Looking for bayou beauty, Southern flavor, and easy access to New Orleans? Head to Slidell! Nestled on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Slidell offers a laid-back vibe with nature trails, swamp tours, and Cajun eats—plus it’s just a short drive from the Big Easy.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Slidell is from March through May or October through early December. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures, fewer bugs, and seasonal festivals. Summers are hot and humid but great for water activities and swamp tours.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Slidell is located along I-10 and I-12, about 30–40 minutes northeast of New Orleans and 1.5 hours from Gulfport, MS.
- By Air: The closest airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), about a 45-minute drive.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Crescent line stops in Slidell on its route between New York and New Orleans.
Where to Stay
- Holiday Inn Express Slidell – Comfortable and family-friendly with free breakfast and pool access.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton – Extended stay option with full kitchens and easy access to highways.
- Camp Salmen Nature Park Cabins – Rustic cabin accommodations surrounded by bayou nature and trails.
Top Attractions
1.Visit restaurants and antique stores on Olde Towne Slidell Main Street
© Olde Towne Slidell Main Street
Just about everywhere you go in the US you will find that the original Main Street of the town is the key to unlocking the history of the town. Slidell is no different and Olde Towne Slidell Main Street, filled with historic homes, unique boutiques and restaurants, antique stores and bars, lies at the heart of the town.
A few of the highlights of the Main Street include Carey Street Park which hosts small community events and offers visitors a relaxing outdoor place to visit. Other regular events include outdoor Farm to Table dinners and a popular 4-day event called “A Taste of Olde Town, which showcases food and wine.
Address: Olde Towne Slidell Main Street, Slidell, LA 70458
2.Visit the children’s playground in Camp Salmen Nature Park
© Camp Salmen Nature Park
The Camp Salmen Nature Park in Slidell has undergone many reincarnations since it was originally home to a trading post in the early 1800’s.
Today visitors come to the 130-acre Camp Salmen Nature Park to enjoy walking and hiking along a variety of trails which lead you through a habitat which supports a rich collection of natural plants, animals and birds.
You can still see the original old trading post (which is undergoing renovations) and there are plans to open a small museum on the site to celebrate its history. One of the highlights of the park is the “Boundless Playground” which offers an exceptional children’s playground suitable for all children including those with special needs.
Address: Camp Salmen Nature Park, 35122 Parish Parkway, Slidell, LA 70460, Phone: 985-867-9490
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3.Hike the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile tarred trail
© naftizin/stock.adobe.com
Back in the early day in Louisiana, the railway brought life to St. Tammany Parish. Today, a portion of the original Illinois Central Railroad Corridor has been converted into a wonderful recreational facility as part of the Rails to Trails initiative.
The Tammany Trace is a 31-mile tarred trail which crisscrosses St. Tammany, including urban, suburban and rural areas. The trail is suitable for walking, cycling, roller-blades, horse-back riding and is fully accessible to wheelchair users and buggies.
The trace also links various wildlife areas and wetlands as well as protecting historic landmarks. Along the way you will come across no fewer than 31 bridges which offer excellent views of the bayous, rivers and streams.
Address: Tammany Trace Trailhead, 2289 Hwy.190, Slidell, LA 70460, Phone: 985-781-1229
4.See a performance at the Slidell Little Theatre
© kivitimof/stock.adobe.com
The Slidell Little Theatre was founded by local volunteers in 1963 and has been entertaining the Slidell community and visitors every since.
Locally famous for producing a wonderful variety of theatrical productions and concerts, the Little Theater is a true community project which depends on volunteers offering their services to choreograph performances, build stage sets and design costumes. Today the SLT has its own state-of-the-art home in Nellie Drive, where it presents numerous shows and charity events each year. Residents, including children, are encouraged to audition and to take part in bringing the performing arts to the St. Tammany community.
Address: Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr, Slidell, LA 70458, Phone: 985-643-0556
Where to Eat
5.Dine with a view of the water at Palmettos on the Bayou
© Palmettos on the Bayou
Set on the edge of Bayou Bonfouca, close to the historic Roberts Landing, Palmettos on the Bayou is an obvious choice for visitors wishing to experience the essence of the Louisiana Bayou.
The restaurant boasts a wonderful outdoor deck where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by the sights and sounds of this very special waterfront eatery. Look forward to feasting on Louisiana specialties like char-grilled oysters, crab cakes, summer corn and crab salad, freshly caught local fish, seafood and steaks. Palmettos is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and for brunch on Sundays, when you can enjoy live music to enhance your Cajun dining experience.
Address: Palmettos on the Bayou, 1901 Bayou Lane, Slidell, LA 70458, Phone: 985 643 0050
6.Taste local specialties at Gallagher’s on Front Street
© Gallagher’s on Front Street
Owner Pat Gallagher of Gallagher’s on Front Street is by no means new to the restaurant business – he opened his first restaurant in Folsom in 1978 and has gone from strength to strength. With over forty years of experience in the restaurant and catering trade, diners can look forward to enjoying wonderful food at any of Pat’s restaurants. The Front Street location is upscale and the food and service receives rave reviews.
At Gallagher’s on Front Street, you can look forward to feasting on delicious local specialties like Louisiana Style Crab Cakes, Seafood Gumbo, a selection of perfectly cooked steaks and wonderful freshly-caught local fish and seafood.
