As we looked at the U.S. map and wanted to head south into warmer territory, some of the options were Phoenix, Austin, and New Orleans. We had never been to Louisiana, so spending a holiday break in New Orleans turned out to be one of those rare trips that genuinely worked for everyone in the family, including teenagers.
The city felt especially alive in late December, with added energy from Sugar Bowl crowds, beautifully decorated hotel lobbies, nonstop street performers, some great and some less so, and a festive buzz that made walking around exciting rather than overwhelming.
Where to Stay in New Orleans Best Area and Getting Around
We stayed just outside the French Quarter at The Ritz Carlton New Orleans, which made getting around incredibly easy. We loved this location for easy access to Bourbon Street and the ability to walk almost everywhere.
Ride shares were fast and reliable, and even trips farther out like Magazine Street or our swamp tour pickup were smooth and efficient.
Despite it being a busy holiday week, traffic felt manageable, and the city was lively without feeling chaotic. The walkability of this area was a huge plus, especially with teens who like the flexibility to explore without a rigid schedule.
If you are visiting in the winter, bring layers as it can get chilly at night.
Day 1 Arrival and Cajun Seafood
After settling in, we kicked off the trip with dinner at Clesi’s Seafood Restaurant, about a ten minute drive from the hotel. It is a classic Cajun seafood boil spot that feels very local. The food was flavorful, satisfying, and absolutely scratched the feeling of being in Louisiana.
Later in the trip, we discovered Hot N Cajun Boil House, which quickly became the family favorite for lunch. It was right next to our hotel, and the flavors were bolder, messier in the best way, and completely addictive. The teens loved it so much they asked to go back, which is always the ultimate seal of approval, though it is a bit pricey.
Day 2 Swamp Tour Adventure and Fine Dining
The next morning, we had an eleven a.m. pickup for Ragin Cajun Airboat Tours, and the logistics could not have been easier. Hotel pickup and drop off were seamless, which really matters during a busy holiday week.
The airboat ride itself was a huge hit, especially with the teenagers, who felt like they were suddenly inside an episode of Outer Banks. Flying across the water, weaving through marshland, and spotting wildlife felt adventurous and cinematic. It was an ideal break from city sightseeing.
We went in late December, so dress warm as it gets cold on the water. Cameras are a must. We spotted several alligators along the way. While the tour was visually impressive and fun, I personally wished there had been a bit more historical and environmental context included.
Still, it was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip, and something the kids talked about long after.
That evening, we dressed up and headed to Restaurant R'evolution. The food was spectacular and expensive, but truly memorable. Standout dishes included bone marrow, Death by Gumbo with roasted quail, andouille, oysters, and rice, and a perfectly cooked steak.
Service was very slow, which slightly dampened the experience, but the quality of the food ultimately carried the night. This felt like a true special occasion dinner. One thing to know is that people really do dress up in New Orleans for dinner, especially at higher end restaurants, so pack accordingly.
Day 3 WWII Museum and Classic New Orleans Dining
We started the day with breakfast at Ruby Slipper Cafe, a reliable and family friendly spot before heading to the National WWII Museum.
The museum is massive, spanning seven buildings and covering both the European and Pacific theaters through immersive exhibits, aircraft, and deeply personal stories. Due to time constraints, we only explored one building, but even that felt incredibly impactful.
The exhibits are emotional, thoughtfully curated, and surprisingly engaging for teens. Even kids who do not typically gravitate toward history museums were fully absorbed. If you have the time, this is easily a half day or full day experience and well worth prioritizing.
It was one of those rare activities that felt both educational and genuinely interesting for the entire family.
That night, we dined at Arnaud’s Restaurant, and the experience delivered on every level. The dining room is grand and atmospheric, and knowing the restaurant has been around since the 1918s makes it feel especially special.
Our waiter, Doug, was warm, knowledgeable, and clearly proud of the restaurant’s history. The food felt authentic and comforting, and the tableside Bananas Foster was a standout moment.
Day 4 French Quarter Beignets and Exploring
We slowed things down with a relaxed morning wandering through the French Quarter, popping into shops and browsing for local finds.
A stop at Café du Monde was non negotiable, and it did not disappoint. The café has a large seating area, making it easy to sit, enjoy your beignets, and sip coffee while soaking in the lively atmosphere. The beignets were hot, pillowy, and generously dusted with powdered sugar. They were simple, indulgent, and exactly what you hope for.
Day 4 Evening Magazine Street Ghost Tour and Dinner
We spent time exploring Magazine Street, which was about a fifteen minute Uber ride from our hotel. It is definitely more spread out than it initially appears, so be prepared to walk or plan a specific section to focus on. The mix of boutiques, cafés, and local shops makes it interesting, though we are not sure it was a highlight for us.
We tried a ghost tour with New Orleans Ghost Adventures around 5 p.m., and while informative, it leaned much more toward history than actual hauntings. If you are hoping for something theatrical or truly spooky, especially for teens, you may be a bit underwhelmed.
That said, if you enjoy history focused walking tours, it is still a pleasant way to spend an evening.
We ended the night with dinner at Delacroix. The food was good, though this spot likely shines more in the summer when you can fully enjoy the views. It was a relaxed, low key way restaurant.
What We Loved and What We Would Skip
Our biggest regret was not reserving Brennan’s in advance. By the time we tried, it was fully booked. During the holidays, popular restaurants fill up quickly, so if there is a must try spot on your list, make reservations early.
We also stopped by The Windsor Court Hotel for a drink at the Polo Lounge, which was a lovely experience. While the hotel itself is elegant, we did not love its location as much as the Ritz Carlton. The area around the Ritz felt more lively, with more to see and do within walking distance.
Overall, New Orleans ended up being one of those destinations that exceeded expectations. It was easy, fun, and surprisingly well suited for both teens and adults.
