Local’s Guide to Travel
Take out your midsummer playbook, New Orleans—we all have a similar blueprint for what summer looks like: finding air-conditioned fun in-town and a trip to the beach! We’ve done the research to bring you the best of both, from cool indoor destinations around town to unforgettable coastal escapes (and, as you’ll read in my editor’s note, one adventure that’s even farther away). Whether you’re planning a date night, searching for some group-friend fun, or booking a family vacation on the Gulf Coast, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in these pages.
Airconditioned Fun
Broadway Across America
The Jersey Boys kick off the 2026-2027 Broadway Across America season in New Orleans. September 22-27, get your tickets for the sensational Jersey Boys, four regular guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony Award®-winning, original Broadway sensation, featuring all their hits, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “Working My Way Back to You.”
Get ready for an incredible season with The Sound of Music, Disney’s The Lion King, and productions coming to New Orleans for the first time like Buena Vista Social Club, The Outsiders, and The Notebook. For more season information and to purchase tickets, visit BroadwayInNewOrleans.com and us.ATGTickets.com. at the Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., New Orleans
Bricks and Minifigs
Looking for a fun way to beat the heat? Bricks & Minifigs Metairie is the ultimate indoor destination for LEGO® fans of all ages. As your one-stop shop for everything LEGO®, the store offers an ever-changing selection of new and retired sets, minifigures, bulk bricks, and rare collections, ensuring every visit brings a new discovery. Families can spend hours building together in the comfort of air conditioning, while young builders can expand their creativity through the store’s popular Summer Camp program. With small class sizes, cooperative learning, and hands-on building activities, Bricks & Minifigs Metairie provides an engaging experience that inspires imagination long after the last brick is snapped into place. 701 Metairie Road, Suite 1A-210, Metairie
New Orleans Fashion Week
Grab your girlfriends and make a week of it this September with runway shows, shopping, cocktails, and plenty of style. From September 20–26, New Orleans Fashion Week Season 16 transforms the city into a celebration of fashion, where you can discover the season’s most exciting local designers alongside established names. Sip a cocktail, settle into your seat, and enjoy an evening of high-energy runway presentations before browsing the Luxe Marketplace and mingling at chic parties. The week also features the exciting Top Design Competition, where one rising designer earns a coveted runway showcase at New York Fashion Week, making it the perfect excuse to turn an ordinary week into a fashion-filled girls’ escape—without leaving New Orleans.
Beach Getaways
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties
Make the most of late summer with Newman-Dailey Resort Properties’ Sand and Savings in August promotion. Families who book a stay between August 9 and 31 can enjoy 10% off already reduced late-summer rates by using promo code XTRAHAPPY2026. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience Destin and South Walton’s beautiful beaches before the fall football season begins. Guests can choose from a wide selection of vacation rentals, including the company’s newest 30A property, Sanctuary by the Sea, and receive personalized assistance from Newman-Dailey’s friendly local vacation specialists when planning the perfect coastal getaway. 12815 US-98 #100, Miramar Beach, Florida
Pensacola Beach Resort
Experience the best of the Gulf Coast at The Pensacola Beach Resort, where 800 feet of pristine beachfront set the stage for an unforgettable escape. The resort features 161 beautifully appointed guest rooms, including 24 Corner King Executive Rooms with sweeping panoramic views of the Gulf. Guests can savor fresh Southern coastal cuisine at Windrose, enjoy casual fare at Salty Rose, or relax with a handcrafted cocktail at the Tiki Bar. From family-friendly amenities and live entertainment to a state-of-the-art fitness center and more than 1,200 square feet of flexible meeting space, every detail is designed to blend relaxation, connection, and the laid-back charm of Pensacola Beach. 165 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, Florida
Beachball Properties
Just a few hours from New Orleans, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan offer sugar-white beaches, warm Gulf waters, exceptional dining, boutique shopping, boating, fishing, and unforgettable sunsets. Beachball Properties are professionally managed vacation rentals, from luxury Gulf-front homes and condos to private coastal retreats, all backed by a commitment to spotless, carefully inspected properties and attentive local service from booking through departure. Guests can also use BEACHBALL AI, a 24/7 travel assistant that helps match them with the right property while recommending restaurants, attractions, and local experiences. Booking directly through BEACHBALL.com provides exclusive offers, personalized service, and a stress-free process with a trusted local company. 22989 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama