Another Work Trip Another Round of New Orleans Disc Golf
Last year, it was Zilker Park in Austin. This time, a round of New Orleans disc golf before diving into work. New city, new course, same mission—squeeze in a few throws before the real obligations kick in.
Our group was an eclectic mix. A few first-timers, some who had thrown a disc once or twice at Valbyparken in Copenhagen and Quarry Park in England, and me, with three decades of experience. City Park was an easy choice—a public course close to the city, easy to navigate, and with just enough variety to keep everyone entertained.
Before arriving, I had assumed we were heading to Lafreniere Park in Metairie, the course featured in 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street. I love those films and figured I’d be walking onto a piece of cinematic history. That was not the case, but since we were already here, we gave City Park a go.
City Park Disc Golf First Impressions What to Expect
This course won’t leave you speechless, but it also won’t leave you hunting for your discs in the woods. It’s easygoing, mostly flat, and sprinkled with just enough trees to keep you from fully switching to autopilot.
The fairways stretch across parkland that feels a little samey from hole to hole, and the experience is largely dictated by how you choose to play it.
The course sits in the nation’s oldest public park, which adds some historical weight to the experience, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to an exciting layout.
The Layout
- 18 holes of classic New Orleans disc golf—mostly open, with the occasional tree plotting revenge.
- Two permanent baskets per hole (blue for shorter, more technical lines, gold for longer, more demanding play)
- Three tee pads per hole (most players opt for the concrete pads)
- Benches available at every hole
You can dial up or down the challenge thanks to multiple tees and baskets, but even the longest layout won’t chew you up and spit you out.
We opted for the concrete tees to the blue baskets, a choice that suited our mixed group well. The course flowed quickly, and the open fairways meant fewer lost discs and less frustration for the newer players.
Playing the Course First Nine is Simple Last Nine Steps It Up
The front nine is straightforward, bordering on repetitive. There are plenty of open shots with minimal obstacles, which is great for confidence-building but lacks excitement. If you’re someone who enjoys carving technical lines or hitting tight windows, the first half of the course might feel underwhelming.
Then comes the back nine, and the course finally starts to show some character. The fairways tighten, the basket placements get a bit more creative, and there are a few memorable holes that break the monotony of the earlier stretch. Hole 2 offers a bit of early promise, but the real highlights come near the end:
- Hole 15: A simple shot in theory, until you notice the lake and start debating how much you really like that disc. The thought of an alligator lurking beneath the surface made disc retrieval a hard no, adding an unexpected psychological challenge. The mud around the edge didn’t help either.
- Hole 17: A welcome break from the open shots. A tight gap through the trees, leading to a basket perched on a raised wooden platform. It forced a careful layup unless you were feeling particularly brave.
The final four holes bring the most challenge and variety, a much-needed shift in pace. If the whole course played like this section, City Park would be much more compelling.
One moment that had us laughing was on Hole 14, when one of the newer players grip-locked his drive so badly that it landed 10 feet behind the tee pad. Not exactly a highlight-reel shot, but it summed up the relaxed, no-pressure feel of the round.
New Orleans Disc Golf Wildlife and Scenery at City Park
While the course itself isn’t packed with jaw-dropping scenery, it does have a few picturesque moments near the lake. Standing on the water-adjacent holes, you get a nice view—just don’t stare too long at the water wondering if something is lurking.
A Great Egret strolled past like it owned the place, and bald eagles soared overhead—an unexpected bonus round of birdwatching.
It’s always nice when a course provides more than just baskets and fairways, and the mix of wildlife made the round more enjoyable.
A Course That Adapts to All Skill Levels
City Park’s real strength? It plays nice with everyone—from first-timers to players with well-worn PDGA ratings. A casual round from the shorter tees offers a laid-back, enjoyable experience, while the longer layouts demand better distance control and more precise shot shaping.
For a group like ours, this worked well. The beginners had room to work on their form, while those of us with more experience focused on hitting specific lines and shaping our throws creatively. The course allows you to play it in a way that suits your skill level without forcing a specific style of play.
What City Park Does Gets Right
- Easy to navigate with clear signage at each hole.
- Beginner-friendly, meaning fewer lost discs and less swearing.
- Multiple basket and tee options let you customize the difficulty.
- Benches at every hole, which is a rare but appreciated touch.
- Close to downtown, making it one of the most accessible disc golf courses in New Orleans.
- A solid back nine that finally adds some technical elements.
What Could Be Better
- The front nine lacks variety—it feels more like warm-up holes than a real challenge.
- Mostly flat with few obstacles, meaning the course relies on basket placements rather than terrain for difficulty.
- Not a destination course—if you’re traveling specifically for disc golf, this isn’t one you’d go out of your way for.
For locals, it’s a great spot to get some throws in. For visitors, it’s worth playing if you’re already in the area, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression.
How to Get to City Park Disc Golf in New Orleans
From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
- Bus Option: Take the E2 bus, transfer to the Canal Street streetcar, then walk 5-10 minutes to the course.
- Taxi/Rideshare: A 20-minute drive, depending on traffic.
From Downtown New Orleans
- Best Option: Take the Canal Street streetcar (City Park/Museum line) to the last stop. The course is a short walk from there.
One of the best things about City Park is its convenience—no car needed, making it ideal for travelers looking for a quick round between other plans.
City Park Disc Golf Final Thoughts. Is It Worth Your Time?
City Park won’t change your life, but it won’t ruin your day either. The layout is forgiving, making it a good place for newer players, but for experienced throwers, it lacks the challenge or design elements that make a course stand out.
Would I go out of my way to play here? No.
Would I play here again if I was already in New Orleans? Absolutely.
If you’re looking for a laid-back round in an easygoing park setting, this course does the job. Just don’t come expecting something spectacular.
