Craving Southern charm, lakefront views, and laid-back vibes? Head to Mandeville! Located on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain, just across from New Orleans, Mandeville offers beautiful outdoor spaces, delicious local cuisine, and a relaxing small-town atmosphere. Whether you're strolling the lakefront or biking through the woods, Mandeville is a peaceful Louisiana escape.
Mandeville, LA Highlights:
- For Nature Lovers: Bike the Tammany Trace – Ride or walk this scenic 31-mile rail-trail that runs through Mandeville and connects to nearby towns and parks.
- For Families: Play and picnic at Fontainebleau State Park – Enjoy hiking trails, lakefront views, and historic sugar mill ruins in this popular park on the lake.
- For Foodies: Dine at local Louisiana-style cafés – Try Gulf seafood, gumbo, and beignets at charming downtown eateries.
- For Couples: Stroll along the Lake Pontchartrain lakefront – Watch sunsets, enjoy breezy views, and visit the Mandeville Trailhead and cultural center.
- For Birdwatchers: Visit Northlake Nature Center – Explore boardwalk trails through cypress swamps, bayous, and pine forests with rich wildlife sightings.
Best Time to Visit Mandeville, LA
The best time to visit Mandeville is in the spring (March–May) and fall (October–November), when the weather is warm and comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer is hot and humid but offers water fun and festivals, while winter is mild and uncrowded.
How to Get to Mandeville, LA
- By Car: Mandeville is about 45 minutes north of New Orleans, accessible via the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge or I-12.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), approximately 1 hour away.
- By Bus: Local and regional transit services connect Mandeville to the North Shore and New Orleans areas.
Where to Stay in Mandeville, LA
- Recommended for Families: Comfort Suites Mandeville – Affordable hotel with complimentary breakfast and convenient access to Tammany Trace and Fontainebleau State Park.
- For Couples: Blue Heron B&B – A charming bed-and-breakfast offering lakefront views, cozy rooms, and Southern hospitality.
- For a Relaxing Stay: De la Bleau B&B – Quaint inn located near the lakefront with peaceful ambiance and great breakfasts.
Best Things to Do in Mandeville, LA
⮕ Hike, Bike, and Watch the Sunset at Fontainebleau State Park
© Pam/stock.adobe.com
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What is Fontainebleau State Park?
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Fontainebleau State Park
is a 2,800-acre park on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain that offers a wide variety of
recreational and outdoor activities.
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What is the history of the park?
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Once the site of a large sugar plantation and mill in the 1800s, the park is bordered by
Bayou Castine and Bayou Cane.
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What water activities are available?
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The park offers world-class kayaking and canoeing on the enormous Lake Pontchartrain
and its numerous streams and tributaries.
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What other attractions can visitors enjoy?
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The park features a Visitor Center with exhibits about the old plantation, a
seasonal water playground for children, and a 27-mile trail for hiking, mountain
biking, and horseback riding.
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Are there camping facilities?
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Yes, the park has a campground with RV sites, primitive campsites,
and overnight cabins.
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What is the park's address and contact information?
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62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448, Phone: 985-624-4443
⮕ If You Love Nature and Learning, Explore Northlake Museum and Nature Center
© Northlake Museum and Nature Center
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What is the Northlake Museum and Nature Center?
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The Northlake Museum and Nature Center is a
pristine 400-acre nature preserve along Bayou Castine that features a diverse variety
of landscapes from ancient pines and cypress swamp to hardwood forests.
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When was the center established and what is its purpose?
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Established in 1982, the center aims to preserve, research, and
protect the natural habitats of southeastern Louisiana.
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What features and activities does the center offer?
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The center features a boardwalk winding along the bayou and through the forests, an array of
nature-related activities, and engaging children’s programs.
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What wildlife can be found in the park?
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The nature park is home to a wealth of bird species and hosts the annual
Great Louisiana Birdfest.
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What is the center's address and contact information?
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23135 E U.S. Hwy 190, Mandeville, LA 70448, Phone: 985-626-1238
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Stand in Awe of Southern Majesty at the Seven Sisters Live Oak
© Andriy Blokhin/stock.adobe.com
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What is the Seven Sisters Oak?
