UPTOWN. Adjacent to the Audubon Zoo, this 340-acre park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The property, originally owned by Etienne de Boré, founder of Louisiana's sugar industry, was once a plantation and is now noted as one of America's largest metropolitan parks. One of Audubon Park's best treats is its pleasant view of the Mississippi. Visitors to the park can enjoy picnic areas, riding stables and a two-mile jogging path that trails along lagoon areas. There is also a first-rate zoo, golf course, tennis courts and a number of hiking and biking trials. STREET CAR: St. Charles Ave line. BUS: 11 Magazine

MID-CITY. With attractions like the New Orleans Museum of Modern Art and the Botanical Gardens, this local park is a must see. City Park is comprised of 1500 acres and visitors can walk among a series of live oak trees, more than 200 of which are registered with the Live Oak Society. Strollers can also see the beauty of Spanish moss draping trees as they walk along this enchanting park's many trails. City Park is renowned for its recreational space and locals congregate here for tennis, jogging or Sunday pick-up games of football. The park is located near the Bayou St. John and sits at the corner of City Park and Wisner Blvd. BUS: 46 City Park, 48 Esplanade

FRENCH QUARTER. The views of the Mississippi River are stunning at this 17-acre park that runs along the shores of the city. Woldenberg Riverfront Park, located between Canal Street and Esplanade Avenue, is also convenient to the Aquarium of the Americas and offers a number of riverboat tours. The park features the Moon Walk ­ a wooden promenade ­ along its French Quarter section and is also home to an exquisite statue "Ocean Song," by New Orleans artist John T. Scott.