Metairie, Louisiana Weekend Escapes: 10 Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips From Metairie, Louisiana: Fun Day Getaways Outside Jefferson Parish

Planning a visit to Metairie, Louisiana and itching to explore beyond the neighborhood? Or maybe you live in Metairie and want a quick escape that doesn’t involve a long drive or catching a flight. You’re in luck. Within about an hour or so from Metairie, you can find swamps, small towns, historic plantations, beaches, and some of the best food in the country. The best part? These are all out-of-county road trips (outside Jefferson Parish), so you’ll get a real feel for the surrounding parishes in south Louisiana. Below are 10 short road trips from Metairie into nearby parishes:
  • Orleans Parish
  • St. Tammany Parish
  • St. Charles Parish
  • St. John the Baptist Parish
  • Lafourche Parish
  • Plaquemines Parish
Each one is an easy drive and packed with things to do, see, and taste.

1. Classic New Orleans Day Trip (Orleans Parish)

You can’t talk about road trips from Metairie without mentioning New Orleans
  • Stroll the French Quarter: Walk along Royal Street and Chartres Street for galleries, street music, and wrought-iron balconies that look like they’re straight out of a movie.
  • Café au lait and beignets: Grab powdered-sugar-covered beignets at a classic café. Yes, you’ll get sugar on your clothes. It’s worth it.
  • Jackson Square: Watch street artists, tarot readers, and musicians with St. Louis Cathedral as the backdrop.
  • Frenchmen Street: For live music at night, this is usually less chaotic than Bourbon Street and more about the jazz and blues.
    • If you’re driving in, plan to park in a paid lot and spend the day walking. It’s an easy all-day adventure from Metairie, and you can be back in your bed by night.

    2. Garden District & Magazine Street Escape (Orleans Parish)

    Want a New Orleans day trip that’s a little more laid-back? Head straight to the Garden District and Magazine Street. This area feels totally different from the French Quarter—more leafy, more residential, and less crowded.
    • Walk among the mansions: The historic homes and huge oak trees make just walking the streets feel like sightseeing.
    • Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (when open): One of the city’s famous above-ground cemeteries. Check current status before you go, as hours can change.
    • Shop and snack on Magazine Street: You’ll find vintage shops, local boutiques, bars, and casual spots for burgers, tacos, and everything in between.
    If you’re into photography, this is one of the best spots near Metairie to grab classic New Orleans shots without the chaos of Bourbon Street.

    3. Swamp Tour Adventure in St. Tammany Parish

    If you’ve never been on a Louisiana swamp tour, this should be high on your list. From Metairie, drive across the Crescent City Connection and then over to the Northshore in St. Tammany Parish. Many tours leave from areas like Slidell and nearby bayous. What to expect:
    • Airboats or flat-bottom boats: Cruise through marshes and cypress trees draped in Spanish moss.
    • Wildlife spotting: Depending on the season, you might see alligators, turtles, egrets, and herons.
    • Local guides: Many captains grew up in these waters. They’ll share stories and explain how people here live with the swamp instead of fighting it.
    If you’re worried about motion, ask for a slower, covered boat instead of an airboat. Either way, it’s a very “only in Louisiana” experience, and it’s just a short drive from Metairie.

    4. Mandeville Lakefront & Old Mandeville (St. Tammany Parish)

    Looking for a relaxed Sunday kind of road trip? The Mandeville lakefront on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is perfect. From Metairie, it’s usually about a 35–45 minute drive over the Causeway Bridge, which itself is a fun experience—nearly 24 miles of water in every direction. Once you get there:
    • Lakefront stroll: Walk or bike along the seawall, enjoy the breeze, and watch sailboats and pelicans.
    • Picnic under the oaks: There are giant, shady oak trees that are perfect for a blanket and a simple lunch.
    • Old Mandeville: Check out small cafés, bars, and locally owned restaurants just a few blocks off the water.
    If you’re traveling with kids, it’s easy to spend a few hours here and then head back to Metairie before dark.

    5. Historic Plantations on River Road (St. Charles & St. John the Baptist Parishes)

    West of Metairie along the Mississippi River, you’ll find several famous River Road plantations in St. Charles Parish and St. John the Baptist Parish. These make for powerful, educational day trips. Depending on which one you choose, you’re usually looking at about a 40–60 minute drive from Metairie. You’ll find:
    • Guided house tours: Walk through restored plantation homes and learn about the families who lived there.
    • Slavery-focused exhibits: Many sites now focus on telling the stories of enslaved people who built and worked these plantations. It’s not light material, but it’s important history.
    • River views and oak alleys: Iconic alleyways of oak trees and sweeping views of the Mississippi make for striking (and sobering) scenery.
    If you’re doing this as a road trip from Metairie, consider visiting one plantation in depth instead of rushing through several. You’ll get more out of the experience that way.

