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Parade Schedule
Getting to the Hotel / Street Restrictions
To arrive at the hotel during a scheduled parade, take I-10 East to downtown New Orleans Business District, then take Exit 234A to merge onto US-90 to the West Bank/Superdome, to Mississippi Bridge/Crescent City Connection, then exit General DeGaulle Drive, take a left on Florence, then take another left back onto General DeGaulle, get back on US-90 to New Orleans, go back across the Crescent City Connection/US90 Baton Rouge/ New Orleans, then exit Camp Street. Go straight on Camp toward Poydras as far as you can go and park in any open garage in that area. You may have to walk across Poydras Street to Magazine Street. If Poydras Street is still open, proceed on Camp until Gravier Street, right on Gravier, and then a right on Magazine, and then the hotel will be on your left.
If there is not a parade taking place during your arrival time, follow normal directions to the hotel.
Safety tips during Mardi Gras. https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/planning/
FAQs for Mardi Gras
The weather during Mardi Gras can vary from very cold to very warm, almost hot. Sometimes it will change from one extreme to the other during the same day. It’s a good idea to layer your clothes since a chilly morning may turn into a warm afternoon.
Since you will be spending long days outside, pack comfortable shoes and clothes that can get somewhat dirty. Don’t forget to check the forecast for rain. If storms are predicted, then you’ll definitely want to bring a raincoat! Also, make sure to pack a bag to collect beads and throws from the parades!
It's free! Not only that, but you'll leave with bags of Mardi Gras beads and throws. That's why we call it the "Greatest Free Show on Earth!"
By all means, yes! Contrary to public perception, Mardi Gras is a family celebration. Those of us who grew up in New Orleans feel guilty once our children have grown up and we continue going to every parade because we used to use "taking the children" as our excuse! Bring big bags (even large garbage bags!) to hold all of the stuff they will catch. Throws often include toys, stuffed animals, beads, and more.
The only place you should avoid with kids is the French Quarter (where no full-size parades pass anyway). We recommend seeing the parades when they begin on St. Charles Avenue near Napoleon since parades can last until 11 p.m. near the end of the route. The Garden District portion of St. Charles is a family area where you will see many families staking out their parade watching position, having picnics, playing ball, and having fun under the beautiful oak trees. You don't have to worry about the streetcars, as they stop running in this area during Mardi Gras.
You may also want to consider taking your kids to the parades in suburban areas like Metairie, which is only 10 minutes away from New Orleans. Metairie's Caesar parade, the Saturday before Mardi Gras weekend, is the parade Disneyworld features on Mardi Gras day. Kids love it!
The best way to get around is walking! New Orleans is very walkable, but please use caution and judgement about walking alone, in the dark, etc. The best methods of transportation will be via taxi/ride-sharing services, streetcar or rental car depending on where you're staying. Driving your own car and finding parking spots will be difficult.
Cameras are now up along most of the popular New Orleans parade routes and are connected to the city's new real-time monitoring center. Check out our Mardi Gras Parade Tips & Recommendations for tips to enjoy a safe and happy Carnival experience.