A classic gay sauna in the European sense can only be found to a limited extent in New Orleans, because the bathhouse scene in the USA has become much smaller over the years. Instead of pure saunas, the city focuses more on bars and clubs, which is why cruising often takes place in different settings here than in European metropolises. There are individual cruise and sex club addresses that are aimed at gay and bisexual men and are partly run as members-only clubs from the age of 18.
Because the offer is manageable and changing, it is worth checking the current opening hours and any access rules before visiting, as operators and concepts can change faster than in larger bathhouse cities. If you're looking for wellness and pool, you're more likely to find it at places like The Country Club at Bywater, a property with a saltwater pool and bar that, while not a sauna in the strict sense, attracts a relaxed, queer crowd. In general, New Orleans is sex-positive and relaxed, but cruising is shifting more to bars, bourbon streets and events than to fixed saunas. The following addresses give you an overview of the current cruising and sauna options on site.