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The Seven Sisters Oak
is a massive southern live oak tree standing over 60 feet tall with a girth of
over 40 feet and a limb spread of more than 160 feet.
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What is the history of the tree’s name?
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The magnificent old tree was originally called ‘Doby’s Seven Sisters’ because it was located
on the property of the Doby family. It was later renamed the ‘Seven Sisters Oak’
by the Live Oak Society.
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How old is the Seven Sisters Oak?
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The tree grew from a single root system and is thought to be over 1,200 years old.
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Where is the Seven Sisters Oak located?
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The tree is located at Fountain Street, Mandeville, LA 70448.
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What is the contact information?
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13000 Whiskey Creek Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141, Phone: 800-551-6949
⮕ Step Back in Time at the Jean Baptiste Lang Creole House Museum
© Jean Baptiste Lang Creole House Museum
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What is the Jean Baptiste Lang House Museum?
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The
Jean Baptiste Lang House Museum is a historic structure in Old Mandeville that stands as an
excellent example of elitist antebellum architecture built in the Anglo-Creole style
by the wealthy in the mid-1800s.
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Who built the house and when?
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The house was constructed in 1850 by Belgian tobacco merchant Jean Baptiste Lang.
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What are some of the architectural features?
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The house features tongue-and-groove floors, mortise and tenon detailing,
diagonal braces, and faux bois oak finishes.
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What did the original building include?
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The original structure had a double chimney, a wine cellar, slave quarters,
a cistern, and stables, all of which highlighted the wealth of its owner.
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Who manages the museum today?
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The museum is managed by the Old Mandeville Historic Association and is open for
free guided tours.
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What is the museum’s address and contact information?
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605 Carroll St, Mandeville, LA 70448, Phone: 504-723-7714
Where to Eat:
⮕ Savor Gulf Coast Flavors at Pat Gallagher’s 527 Restaurant & Bar
© Pat Gallagher's 527 Restaurant & Bar
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What is Pat Gallagher's 527 Restaurant & Bar?
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Who owns the restaurant?
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The restaurant is owned by chef Pat Gallagher, who brings his extensive culinary experience
to the tables of Mandeville.
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What type of cuisine is served?
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The menu features contemporary New American cuisine, including fresh seafood,
succulent steaks, handmade pasta dishes, crispy salads,
and healthy vegetarian plates.
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What are the restaurant's drink offerings?
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The full-service bar offers a variety of casual and fine wines,
craft beers and brews, and classic cocktails.
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What are the restaurant’s hours?
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Pat Gallagher's 527 Restaurant & Bar is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Friday
and for dinner only on Saturday.
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What is the restaurant's address and contact information?
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527 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville, LA 70448, Phone: 985-778-2820
⮕ If You’re Craving Romantic Italian Dining, Reserve a Table at Nuvolari’s Ristorante
© Nuvolari's Ristorante
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What is Nuvolari's Ristorante?
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Nuvolari's Ristorante
is a warm and welcoming, family-friendly Italian restaurant with a bright dining
room and a charming outdoor patio for alfresco-style dining beneath the stars.
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How long has the restaurant been in operation?
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Established over 33 years ago, Nuvolari's is a locally owned and
award-winning restaurant.
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What type of cuisine does Nuvolari's serve?
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The restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired fare prepared from scratch using fresh,
artisanal, and imported ingredients.
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What are the seating and dining options?
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The intimate indoor seating is ideal for romantic and celebratory dinners,
while the outdoor patio is great for relaxed gatherings with friends.
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What drinks are available?
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The front bar offers a variety of Italian wines, locally crafted beers,
imported brews, and signature cocktails made with imported spirits.
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When is Nuvolari's Ristorante open?
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The restaurant is open for dinner only, nightly.
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What is the restaurant’s address and contact information?
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246 Girod St, Mandeville, LA 70448, Phone: 985-626-5619
⮕ Feast on Classic Fare in a Cozy Setting at Cafe Lynn Restaurant & Catering
© Cafe Lynn Restaurant & Catering
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What is Cafe Lynn Restaurant & Catering?
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What is the restaurant's ambiance like?
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The restaurant features refined décor with warm hues, dark wood finishes,
and soft lighting, creating a romantic ambiance for an unforgettable
fine dining experience.
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What type of cuisine does Cafe Lynn serve?
