Need a laid-back day trip or weekend escape near New Orleans? Head to Metairie! Enjoy scenic parks, family-friendly attractions, lively Mardi Gras celebrations, and amazing local dining. Whether you’re seeking nature, culture, or classic Louisiana flavors, Metairie offers a fun, easygoing experience just minutes from the city.
Metairie, LA Highlights:
- Lafreniere Park: Explore trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, a carousel, and a scenic lagoon in this sprawling urban park.
- Lakeside Shopping Center: Shop at top retailers, dine, or relax at one of Louisiana’s largest and most popular malls.
- Airline Skate Center: Family-friendly roller skating rink with a retro vibe and fun music nights.
- Metairie Cemetery: Stroll among grand tombs and beautiful sculptures at one of the area's most historic cemeteries.
- Fat City: Discover Metairie’s dining and nightlife hub, with diverse restaurants, bars, and live music.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Metairie is during spring (February–May) and fall (October–November). Pleasant weather and vibrant events like Mardi Gras parades make these seasons especially exciting.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: Metairie is easily accessible via I-10, located about 10–15 minutes from downtown New Orleans.
- By Air: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is only a 10-minute drive from Metairie.
- By Bus: Jefferson Transit (JeT) and Regional Transit Authority (RTA) buses connect Metairie to greater New Orleans.
Where I like to stay
- New Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway – Upscale hotel with lakeside views, spacious rooms, and quick access to downtown.
- Sheraton Metairie–New Orleans Hotel – Comfortable accommodations close to Lakeside Shopping Center and I-10.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Metairie – Budget-friendly option with a pool, free breakfast, and family-friendly amenities.
Best Things to Do
1. Unwind in Nature’s Playground at Lafreniere Park
One the last large bit of undeveloped acreage within the East Jefferson area, Lafreniere Park is now a thriving, lush, natural green space for both local residents and visitors alike to enjoy in Metairie, Louisiana. The park today consists of softball and soccer fields, a carousel, a championship disc golf course, an ecological marsh environment, a conference center, nature trails, tot-lots, fishing spots, boating, landscaped gardens, picnic areas for families, fountains, multi-use lawns, and open green spaces. A children’s spray park, additional picnic shelters, a labyrinth, and a dog park are in the works at Lafreniere Park as well.
3000 Downs Blvd, Metairie, LA 70003, Phone: 504-838-4389
2. Shop, Stroll, and Splurge at Lakeside Shopping Center
The Lakeside Shopping Center is a shopping mall found along Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie. Originally opened in March of 1960, the Lakeside Center is the first regional mall in the area of New Orleans, as well as one of the busiest and largest shopping malls within the New Orleans metropolitan area. Boasting the Kids’ Castle area and over one hundred and twenty retail shops and restaurants, the Lakeside Shopping Center is anchored by Zara, JCPenney, Macy’s, and Dillard’s. The mall is typically open Monday to Saturday from 10:00am until 9:00pm and Sundays from noon until 6:00pm.
3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002, Phone: 504-835-8000
3. Catch the Excitement at the Shrine on Airline
The Shrine on Airline is a baseball stadium turned also now rugby stadium in the New Orleans suburb of Metairie, Louisiana. This stadium, which is able to seat up to ten thousand spectators, was formerly the home field of the area’s minor league New Orleans Baby Cakes baseball team, formerly known as the New Orleans Zephyrs. Amenities at the Shrine on Airline include the Metairie Bank Home Run Porch, the Coors Light Party Shack, two hot tubs, a swimming pool, sixteen VIP luxury suites, and concessions, including Cajun favorites like pigskin nachos, po’ boy sandwiches, muffulettas, and fried catfish.
Metairie, LA 70003, Phone: 504-734-5155
4. If You Love History, Visit the Camp Parapet Monument
The Camp Parapet Monument just outside of Metairie in Jefferson, Louisiana is a fortification dating back to the Civil War. The fort was made up of a defensive line of the Confederacy around one and three-fourths mile in length, extending from the Mississippi River to the Metairie Ridge. Camp Parapet was built to protect New Orleans from an attack by Union forces coming from upriver. The Union fleet, however, took New Orleans by sailing in insead from below, resulting in the fort never being used. Visitors today can explore what’s left of the Camp Parapet Monument, mainly the powder magazine.
