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  • Day Trip to Jean Lafitte

Day Trip to Jean Lafitte

Jean Lafitte, Louisiana is a small town in the heart of the Barataria Basin, one of the most prolific estuaries in America.

The town was founded and named after the infamous pirate, Jean Lafitte. This coastal community is rich in history and tradition. It hugs scenic Bayou Barataria and Highway 45, which leads deep into the Louisiana wetlands.

The Town of Jean Lafitte's hard-working residents are proud of their unique bayou culture that has endured for centuries and can be seen in its hospitable residents, restaurants and businesses.

Credit Airboat Adventures LLC
Credit Airboat Adventures LLC

Arrrrgh it’s a pirate’s life! Not the typical history lesson or tour…the adventures of the gentleman pirate Jean Lafitte and his band of men come to life as you experience the mysterious terrain of the swamps and wetlands exploring the history of the region at the Lafitte Barataria Museum & Wetland Trace. See the tranquility and mystery of the Wetland Trace Boardwalk. This one-mile raised boardwalk loops through the wetlands of Jean Lafitte. Spot a gator and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Behind the museum, you will find the bridge of The Black Pearl from the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean. Follow that up with a stop at the Visitor Center/Pirate Museum to see an animated marionette exhibit that tells the story of the pirate, Jean Lafitte, and the Battle of New Orleans.

Enjoy authentic Louisiana cuisine as you stop for lunch at Restaurant des Familles located in Crown Point, just outside the Town of Jean Lafitte. Featuring picturesque bayou views, you may just see gators enjoying their lunch too! Part of the Louisiana Oyster Trail, sample oysters on the half shell, charbroiled or deep-fried. A variety of savory dishes and southern cuisine are also available.

After lunch, experience the Louisiana swamps and wildlife like never before! At Jean Lafitte Harbor, learn how to be a Cajun for a day at the Total Cajun Experience! Tour the bayous of Lafitte and experience an educational, interactive, hands-on approach to what it’s like to be a Cajun. Pull up a crab trap, bait and set trout lines, throw a cast net, use a jug line, and possibly spy a gator. After you see how this amazing seafood is caught, go back to the pavilion where one of their in-house chefs will present and prepare the food caught in the bayous in the beautiful town of Jean Lafitte.

Airboat Adventures, located in Lafitte, has excursions that take you deep into the swamps. Hop on one of the leisurely-paced swamp tour boats to get up close and personal with alligators and exotic wildlife not found anywhere else in the country. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, join a charismatic captain on an airboat that glides across some of Louisiana’s most secluded swamps. Needing only inches of water to run in, the high-speed airboats are able to go deep into the swamps. You will be immersed in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world as they take you into bayous lined with moss-draped cypress trees. During your tour, you’ll have opportunities to see alligators, snakes, turtles, egrets, herons and ibis, and possibly see hawks, owls and bald eagles. This is a great learning experience for people of all ages!

We hope you've enjoyed your day exploring off the beaten path. Check out more of our itineraries below!

3‑Day Jefferson Experience
Begin your tour in the west bank community of Westwego; originally a springboard for pioneers headed… Learn More
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Walking Tour of Historic Gretna
Begin your walking tour at the Heritage House Welcome Center, the gateway to Gretna's historic district… Learn More

Jefferson Parish Events

Jefferson Parish, Louisiana is a hot spot for events and festivals!

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Things to Do Outdoors in Jefferson Parish

From adventurous swamp & bayou excursions, to disc golf, kayaking, boating, and fishing, to a relaxing day at the beach, the diverse landscape offers a variety of outdoor fun!

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North Central South

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North Central South

Kenner

Kenner is home to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the City is first to welcome our guests from around the world! Established in 1855, Kenner is a blend of history…

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Metairie, LA

Metairie, Jefferson Parish’s largest community, is located on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain between New Orleans and Kenner.

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Harahan & River Ridge

Harahan was named in honor of James Theodore Harahan, president of the Illinois Central Railroad from Harahan Elementary 1906-1911.

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Avondale

Avondale is located on the West Bank of the Mississippi and is bordered by Waggaman to the west and Bridge City to the east.

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Westwego

Once a passageway for pioneers headed to the Western frontier, Westwego borders some of Louisiana's most picturesque bayous and swamps.

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Marrero, LA

Marrero, on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, is home to the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve.

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Harvey

Harvey is located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River and on the Harvey Canal which is a vital shipping route to the Gulf of Mexico.

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Gretna

As one of Louisiana's largest national historic register districts, Gretna is steeped in history and intrigue.

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Town of Jean Lafitte

Jean Lafitte, founded by the infamous pirate, Jean Lafitte, is a coastal community rich in history and tradition.

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Grand Isle

Welcome to Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island! At the southern end of Highway 1, the seven magical miles of Grand Isle hold all the wonders that Louisiana nature can offer.

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