Epic Girls’ Trip in New Orleans
“The Real Housewives of Orange County” cast visited New Orleans and we’ve put together an itinerary of the locations they visited, plus a few can’t-miss favorites, to get you started.
At a Glance
- The cast of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” filmed a 3-day trip to New Orleans that included a Creole Queen cruise on the Mississippi River, wandering the French Market, going on an airboat tour and visiting French Quarter restaurants.
Day 1: Mimosas on the Mississippi & Seafood on Bourbon Street
Morning: Arrive in style to the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, set right on the Mississippi Riverfront with sweeping skyline views. Freshen up, then board the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen and toast with mimosas on a cruise down the Mississippi River (which the Housewives could not name for the lives of them).
Afternoon: At the base of Canal Street, not far from the Four Seasons, step aboard one of New Orleans’ open-air streetcars — just enough breeze for that perfect slow-motion hair flip to add to your Reel.
Two Canal Street Line routes take you to either City Park or the city’s cemeteries; just look for your destination on the front of the streetcar. (Two other lines also traverse the city. The St. Charles Line rides past opulent Garden District mansions, and the Riverfront Line travels between the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium and the French Market.)
Evening: For dinner, head to Bourbon House, which The New York Times called “one of the best people-watching perches in the city” even before the OC housewives brought their drama to the table.
The specialty here is fresh Gulf seafood: oysters on the half-shell, charbroiled or fried; fish blackened or stuffed; and shrimp barbecued in a bourbon glaze are just the beginning. Claim a table by the window and soak up the spectacle of Bourbon Street below before heading down yourselves to stroll and sip.
Day 2: Bayou Chic & Ghostly Glam
Morning: Don something “bayou chic” for this morning’s swamp tour with Airboat Adventures. Here’s our guide on what to wear if you don’t have a stylist like the Housewives do. Take in the beauty of the mossy cypress trees above and the alligators gliding effortlessly below; you might even get to feed them!
Before returning to the city, sip daiquiris at The Landing overlooking Bayou Barataria and pick up a quirky souvenir from the gift shop — maybe a gator-tooth necklace to complete that night’s outfit.
Afternoon: Back in New Orleans, shop and snack your way through the French Market, a one-stop shop for edible goodies from pralines and bread pudding to smoothies and fresh produce, plus local and handmade gifts like art, jewelry, stationery and spices.
While you’re out and about, don't be surprised if you hear a second line coming down the street — and don’t be afraid to fall in step behind the brass band and paraders.
Evening: At Muriel’s Jackson Square, savor the signature Turtle Soup au Sherry (which housewife Gina Kirschenheiter pronounced “delicious”) and Shrimp & Grits while keeping an eye out for the restaurant’s resident ghost. Ask to see the table set with bread and wine, reserved perennially for Pierre.
Wrap up the night with a private séance with psychic medium Bloody Mary, New Orleans’ legendary voodoo priestess, and connect with family and friends from the other side while clasping hands around the table with your besties on this side.
Day 3: So Long, Farewell
Midmorning: Wrap up your weekend with a farewell brunch at Atchafalaya (the duck hash is a favorite, and you can’t go wrong with a strawberry waffle for the table) or Willa Jean, where flaky, buttery biscuits are the specialty. Toast a successful trip with a milk punch or mocktail before heading out of town — already planning your return.
Other Must-Do Activities for a Group of Girlfriends
- Take a cocktail tour of historic bars. Ghost tours and cemetery tours are also popular.
- Listen to live jazz on Frenchmen Street.
- Go shopping on Magazine Street.
- Have beignets at Cafe du Monde or Cafe Beignet.
- Attend one of the many festivals and events celebrating Louisiana food, music and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Girls Trips to New Orleans
Is New Orleans a good destination for a girls’ trip?
Yes, New Orleans is one of the best U.S. destinations for a girls’ getaway thanks to its live music, food scene, cocktail culture, exciting neighborhoods, rooftop bars, festivals, shopping and unique nightlife. Whether you’re planning a birthday weekend, bachelorette party, or relaxing friends’ trip, the city offers activities for every travel style.
What are the best things to do on a girls’ trip to New Orleans?
Popular girls’ trip activities in New Orleans include brunch in the French Quarter, live jazz on Frenchmen Street, cocktail tours, shopping on Magazine Street, swamp tours, rooftop dining, ghost tours, river cruises, spa experiences and exploring historic neighborhoods.
What is the best time of year for a girls’ trip to New Orleans?
Spring is one of the best times to visit New Orleans because of festival season, outdoor dining, and comfortable weather. Mardi Gras, French Quarter Festival and Jazz Fest are especially popular. Fall and the holiday season are also great times for a girls’ getaway.
Is New Orleans good for a bachelorette party?
New Orleans is one of the top U.S. cities for bachelorette parties because of its nightlife, live entertainment, brunch culture, music venues, group dining options and walkable neighborhoods. Many groups also book ghost tours, cocktail classes, river cruises, or spa days during their stay.
What are the best Instagram-worthy spots in New Orleans?
Popular photo locations include Jackson Square, Café du Monde, colorful French Quarter balconies, Frenchmen Street murals, the Garden District, St. Louis Cathedral, Magazine Street boutiques and Mississippi Riverfront viewpoints.
