Rent mobility equipment in New Orleans

The French Quarter sits on a crescent in the Mississippi River on some of the highest ground in New Orleans and is the oldest neighborhood in the city. Walking through the French Quarter is a treat for the senses, as music drifts out of bars and from buskers on street corners and squares, and you inhale heavenly aromas from the many cafes and restaurants in the district. After dark, there are many bars to enjoy live music and strong cocktails, especially along legendary Bourbon Street, which is well known as one of the craziest party streets in the US (especially when Mardi Gras or other carnivals are happening).

The French Quarter spans a large area, and is home to many attractions – so plan on spending plenty of your trip there. Getting around will be easier if you have a motorized scooter or wheelchair. Buses and Streetcars are handicap accessible and almost all of the sidewalks in the French Quarter are wheelchair accessible. However, as it is an old neighborhood, some sidewalks will have cracks, bumps from tree roots pushing through, and holes.

The wrought-iron railings of historic Jackson Square play the part of art gallery walls in this beautiful park in the heart of the French Quarter. Here you’ll find local artists selling their New Orleans work, as well as portrait and caricature artists ready to immortalize you on paper (making a neat souvenir to take home). The Square is surrounded by historic buildings, and home to St Louis Cathedral, which is lovely and well worth touring. You’ll also find street performers and musicians in the park, all of which add to the atmosphere there.

Jackson Square is accessible for wheelchair users. However, as it is an old property, some sidewalks have cracks, bumps and holes. Some assistance may be needed. If you happen to be in New Orleans at Christmas time, be sure to check out the caroling that happens in Jackson Square, as it is such a wonderful festive event.

Recognized as one of the leading aquariums in the United States, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is home to 10,000 animals. It is located along the banks of the Mississippi River and also has a Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue program. Visitors are given plenty of opportunities to interact with the wildlife there - during a visit you can touch a sting ray, feed a parakeet, and marvel at the gigantic sharks, tarpon and rays in the 4000,000 gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit.

The aquarium is entirely handicapped accessible. Elevators are available to assist visitors in easily maneuvering the Aquarium and restrooms are accessible as well. Wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the Information Booth. Or arrive prepared with a scooter or wheelchair rental in New Orleans from Scootaround.

If you’re interested in Cajun culture, then Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is an absolute must visit New Orleans attraction, or rather six attractions that come under one banner. There’s a 23,000 acre wetland to explore, where you’ll get close to alligators, a battlefield where you can learn about the 1812 Battle of New Orleans, the French Quarter Visitors Center, Lafayette’s Acadian Cultural Center, Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, and in Thibodaux the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center. All centers offer a range of interesting programming for visitors, where you’ll see everything from cooking demos to Cajun jam sessions to swamp tours.

There is a strong commitment to make Jean Lafitte National Historical Park accessible to everyone, and all six sites have wheelchair accessible centers and tours; however some tours require special arrangements for those in a wheelchair. We suggest calling ahead of time to make the necessary arrangements.