Louisiana’s Northshore: The Essential Guide

There’s a lot to do in New Orleans, from French Quarter celebrations to Cajun and Creole food, Mardi Gras festivities, and more. New Orleans is a classic Louisiana destination for visitors—but there’s so much more to the Bayou State than the Big Easy.

Louisiana’s Northshore is located just across Lake Pontchartrain. This region, which is often overlooked, has many small towns with a vibrant local culture. You can find out more about it here. Bayou fun, crawfish and Mardi Gras celebrations.

In the 1800s this area was popular with wealthy New Orleanians looking to get away from the yellow fever outbreaks that plagued the city. Northshore is a very popular destination, and it includes many towns in St. Tammany Parish such as Covington Slidell Mandeville Madisonville. The Northshore is a popular destination for locals who want a weekend getaway, and also for visitors looking to get out of the city. But don’t be deceived by the small-town charm—there’s plenty to do here, with historic downtowns full of unique shops, Southern comfort food, as well as 80,000 acres of wildlife areas to kayak, bike, bird, and boat.

Lauren Almquist says that the Northshore is very important to her. Canoe & Trail AdventuresA local company that offers canoe and kajak swamp tours. “We paddle here, swim here and hike here. Most importantly, we raised our kids here.” This area is a nature-oriented place with… two state park, a wildlife refuge, 31-miles of bike path and more.

Find out everything you need about Louisiana’s Northshore.

Best Hotels & Resorts

The Southern Hotel

Covington is the location of this hotel. Southern Hotel It was opened in 1907 to serve the community. In the 1960s, it was closed. The historic property was renovated by new owners and reopened in 2014. Locals and travelers can now enjoy drinks at the lobby bar, which has been transformed into a gathering place. The lobby is accentuated by a tiled staircase, while large arched windows fill the lounge near the bar area with natural light.

Guesthouse in Girod

The heart of Old Mandeville. Guesthouse on Girod The hotel has four suites each with its own private entrance. The front porch makes for a great place to spend lazy afternoons. The property sits one block from Lake Pontchartrain, conveniently close to downtown boutiques and eateries as well as the Tammany Trace.

Blue Heron Bed & Breakfast

You can also find out more about the following: Blue Heron Bed & Breakfast There are two guest suites. Each has a private entry and a large patio with rocking chair, daybed and outdoor curtains. A cozy fire pit is located in the garden. Continental breakfasts can be delivered daily to your room. Almquist’s breakfast quiche is a must-try. She calls it “to die for”.

de la Bleau B&B

The lake is right there. de la Bleau B&B is a new, adults-only bed and breakfast with five suites, each with its own color scheme and décor. Southern charm is completed by the covered balconies and kitchenettes. Weekend breakfasts include banana quiches and pancakes. All shopping, dining and watersports are within walking distance.

The Best Things to do

Kayak on Cane Bayou

Take a kayaking tour of Cane Bayou with local outfitter Canoe & Trail Adventures. Lauren and Chad Almquist paddle from their house to meet you at Cane Bayou. While you glide through the water, you can spot wildlife like alligators. Oftentimes, you’ll have the area all to yourself—it’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans.

Hike Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

Over 18,000 acres of savannahs, bayous, bald-cypress forests and marshes are protected at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife RefugeThe area is a paradise for hiking, birding and exploring. The marshes provide habitat for shorebirds, waterfowl as well as migratory bird species. Almquist explains that the Boy Scout Road Boardwalk Trail overlooks the marsh. It’s an excellent place to capture photos of all the wildlife that you see here.

Spend the afternoon in Olde Towne Slidell

You can find antiques and gifts in the many shops of Olde Towne Slidell, or you can see the works created by artists from the region at the Slidell Cultural Center located at City Hall. Slidell has eight beautiful murals along the historic district. The Mardi Gras Museum in the courthouse contains more than 800 Carnival-themed items, including costumes, goblets, throws, and dresses.

Bike Tammany Trace

Tammany Trace, originally constructed as a railroad corridor, is a 31-mile long hiking and biking trail that winds through Covington’s downtown, Abita Springs in Mandeville, Lacombe in Slidell, and Slidell. It is a popular path for walkers, cyclists and rollerbladers. Rent some wheels Brooks’ Bike Shop, which has locations in Slidell, Mandeville, and Covington, and hit the road—the trail has multiple entry points.

