4 Points Sheraton Oct 13-16 must do’s

Question

4 mature adventurous women on a first time trip looking for recommendations.

Best jazz cruise w/ dinner?

Hop on off bus vs streetcar?

Garden, ghost, pub crawls?

What to wear?

Answer

New Orleans is a fantastic city for a first-time visit, especially for a group of adventurous women looking to experience jazz, culture, and local history. Staying at the 4 Points Sheraton puts you in a convenient location to access many attractions, either by walking, streetcar, or ride-share. October in New Orleans is usually mild and comfortable, with highs in the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit, and evenings cooler, so layers are recommended.

Jazz Cruises with Dinner

For an authentic New Orleans jazz experience combined with a meal, several options stand out:

Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise: This is the classic choice for a dinner jazz cruise. Enjoy Creole and Cajun cuisine while listening to live jazz as the boat sails along the Mississippi River. Evening cruises typically include a full dinner and two-hour live music performance.
Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise: Similar to Natchez, offers a more intimate setting with local cuisine and live jazz. The boat is smaller, which makes it cozy and less crowded for conversation.
French Quarter Jazz Cruise Packages: Some local tour companies offer smaller, boutique-style river cruises with multi-course dinners and live jazz bands, providing a more private and elegant experience.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus vs Streetcar

Both are good ways to explore, depending on your priorities:

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Ideal if you want a structured sightseeing experience and easy access to multiple attractions like the French Quarter, Garden District, and City Park. Offers commentary and flexibility, but you may miss the local transit feel.
Streetcar: Great for shorter, scenic trips, especially along the St. Charles Avenue line (Garden District) or Riverfront line. It’s slower but offers a very local experience, charming views, and is inexpensive. Best for leisure sightseeing rather than a full day tour.

Garden, Ghost, and Pub Crawls

New Orleans has a mix of outdoor, historic, and nightlife experiences that are perfect for a group of four:

Garden Tours: The Garden District is famous for its historic mansions and oak-lined streets. Guided walking tours highlight architecture and history. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is also interesting if you enjoy historic cemeteries (check for open hours as they occasionally close for maintenance).
Ghost Tours: French Quarter ghost tours are popular, combining spooky stories with history. Some tours are walking-based, while others are guided with vehicles or carriages. Choose tours with good reviews for storytelling and safety.
Pub Crawls & Cocktail Tours: Bourbon Street is famous but often crowded; consider guided cocktail tours or smaller pub crawls that include local cocktail history, craft drinks, and a safer, more curated experience. Some focus on historic bars and signature drinks, which is perfect for a small group.

What to Wear

In October, the weather is mild, but it can vary:

Comfortable walking shoes — cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks in the French Quarter can be tricky.
Light layers — t-shirts, blouses, or casual tops paired with cardigans or light jackets for cooler evenings.
Smart casual for dinners or jazz cruises — think sundress, dressy blouse with pants, or collared shirt for evenings.
Optional rain gear — October sometimes has brief showers; a small umbrella or light waterproof jacket is helpful.
Accessories — hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for daytime tours.

Overall, for a first-time New Orleans trip: plan a mix of guided experiences (like garden or ghost tours), independent exploration (streetcar or hop-on hop-off), and at least one special evening for a jazz cruise with dinner. Keep your attire versatile and comfortable, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the city’s unique culture, music, and cuisine to the fullest.