Just 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans, you’ll find some of Louisiana’s most picturesque wetlands and a true slice of Cajun life. Wrapped around New Orleans, a mystical city steeped in history, culture and night life is Jefferson Parish. Truly a sportsman’s paradise, Jefferson abounds with recreational and nature watching opportunities.

Swamp Tours

Enter a world of timeless beauty amongst moss-covered Cypress trees on one of the many popular swamp tours. Catch a glimpse of an alligator while zipping through marshland on an airboat, or charter a fishing boat from one of the many local marinas. Jefferson boasts some of the top fishing spots in the United States, home to hundreds of species of fish. Some of the oldest fishing rodeos in the country are held annually in these waters.

Birds & Parks

Bird enthusiasts will delight in the great number of species that grace the landscape of one of the best bird watching spots in the nation. In fact, Queen Bess island off the coast of Grand Isle is the nesting site for the once almost-extinct brown pelican, Louisiana’s state bird. Another interesting bird sanctuary is that of the purple martin. Year after year, they flock to the beautiful shores of Lake Pontchartrain for their annual nesting ritual.

Water Sports & Settings

Water sports such as boating, sailing, jet skiing, and water skiing abound on Lake Pontchartrain and the many other waterways of Jefferson. The beaches of Grand Isle along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico offer great spots for swimming, fishing, crabbing, picnicking and even camping. If camping on the beach is a little too primitive, Bayou Segnette state park offers quaint cabins, nestled in the natural beauty of Louisiana’s swamp lands.

Sports and Culture

Sporting and cultural activities go on year round in Jefferson Parish. For a day of All-American family fun, take in a ball game at Zephyr stadium, home to our very own AAA baseball team. Or take a front row seat at the Alario Center on the Westbank for world-class sporting events.

Fine Arts

The Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) offers a variety of classical, contemporary, as well as original theatrical productions sure to entertain the entire family.

Museums

If you miss Mardi Gras, you can see carnival year round at Rivertown’s Mardi Gras Museum. From blacksmith shops to the Saints Hall of Fame Museum, there is something for everyone. Visit Rivertown’s Daily Living Science Center, an interactive look at modern science including a life-size prototype of the NASA Space Station. Or take an amazing step back in time in Gretna at the Davey Crockett fire museum and the historic Louisiana Railroad Museum.

Food & Festivals

Festivals are another way to "pass a good time" in Jefferson Parish. If there is something to celebrate, there is a festival for it. From seafood to citrus, there’s no end to the music, food and fun. With something for everyone, Jefferson Parish offers a unique opportunity to experience recreation, culture and entertainment.