If you’re visiting New Orleans, be sure to adventure beyond the parish line and discover the mosaic of chic boutiques, seafood restaurants, and adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures that Jefferson Parish has to offer. Hop in an Uber in Downtown New Orleans, and within 7 to 8 minutes, you’ll find yourself enjoying the exhilarating establishments of this neighboring parish.

In south Louisiana, you are never far from the wildness of the wetlands, and Jefferson Parish provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique wilderness that has shaped the character of the New Orleans area. To experience the native wildlife firsthand, you can whiz through bayous on an airboat expedition or take a more relaxed approach cruising through canopies of cypress trees on a swamp boat tour. Companies who offer tour services often arrange shuttle pickups in the French Quarter which makes travel to the boat landings a breeze. For a list of swamp and airboat tours in Jefferson Parish, visit: www.visitjeffersonparish.com/things-to-do/swamp-and-plantation-tour/.

The extensive network of boardwalks in the Barataria Preserve also enables visitors to capture an up-close look at birds, reptiles, and vegetation as they hike through the lush swampy environment with ease. Admission to the preserve is free, and trails are open daily, though the Visitor Center is only open Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, visit: www.nps.gov/jela/planyourvisit/barataria-preserve.htm.

For those who want to keep their blood pumping, NOLA Motor Sports, located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, is sure to bring an adrenaline rush. At this complex in Avondale, guests have the chance to live out their dreams of drifting as they race friends on a stunning 30-acre go kart track that has up to 80 configurations. For more information on hours and pricing, visit: www.nolamotor.com. 

Avondale is also home to the TPC Louisiana golf course where the PGA hosts the Zurich Classic tournament every April. The TPC course is a perfect facility for a serene morning or afternoon game of golf on its lush, expansive course (www.tpc.com/louisiana/golf).  Chateau Golf & Country Club is an ideal option for golf lovers, as well (www.chateaugcc.com).  

Snagging great retail at a great price is another highlight of the Jefferson Parish experience, and at the top of the shopping list is Lakeside Shopping Center, which lays claim to being the largest and busiest mall in the New Orleans metro. However, the buzz in the area around the mall is equally worthy of noting. The numerous boutiques that encircle the mall broaden the shopper’s experience to include local industry which celebrates the culture and sense of style in south Louisiana.

In addition to the area around Lakeside, Metairie Road has been making a name for itself as the Jefferson Parish equivalent of Magazine Street. Grandfathered-in shops and eateries amongst the quaint Old Metairie neighborhood gives visitors a taste of the ole’ mom-and-pop shop feel while still offering a plethora of modern boutique options.  

Entering Jefferson Parish means greatly expanding your range of dining possibilities, as well. New Orleans is world-renowned for its cuisine and when it comes to fine cooking, the parishes surrounding New Orleans follow suit. In terms of popular steakhouses and seafood restaurants, the parish is home to a Desi Vega’s, Austin’s, Ruth Chris, Drago’s and Deanie’s. There are also the well-known Italian restaurants, Vincent’s and Gendusa’s. If you want more of a neighborhood establishment with quintessential New Orleans fixings, then there’s R & O’s in Bucktown.

In the Westwego area, the large glass windows of Restaurant Des Familles grant diners a spectacular view of the bayou as they enjoy first-rate Cajun cuisine. Segnette Landing is another, more casual, Cajun joint where you can sit out on the porch and watch alligators basking on the bayou banks.

If seafood is your jam, then the Oyster Trail should be where you are headed. This foodie journey celebrates the various renditions of oyster preparations around the parish, such as oysters Bienville, oysters Rockefeller, fried oysters, charbroiled oysters, and so many more.  As a lagniappe—a little something extra—eclectic oyster statues painted by local artists are outside each participating location, commemorating their commitment to oyster excellence! To check out participating restaurants and to download the challenge app, visit: www.visitjeffersonparish.com/restaurants/oyster-trail/.

When it comes to hosting major events, Jefferson Parish seeks to create an atmosphere of hospitality that stretches beyond the Orleans Parish border. Jefferson Parish has much to share with visitors in regards to retail, excursions, and top notch dining experiences, and with over 10,000 hotel rooms and state-of-the-art practice and rehearsal facilities, the parish has also been an important partner in the New Orleans event plans. As the big game day arrives, Jefferson Parish looks forward to welcoming enthusiastic fans with all the warmth one would expect of a New Orleanian neighbor.