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The seasonal menus feature regional and French-country cuisine with a Creole touch,
offering dishes such as local seafood, prime steaks,
fresh salads, and daily specials.
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What are some signature dishes?
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Signature dishes include fried Gulf oysters, shrimp, red snapper,
speckled trout, filet mignon au Poivre, pan-seared quail,
and lump crab cakes.
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What beverages are offered?
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A hand-curated wine list features French and Mediterranean vintages, while
classic cocktails are prepared with the finest spirits.
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When is Cafe Lynn open?
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The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Friday and for
dinner only on Saturday.
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What is the restaurant’s address and contact information?
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2600 Florida St, Mandeville, LA 70448, Phone: 985-624-9007
⮕ Enjoy Family-Friendly Italian Dishes at Coscino’s Italian Grill
© Wead/stock.adobe.com
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What is Coscino's Italian Grill?
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Coscino's Italian Grill is a
casual, family-style Italian eatery with a vibrant atmosphere that serves
delicious Italian food and wine and frequently hosts live music.
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What type of cuisine does Coscino's serve?
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The menu features a wide variety of traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes,
including wood-fired New York-style pizzas, handmade pasta and sauces,
tender chicken and veal dishes, and eggplant parmesan.
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What desserts are available?
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Decadent desserts include the famous chocolate shell cannoli and other classic Italian sweets.
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What beverages are offered?
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The bar menu includes easy-drinking Italian wines, imported beers, and a variety of
sodas.
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Does Coscino's offer live entertainment?
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Yes, the restaurant frequently hosts live music, adding to its lively and welcoming atmosphere.
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When is Coscino's Italian Grill open?
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The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, daily.
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What is the restaurant’s address and contact information?
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1809 N Causeway Blvd #3111, Mandeville, LA 70471, Phone: 985-727-4984
If you are interested in local events:
- For Families: Mandeville Live! Concert Series (Spring/Fall) – Free outdoor concerts at the Trailhead with local bands and vendors.
- For Art Lovers: Three Rivers Art Festival (November) – One of Louisiana’s largest juried art festivals, held in nearby Covington.
- For Holiday Cheer: Mandeville Christmas Past Festival (December) – Historic Old Mandeville lights up with festive vendors, music, and cheer.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Mandeville, LA:
- For Big City Adventures: New Orleans (45 min) – Explore the French Quarter, Garden District, museums, and nightlife.
- For Art & Dining: Covington (20 min) – Charming historic downtown with galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.
- For Swamp Tours: Honey Island Swamp (40–60 min) – Take a boat tour through mossy bayous filled with wildlife and folklore.
- For Beaches: Fontainebleau State Park (10 min) – Swim, relax, or rent a cabin at this lakefront retreat.
- For History Buffs: Abita Springs Museum & Trail (25 min) – Quirky roadside attractions and local heritage along the Trace.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Mandeville located?
- Mandeville is a small town with southern charm, located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana's St. Tammany Parish.
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What makes Mandeville a great destination?
- The town is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and rugged wilderness areas, offering a variety of attractions and activities.
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What cultural attractions can visitors explore in Mandeville?
- Mandeville offers art galleries and museums for those interested in cultural experiences.
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What outdoor recreational activities are available in Mandeville?
- Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and mountain biking in one of the nature reserves or state parks in the region.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures, blooming flowers, and ideal outdoor conditions. |
Blue Heron Bed & Breakfast – Cozy accommodations with Southern charm. |
Visit Fontainebleau State Park – Enjoy hiking, picnicking, and beautiful lake views. |
Summer (June-August) – Hot and humid, great for water activities and festivals. |
Comfort Suites Mandeville – Convenient stay near local attractions. |
Explore the Tammany Trace Trail – Bike or walk along a scenic 31-mile rail trail. |
Fall (September-November) – Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and cultural events. |
Abita Springs Hotel – Quaint lodging just a short drive from Mandeville. |
Attend the Mandeville Seafood Festival – Experience delicious local seafood and live music. |
Winter (December-February) – Cool, pleasant weather with festive holiday events. |
Southern Hotel (Covington) – Elegant boutique hotel just minutes from Mandeville. |
Visit Old Mandeville Lakefront – Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy scenic views of Lake Pontchartrain. |
Plan Your Trip