Top 15 Things To Do in Metairie, Louisiana

Why Metairie Belongs on Your Gulf Coast Itinerary

Metairie is often written off as a bedroom suburb, but its geography makes it an excellent staging ground for a distinct kind of Gulf Coast adventure—one that folds city comforts into water-first exploration. The lakefront and nearby bayous are not just scenic backdrops; they are active ecosystems and channels for activity. Start the morning with a relaxed city tour through Old Metairie and the commercial corridors, then layer on a walking tour of waterfront parks before making the short drive to a boat tour or an eco tour that pushes you into the marsh.

A single afternoon can accommodate a wide palette of experiences: rent a bike and pedal the levee for sweeping views of Lake Pontchartrain, switch to a kayak for a more intimate route through cypress-lined canals, and end with a dinner boat cruise that converts the skyline into an impressionist painting. For wildlife seekers, guided airboat trips and kayak tours get you close to avian and reptilian residents without disrupting critical habitat; naturalists on eco tours explain seasonal migrations and restoration efforts. Those seeking a different vantage can sign up for air activities—local providers offer scenic flights that compress wetlands, barrier islands and the city into a compact, cinematic landscape.

Practicality is part of Metairie’s appeal. Outfitters here tend to be small, experienced operations that know tidal rhythms and prevailing winds of the Gulf. Bike rental shops, shuttle-friendly boat launches, and downtown pickup points make it easy to mix modes—ride to a launch, paddle a morning, and take a bus tour in the evening. The cultural frame is equally generous: Creole and Southern seafood, late-night po’boys, and neighborhood cafés create a predictable culinary anchor between outings. For travelers who want to balance low-effort sightseeing—city and bus tours, dinner boats—and outdoors-first days—kayak, airboat, and wildlife viewing—Metairie gives a surprisingly complete, compact itinerary without the long drives that many Gulf Coast adventures require.

Access and variety are the strengths: you can swap between land and water activities in an afternoon, and many operators coordinate pickups and rentals for an easy flow between experiences.

Visit with seasonality in mind—milder fall and spring weather suit walking tours and bike rides, while summer invites more sailing, kayak, and dinner-boat evenings but brings higher humidity and afternoon storms.

Choose Your Adventure Level