Marrero, Louisiana Weekend Escapes: 10 Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Marrero, Louisiana

Living in or visiting Marrero, Louisiana and looking for a quick escape? You’re in luck. Marrero sits in a sweet spot on the West Bank, which makes it easy to hop in the car and explore nearby parishes like Orleans, St. Tammany, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, Lafourche, and Plaquemines. Below are 10 short road trips from Marrero that each offer something different—history, food, swamp tours, beaches, and small-town charm. All of them are outside Jefferson Parish, so you really are getting away for a bit.

1. Classic New Orleans Day Trip (Orleans Parish)

If you’re in Marrero, you’re only a quick drive from one of the most famous cities in the world: New Orleans. Depending on traffic, you can be in the French Quarter in about 20–30 minutes. What can you do on a simple New Orleans day trip?
  • Walk down Bourbon Street and people-watch.
  • Explore the French Quarter with its colorful balconies and hidden courtyards.
  • Grab beignets and chicory coffee at a classic café.
  • Listen to live jazz on Frenchmen Street in the evening.
If you go in summer, bring a hat and a bottle of water. The heat and humidity can feel like walking into a sauna, especially in the afternoon. This trip is perfect when you want to feel like a tourist without having to book a hotel.

2. Garden District Stroll & Magazine Street Shopping (Orleans Parish)

Want something a bit calmer than the French Quarter? Head just upriver to the Garden District and Magazine Street. Here’s a simple way to spend the day:
  • Park near Magazine Street and start with coffee and a pastry.
  • Walk through the Garden District and admire the huge historic homes and oak trees.
  • Visit one of the famous cemeteries with above-ground tombs.
  • Shop the boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries along Magazine.
This part of New Orleans has a more relaxed, neighborhood feel. If the French Quarter is like a party, the Garden District is like a long, deep breath.

3. Bayou Adventure in Lafitte (Jefferson Parish – SKIP)

3. Swamp Tours & Seafood in Lafourche Parish

If you’re craving a true Louisiana bayou experience, drive down toward Lafourche Parish. Towns like Lockport, Larose, and Golden Meadow offer that classic “down the bayou” feel. What makes this trip special?
  • Book an airboat or pontoon swamp tour to see alligators, herons, and cypress trees.
  • Stop at a local seafood joint for fried shrimp, oysters, or a big bowl of gumbo.
  • Drive along Bayou Lafourche and pull over for photos of shrimp boats and marshland.
The drive itself is part of the adventure. As you continue south, the world gets flatter, wetter, and wilder. It really shows you why South Louisiana is so unique.

4. Grand Isle Getaway (Lafourche Parish)

If you don’t mind a longer drive—around 2.5 hours from Marrero—you can head all the way down to Grand Isle, Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, in Lafourche Parish. Why go?
  • Beach time: Relax on the sand, look for shells, and enjoy the Gulf breeze.
  • Fishing: Grand Isle is famous for both pier and charter fishing.
  • Bird watching: During migration seasons, the island fills up with different bird species.
It’s a great place to unplug. Cell service can be spotty in some areas, which honestly can be a blessing. Bring sunscreen, snacks, and maybe a small cooler with cold drinks.

5. Plantation Country Along River Road (St. Charles & St. John the Baptist Parishes)

Just upriver from Marrero, along the Mississippi River, you’ll find several historic plantations in St. Charles and St. John the Baptist Parishes. Many of them are about 45 minutes to 1 hour away. Some well-known spots include:
  • Destrehan Plantation in St. Charles Parish.
  • Other historic homes and museums scattered along River Road.
Many tours here focus on:
  • The architecture and daily life on the plantation.
  • The painful history of slavery and the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked there.
It’s not always an easy visit emotionally, but it’s an important one. If you have older kids or teens, this can be a powerful history lesson outside the classroom.

