When you imagine a romantic getaway in Louisiana, do you think of New Orleans? That was until you visited St. Tammany Parish. Located at the northern end of Lake Pontchartrain, the North Shore is approximately 30 to 45 minutes from New Orleans. The North Shore offers a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, perfect for holidays with children.
Each historic district in St. Tammany Parish has its own unique feel. This is a vacation destination that will suit your needs, allowing you to do as much or as little as you want. Foodies will love the Cajun soul. Outdoor enthusiasts will find solace in the hiking trails and waterways. Art and music lovers will enjoy their senses. Whether you go with a plan or go where the wind blows, the Louisiana North Shore is the place to be.easy escape”
Romantic destination on Louisiana’s North Shore
The Guesthouse on Girod It was our lovely little B&B. The room was bright and dreamy, with a private entrance and parking nearby. We enjoyed the walk to nearby restaurants and shopping. Mandeville has other options such as de la Bleau B&B and Blue Heron B&B. Check out the historic The Southern Hotel and Blue Willow B&B in Covington.
Stroll through the historic neighborhoods of Louisiana’s North Shore
mandeville
I fell in love with this super walkable neighborhood. It is a historic district with a mix of commercial and residential areas. History buffs can scan the QR code to take a historical walking tour of the community. Nothing beats romance in this lovely little town on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.
covington
Covington is home to St. Tammany Parish, so there’s a lot going on. Founded in 1813, this town is home to historic buildings, shopping, and restaurants. It’s home to the Three Rivers Art Festival, held each fall. Arts and entertainment opportunities abound in Covington.
Slidell
Slidell is a hurricane-ravaged town. But the residents got their building back better than before. Their downtown consists of his 10 square blocks lined with historic buildings, antique shops, and museums. Antique enthusiasts will want to attend the Antique District Street Fair in the spring and fall.
Catch a show at Historic Dewdrop Jazz and Social Hall
You don’t have to go to New Orleans to hear good jazz music. Built in 1895, Mandeville’s Dewdrop Jazz and Social Hall is the world’s oldest virtually unaltered country jazz dance hall. The Dewdrop Social and Benevolent Association was founded in 1885 by African Americans to help the community. Currently, Dewdrop hosts approximately 12 shows a year. If the restaurant is full, sit on the premises and listen through the window. Don’t miss the plate dinner at First Free Missionary Baptist Church next door.
Explore Louisiana’s natural beauty
nature trails and parks
Nature lovers, this is for you. We took a walk through Northlake Nature Center in Mandeville. Still, Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve, Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Lacombe, and Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge in Pearl and His River are great spots. Stroll through Fontainebleau State Park, Louisiana’s most visited park. His 2,800 acres on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain are the perfect place for a romantic picnic. To make your stay more comfortable, rent a “glamping” site through Tentrr.
Sunset Kayaking in the Louisiana Bayou
You can’t go wrong with a canoe & trail adventure. We met our guide Matt at Cane Bayou. He was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic! That excursion was a highlight for both of us. Honest advice: Wear pants, long sleeves, and serious insect repellent. You’ll thank me after sunset.
Honey Island Swamp Tour
Cajun Encounters was our guide for a tour of Honey Island Swamp in Slidell. The tour is 2 hours long and the guides are informative and entertaining. At Cajun Encounters, you’re guaranteed to see an alligator, as we cast “gator chow” from the boat. We learned a lot about its diverse ecosystem.
Ski the Tammany Trace
Tammany Trace is the only rail-to-trail conversion in Louisiana. It is 50 miles long and crosses Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Slidell, and Lacombe. The trails are asphalt, so you can walk, run, or roll on them. Bicycle rentals are available at several points along the route. If you want to use the horse trail, there is also a horse trail running parallel to it.
Set sail on Lake Pontchartrain
If you want something more durable than a kayak, Delaune Sailing Charters offers daytime or sunset sailing on Lake Pontchartrain. Cruises are 2.5 hours long and can accommodate up to 6 passengers. Depart from Bayou Castine in Mandeville. For more hands-on sailing, book a sailing lesson. Either way, you’ll get some great views.
Enjoy the taste of Louisiana
craft beer
Abita Springs Brewery offers unique craft beers and sodas. Our server charmed me with Abita Brew Pub’s strawberry lager. After tasting their crawfish mac and cheese, I decided my life couldn’t get any better. We purchased some limited edition beers at a brewery a few miles away. We also offer brewery tours and craft soda tours for a non-alcoholic feel.
Must-see restaurants on Louisiana’s North Shore
please Stop by and dine at Liz’s Where Y’at Diner in Mandeville. The atmosphere is bright and cheerful, and the portions are large and delicious, making Liz very happy. Travel and Leisure readers voted her Liz one of their “Top 10 Diners in the United States” in 2018. Southern Living rated her spot for “unforgettable” brunch in 2023.
Other Mandeville specialties are the neighborhood Rusty Pelican, which serves fried foods, and Pat’s Rest Awhile, which serves great seafood entrees. Pat’s is a restored historic hotel with an upscale look but a 100% casual atmosphere. In Covington, visit LOLA for some truly delicious sandwiches and a dining experience in a restored railroad car. If you’re strolling through Slidell, stop by Roots Plants and Coffee for a bite to eat and unique coffee flavors. It’s a bright, funky space that feels like a combination of minimalist and grandma’s house.
be part of the art
Live music can be found all over Louisiana’s North Shore. Local bars and restaurants host weekly events featuring locals. The warm weather in fall and spring is perfect for music festivals and outdoor concerts in local parks. Bring your dancing shoes to Abita Springs’ Town Hall for monthly live Cajun music. Beginners can take lessons starting at 7:00 pm, and the band starts at 7:30 pm.
Visual arts are also thriving on the North Shore. Explore the town’s galleries and art walks. Theater fans can find impressive community theater productions in Mandeville, Slidell, and Covington. If you’re flexible, plan your trip around big festivals. Choose from the Three Rivers Art Festival in November, the Abita Bhasker Festival in April, or the Slidell Heritage Festival in July.
Famous for its farmers market
If you love strolling through markets for fresh produce and homemade treats, St. Tammany Parish is for you. Folsom, Slidell, Mandeville and Abita Springs have weekly markets, while Covington hosts his twice-weekly market. Abita Springs Market also includes art. Monthly markets include the Lacombe Farmers Market and the Old Town Slidell Art Market.
easy escape to louisiana
Exploring St. Tammany Parish was good for my soul. The towns that make up the North Shore are welcoming and wonderful. The relaxed atmosphere kept us relaxed even when we might have wanted to check off an itinerary on our bucket list. louisiana north shore It’s an easy option if you want to spend a refreshing vacation with your loved ones.
