Things to Do in Metairie, Louisiana
Tucked between Lake Pontchartrain’s vast and tranquil waters and the mighty Mississippi River is Metairie, Louisiana—a tourist hub with an Old World charm. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Metairie boasts a rich culture and a colorful history.
Metairie owes its name to a traditional French practice similar to sharecropping. Many of the area’s original settlers were European farmers. Today, Metairie is a bustling metropolis, home to around half a million residents who get to enjoy lakeside parks and the most exquisite Louisiana cuisine.
You will never run out of things to do in Metairie, Louisiana. This city offers adventures at every corner, from carnivals to restaurants. Here’s an itinerary for your next visit to this historic city.
Places and Activities That Await You in Metairie, Louisiana
1. Shop ’til you drop at the Lakeside Shopping Center.
With over 120 boutiques and eateries, Lakeside Center is the ultimate destination for shopping aficionados. This 22-acre strip mall has something for everyone.
The Lakeside Shopping Center houses America’s beloved brands such as Zara, Sephora, and Armani, and you can buy their goods tax-free. If you’d like to take a break from window shopping, you can grab a cup of coffee from one of its many Starbucks nooks, or you can treat yourself at Red Lobster.
It takes less than 20 minutes to get to this international mall from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport or the French Quarter.
2. Take a stroll at Lafreniere Park.
If you’d like to relieve your ears of the mechanical overture of Metairie’s cars and trains, we recommend visiting Lafreniere Park. This verdant sanctuary, which is the city’s largest park, is host to recreational activities like boating, fishing, and picnicking.
Breathe fresh air as you jog through the nature trails, snap some pictures by the gardens and fountains, or enjoy some Frisbee with your dog in the vast, open spaces. You can enjoy Lafreniere Park no matter your age.
The park comes alive during Christmas and other major holidays, where officials hold fireworks displays, complete with music and snack stalls.
3. Cheer for your favorite team at Shrine on Airline.
This stadium hosts major and minor sports leagues year-round, offering luxury amenities like VIP suites and hot tubs. You can try a freshly made Louisiana’s famous Po’ boy sandwich, which consists of roast beef or Cajun seafood stuffed between crispy-thin French bread.
4. Let loose at Fat City.
Fat City is the playground for grownups who want to party all night. Fat City spans an entire boulevard of pubs, bars, and inns with a variety of gimmicks. Enjoy “happy hours” as early as 3 p.m., and play pool games with the locals until dawn. Mingle with barkeeps to ask for their recommendations.
Metairie is a thriving city with attractions big and small. There’s an infinite number of things to do and places to go in Metairie, Louisiana, but we’ve kept the list short to avoid spoiling the many exciting adventures that await you. Visit us to learn more about Metairie and how we contribute to our community!
