Metairie, Louisiana: 10 Fun Things To Do Near New Orleans

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Metairie, Louisiana (Jefferson Parish)

If you’re staying in Metairie, Louisiana, you’re in a sweet spot. You’re just a short drive from New Orleans, but you also get a laid-back, local vibe that’s perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers who want something a little calmer than the French Quarter at 2 a.m. Whether you’re here for a long weekend or a full-on vacation, here are 10 great things to do in and around Metairie that show off the best of Jefferson Parish and nearby New Orleans.

1. Stroll, Picnic, and Play in Lafreniere Park

Lafreniere Park is basically Metairie’s backyard. It’s a huge green space right in the middle of town, and it’s one of the best free things to do in Metairie.
  • Walking and jogging trails
  • Playgrounds for kids
  • Fishing spots
  • Disc golf course
  • Lots of ducks, birds, and even a few nutrias to spot
On a sunny afternoon, grab some po-boys from a local deli, find a shady spot, and enjoy an easy picnic. If you’re traveling with kids, the playground and open fields are a lifesaver. During the holidays, the park usually lights up with festive displays, which makes it a cozy place for an evening walk. Travel tip: Wear comfy shoes. The loop around the park is about 2 miles, which is just right for a casual walk.

2. Shop, Dine, and People-Watch at Lakeside Shopping Center

If you like to mix shopping and travel, you’ll probably end up at Lakeside Shopping Center. It’s one of the biggest and busiest malls in the New Orleans area and a Metairie landmark. You’ll find:
  • Major brands (think Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple)
  • Local and regional boutiques
  • A big food court and several sit-down restaurants
  • Seasonal events and photo ops (hello, Santa)
Even if you’re not a huge shopper, it’s a good place to cool off in the A/C, grab a coffee, and people-watch. On weekends, it feels like the whole parish shows up.

3. Catch a Game or Concert at the Caesars Superdome & Smoothie King Center

Here’s where Metairie’s location really pays off. You’re only about 15–20 minutes from downtown New Orleans and the famous Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center. Depending on the season, you can:
  • Cheer on the New Orleans Saints (NFL)
  • Catch a New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) game
  • See big-name concerts and touring shows
Even if you’re not a sports fan, the energy around the Dome on game day is worth seeing at least once. Tailgating, music, and that classic Louisiana party atmosphere…it’s all there. Travel tip: Stay in Metairie, drive or rideshare into the city, and enjoy the action without downtown hotel prices.

4. Explore Old Metairie: Local Flavor and Laid-Back Charm

If you want to feel what day-to-day life is like in Metairie, spend some time in Old Metairie. This area has tree-lined streets, older homes, and a very local, neighborly feel. Along Metairie Road you’ll find:
  • Cozy coffee shops
  • Local bakeries and sandwich spots
  • Boutiques and gift shops
  • Relaxed bars and wine spots
Walk a bit, pop into a store, chat with the staff, and you’ll quickly pick up on the area’s slower pace compared to downtown New Orleans. It’s great if you like exploring non-touristy neighborhoods.

5. Drive the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes unique experiences, you can’t skip the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, often called the longest continuous bridge over water in the world. It connects Metairie to the Northshore towns like Mandeville and Covington. The bridge stretches almost 24 miles across Lake Pontchartrain. Once you’re out in the middle, you see nothing but water and sky in every direction. It feels like you’re floating. On the other side, you can:
  • Walk the lakefront in Mandeville
  • Grab lunch at a waterfront restaurant
  • Explore the cute downtown areas of Mandeville or Covington
Travel tip: If you’re nervous about long bridges, maybe sit this one out. But if you’re okay with it, the drive is unforgettable.

6. Eat Like a Local: Po-Boys, Seafood, and Cajun Classics

Let’s be honest: one of the best things to do in Metairie is eat. You don’t have to go into New Orleans to find good food. Metairie holds its own. Some local favorites (check current hours and locations):
  • Short Stop Poboys – Classic roast beef and shrimp po-boys.
  • Uptown-style and neighborhood po-boy shops all along Veterans Blvd and Metairie Road.
  • Seafood joints serving fried catfish, oysters, and boiled crawfish (in season).
Think of it this way: if New Orleans is the big stage, Metairie is the local hangout where everybody actually eats. Don’t be afraid to ask your server, “What do y’all order?” and follow their lead.

7. Hit the Beach-Style Vibes at Bucktown and the Lakefront

Just north of Metairie, on the edge of Lake Pontchartrain, you’ll find the Bucktown area and the West End lakefront. It’s not a beach in the classic sense, but it has strong waterfront vibes. Here you can:
  • Walk along the levee and enjoy lake views
  • Watch boats and birds
  • Catch a sunset over the water
  • Grab seafood at nearby restaurants
On breezy evenings, locals come out to walk, run, or just sit and talk. It’s a calm, open space that feels miles away from city noise—even though you’re still very close.

8. Take a Day Trip into the French Quarter and the Garden District

One huge perk of staying in Metairie is how easy it is to slip into New Orleans for a day (or night), then return to somewhere quieter to sleep. From Metairie, you can be in the French Quarter in about 20 minutes (traffic depending). There, you can:
  • Walk down Bourbon Street and Royal Street
  • Check out Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
  • Listen to live jazz on Frenchmen Street
  • Sample beignets and café au lait
You can also hop over to the Garden District to see historic mansions and oak-lined streets, or ride the St. Charles streetcar. Think of Metairie as your “base camp” and New Orleans as your playground.

9. Visit Local Parks and Neighborhood Bars for a True Metairie Night

If you want to experience Metairie the way locals do, skip the tourist traps and look for:
  • Small neighborhood bars with pool tables and karaoke
  • Sports bars packed during Saints games
  • Smaller parks and playgrounds tucked into residential areas
You won’t always find these spots in guidebooks, but they’re often where the best conversations and travel memories happen. Strike up a chat with someone at the bar or on a park bench and ask, “What’s your favorite thing to do around here?” You’ll get more tips than any brochure.

10. Experience Festival Season and Local Events

In south Louisiana, it feels like there’s always a festival or event going on, and Jefferson Parish is no exception. Depending on the time of year, you might catch:
  • Mardi Gras parades rolling right through Metairie, especially along Veterans Memorial Boulevard
  • Food festivals and seafood boils
  • Outdoor concerts and community events in parks
If your trip lines up with Mardi Gras season, Metairie parades can be more family-friendly and less wild than some downtown New Orleans parades, but still full of music, floats, and beads. Travel tip: Check local Jefferson Parish or Metairie event calendars before your trip and build your plans around anything fun happening while you’re in town.

Why Metairie Is a Great Base for Exploring Louisiana

Staying in Metairie gives you the best of both worlds:
  • Easy access to New Orleans (about 20 minutes away)
  • Quieter hotels and neighborhoods
  • Plenty of local eats at non-touristy prices
  • Fast access to the airport, the Causeway, and major highways
If you’re planning a trip to the New Orleans area and want a more relaxed home base, Metairie, Louisiana in Jefferson Parish is worth a serious look.

Share Your Metairie Experience

Have you visited Metairie or Jefferson Parish before?
  • What was your favorite restaurant or park?
  • Did you catch a Saints game or a Mardi Gras parade?
  • Would you stay in Metairie again on your next New Orleans trip?
I’d love to hear your stories, tips, and questions. Drop a comment, share this post with friends planning a Louisiana getaway, and let’s help more travelers discover everything there is to do in and around Metairie!
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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