7 Things to Do in New Orleans When It Rains

Rainy days in New Orleans don’t have to dampen your spirits. The city is brimming with exciting indoor activities and attractions that showcase its unique charm and vibrant culture. Whether you’re exploring the historic French Quarter or enjoying local art and cuisine, there’s always something to do in New Orleans when it rains.

From sipping coffee at renowned coffee roasters in New Orleans to visiting world-class museums like the National WWII Museum, the Crescent City offers a variety of experiences to enjoy. Discover the best indoor activities to make the most of your rainy day in New Orleans.

  1. Visit the National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans offers an immersive journey through the history of World War II. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, watch influential documentary films, and view rotating exhibits that provide a comprehensive look at the war’s global impact. Highlights include the dramatic “Road to Berlin” and “Road to Tokyo” exhibits, which recreate the pivotal battles and strategies of the war.

This museum is not only a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served but also an important educational resource. It provides a deep understanding of the war’s significance and lasting effects on the world. A visit to the National WWII Museum is a must for history enthusiasts and those looking to gain a profound appreciation of this critical period.

  1. Enjoy Coffee at Local Coffee Roasters in New Orleans

New Orleans is renowned for its rich coffee culture, offering a delightful experience for coffee enthusiasts. Local coffee roasters in New Orleans serve some of the best brews, providing a perfect cozy spot to enjoy a rainy day. Enhance your coffee knowledge by participating in upcoming coffee classes.

Upcoming Coffee Classes

Introduction to Coffee Cupping

Taste various coffees from around the world to evaluate the nuances of coffee flavor, aroma, and fragrance. Coffee cupping is the globally standardized method for assessing coffee quality and flavor profiles, including attributes like acidity, aftertaste, and body. This experience is perfect for couples looking to enjoy a unique and educational activity together.

You can find the dates and times here. And bonus! There’s a free class on August 25th!

Introduction to Coffee Roasting

Learn how coffee roast levels impact taste and how to achieve those levels with a Fresh Roast air roaster. The Introduction to Coffee Roasting class includes general coffee knowledge and hands-on roasting of three-half pounds of coffee to light, medium, and dark roasts.

Find the perfect class for you here!

Coffee Cocktail Creation

Blend the worlds of coffee and mixology to create unique cocktails using specialty-grade coffee. Led by an expert mixologist, this workshop is perfect for coffee enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados. With only one class held in August, it’s sure to sell out fast! Grab your ticket here.

  • Date and Time: August 27, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
  1. Explore the Audubon Aquarium

The Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans is a fantastic indoor activity, especially on a rainy day. Located along the Mississippi River, this family-friendly attraction features a wide array of marine life exhibits, including the popular “Baby Shark” and vibrant coral reefs. The aquarium offers interactive experiences and up-close looks at fascinating sea creatures, making it a perfect spot for both kids and adults to enjoy and learn about the underwater world.

  1. Shop at Canal Place Mall

Canal Place Mall, centrally located on Canal Street, is a splendid option for shopping enthusiasts seeking upmarket brands and unique local treasures. This upscale shopping destination dazzles visitors with its collection of iconic designer boutiques and a full menu of high-end retail stores. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion, jewelry, or luxury goods, Canal Place Mall offers a great place to indulge in some retail therapy, even during a midsummer rainstorm.

  1. Listen to Live Music

New Orleans is famous for its vibrant music scene, making it a perfect place to enjoy live local tunes even on a rainy day. Head to iconic venues like Preservation Hall in the French Quarter, where you can listen to traditional jazz, or check out local bars and clubs on Bourbon Street for a variety of musical styles. From jazz and blues to funk and brass bands, the city’s rich musical heritage ensures that there’s always a place to experience great live music.

  1. Visit Historic Homes in the Garden District

The Garden District is renowned for its stunning historic homes and exquisite architecture. Take a guided tour to explore the grand mansions and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while staying dry indoors. Highlights include the former home of author William Faulkner and the picturesque streets lined with centuries-old oak trees. This area offers a glimpse into the opulent past of New Orleans, making it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

  1. Dine on Local Cuisine

New Orleans’ local cuisine is perfect for a rainy day. Indulge in iconic dishes like fried chicken, po boys, fried shrimp, and comforting dim sum and soup dumplings. Visit renowned spots like Willie Mae’s Scotch House for the best fried chicken, or grab a po boy at Parkway Bakery & Tavern. These comfort foods not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide a warm, hearty experience that perfectly complements the cozy, rainy-day mood.

Conclusion

Rainy days in New Orleans offer a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich indoor attractions and vibrant culture. From world-class museums to cozy coffee roasters and live music venues, there’s always something to enjoy. Embrace the rainy-day mood and discover the charm and warmth of New Orleans, no matter the weather.

Recent Posts

There’s a quiet magic that happens before coffee ever reaches your cup. Long before the grind, the brew, or that first satisfying sip, someone was up early sorting beans, calibrating roasters, and making a hundred small decisions that would shape the flavor of your morning ritual. For a coffee roaster, every single day is a blend of ... Read more

You’ve just picked up a bag of freshly roasted coffee. It smells incredible. You can’t wait to brew it. So you do, and the cup is, well, disappointing. It tastes sour, flat, or just not quite right. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. This happens to a lot of coffee drinkers, and the frustrating part is ... Read more

If you’ve ever stood in the coffee aisle staring at a wall of bags, you’ve probably wrestled with this question: whole bean or pre-ground? It seems like a simple decision, but the choice you make has a surprisingly significant impact on the flavor, aroma, and freshness of your daily cup. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or ... Read more

Walk into any coffee shop or scroll through an online bean retailer, and you’ll quickly notice that coffee comes in a dizzying number of roast levels, origins, and flavor descriptions. Blueberry notes? Chocolatey finish? Bright acidity? It can feel overwhelming, especially when all you want is a great cup of coffee to start your morning right. Here’s ... Read more

Every morning, millions of people around the world reach for a cup of coffee without giving much thought to the extraordinary journey those beans have taken to arrive in their kitchen. From remote mountain slopes to your favorite mug, a coffee bean travels thousands of miles and undergoes a remarkable transformation that involves farmers, processors, exporters, roasters, ... Read more

For millions of coffee lovers around the world, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee is an irreplaceable part of daily life. But what happens when you love that flavor yet want to skip the caffeine jolt? Enter decaffeinated coffee, a beverage that has sparked debates among purists and casual drinkers alike. Is decaf really coffee, or ... Read more

Roasting coffee at home is a unique and deeply rewarding journey. There’s an undeniable pleasure in creating a fresh, customized roast that perfectly fits your taste—and sharing the results with friends and family. However, home roasters often discover that achieving consistent results, batch after batch, can feel surprisingly elusive. From uneven beans to imprecise timing, small changes ... Read more

When cold weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like roasting a fresh batch of coffee at home. The rich aromas and full-bodied flavors can create a sense of coziness and warmth even on the chilliest days. One way to enhance this experience is by thoughtfully choosing green coffee beans from origins known for their comforting, soul-warming flavor ... Read more

Shopping for a coffee lover this holiday season? You’re in luck. Coffee enthusiasts are some of the easiest people to shop for—they’re always excited about new gear, beans, or accessories. Whether you’re shopping for a casual morning coffee drinker or a serious home barista, the right gift can transform their coffee experience. Here are the best holiday ... Read more

The holidays are here, and whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or a festive gathering, there’s one combination that never fails to delight: coffee and dessert. As a coffee roaster who’s spent years exploring flavor profiles and helping people discover their perfect cup—from selecting green coffee beans to teaching coffee roasting classes—I can tell you that ... Read more

Specials