From March 28–30, 2026, thousands of cardiovascular professionals — along with the All Star team — will gather in New Orleans for the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26): three energizing days of breakthrough research, clinical insight, and conversations shaping the future of cardiovascular care.
The science is world-class.
And the city is, too.
Step outside the conference hall and you’re just moments away from live jazz, legendary food, and enough culture to make anyone’s heart skip a beat (in the good way).
Heart-Healthy Picks
1. Run the Lafitte Greenway
Flat, scenic, and just the right distance, this 2.6-mile linear park and trail connecting the French Quarter to City Park is perfect for getting your own cardiovascular system moving before a full day of sessions.
2. Bike the Mississippi River Trail
Rent a bike and cruise along the Mississippi River levee path for sweeping river views and iconic NOLA scenery. Continue toward Crescent Park for skyline photo ops and a breezy ride that’s both a workout and a sightseeing tour.
3. Explore City Park & the Sculpture Garden
The New Orleans Museum of Art’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden inside City Park offers miles of stunning walking paths surrounded by art and greenery. Low-impact movement + stress reduction = a cardiologist-approved daily dose of preventive medicine.
City Park Sculpture Garden
Heart-Racing Experiences
4. Beignets at Café du Monde
An institution since 1862, Café du Monde is famous for its powdered-sugar-covered beignets. Will they spike your glucose? Perhaps. Will they make your heart happy? Absolutely.
5. Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street
After a productive day at ACC.26, head to Frenchmen Street to enjoy a different kind of rhythm. Step into a jazz club like The Spotted Cat to feel the pulse of live brass and unwind, New Orleans–style.
6. Take a French Quarter Ghost Tour
A little adrenaline between sessions never hurt anyone. Wander lantern-lit streets along Royal Street and pass the storied tombs of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 as guides share tales of the city’s haunted past. It’s history, mystery, and just enough heart-rate spikes to keep things interesting.
7. Tour Mardi Gras World
Go behind the scenes of the city’s iconic parades at Mardi Gras World. Colorful floats, larger-than-life props, and plenty of steps logged along the way.
Café du Monde
Heartwarming Moments
8. Sunset at Woldenberg Park
Located along the Mississippi River, Woldenberg Park is the perfect place to unwind after a full day of learning and connecting. Watch the river traffic roll by and let your parasympathetic nervous system clock in for the evening.
9. Explore Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo, with its lush landscapes and top-ranked exhibits, is a guaranteed win, especially if you’re traveling with family. Fresh air, wildlife, and an easy stroll? Not a bad way to spend time in NOLA.
10. Steamboat Natchez River Cruise
Step aboard the historic Steamboat Natchez for a classic river cruise with live jazz and skyline views. Equal parts history, music, and relaxation, this is the perfect pastime for the soul and, arguably, the heart.
Natchez River Cruise
Whether you’re prioritizing healthy habits, seeking a little adrenaline, or simply soaking in the culture, New Orleans offers something for every kind of cardiologist.
And while you’re mapping out your time in the city, make sure to plan a special stop inside the conference hall, too. Visit All Star Healthcare Solutions at booth #2457 during ACC.26 — we’d love to connect, talk locum tenens cardiology opportunities, or swap NOLA recommendations.
If this conference has you thinking about what’s next, browse our current cardiology openings to explore new opportunities nationwide. And for a deeper look at compensation trends, download All Star’s 2026 Cardiologist Salary Guide to see what cardiologists are earning right now.