Plan an Outdoor Getaway to Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
A mere 10-minute drive from downtown New Orleans, visitors will find a one-of-a-kind Louisiana vacation in Jefferson Parish. The diverse region is home to an array of premier restaurants and unique shops—and a whole world of outdoor adventures.
From the shores of beautiful Lake Pontchartrain to the mighty Gulf of Mexico, Jefferson Parish offers a 60-plus-mile playground for both on and off-the-water outdoor fun.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation or adventurous getaway, the region has everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors and make lifelong memories.
On-the-Water Adventures
Many vacationers love to visit Jefferson Parish for the area’s wide range of water activities, from enjoying the area’s beaches, to boating, paddling, and taking swamp and bayou tours.
Beachgoing
Get away for a relaxing beach day on the seven miles of pristine white-sand beaches of Grand Isle. Take in the scenic beauty while you swim, fish, sunbathe or stroll along the gorgeous shores.
Swimming
Enjoy a day playing in the splash and riding the surf at Bayou Segnette State Park’s popular wave pool. The pool spans 22,000 sq. ft. and has been a family favorite since the ‘90s. Young children will love the park’s splash pool and slide.
Fishing
If you have an avid angler in your group, they can cast the day away at the 900-ft. fishing pier in Grand Isle State Park—the only pier in Louisiana that extends into the Gulf—or enjoy a day on one of the area’s charter boats and experience some of the best inshore and/or offshore fishing the state has to offer.
Boating
Jefferson Parish is surrounded by lakes, bayous, and the Gulf, making it a prime location for boating. If you brought your own watercraft, there are four boat launches located throughout the parish that are also home to marinas, piers, fishing holes, and more.
Paddling
Love to paddle? Bring or rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board and set out on Jefferson Parish’s many waterways to take in the beautiful scenery and local wildlife. The parish’s three premier paddling destinations include Barataria Preserve, Bayou Segnette State Park, and Grand Isle State Park.
Touring local swamps and bayous
For a signature experience exploring the vast beauty and wonder of Jefferson Parish, touring the local swamps and bayous is a must. Cruise the swamps by airboat, boat, or kayak. Looking for a Total Cajun Experience? Step into the life of a Cajun for a day touring the bayous of Lafitte by boat or airboat.
Outdoor Fun Beyond the Beaches and Waterways
Beyond our parish’s beautiful beaches and thrilling water activities, our coastal communities also offer an abundance of fun attractions and activities to enjoy off the water.
Hiking and birdwatching
Get away from it all and get back in touch with nature hiking and birding along Jefferson Parish’s many trails.
Explore boardwalks and dirt trails in the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Park, where you’ll see a range of wildlife, including alligators and more than 200 species of birds (perfect for the birder in your group!).
Trek along Bayou Segnette State Park’s three-mile nature trail, where you’ll see a variety of local flora and fauna from both swamps and marshland.
Experience the beauty of Lake Pontchartrain with a nature walk along the Bucktown Boardwalk, also a prime birdwatching location, complete with bird blinds and informational signs along the way.
Stroll along Lafitte’s Wetland Trace Nature Boardwalk that winds through 41 acres of wild Louisiana wetlands. Bring Fido along for the adventure as you take in the scenic beauty of marsh plants, like lilies and orchids, and local wildlife.
Biking
Jefferson Parish is a bike-friendly community that is home to two popular trails loved by locals and visitors alike.
Discover new favorite paths along the 60-plus-mile Mississippi River Trail system, consisting of disconnected, paved trails located along the levee banks of the Mississippi River. Visitors and locals’ favorite segment takes riders along 22 miles across three parishes, including Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Charles.
Another fun trail to blaze is the Linear Park Bicycle Path, a 19.4-mile, out-and-back trail that offers scenic views of wildlife.
Camping
Whether you’re looking to tent camp, RV camp, or glamp, Jefferson Parish has just the campsite for you.
Set up camp in a tent or your RV at one of Grand Isle State Park’s 49 campsites—with a nearby bathhouse with running water and an adjacent dump station—or pitch a tent on the beach and enjoy a night under the stars by the Gulf. For a true Louisiana glamping experience, rest your head at one of Bayou Segnette State Park’s 16 floating cabins, located on the canal adjacent to Bayou Segnette, that feature two bedrooms, a full kitchen, living/dining area, and a screened-in porch overlooking the water.
Golfing
Jefferson Parish offers some of the finest golfing in the state.
Test your skills at TPC Louisiana, an award-winning championship golf course situated on 250 sprawling acres that’s home of the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
Or tee off at the luxurious Chateau Golf and Country Club in the beautiful Kenner countryside, a par-72 course that’s been loved by locals and visitors alike for nearly 50 years.
Start planning your outdoor getaway to Jefferson Parish today. Order a FREE copy of the Jefferson Parish Visitor Guide to help you plan your visit, or view the digital guide.