New Orleans: Garden District & Cemetery Bike Tour Stories

Summary

Bike through New Orleans’ Garden District, old cemeteries and Irish Channel

You’ll pedal through New Orleans’ Garden District beneath live oaks, wander among marble tombs in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, and hear stories only locals share. Expect laughter, small surprises (maybe a lizard or two), and glimpses into daily life as you ride neighborhoods most visitors never really see.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out from the shop with that early morning stickiness clinging to my arms — not quite sweat, just New Orleans air. Our guide, Marcus, waved us across Magazine Street and I tried to keep up, distracted by the smell of chicory coffee drifting from a corner shop. First stop was St. Joseph’s Cemetery. The marble felt cool under my hand (I touched it when nobody was looking), and Marcus told us how these above-ground tombs are called “cities of the dead.” He pointed out a tiny lizard sunning itself on a crypt — said it’s good luck if you spot one. I still think about that.

The ride into the Garden District felt like slipping into another time. Sunlight flickered through live oaks overhead, dappling all those porches with their iron lace railings. Marcus paused at a mansion where he said Sandra Bullock sometimes throws beads during Mardi Gras — I didn’t see her, but some old guy watering his hydrangeas nodded as we passed. The air smelled faintly sweet, maybe jasmine? Or just someone’s dryer vent blowing out fabric softener — hard to tell here.

We cut through the Irish Channel next (I almost missed Marcus’s left turn because I was staring at a row of shotgun houses painted teal and salmon). He laughed when I tried to pronounce “po’boy” properly — apparently it’s not “poh-boy” if you’re from here. We didn’t stop for sandwiches but passed one spot with a line out the door; locals know what’s up. My legs were jelly by then but honestly, I could’ve kept riding just for that breeze coming off the river.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bike tour of cemetery and neighborhoods

• Visit St. Joseph’s Cemetery
• Learn about funerary traditions
• Bike through Garden District
• Hear history of homes and residents
• Ride through Irish Channel neighborhood
• See homes, architecture, and churches

Top questions

How long is the New Orleans Garden District bike tour?

The duration isn’t specified exactly, but expect several hours including stops in the cemetery and neighborhoods.

Is this bike tour suitable for kids?

Yes, but children need moderate fitness and you should provide their heights for proper bike sizing.

Does the tour include lunch or food stops?

No lunch is included; there may be short stops near local restaurants but food isn’t part of the package.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

Tours operate rain or shine; ponchos are provided if needed unless weather is dangerous (then they reschedule or refund).

Are bikes and helmets included in this tour?

Yes, your bike and helmet are included along with bottled water for each rider.

Where does this New Orleans bike tour start?

The exact meeting point isn’t listed here but it departs from a central location near Magazine Street in New Orleans.

Will we have a local guide on this tour?

Yes, every group rides with an owner-guide who shares local stories and history throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a bicycle sized to fit you (just let them know if you’re bringing kids), helmet for safety, bottled water to keep cool under those oaks, plus rain ponchos if needed — all led by a local guide who knows every shortcut and story along the way.