So, you’ve just touched down at Louis Armstrong International Airport, and you’re likely eager to dive into the heart of the Big Easy. Maybe you’re ready to live out a scene or two from The Princess and the Frog, or take in the beauty of the French-inspired architecture while biting into a powder sugar-covered beignet. After all, New Orleans is no doubt a magical place. But in order to get to the Crescent City, you have to pass through Metairie, an unincorporated area in Jefferson Parish and a suburb of New Orleans. Often seen as just the gateway to its famous neighbor, Metairie has plenty of charm—and if you take some time to explore, you’ll soon see it has its own story to tell.
In the swanky Old Metairie community, 1920s-era homes are a window into the past, while the rest of the neighborhood hums with the energy of modern Metairie. Veterans Memorial Boulevard, a six-lane road cutting through the heart of it all, is lined with a diverse mix of eateries, local retailers, and hidden gems. And when Mardi Gras rolls around, the usually-quiet suburban streets come alive with parades and celebrations.
Whether you’re just passing through on your way to New Orleans or seeking a more relaxed, off-the-beaten-path adventure, this corner of Jefferson Parish is worth a detour. Here are eight things to do in Metairie.
Take In The Scenery At Lafreniere Park
BergmannD / Getty Images
Much of Metairie’s skyline is punctuated by elevated highways and commercial buildings, but if you know the right places, you’ll discover the city has some excellent green spaces. Lafreniere Park, the largest park in Metairie, offers wide-open fields, recreational areas, and even a FIFA-certified professional soccer complex. Along the boardwalk, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and immersive views of Marsh Island, a designated bird sanctuary filled with native vegetation and wildlife. And if you’re visiting during the holidays, don’t miss Christmas in the Park, where you can drive through joyful displays of LED lights for just $15 per vehicle. Afterward, you can explore the park on foot at no additional cost.
lafrenierepark.org; 3000 Downs Blvd, Metairie, LA 70003; 504-838-4389
Have Lunch At Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop
If you find yourself craving Cajun cuisine as soon as you get off the plane, Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop will give you a proper introduction. This award-winning restaurant, just a 10-minute drive from the Louis Armstrong International Airport, knows how to make its guests feel right at home. The menu has just about every Creole comfort food you can dream of, but the star of the show is, of course, the gumbo. Try Chef Ron’s famous creation: the stuffed gumbo, with your choice of protein smothered in gumbo and rice, topped with fried catfish or shrimp. Other favorites are the boudin balls, étouffée, and Italian-inspired dishes influenced by Chef Ron’s heritage.
gumbostop.com; 2309 N Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001; 504-835-2022
Observe Local Talent At The Jefferson Performing Arts Center
Courtesy of Jefferson Performing Arts Center
Most people will recommend a venue in the Big Easy for live shows, but Metairie has its own source of local talent. For an experience slightly more intimate yet equally as grand (and with easier parking), check out the The Jefferson Performing Arts Center. This 1,000-seat venue gets a standing ovation for its state-of-the-art acoustics, elegant design, and diverse programming. From comedy shows and Broadway-style productions to operas, symphonies, ballets, and more, you’ll experience some of the finest performers in southeast Louisiana.
jeffersonpac.com; 6400 Airline Dr, Metairie, Louisiana 70003; 504-731-4700
Catch A Game At Shrine On Airline
If you’ve never been to a Major League Rugby game, you’re in for a treat at the Shrine on Airline. This 10,000-seat, multi-use stadium was formerly known as Zephyr Field, the longtime home of the AAA New Orleans Zephyrs (later renamed the Baby Cakes). It has since traded home runs for scrums as it now serves as the official home turf of NOLA Gold Rugby. No rugby knowledge? No problem! The energy alone is enough to keep you entertained from start to finish.
shrineonairline.com; 6000 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003; 504-547-8500
Watch Sunset At Bucktown Marsh Boardwalk
Courtesy of Visit Jefferson Parish
Experience Louisiana marshes in all their beauty with a stroll along this 1,000-foot hidden gem, situated along the edge of Lake Pontchartrain. Enjoy up-close views of the vibrant ecosystem as you follow informational signs about plants, wildlife, fisheries, and the coast along the way. The boardwalk is open 24 hours, but many locals will tell you the best time to go is in the evening, when the sun sets over the water and casts a mesmerizing golden glow over the marsh.
Dine At Drago’s Seafood Restaurant
© Barbara Rolek
Drago’s, a family-owned establishment since 1969, is so beloved by Louisianians that local potato chip maker Zapp’s even added a Drago’s-flavored chip to its line in 2016. Locals flock to Drago’s for its famous charbroiled oysters—can’t-miss cuisine for anyone just passing through. Fresh oysters are brushed with a garlic-and-herb butter sauce, topped with Parmesan and Romano cheese, and cooked to perfection in their shells over a hot grill. Complement your entrée with one (or many) of the starters and small plates, including Fleur De Li Shrimp, fried gator bites, and crab meat au gratin dip.
dragosrestaurant.com; Metairie Location: 3232 North Arnoult Road, Metairie, LA 70002; 504-888-9254
Experience Metairie’s Mardi Gras
It’s no secret that Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans can get rowdy, so if you’re looking for a tamer, family-friendly celebration, Metairie always delivers. While not as large as the spectacles 10 minutes down the road in the Crescent City, the parades here, like the Alice in Wonderland-themed Krewe of MadHatters, are no less lively. Take in the beauty of creative floats, colorful costumes, and live music from high school marching bands. Depending on when you visit, you might even catch Family Gras, a free, youth-oriented weekend with parades, food, local art, and outdoor concerts on Veterans Memorial Boulevard.
Related: When Is Mardi Gras 2025?
