Things to Do in Metairie, LA
Welcome to Metairie
Metairie sits just west of New Orleans, and while it shares a metro area with one of the most famous cities in the world, it has a personality all its own. Quieter than the city, more spread out, with real neighborhoods where people know their neighbors and local businesses earn their reputations over years, not overnight. It is close enough to New Orleans that you can be in the French Quarter in fifteen minutes, but it has its own restaurants, parks, shops, and community events that make it more than a suburb. It is a place people choose to live. We are proud to call it home. Here are some of our favorite things about the neighborhood we get to be part of every day.
Parks and Outdoors
Lafreniere Park is Metairie's crown jewel: 107 acres of walking and jogging trails, lagoons for fishing, a large playground, disc golf course, covered pavilions, and open green space that fills up with families on weekends. It is the kind of park that a community rallies around. Morning joggers, afternoon dog walkers, weekend birthday parties, and evening strolls around the lagoon. Lafreniere is where Metairie goes to breathe. If you have kids, the playground is excellent. If you want quiet, the far trails along the back lagoon are peaceful even on busy days.
For something different, Bonnabel Boat Launch on the lakefront offers some of the best sunset views on Lake Pontchartrain. Locals bring lawn chairs and coolers and just sit. There is no agenda: just the water, the sky, and good company. It is one of those simple pleasures that reminds you why living near a lake is a gift.
Shopping and Exploring
Lakeside Shopping Center is one of the largest malls in Louisiana, anchored by major retailers and filled with everything from national chains to local boutiques. It is a solid destination for a rainy afternoon or a serious shopping trip. Beyond the mall, the Clearview area and Veterans Boulevard corridor are home to a mix of small businesses, specialty shops, and restaurants that reward a slow drive and a willingness to explore.
Family Fun
Metairie is a family-friendly neighborhood through and through. Coconut Beach Volleyball has sand courts for leagues and casual play. It is a surprisingly fun scene even if you are just watching. There are bowling alleys, mini golf, and movie theaters scattered through the area, plus seasonal festivals and community events that pop up throughout the year. It is the kind of place where there is always something to do with kids on a Saturday, even if it is just riding bikes to the park and getting snowballs on the way home.
Close to New Orleans
One of the best things about Metairie is the proximity to New Orleans without the hassle of living in the city. The French Quarter is about fifteen minutes away. The music, the culture, the nightlife, the festivals, all of it is right there. But when the night is over, you come home to quiet streets and easy parking. For visitors, Metairie makes a great home base. Hotels tend to be more affordable, parking is free at most businesses, and you are a short drive from everything the city has to offer.
History and Culture
Metairie Cemetery is one of the most visually stunning cemeteries in the New Orleans area, and that is saying something in a region famous for its above-ground tombs. Elaborate monuments, historic family crypts, and tree-lined paths make it worth a visit even if you are not a history enthusiast. Longue Vue House and Gardens is another gem: eight acres of beautifully maintained gardens surrounding a historic home that is open for tours. And the Pontchartrain Center hosts events, expos, and shows throughout the year, bringing everything from trade shows to concerts to the Metairie community.
The Food
And then there is the food. Airline Drive alone could keep you eating for weeks: a corridor of mom-and-pop restaurants spanning Vietnamese, Honduran, Mexican, soul food, seafood, and everything in between. Beyond Airline Drive, Metairie has legendary spots for charbroiled oysters, beignets, fried seafood, and more. We put together a full guide to the best food in Metairie if you want to explore the scene in detail. And if you are curious about what makes the Japanese-Cajun fusion approach a little different from everything else on the strip, we wrote about what makes Yami special too. But honestly, the best thing to do is just drive down Airline and follow your nose. And if you are hungry after exploring, we would love to feed you. Stop by Yami on Airline Drive for hibachi, poboys, or sushi.