    6. Fishing & Birding in Lafitte and Barataria (Jefferson Neighbor / Plaquemines Adjacent)

    While you won’t stay inside Jefferson Parish itself, you can easily head just past it toward the lower bayous and marshes near Plaquemines Parish and surrounding areas. This is a great day trip if you like the outdoors. Expect:
    • Charter fishing trips: Many captains offer half-day and full-day trips for redfish, speckled trout, and more.
    • Kayaking the marsh: Paddle through calm waters, especially in the morning when it’s cooler and quieter.
    • Birdwatching: Look for herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, and other coastal birds.
    Pack sunscreen, bug spray, plenty of water, and a hat. South Louisiana sun can be intense, even when it doesn’t feel that hot.

    7. Grand Isle & Gulf Beach Day (Lafourche Parish)

    If you’re craving the beach, set your GPS toward Grand Isle in Lafourche Parish. It’s a longer drive—usually around 2 to 2.5 hours from Metairie—but still very doable as a long day trip or an overnight stay. Grand Isle is a barrier island with a mix of sandy shoreline, fishing piers, and marshland. What to do:
    • Beach time: Bring chairs, umbrellas, and a cooler for a simple, low-key beach day.
    • Fishing: This area is legendary in Louisiana for offshore and inshore fishing.
    • Birding and nature walks: During migration seasons, the island attracts birders from all over the country.
    The drive down Bayou Lafourche is part of the charm. You’ll pass shrimp boats, small towns, roadside seafood stands, and a side of Louisiana most visitors never see.

    8. Scenic Drive Down the Mississippi to Plaquemines Parish

    Point your car south along the east or west bank of the Mississippi River and follow it into Plaquemines Parish. This feels like driving to the end of the world—in a good way. On this road trip from Metairie, the journey is a big part of the experience. Along the way:
    • River levee views: You’ll drive beside high levees with the river just beyond them.
    • Small communities: Stop for gas, snacks, and maybe a plate lunch in local diners.
    • Fishing and boat launches: You’ll notice trucks pulling boats everywhere. This part of Louisiana lives and breathes the water.
    You don’t need a strict plan here. Just drive, explore a bit, take photos, and enjoy a side of coastal Louisiana that most tourists skip.

    9. Oak Alley Drives & Local Eats in St. Charles Parish

    While some people rush through St. Charles Parish on their way to bigger-name attractions, it actually makes a nice short road trip from Metairie all on its own. This is an easy 30–45 minute drive, perfect for a half-day outing. Try this:
    • River road cruising: Follow the bends of the Mississippi and stop at public riverfront spots.
    • Local plate lunch spots: Look for small restaurants offering daily specials—gumbo, fried catfish, red beans and rice, and more.
    • Photo stops under old oaks: You’ll see beautiful live oak trees along the river road; pull over safely where you can and snap a few photos.
    If you like quiet, scenic drives with good food at the end, this is your kind of trip.

    10. Andouille Country in St. John the Baptist Parish

    If you love smoked sausage, especially andouille, you’ll want to head west from Metairie into St. John the Baptist Parish, home to some of Louisiana’s most famous smokehouses. This is usually around a 45–60 minute drive. Here’s what to do:
    • Visit local smokehouses: Pick up fresh andouille, tasso, and other smoked meats. Many places are family-run and have been around for generations.
    • Try gumbo and jambalaya: Eat at a local restaurant that uses their own sausage. It’s a whole different level of flavor.
    • Bring a cooler: If you’re driving back to Metairie—or flying home later—pack a cooler with ice packs and stock up.
    If you enjoy culinary travel, this road trip is one of the tastiest you can take from Metairie.

    Tips for Planning Road Trips From Metairie, LA

    To make these Metairie day trips smooth and stress-free, keep a few basics in mind:
    • Watch the weather: South Louisiana storms can pop up fast. Check the forecast, especially for swamp tours and beach days.
    • Book ahead: For swamp tours, plantation tours, and fishing charters, reservations are usually a good idea.
    • Dress light: Hot, humid days are common. Lightweight clothes, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen go a long way.
    • Carry cash: Some small-town spots or roadside stands may be cash-only.
    From city streets to cypress swamps, you can see a surprising variety of Louisiana landscapes within just a short drive of Metairie.

    Ready to Hit the Road From Metairie?

    Whether you’re craving:
    • a lively day in New Orleans,
    • a quiet walk along the Mandeville lakefront,
    • a powerful history lesson on River Road,
    • or a salty breeze down in Grand Isle,
    you don’t have to go far. These 10 road trips from Metairie, Louisiana give you a taste of what makes each nearby parish unique. Have you tried any of these drives yet? Which one would you pick first? Share this post with friends planning a trip to the New Orleans area, and drop a comment with:
    • your favorite day trip from Metairie, or
    • a hidden gem you think more people should know about.
    Your tips might help someone else plan their perfect Louisiana getaway.
    Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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