Things to Do in New Orleans

The UPCEA 2026 Annual Conference is being held in New Orleans, LA at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Be sure to build a little extra time into your trip so that you can go after the day's sessions and enjoy the area. And check out recommendations from Search Influence, UPCEA Partner, and New Orleans-based digital marketing agency.

Museums & Culture

Backstreet Cultural Museum - Holds the world’s most comprehensive collection related to New Orleans’ African American community-based masking and processional traditions, including Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals, social aid and pleasure clubs, Baby Dolls, and Skull and Bone gangs.
Mardi Gras World - An immersive attraction where visitors can experience the magic of Mardi Gras year-round, with behind-the-scenes tours of float-making and displays of elaborate parade floats.
New Orleans Museum of Art - A premier art institution boasting a diverse collection spanning from classical to contemporary art, including works by renowned artists and a sculpture garden.
New Orleans Jazz Museum - A dynamic tribute to the city's rich jazz heritage, featuring interactive exhibits, performances, and educational programs celebrating the evolution of jazz music.
Preservation Hall - A legendary venue preserving the tradition of New Orleans jazz with nightly live performances by local musicians in an intimate, historic setting.
St. Louis Cathedral - Opened in 1794, the cathedral is a historic landmark and iconic symbol of New Orleans.
Studio Be - A thought-provoking art installation by renowned artist Brandan "Bmike" Odums, showcasing powerful murals and sculptures that explore themes of social justice and resilience.
The National WWII Museum - A world-class museum dedicated to telling the story of the American experience in World War II through immersive exhibits, artifacts, and personal narratives.
The Spotted Cat Music Club - A beloved venue in the heart of the Frenchmen Street entertainment district, offering nightly live music performances spanning jazz, blues, and other genres in a lively atmosphere.

Search Influence Recommendations:

Vue Orleans – An immersive observation experience offering panoramic city views alongside interactive exhibits about New Orleans’ culture and history.
Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium – A combined attraction featuring diverse marine life exhibits alongside interactive displays exploring the fascinating world of insects.
Sazerac Museum – An engaging museum dedicated to the history of New Orleans’ signature cocktail and the evolution of American spirits culture.
Historic New Orleans Collection – A museum and research center showcasing the rich history, art, and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South.
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art – A leading institution devoted to Southern art, featuring a diverse collection of works from across the American South.
French Quarter Fest – Amazing music festival in the French Quarter that happens to be going on the weekend of the conference!
JAMNOLA – A colorful, immersive art experience highlighting the music, art, and cultural icons that define New Orleans.

Parks

Jackson Square - A historic park in the heart of the French Quarter, featuring iconic landmarks such as St. Louis Cathedral and surrounded by vibrant street performers and artists.
New Orleans City Park - A sprawling urban park offering a wide range of attractions, including walking trails, botanical gardens, amusement rides, and recreational activities such as boating and golfing.
New Orleans Botanical Garden - A lush oasis within City Park, showcasing a diverse collection of flora from around the world, including tropical plants, roses, and Japanese gardens.

Food & Drink

Antoine’s Restaurant - Circa-1840 old-world grand dame of fine French-Creole dining & birthplace of oysters Rockefeller
Arnaud’s - Classic upscale restaurant & lounge featuring Creole cuisine, cocktails & Dixieland jazz since 1918
Café Du Monde - Café known for café au laits, chicory coffee & beignets
Galatoire's - Fine-dining century-old institution serving French-Creole fare in upscale space (jackets required)
The Sazerac House - Museum and tasting venue for New Orleans’ official cocktail

Search Influence Recommendations:

Daily Beet – A casual, health-focused café serving fresh juices, smoothies, and nourishing bowls with locally sourced ingredients.
Willa Jean – A modern Southern bakery and café known for its elevated comfort food, house-made pastries, and all-day brunch.
Cochon Butcher – A casual sandwich shop and butcher counter specializing in house-cured meats, inventive sandwiches, and Cajun-inspired charcuterie.
Peche – A lively seafood restaurant celebrating Gulf fish and whole-catch cooking with bold, rustic flavors and an open-hearth approach.
Compere Lapin – A Caribbean-Creole fusion restaurant blending bold island spices with refined French techniques in a vibrant setting.
Herbsaint – A contemporary Louisiana bistro serving elevated Southern and French-inspired dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients and rich flavors.

Streets and Neighborhoods

French Quarter - A historic district in New Orleans known for its vibrant nightlife, iconic architecture, and lively atmosphere.
Frenchmen Street - A bustling cultural hub famous for its jazz clubs, live music venues, and eclectic mix of bars and restaurants.
Garden District - A picturesque neighborhood renowned for its stunning mansions, lush gardens, and tree-lined streets.
Magazine Street - A vibrant thoroughfare lined with boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, offering a diverse shopping and dining experience.
Royal Street - A charming street in the French Quarter famed for its antique shops, art galleries, street performers, and elegant architecture.