Audubon Park is a grand green space, run through with live oak trees, walking and cycling paths, and picturesque waterways, all framed by some of the city's grandest residences. Students lounge on the grass under Spanish moss while joggers lope by, dog owners play with their pets and friends share an outdoor sundowner.
The Tree of Life
The bottom of the park is anchored by one of its loveliest landmarks: the Etienne de Bore Oak, or Tree of Life. The tree, resembling the hand of Groot bursting through the soil, boasts a massive girth of 35ft and a leafy crown more than 160ft wide.
Oak Allée
Oak Allée runs from below Magazine St into the northern half of the park. It's a beautiful, veritable hallway of live oaks and a favorite spot for dog walkers and those taking lovers' strolls. Kids: be on the lookout for rope swings intermittently peppered along the paths.
Olmsted Lake & Walnut St
Olmsted "lake" (more of a muddy pond) frames much of the bottom and eastern side of the park. It features the tiny, inaccessible bird island, where you can see plenty of wading birds chirping and quacking away. Built in 1921, the pretty Newman Bandstand overlooks the lake; stand in the center, shout and hear your voice echo thanks to clever acoustical design. As the trail loops around the west end of the park and heads south, it runs adjacent to Walnut St and some of the city's most gorgeous (and expensive) homes.
