address: 1239 First St
This Greek Revival home was built in 1857 and was once the home of novelist Anne Rice and her husband Stan Rice who was a poet and painter.
It is rumored that this home was the setting for her famous Mayfair Witches novels.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to stop here so I don’t have a photo, but click the link for a photo and more information.
10. John Goodman House
Address: 2425 Coliseum St
John Goodman is a beloved American actor who is best known for his role as the family patriarch in Rosanne.
He also starred in movies such as The Babe, The Flintstones, Blues Brothers, Evan Almighty, The Hangover III, and dozens more.
His iconic voice is behind the animated character Sulley in Monster’s Inc., as well as Baloo in The Jungle Book, and many more.
When Goodman is not busy filming, he likes to call New Orleans home. His wife is a NOLA native and the two bought this beautiful home in the Garden District.
He is well-loved in the neighborhood and can often be seen walking his dog around the block.
The home, also known as the Joseph Merrick Jones House, was originally built in the 1800s by Jones who was a well-known doctor and professor of medicine at Tulane University.
This mansion was also home to another famous face. One of the previous owners was Nine Inch Nail’s lead singer, Trent Reznor.
His neighbor just so happened to be a councilwoman and shortly after he moved in, a new anti-noise ordinance was put into place. He didn’t end up sticking around too long!
11. D’Arcy Manning House
Address: 1420 First St
This home was originally built in 1844 for the notable hatmaker James D’Arcy and his new bride.
They commissioned Irish-born architect Henry Howard to design the home.
This was his first ever contract and he went on to design over 280 other homes and buildings in Louisianna, including the previously mentioned Goldsmith-Godchaux House.
Over the years, eight other families lived in this home, including a state representative. But perhaps the most famous residents are the Manning Family.
In 1982, NFL Quarterback Elisha Archie Manning III moved his wife and three sons into this home.
Archie played for the New Orleans Saints for over a decade and two of their sons, Peyton and Eli, went on to play in the NFL as well.
While the Mannings no longer reside here, it is still cool to see Peyton Manning’s childhood home and imagine all the footballs that were tossed on this lawn.
12. Toby’s Corner
Address: 2340 Prytania
The Toby-Westfeldt House is a Greek Revival-style home that was built in 1838.
The significance of this home is that it is the oldest house in the Garden District.
We didn’t get a chance to stop here so I don’t have a photo, but click the link to see photos of the exterior and gorgeous interior.
13. Bradish Johnson House
Address: 2343 Prytania St
Many of the mansions in the Garden District reflect the Greek Revival style. However, the Bradish Johnson House is unique in that this post-Civil War mansion was built using the French Second Empire–style.
The home was originally built in 1872 for Bradish Johnson, a wealthy industrialist. He owned a large milk distillery in New York and several sugar plantations and refineries in Louisana.
His distillery was involved in the “swill milk” scandal that led to stricter consumer protection laws.
The Bradish Johnson House was one of the finer homes in the neighborhood and cost $100,000. That would be the equivalent of around $2.7 million today.
It was one of the only homes in the city that had a basement, and it even had an elevator.
This was just one of the many properties owned by Johnson. At the time of his death, his real estate investments included 31 properties in New York and 6 plantations in Louisianna.
In 1929, the home was purchased by the Louise S. McGehee School, an elite private girls school.
The home was extensively renovated, turning parlor rooms into classrooms, the stable into a cafeteria, and the carriage house into a gym.
Over the years, the school has continued to expand and now owns nearly the entire 2300 block of St. Charles Avenue.
They have acquired six historic mansions that have since been repurposed into stunning classroom buildings as part of the McGehee Garden District campus.
14. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel
Address: 2607 Prytania St
This structure is an example of an Italianate-style mansion. It was built in 1857 and designed by the famed architect, Henry Howard.
In 1925, the home was purchased by the Redemptorist Fathers and was turned into a Catholic Chapel.
In 1996, novelist Anne Rice purchased the chapel and turned it into her private residence. This home was even used for several scenes in her book, The Violin.
The home was then purchased in 2005 by actor Nicolas Cage. He lived here until 2009 when the home went into foreclosure.
The structure currently serves as part of the Saint George Episcopal School. It was undergoing extensive renovations when we visited, so unfortunately we weren’t able to get a very good picture.
If you do get a chance to peek into the yard, you’ll notice an iron pavilion with a statue of the Virgin Mary inside. This is an original statue from the Mother of Perpetual Help chapel.
15. Nolan House
Address: 2707 Coliseum Street
The Nolan House has been made famous as the childhood home of Brad Pitt’s fictitious character, Benjamin Button, in the blockbuster movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
The 7,800-square-foot mansion was originally built in 1832 for the family of William T. Nolan. It was substantially renovated in 1872 and features 6 bedrooms, a library, a reception hall, and a music room.
It is remarkable to note that until recently, this home had remained in the Nolan family for three generations over the past 180 years.
The home went on the market in 2014 and sold for $1.5 million. It reportedly went up for auction a few years later and was listed for a cool $2.85 million.
The director of the movie had his heart set on this home and went to great lengths to negotiate with the family who had evacuated the home after a storm.
After flying to Houston to have tea with the owner, they were gracious enough to agree and filming took place in almost every room of the house.
One of the Nolan daughters, Ashley, even played the role of a doctor in the movie!
16. Sandra Bullock’s House
Address: 2627 Coliseum Street
Sandra Bullock may not be a native of New Orleans, but a piece of her heart belongs here.