Best Restaurants

Tavi

Enjoy meze, hummus and wood-fired Pitas at TaviThis dish is inspired by North Africa, Lebanon, and the American South. Don’t skip the fried chicken hummus, complete with a crispy yardbird and Aleppo peppers atop creamy hummus—it’s a delicious Southern spin on a classic Mediterranean dish.

Liz’s where Y’at diner

Downhome cooking takes center stage at Liz’s Where Y’at DinerLiz Munson, the owner, buzzes around between tables greeting customers with a warm smile and hug. The restaurant specializes in Creole cuisine, serving only breakfast and lunch. On the menu are egg scrambles as well as biscuits and gravy to die for, po’boys and burgers. I would recommend a side of grits at breakfast and cheese fries at lunch.

Abita Roasting Co. 

Madisonville is located on the Tchefuncte River. Abita Roasting Co. This quaint location is nestled amongst Spanish-moss covered oak trees. Take a seat on the porch to watch the boats floating down the river. You can also order cocktails, smoothies and artisan coffees. Abita serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menu items include beignets, biscuits, chicken and waffles omelets, wraps burgers and salads.

Palmettos in the Bayou

In Slidell, Palmettos on the Bayou This sprawling restaurant is located on Bayou Bonfouca and offers indoor and outdoor seating as well as live music, and a weekend brunch. Palmettos offers a variety of Louisiana dishes, including fried green tomatoes and fried oysters. Alquist says that it’s a real treat to be able to sit in the back patio and listen to the sounds of Bayou at dusk.

Tchefuncte’s restaurant

The Tchefuncte River is visible from the hotel. Tchefuncte’s Restaurant Serving Louisianan and American food made with seasonal, local ingredients. The menu includes boudin eggs rolls, pork belly cinnamon rolls, and Szechuan cashew butter with broccolini and radishes. Mains include Thai basil yellowfin ton and blackened redfish.

The Best Time to Visit

The Northshore, which is less crowded than New Orleans, is a wonderful place to celebrate Mardi Gras. This time of year the Northshore is filled with purples golds and greens. There are many family-friendly events and parades to attend, as well as plenty of king cake.

Almquist said that even if you do not visit for Mardi Gras specifically, springtime can be a “truly magic” time to travel. Wildflowers bloom in abundance, birds still roost in the area and alligators, turtles, and migratory bird are often seen sunbathing in the water. Mark Johnson, the mayor of Covington recommends that you visit in the early fall or late winter, when the weather is cooler.

It is best to avoid visiting the Northshore during the summer months when it can be humid, hot, with a lot of mosquitoes. 

The Best Towns To Visit

Madisonville

Madisonville, located on the Tchefuncte River along the waterfront, has an abundance of maritime history. There are also cute restaurants, and many festivals, such as the annual festival. Krewe of Tchefuncte Mardi Gras Boat parade at Maritime Museum Louisiana Wooden Boat Festival.

Covington

Covington, Louisiana is about one hour and fifteen minutes away from New Orleans. St. John Division, a part of the town, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are also free parking spaces in the town oxlots that date back to when traders would hitch oxen here. Covington is home to more than 25 dining options, as well as boutiques, coffee shops, galleries and other shopping venues. Mark Johnson, the Mayor, said that Covington is a city with incredible food, 100 free concerts per year and two centuries of rich history. 

Mandeville

Mandeville, with its 1.5-mile Lake Pontchartrain shoreline is a community that’s all about the water. It offers fresh seafood, easy access to the lake, and lively dining and shopping options in Old Mandeville. 

How to get there

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the closest major airport. It’s about 35 miles away from the Northshore. The drive to the coast takes around 40 minutes. Hammond North Shore Regional Airport is a good option if you own a small aircraft.

How to Get Around

Northshore isn’t served by public transport. Renting a car is the best option. Taxis and private limousines are also available but they’re expensive and limited. Lyft, Uber, and other ride-hailing services are also available in the area. However, since the area is more rural, it can be difficult to get a car.