The Garden District, developed after the Louisiana Purchase, was one of New Orleans’ first suburbs. Named for its lush gardens, it spans Jackson Ave. to Louisiana Ave., and St. Charles Ave. to the river. In the 1800s, wealthy Americans drawn to the city’s booming economy built grand homes with expansive lawns—unlike the walled-in residences of the French Quarter. During the Depression, some mansions were subdivided, and newer homes filled in the blocks.
Architect Samuel Wilson Jr. described it as “one of the earliest expressions of Greek Revival in New Orleans.” Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian homes dominate, with 20th-century styles mixed in. The district’s oak-canopied streets and gardens of hibiscus, crape myrtle, magnolia, and bougainvillea make it one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods.
Commander’s Palace, a renowned restaurant since 1880, draws visitors worldwide and is famous for its Sunday brunch. Lafayette Cemetery, the District’s first, has appeared in films like Double Jeopardy and Interview with the Vampire. Nearby, The Rink shopping center houses local shops, including the Garden District Book Shop, known for signed and rare editions. The iconic St. Charles streetcar, in service for over 165 years, runs from Canal Street through the Garden District to Carrollton Ave. The neighborhood saw minimal damage from Hurricane Katrina and has been lovingly restored.
The Lower Garden District, bordered by the river, St. Charles Ave., and the Pontchartrain Expressway to Jackson Ave., features earlier 19th-century homes. Around Coliseum Square, Greek Revivals, Victorians, and cottages create historic charm. Magazine Street, nicknamed “Magazine Row,” offers diverse shops, dining, art galleries, and spas. The Coliseum Square Park Association, formed in 1971, helped earn the area a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Largely spared by Katrina, its revival continues today.