2801 Arlington St, Jefferson, LA 70121, Phone: 504-888-9770
Where to Eat
5. Savor Fresh Catches at Station 6 Seafood & Oyster Bar
Station 6 Seafood & Oyster Bar is owned and operated by Drew Knoll and Alison Vega, a veteran New Orleans restaurateur and chef. The Bucktown seafood specialist offers oysters, as well as a modern take on several Southern-inspired dishes, such as wildcat fish ‘n’ chips, tuna with choupique caviar and jicama, and pompano topped with curried brown butter with asparagus. Other dishes include Louisiana crab cake with 6 sauce, grilled salmon tacos, lamb burgers and other fresh fish specials. The dining room features a modern, simple design, providing a laid-back atmosphere that extends outdoors to the covered patio with its lounge-style couch seating.
105 Metairie-Hammond Hwy, Metairie, LA 70005, Phone: 504-345-2936
6. Dig Into Cajun Favorites at Bobby Hebert’s Cajun Cannon
Bobby Hebert's Cajun Cannon is a one-of-a-kind sports-themed eatery in Metairie, Louisiana. Combining the culture of authentic Louisiana food and the sports culture of the state, Bobby Hebert created a restaurant venue that would appeal to both foodies and sports fans alike. THe menu at Cajun Cannon features an extensive variety of options, such as steaks, pastas, fried and blackened seafood, po’boy sandwiches, burgers, jalapeno alligator bites, crab cakes, and more. The “Thibo’Beaux’ Burger,” which consists of seven patties, is famous here for offering an ultimate challenge for anyone wanting to join the Hall of Fame of burger eaters.
4101 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002, Phone: 504-324-6841
7. Indulge in Classic Italian Flavors at Vincent’s Italian Cuisine
Established in 1989, Vincent's Italian Cuisine was founded by Vincent Catalanotto, a New Orleans native from a close and large Sicilian family. Vincent developed an appreciation for and love of food from his parents, both great cooks, from an early age. He spent much of his life in the restaurant industry, which helped fuel his passion for restaurants while letting him hone his cooking skills. His restaurant, Vincent's Italian Cuisine, soon became a hidden gem of Metairie, known as “the little Italian place on the side street.” The menu features the signature Corn and Crab Bisque and the Veal and Spinach Cannelloni.
4411 Chastant St, Metairie, LA 70006, Phone: 504-885-2984
8. If You Crave Sweet Tradition, Treat Yourself at Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde originally began in the French Market of New Orleans back in the year 1862, which continues today as the Original Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stand. The coffee shop’s menu features fresh squeezed orange juice, dark roasted coffee, chicory, and cafe au lait. However, Cafe du Monde is famous more for its beignets, which are French-style doughnuts covered with a good amount of powdered sugar. The Metairie location of Cafe Du Monde on Veterans Memorial Boulevard is open Sunday to Thursday from 6:00am until 11:00pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00am until 1:00am.
4700 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006, Phone: 504-888-9770
My favorite local events:
- Metairie Mardi Gras Parades (February–March) – Family-friendly parades with floats, throws, and festive fun along Veterans Memorial Boulevard.
- Family Gras (February) – Free outdoor festival featuring live music, food, art markets, and family activities celebrating Mardi Gras season.
- Lafreniere Park Christmas in the Park (December) – Magical drive-through holiday light display with animated scenes and music.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Metairie, Louisiana:
- New Orleans French Quarter (15–20 min) – Experience world-famous architecture, cuisine, and music in this historic neighborhood.
- City Park, New Orleans (20–25 min) – Explore a massive park with botanical gardens, an art museum, and paddleboat rentals.
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (25–30 min) – Take swamp tours, hike scenic trails, and learn about Louisiana’s natural and cultural history.
- Audubon Zoo and Audubon Park (20–25 min) – Visit lush animal exhibits and picnic under massive oak trees in Uptown New Orleans.
- Old Metairie (10–15 min) – Wander charming residential streets, enjoy boutiques, and dine at locally loved restaurants.
- Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (10 min) – Drive or bike across the world’s longest continuous bridge over water for epic lake views.
Plan Your Trip