Slidell Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Slidell, Louisiana with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, must-try dishes, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Slidell
- List of Places to Visit in Slidell
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Slidell
- Best Things to Do in Slidell: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Slidell
- Food and Drink Scene of Slidell
- Where to Stay in Slidell: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Slidell: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Slidell
- Best Time to Visit Slidell
- Do’s and Don’ts of Slidell
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Slidell: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Slidell
- Where to Go Next from Slidell: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Slidell
Located in Florida Parishes, Louisiana, Slidell is a small city nestled between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. Known for its charming historic district, Slidell offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or foodie, Slidell has something for everyone. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll show you the best places to visit, top dishes to try, where to stay, and much more.
List of Places to Visit in Slidell
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Slidell Museum
Located in the heart of the city’s historic district, the Slidell Museum showcases the history of the city. From the early days of the Native Americans to the present-day, the museum tells the story of Slidell’s growth and development over the years.
Camp Salmen Nature Park
Located on the edge of Slidell, Camp Salmen Nature Park is a unique natural attraction. With hiking trails, fishing, and picnic areas, you can spend a whole day exploring the park’s beauty.
Natural Attractions of Slidell: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Honey Island Swamp
One of the most popular natural attractions in Slidell, Honey Island Swamp is a pristine wilderness that is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Take a swamp tour and explore the beauty of this unique ecosystem.
Bayou Bonfouca
A beautiful waterway that’s perfect for kayaking, fishing, and other water activities, Bayou Bonfouca is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Slidell
Tammany Trace
The Tammany Trace is a 31-mile hiking and biking trail that runs from Covington to Slidell, passing through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. With plenty of places to stop and explore along the way, the Tammany Trace is a must-do for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Best Things to Do in Slidell: Activities and Tours
Slidell Jazz and Blues Festival
If you’re in Slidell in the spring, don’t miss the Slidell Jazz and Blues Festival. This festival brings together some of the best musicians from Louisiana and beyond for two days of music and fun.
Scenic Boat Tour
Explore the natural beauty of Lake Pontchartrain with a scenic boat tour. You’ll see some of the most beautiful spots in Slidell, and learn about the history and culture of the area.
Week-Long Itinerary for Slidell
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore the Slidell Museum and the historic district |
| Day 2 | Take a swamp tour of Honey Island Swamp |
| Day 3 | Hike the Tammany Trace |
| Day 4 | Kayak or fish on Bayou Bonfouca |
| Day 5 | Enjoy the Slidell Jazz and Blues Festival |
| Day 6 | Take a scenic boat tour of Lake Pontchartrain |
| Day 7 | Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Camp Salmen Nature Park |
Food and Drink Scene of Slidell
Must-Try Dishes
Crawfish etouffee
Crawfish etouffee is a delicious Louisiana dish that’s a must-try when visiting Slidell. Made with crawfish, rice, and a rich sauce, this dish is the perfect comfort food.
Po’ boys
A New Orleans staple, po’ boys are sandwiches made with meat or seafood on a French bread roll. Slidell is home to some of the best po’ boys in Louisiana.
Local Beverages
Abita Beer
Abita Beer is a Louisiana-based brewery known for its delicious and unique brews. From classic beers like Amber and Turbodog to seasonal favorites like Strawberry Lager, Abita has something for everyone.
Hurricane Cocktail
The Hurricane Cocktail is a sweet and fruity drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot Louisiana day. Made with rum, passion fruit juice, and grenadine, this cocktail is a Slidell classic.
Where to Stay in Slidell: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Hampton Inn Slidell
Located near the historic district, the Hampton Inn Slidell is a great choice for visitors who want to be close to all the action. With comfortable rooms and plenty of amenities, this hotel is perfect for families and couples alike.
Woodridge Bed and Breakfast of Louisiana
Looking for a cozy and charming place to stay? The Woodridge Bed and Breakfast of Louisiana is a beautiful guesthouse that offers a home-away-from-home experience.
What to Buy in Slidell: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Traditional Cajun spices
Slidell is known for its delicious food, and Cajun spices are a must-have for anyone who loves to cook. Pick up a bag of traditional spices to bring home and add some Louisiana flavor to your meals.
Mardi Gras Beads
Mardi Gras is a big deal in Louisiana, and Slidell is no exception. Pick up some colorful Mardi Gras beads to bring home and remember your trip.
Local Culture and Customs of Slidell
Slidell has a rich cultural heritage, with strong ties to the Creole and Cajun cultures of Louisiana. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, including the importance of Mardi Gras and the celebration of local food and music.
Best Time to Visit Slidell
The best time to visit Slidell is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter can be chilly.
Do’s and Don’ts of Slidell
Do:
- Do try the local cuisine, especially crawfish and po’ boys.
- Do take a swamp tour and explore the natural beauty of Honey Island Swamp.
- Do bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Do support local businesses by shopping and eating locally.
Don’t:
- Don’t litter or harm the environment.
- Don’t disrespect local customs and traditions.
- Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for hiking and walking.
- Don’t forget to stay hydrated in the Louisiana heat.
Safety and Health
Safety in Slidell
Slidell is a relatively safe city, but visitors should take normal precautions such as locking their car doors and not leaving valuables visible.
Health in Slidell
Visitors should be aware of the high humidity levels in Slidell and stay hydrated. Insect repellent is also recommended to avoid bites from mosquitos and other insects.
Getting to Slidell: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Slidell
The closest airport to Slidell is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which is located about 40 miles away.
Bus Stations Near Slidell
Greyhound offers bus service to Slidell from New Orleans and other nearby cities.
Other Options
Visitors can also take the train to Slidell, with service from New Orleans.
How to Get Around in Slidell
The best way to get around Slidell is by car. Visitors can also rent bikes or take taxis.
Where to Go Next from Slidell: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
New Orleans
Located just 30 miles away, New Orleans is a popular destination for visitors to Slidell. With its world-famous food, music, and culture, New Orleans is a must-see for anyone visiting Louisiana.
Fontainebleau State Park
Located just 15 miles from Slidell, Fontainebleau State Park is a beautiful natural area that’s perfect for hiking, fishing, and camping.
Conclusion
Slidell is a hidden gem in Louisiana, with plenty of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and delicious food. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a cultural experience, Slidell has something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to plan the perfect trip to Slidell and make the most of your time in this charming city.
