Jefferson Parish is diverse in its landscape and communities. Adventure and Experiences abound, a treat for the senses
Jefferson Parish is a diverse community sprawling the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain and ending sixty miles later on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. With a famous city as a neighbor, looking at you New Orleans, Jefferson is an enticing mix of night life, historic districts, coastal cuisine and Mother Nature galore! That means in one day, you could go from experiencing a swamp tour to dining in an authentic Creole restaurant followed by a live music show. In other words: Jefferson Parish has something for everybody. Here, we offer two uniquely Jefferson Parish experiences to help get your trip started.
Get an up-close view of the beauty of Jefferson Parish on a boat. Photos courtesy of Visit Jefferson Parish
Exploring Jefferson Parish Historic Districts
In downtown Gretna, one of Louisiana’s largest national historic register districts, you’ll find plenty of landmark architecture along with history and intrigue befitting an area settled by German immigrants in 1836. There’s the David Crockett Firehouse, the oldest volunteer fire company in the U.S., and its Louisiana Fire Museum. Nearby is the Gretna Blacksmith Shop, which offers live demonstrations. For more time-traveling experiences, head to the Southern Pacific Freight Depot and the Illinois Central Caboose Museum. Don’t miss a visit to the new Heritage House Welcome Center, which is itself a restored historic home dating back to 1840.
Stretch your legs and enjoy the views in a wetland trace.
Jefferson Parish National & State Parks
If outdoor adventures are on your must-do list, then Jefferson Parish is happy to oblige. First there’s Barataria Preserve, one of six sites comprising the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, which includes the 23,000-acre Louisiana Wetland Preserves. Featuring beautiful nature and birding trails, it’s a great place for hiking and canoeing. Then there are the area’s two national state park: Grand Isle and Bayou Segnette. Grand Isle State Park includes the last wild beach in Louisiana along with terrific local fishing, while Bayou Segnette has outdoor activities galore, including camping, boating, fishing, playgrounds and swimming in a wave pool.
Visit Jefferson Parish
Angela Matherne / Angela@visitjeffersonparish.com