She first fell in love with the city while helping with the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort.
She also starred in the film The Blindside which was written by Michael Lewis, a NOLA native.
In 2009, Sandra Bullock and then-husband, Jesse James, put down roots and purchased this hauntingly beautiful 6,615-square-foot Gothic Victorian mansion for a little over $2 million.
A year later, Bullock adopted her son Louis Bardo Bullock, who was born in New Orleans. She even named him after Louis Armstrong, New Orleans’ most beloved jazz musician.
Bullock currently owns multiple properties in different states, but spends most of her time here in New Orleans with her two kids.
*Related Post: For more recommendations, see our guide How to Spend an Unforgettable Weekend in New Orleans!
17. Commander’s Palace
Address: 1403 Washington Ave
Commander’s Palace is one of the most iconic restaurants in New Orleans.
It first welcomed guests in 1893 and has been a fixture in the Garden District ever since.
Commander’s Palace is known for its bright turquoise exterior, high-end Creole cuisine, and .25-cent lunch martinis.
Some of New Orleans’ top chefs have worked at this world-famous restaurant, including celebrity chef, Emeril Lagasse.
The three-story restaurant has plenty of seating, but it’s also one of the most popular restaurants in New Orleans so you’ll need to make reservations in advance.
And if you’re looking for more restaurant recommendations, be sure to check out our guide 8 of the Best Places to Eat in New Orleans!
18. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 was established in 1833. It was the first cemetery in the city of Lafayette and is one of the oldest cemeteries in New Orleans.
This plot of land was originally part of the expansive Livaudais Plantation that was subsequently subdivided into city squares.
Many of the tombs belong to early German and Irish immigrants who settled in the city of Lafayette.
A few other prominent citizens that are buried here include Samuel Jarvis Peters, the founder of the New Orleans public school system, and Confederate General Harry T. Hays.
As with the other cemeteries in New Orleans, the tombs at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 are mostly above ground. This is due to the high water table and the early French and Spanish influence.
The cemetery has been closed indefinitely to the public since 2020 in an effort to preserve and restore the historical graveyard that has been overrun with tourists.
However, if you are interested in touring a cemetery, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is open for guided tours.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the final resting place for Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. This is also where Nicolas Cage has erected a pyramid-shaped tomb.
For more details about the tour, see our guide 12 Things to do in the French Quarter.
I hope you find this self-guided New Orleans Garden District walking tour helpful! And if you prefer to take a guided tour to learn the history from a local, I would recommend this guided walking tour for only $29.
[convertkit form=3250084]
A few more stops on a New Orleans Garden District walking tour:
If you have time, here are a few more historic landmarks in the Garden District that are worth visiting.
- Payne-Strachan House: (1134 First Street) Originally built for Judge Jacob Payne in 1849. It is also the former home of Jefferson Davis, the first and only president of the confederacy, who died in this house in 1889.
- Carroll-Crawford House: (1315 First Street) This vibrant pink home with deocrative iron lace railings was built in 1869 for cotton magnate Joseph Carroll. He was known for throwing extravagant parties and even rubbed shoulders with Mark Twain.
- Colonel Short’s Villa: (1448 Fourth Street) This home was built in 1859. Although the home is beautiful, it is the wrought iron fence that really steals the show. The fence features a detailed pattern of morning glories and cornstalks. It was commissioned by Colonel Short for his wife who was homesick for her hometown in Iowa.
- RN Girlings English Apothecary: (2726 Prytania) In the 1880s, this building was home to Robert Nash’s Girling’s English Apothecary. Nash was instrumental in helping Louisiana become the first state in the nation to license pharmacists. The building continued to be used as a pharmacy until the 1950s.
- The Rink: (2727 Prytania St) Right next door to the apothecary, you’ll find a 19th-century skating rink that has since been converted into a small shopping center. It was originally built in the 1880s as the Crescent City Skating Rink and was a popular gathering place for Garden District residents.
- Beyonce & Jay Z home: (1527 Harmony St) This former home of Beyonce and Jay Z was once an old Presbyterian church. The vacant home caught on fire and the police suspected arson. It is located a little further away so you may want to drive to this spot.
FAQ:
- What celebrities live in the Garden District? John Goodman and Sandra Bullock currently live in the Garden District. Former celebrities and famous people that once lived in the Garden district include Beyonce & Jay Z, Peyton Manning’s family, Nicolas Cage, Nine Inch Nails rocker Trent Reznor, novelist Anne Rice, confederate president Jefferson Davis, and countless political figures.
- Is the Garden District safe? The Garden District is one of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans. However, it is still advised to avoid walking the streets after dark.
- Why is it called the Garden District? This area was once home to sprawling plantations. It was then developed with only a few houses per block. These houses were surrounded by lush gardens which led to the name “Garden District”. As the city grew, the lots continued to be subdivided and more houses were built. Today, the main draw is the architecture, but there are still plenty of beautiful gardens in the neighborhood.
- What is considered the Garden District? The Garden District is located about 2.5 miles southwest of the French Quarter. The boundaries extend approximately from St. Charles Avenue on the north, Josephine Street on the east, Magazine Street on the south, and Toledano Street on the west.
- What is the Garden District known for? The Garden District is known for it’s historic southern mansions and leafy avenues. It is considered the most beautiful neighborhood in New Orleans.
Pin it for later:
[…] And while you’re in the Garden District, be sure to check out these 18 Famous Places to See in New Orleans’ Garden District! […]