Real Housewives-Style Girls’ Getaway in New Orleans
This three-day New Orleans itinerary will leave you and your girlfriends feeling that Louisiana joie de vivre.
“The Real Housewives of Orange County” cast visited New Orleans in the spring, and the episodes featuring their trip are airing now. We’ve put together an itinerary of the locations they visited, plus a few can’t-miss favorites, to get you started.
Day 1: Mimosas on the Mississippi & Seafood with a Side of 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.
Visiting New Orleans with a Group
What’s the best time of year to visit New Orleans for a girls’ trip?
For the best weather and the most festivals and events, plan a trip in February or March (Mardi Gras) through May (Jazz Fest). The holiday season of November and December is also a great time to visit and shop for gifts.
What neighborhoods are the best to stay in?
The French Quarter is iconic, walkable and central to nightlife. The Warehouse District has chic hotels and is still relatively close to nightlife but quieter than the French Quarter. And the Marigny has a trendy, artsy vibe with well-liked bars and cafes.
Is Bourbon Street worth visiting?
Bourbon Street is fun for a short visit — grab a hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s or dance at Cat’s Meow. Visit Frenchmen Street for exceptional live music and fewer crowds.
