Metairie Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Metairie, Louisiana, with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about its local culture, customs, and safety tips, plus find nearby destinations and transportation options.


Comprehensive Guide to Metairie, Louisiana

Located in Jefferson Parish, in Greater New Orleans, Louisiana, Metairie is a bustling city that offers a mix of natural attractions and cultural highlights. Whether you’re a fan of history, outdoor adventures, or delicious food, this city has something for everyone. From must-visit places to hidden gems, here’s our comprehensive guide to Metairie.

Introduction to Metairie

Metairie is a census-designated place in Jefferson Parish and the largest community in the parish. The city is located between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, just west of New Orleans. It’s known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly locals.

List of Places to Visit in Metairie

Metairie boasts a wealth of attractions, including museums, historical places, natural wonders, and more. Here’s a list of must-visit places to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • New Orleans Museum of Art: Located in City Park, this museum houses over 40,000 works of art, including works by famous artists like Degas, Picasso, and Renoir.
  • The National WWII Museum: This museum offers a glimpse into the events of World War II through interactive exhibits and displays.
  • Longue Vue House and Gardens: This historic home and garden features 8 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and a restored 20-room Classical Revival mansion.
  • Destrehan Plantation: This historic plantation home is located just outside of Metairie and offers visitors a glimpse into plantation life in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Natural Attractions of Metairie: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lafreniere Park: This 155-acre park features walking trails, a lagoon, playgrounds, sports fields, and a carousel.
  • Pontchartrain Lakefront: This area offers stunning views of Lake Pontchartrain and is a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and boating.
  • Bayou Segnette State Park: Located just a short drive from Metairie, this park features hiking trails, fishing, canoeing, and camping.
  • Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve: This park offers a chance to explore the region’s wetlands and forests through hiking trails, boat tours, and ranger-led programs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Metairie

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Metairie offers plenty of hiking and biking routes to explore. Some of the best routes include:

  • The Lafitte Greenway: This rails-to-trails path offers a 2.6-mile paved route through the heart of New Orleans and connects to City Park.
  • Tammany Trace Trail: This 31-mile trail runs through several towns on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain and offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding forests.
  • Audubon Park: This park features several paved walking and biking paths, which wind through the park’s gardens and ancient oak trees.

Best Things to Do in Metairie: Activities and Tours

Metairie offers plenty of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Cooking Classes: Learn how to cook Cajun and Creole cuisine from local chefs at the New Orleans School of Cooking.
  • Ghost Tours: Take a spooky walking tour of the French Quarter and hear tales of ghosts and hauntings.
  • Swamp Tours: Experience the natural beauty of Louisiana’s swamplands and learn about the unique ecosystem and wildlife.

Week-Long Itinerary for Metairie

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Metairie, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, followed by lunch at the City Park Cafe
Day 2 Take a cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking, followed by dinner at Galatoire’s
Day 3 Walk along the Pontchartrain Lakefront and enjoy a sunset picnic
Day 4 Explore the National WWII Museum, followed by lunch at Cochon Butcher
Day 5 Visit Longue Vue House and Gardens, followed by a brunch at the Court of Two Sisters
Day 6 Take a swamp tour of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, followed by dinner at Commander’s Palace
Day 7 Relax at Lafreniere Park and enjoy a picnic lunch

Food and Drink Scene of Metairie

Metairie is a food lover’s paradise, with a variety of restaurants serving everything from classic Cajun cuisine to international flavors. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gumbo: This hearty stew made with seafood, sausage, and vegetables is a Louisiana staple.
  • Jambalaya: This one-pot dish features rice, meat, and vegetables, and is often served with spicy Andouille sausage.
  • Po-boys: These overstuffed sandwiches are typically filled with fried seafood, roast beef, or ham and cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Hurricane: This fruity cocktail is a New Orleans classic, made with rum, passion fruit juice, and lime.
  • Sazerac: This cocktail features rye whiskey, bitters, and absinthe, and is often considered the official drink of New Orleans.
  • Coffee with Chicory: This strong coffee is often served with chicory root, which adds a unique bitter flavor.

Where to Stay in Metairie: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Metairie offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious hotels. Some of the top options include:

  • The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans: This luxury hotel is housed in a historic Beaux Arts building and features opulent rooms, a spa, a rooftop pool, and several restaurants.
  • Avenue Plaza Resort: This mid-range hotel offers affordable rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and fitness center.
  • The India House Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel offers dormitory-style accommodations, a communal kitchen, and outdoor courtyard.

What to Buy in Metairie: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home, Metairie offers plenty of options. Some of the best products include:

  • Hot Sauce: Louisiana is known for its spicy cuisine, and hot sauce is a popular souvenir for visitors.
  • Mardi Gras Beads: These colorful bead necklaces are a staple of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration and make a fun souvenir or gift.
  • Pralines: These sugary treats made with pecans and caramel are a Louisiana specialty and make a great gift or snack.

Local Culture and Customs of Metairie

Metairie has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its diverse population of French, Spanish, and African Creole settlers. Visitors should expect to experience a laid-back, friendly vibe and a welcoming attitude toward tourists. In terms of customs, visitors should be aware of the region’s love of spicy cuisine, music, and festivals, as well as its reputation for ghost stories and voodoo practices.

Best Time to Visit Metairie

The best time to visit Metairie is from February to May or from September to November, when the weather is mild and comfortable, and there are plenty of festivals and events to enjoy. The city can get crowded and hot during the summer months, and hurricanes are a risk during hurricane season (June to November).

Do’s and Don’ts of Metairie

To ensure a smooth trip, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Metairie:

Do:

  • Try local cuisine, especially seafood and Cajun or Creole dishes.
  • Attend a festival or event, such as Mardi Gras or the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
  • Take a walking tour of the French Quarter, Garden District, or Bywater neighborhoods.

Don’t:

  • Wear flashy jewelry or carry large amounts of cash, especially at night or in crowded areas.
  • Walk alone after dark, especially in unlit or deserted areas.
  • Disturb graves or engage in voodoo practices without first seeking permission or guidance from reputable practitioners.

Safety and Health

While Metairie is generally a safe destination for tourists, visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety and health. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Metairie

  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unlit or deserted areas.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables hidden.
  • Use caution when driving, as Louisiana has a high rate of traffic accidents.

Health in Metairie

  • Stay hydrated, especially during the hot and humid summer months.
  • Use mosquito repellant to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus.
  • Seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of illness or injury.

Getting to Metairie: Transportation Options and Logistics

Metairie is easily accessible by air, bus, or car. Here are some of the best options for getting to Metairie:

Airports Near Metairie

  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport: This airport is located just 5 miles from Metairie and offers flights from major US and international cities.

Bus Stations Near Metairie

  • Greyhound Bus Station: This station is located in New Orleans, just a short drive from Metairie, and offers bus service to cities throughout the US.

Other Options

  • Train: The Amtrak station in New Orleans offers train service to cities throughout the US.
  • Car: Metairie is located just off I-10 and is easily accessible by car.

How to Get Around in Metairie

Metairie is a walkable city, with several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and attractions. Buses and streetcars are also available for transportation throughout the area. For those who prefer to drive, rental cars are available, but visitors should be aware of traffic congestion and parking regulations.

Where to Go Next from Metairie: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Metairie is located in the heart of Louisiana, making it a great base for exploring the region. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • New Orleans: This vibrant city is located just a short drive from Metairie and offers a wealth of attractions, including the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and the Audubon Zoo.
  • Baton Rouge: This historic city is located just over an hour from Metairie and offers attractions like the Louisiana State Capitol and the USS Kidd Museum.
  • Gulf Coast Beaches: The beaches of the Gulf Coast are located just a few hours’ drive from Metairie and offer beautiful white sand beaches and clear blue waters.

Conclusion

Metairie is a unique and vibrant city that offers visitors a taste of Louisiana’s rich culture and history. From outdoor adventures to delicious cuisine, this city has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Metairie is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

"Sno-ball" shop on Metairie Road; a cool treat on hot days.