6. Small-Town Flavor in LaPlace (St. John the Baptist Parish)

About a 40–45 minute drive from Marrero, LaPlace is known as the “Andouille Capital of the World.” If you like smoked sausage and comfort food, this is a fun and tasty trip. Things to do in and around LaPlace:
  • Try local dishes made with andouille sausage.
  • Explore nearby swamp tour operators for wildlife viewing.
  • Drive around and enjoy the small-town, river-parish feel.
If you time your visit with a local food or music festival, you’ll get an even better sense of the community. It’s a nice change of pace from city traffic and crowds.

7. Family Fun in St. Charles Parish

Just across the river and upriver from Marrero, St. Charles Parish offers a mix of outdoor spots and local parks that make for an easy half-day or day trip. Ideas for a simple St. Charles outing:
  • Pack a picnic and find a riverside park to watch ships and barges.
  • Walk or bike along sections of the Mississippi River levee pathway.
  • Check out local events, fairs, or farmers markets when they’re happening.
The drive is short, the views of the river are wide open, and you get that mix of industrial river traffic and green space that feels very “Louisiana.”

8. Northshore Escape to Covington (St. Tammany Parish)

If you’d like a slightly cooler breeze and a different vibe, head to the Northshore in St. Tammany Parish. From Marrero, you’ll usually cross through New Orleans, then drive over the causeway or I‑10/I‑12 to reach towns like Covington. Why visit Covington?
  • Stroll through the historic downtown with its art galleries and shops.
  • Enjoy local cafés, bakeries, and restaurants.
  • Rent bikes or walk parts of the Tammany Trace, a rails-to-trails path.
Compared to the city, Covington often feels quieter and more relaxed, with lots of trees and shade. It’s a smart choice when you want to slow down without driving all day.

9. Mandeville Lakefront & Tammany Trace (St. Tammany Parish)

Another excellent Northshore option is Mandeville, right on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. From Marrero, plan on about 1–1.5 hours, depending on your route and traffic. Here’s how to enjoy a day in Mandeville:
  • Walk or bike along the lakefront and enjoy the breeze.
  • Let the kids play in the parks along the water.
  • Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant with outdoor seating.
  • Hop on the Tammany Trace trail for a scenic ride or walk.
On a clear day at sunset, the colors over the lake can be beautiful. Bring a light jacket if you go in winter—it can feel cooler by the water than it does back in Marrero.

10. Down-the-River Drive Through Plaquemines Parish

For something that feels a bit off the beaten path, head south into Plaquemines Parish. This long, narrow parish follows the Mississippi River almost all the way to the Gulf. Why take this drive?
  • See a different side of coastal Louisiana, with levees, marsh, and small river towns.
  • Try local seafood at small, family-run restaurants along the way.
  • Look for spots with river overlooks or fishing piers.
This is more of a “roll the windows down and see what you find” kind of trip. It’s ideal if you enjoy driving, taking photos, and exploring places that most tourists never reach.

Tips for Planning Your Marrero Road Trips

To make the most of these short road trips from Marrero, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Check the weather: South Louisiana heat, storms, and fog can all affect your day.
  • Bring cash: Some small spots, especially down the bayou, may not take cards.
  • Watch your gas: In more remote areas, gas stations can be spread out.
  • Bug spray & sunscreen: Mosquitoes and strong sun are pretty common.
If you plan to do several of these trips, you could even keep a small “road trip bag” in your car with sunscreen, bug spray, a phone charger, and a reusable water bottle.

Ready to Hit the Road From Marrero?

From city streets to quiet bayous, bustling New Orleans to peaceful Northshore towns, there’s a surprising amount to explore within just a couple of hours of Marrero, LA. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date day, or some solo exploring, these out-of-county road trips give you plenty of choices. Have you tried any of these drives from Marrero? Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Lafourche, St. Tammany, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, Orleans, or Plaquemines Parish? Please share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and suggestions. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend who’s looking for new things to do near Marrero, Louisiana. The next great day trip might be just a short drive away.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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