Address: Gallagher’s on Front Street, 2306 Front St, Slidell, LA 70458, Phone: 985-326-8350
7.Order a pizza at The Original Italian Pie
© fahrwasser/stock.adobe.com
The Original Italian Pie restaurant franchise started when the first location opened in New Orleans in 1992. Originally dedicated to serving the best gourmet pizzas in town, the franchise soon branched out and started serving other Italian favorites.
When you visit tThe Original Italian Pie you can look forward to choosing Italian favorites from an extensive menu which kicks off with a delicious-sounding list of soups and salads. After this comes a selection of baked sandwiches before you even get to their famous gourmet pizzas.
If you are not in the mood for pizza you can choose other Italian classics like Lasagna (three versions), ravioli and several other pasta choices. There are also a variety of wrapped and backed Mediterranean flatbreads.
Address: The Original Italian Pie, 1319 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458, Phone: 985-661-0240
If you are traveling with kids:
8.Learn about local history at the FREE Slidell Museum
© Slidell Museum
The city of Slidell can trace its roots back to the early 1700’s, when a group of around 300 settlers arrived on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans.
A visit to the Slidell Museum will reveal a treasure-trove of information about the early days of New Orleans and Slidell, and how the arrival of the Northeastern Railroad in the 1880’s was responsible for the later development of the city.
The museum has been established in what was once the historic Slidell Town Hall and visitors are welcome to browse the exhibits at their own pace. Entry is free and the museum is open from noon to 4pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 10am to 2pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 2020 First Street, Old Town Slidell, LA 70460, 985 646 4360
9.Explore the Honey Island Swamp
© Colin Godfrey/stock.adobe.com
The pristine Honey Island Swamp covers almost 70,000 acres on the northeastern edge of the St. Tammany Parish. Here it beckons nature lovers to come and experience nature at her best.
A large section of the swamp falls within the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area, which is home to several varied habitats. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of wildlife as they make their way through the swamp on a guided eco-tour; these include gators, turtles, many water birds and other migratory visitors. If you venture into the dryer northern parts of the park you may see black bears, feral pigs and even cougars.
Address: Honey Island Swamp, 41490 Crawford Landing Rd, Slidell, LA 70461
10.Kayak in Pearl River Wildlife Management Area
© Colin Godfrey/stock.adobe.com
Located 5 miles east of Slidell, the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area encompasses a variety of pristine wilderness areas where many species of wildlife are managed. The southern area includes a large section of the Honey Island Swamp which can be explored by boat or kayak, while the northern area is home to a substantial hardwood forest, home to bears, cougars, deer and much more.
Hunting is allowed during the official hunting season. Many visitors enjoy hiking, birding, kayaking and canoeing and recreational fishing is also allowed. There is a campsite at Crawford Landing and several boat launches can be found on the banks of the Pearl River.
Address: Slidell, LA 70461, 985 543 4777
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Fritchie Park – Large public park with picnic areas, ball fields, and a kids' splash pad.
If you are interested in local events:
- Mardi Gras Parades (February–March) – Slidell hosts several family-friendly parades with floats, beads, and marching bands.
- Slidell Heritage Festival (July 4th weekend) – Fireworks, live music, food booths, and family fun in Heritage Park.
- Bayou Jam Concert Series (Spring & Fall) – Free outdoor concerts in Heritage Park with local bands and vendors.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Slidell, Louisiana:
- New Orleans (30–40 min) – Stroll the French Quarter, enjoy world-class dining, and catch live jazz on Bourbon Street.
- Fontainebleau State Park (25 min) – Enjoy hiking, lakefront beaches, and picnics under giant oak trees near Mandeville.
- Bay Saint Louis, MS (30 min) – Quaint coastal town with art galleries, seafood spots, and a scenic harborfront.
- Lacombe (20 min) – Visit the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching and kayaking.
- John C. Stennis Space Center (30 min) – Learn about NASA missions and rocket testing at this Mississippi-based center.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Question: When was Slidell founded and why?
Answer: Slidell was founded in 1882 during the construction of a major railroad from New Orleans to New York City.
-
Question: Where is Slidell located?
Answer: Slidell is located on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish, offering a glimpse of life on the Bayous.
-
Question: What is notable about Slidell’s Main Street?
Answer: Slidell’s award-winning Main Street provides a charming atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
-
Question: What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Slidell?
Answer: Visitors can go walking, cycling, or skating along the 31-mile Tammany Trace or take a nature walk in Camp Salmen Nature Park.
-
Question: Where can visitors enjoy Bayou-style dining in Slidell?
Answer: For a true taste of Bayou-style dining, visitors can head to Palmettos on the Bayou.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and lively local festivals. |
Holiday Inn Express Slidell – A convenient stay with modern amenities. |
Explore the Honey Island Swamp – Take a boat tour to see alligators and Louisiana wildlife. |
Summer (June-August) – Hot and humid, great for water activities. |
Homewood Suites by Hilton Slidell – A comfortable extended-stay option. |
Visit Northshore Beach – Relax by the water and enjoy scenic views of Lake Pontchartrain. |
Fall (September-November) – Cooler weather and perfect for outdoor events. |
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Slidell – A budget-friendly stay with easy highway access. |
Check out Olde Towne Slidell – Stroll through historic streets with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. |
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: