Things to Do in Metairie Louisiana: A Guide to Exploring the Hidden Gem of the South

Are you seeking for a fun and distinctive place to visit in the South? Metairie, Louisiana, is the only place to go! This undiscovered treasure, located just outside of New Orleans, offers an alluring fusion of southern culture and charm, making it the perfect place to begin any expedition.

Metairie has a lot to offer, even though it might not be as well-known as some of the other communities in Louisiana. There are many fascinating activities and sights that are sure to please, whether you’re a history or culture fan.

Come along as we explore the top things to do in Metairie, Louisiana. Everything you need to know about this amazing place, from the must-see locations to the most exhilarating activities to attempt, will be covered in our in-depth guide. So gather your belongings and let’s go exploring!

Whatever your hobbies, there are a ton of fascinating things to add to your agenda if you’re planning a trip to Metairie, Louisiana. This city offers everything, from taking in the great outdoors to immersing oneself in art. These are the top two sights you shouldn’t miss:

Lafreniere Park: The Best of Nature
Lafreniere Park is a great spot to get away from the city and re-establish a connection with nature. This 155-acre park offers playgrounds, walking trails, and even a tranquil lake where paddleboats may be rented. This park offers activities for everyone, whether you want to enjoy a leisurely stroll or work up a sweat with some exercise.

Besthoff Sculpture Garden: An Outdoor Masterpiece
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t pass up the chance to visit the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. This outdoor exhibition, which is situated on the grounds of the New Orleans Museum of Art, features more than 60 magnificent sculptures. Spend some time admiring the distinctive pieces of art and taking in the serene surroundings.

Explore Metairie Cemetery’s Wonders
The Metairie Cemetery is not your typical cemetery. Numerous well-known people, including Confederate soldiers, politicians, musicians, and others, are buried in this historic cemetery. There are guided tours available to educate you on the cemetery’s rich history if you’re interested in learning more.

Enjoy the Flavors of Regional Food
It is hard to leave Louisiana without indulging in some of the distinctive flavors of the regional cuisine, and Metairie has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. There is no shortage of mouthwatering eateries to pick from, whether you’re in the mood for savory Cajun or delectable Creole food.

Get Your Shopping On at Lakeside Shopping Center
The best place to go if you want to indulge your shopping urges is Lakeside Shopping Center. This mall offers an unmatched shopping experience that suits all interests and preferences with a wide assortment of over 120 stores.

Discover the Swamps
Consider going on a swamp tour to experience Louisiana’s natural beauty for a truly unique experience. Alligators, snakes, and other intriguing species can be seen up close on expert-guided expeditions that explore the wetlands and bayous surrounding Metairie, which are offered by a lot of tour organizations.

Take Advantage of Metairie’s Nightlife
Even though Metairie is a tiny city, there is plenty of nightlife there. There are plenty of entertainment options to spend a night out on the town, whether you like relaxed bars or raucous nightclubs.

At Bayou Metairie Park, relax
Bayou Metairie Park, a tranquil haven perfect for relaxing and taking in breathtaking vistas, is tucked away in Metairie. This park is the ideal place to spend a quiet afternoon in nature because it has a playground, walking trails, and a lot of open space.

Investigate Metairie’s History on Foot
Join a historical walking tour to learn more about Metairie’s unique past. Many tour operators provide expert-led excursions to see the city’s important locations, including the Metairie Cemetery and Old Metairie. Learn about the city’s founding and its role in the colorful history of Louisiana.

Join the Celebrations
Metairie is known for its exuberant celebrations and is a hotbed of festivities. Attend one of the various festivals held in Metairie to learn about the vibrant culture of Louisiana. Examples include the musical Family Gras in February and the seafood-focused Bucktown Seafood Festival in September.

Support the home team.
A trip to the Shrine on Airline is essential for sports fans. The Miami Marlins’ minor league baseball team, the New Orleans Baby Cakes, play their home games in this stadium, which provides sports fans with an exhilarating experience.

Discover the Wildlife of Louisiana
If you want to learn more about the state’s indigenous fauna, you must go to the Louisiana Nature Center. Learn about the habitats and behaviors of alligators, turtles, and other fascinating animals while getting up close and personal with them.

In Lake Pontchartrain, cast a line
If you love to fish, visit Lake Pontchartrain for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. To give anglers of all skill levels the chance to reel in some of the lake’s numerous fish species, a number of charter businesses in Metairie offer guided fishing trips.

Visit Destrehan Plantation and Travel Back in Time
Visit the historic Destrehan Plantation, an important site in Louisiana’s colonial past, by taking a short drive from Metairie. Visitors can take advantage of guided tours to see the spectacular antebellum architecture and learn about the former residents of the estate.

Experience Louisiana’s Beautiful Nature
The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is located south of Metairie and is the perfect place for anyone looking to enjoy Louisiana’s breathtaking natural surroundings. A visitor center, boardwalks, and hiking paths are available for an outdoor adventure-filled day.

Discover the secrets of Louisiana cooking.
A cooking class in Metairie is a great way for foodies to learn about the tastes and culinary methods that make Louisiana cuisine so unique. Learn the secrets of Cajun and Creole cooking by enrolling in a class with one of the many businesses that provide cooking instruction.

Participate in the Mardi Gras Parades
Although New Orleans may be the Mardi Gras city with the most legendary reputation, Metairie is a great place to celebrate the Carnival season. Attend the vivid parades put on by several krewes, such as the Krewe of Caesar or the Krewe of Isis, to take in the vibrant and merry Mardi Gras atmosphere.

Learn about St. Louis Cemetery No. 3’s history.
The St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 in New Orleans, just outside of Metairie, is a fascinating location for people interested in history and architecture. It provides a special look into the city’s past with magnificent tombs and burials.

Set Off on a Gorgeous Golf Course
If you like to play golf, Metairie offers a number of opportunities for you to hit the links and take in the breathtaking surroundings. Both the City Park South Course and the Metairie Country Club provide fantastic views and difficult greens, so play a round at one of them.

Sunbathe at Gulf Coast Beaches
The beaches of the Gulf of Mexico are only a short drive from Metairie for anyone looking to unwind and take advantage of the pleasant weather. You can locate your ideal beach on the Gulf Coast, whether you’re seeking for a quiet place to read a book or a fun beach party scene.