Explore Metairie, Louisiana: A Guide to the City’s Best Attractions
Are you a Louisiana local looking for a fun, new destination for a day-trip outing? Or perhaps you are searching for activities for your family during the upcoming holidays? If so, look no further than Metairie – a beautiful city full of all sorts of exciting attractions to explore. With something for everyone, Metairie offers visitors the chance to enjoy unique restaurants, outdoor activities, and, of course, Louisiana culture.
Metairie is a suburb of New Orleans located across the Mississippi River and is the largest community in Jefferson Parish. It is known for its numerous family-friendly attractions and its large variety of local restaurants and businesses.
Welcome to Metairie
Welcome to Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans located in the heart of Jefferson Parish. Metairie is considered one of the top places to live in the US for its high quality of life and friendly people. With beautiful beaches and lush parks, sprawling shopping malls and grandiose casinos, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re just visiting or settling down, Metairie offers something for every lifestyle.
The local climate here is hot and humid but with a steady breeze blowing across Lake Pontchartrain that keeps things comfortable year-round. It’s not often too cold here either, so no matter what time of year it is you can always explore the outdoors! The summers are long but milder than most places in Louisiana, which makes them ideal for leisurely outdoor activities like boating, fishing, swimming, or biking.
Metairie also enjoys four distinct seasons each year with ample rain during the fall and spring months to keep plants and lawns looking lush. With stunning weather all year round, it’s no surprise that residents take full advantage of their outdoor activities no matter the season!
While the attractions may vary season to season, there’s plenty to explore in this vibrant city whatever the weather may bring.
The Climate in Metairie
Metairie is no stranger to the changing seasons. Located in Southeast Louisiana, the climate in Metairie ranges from mild winters to hot and humid summers. The average temperature hovers around 80 degrees with days as humid as 98% humidity. While the heat can be considerable, locals often welcome it, seeing it as one of the defining sociological elements that makes their city special. Most of us can’t forget the days of sweltering Louisiana summers growing up, which is why many of us take great pride in our climate that can sometimes be intense for outsiders.
But just because it gets hot doesn’t mean there aren’t more mild months during the year. Spring and fall are perfect occasions to head out into nature or explore Metairie’s outdoor attractions with temperatures ranging from mid-50s to mid-70s, allowing visitors to take advantage of all the city has to offer without facing its typically oppressive levels humidity. These months also give some respite from the oppressive summer sun while still reveling in balmy temperatures.
For those seeking a more variety out of their experience in Metairie, think outside of the traditional individual seasons and instead focus on Louisiana’s characteristic changes throughout an entire year. Whether you’re a local looking to finally enjoy your home or a tourist looking for a unique experience, there is plenty for everyone to discover about our city by taking advantage of the temperature fluctuations that define our culture and make our city attractive.
Celebrating the Culture in Metairie
Metairie, Louisiana is a vibrant city with a rich culture dating back to its founding in 1860. Celebrating this heritage has been an important aspect of the city’s identity, evidenced by its many festivals and attractions. It’s easy to see why Metairie residents and visitors alike value the city’s lively culture.
The most iconic celebration is Mardi Gras, when the whole town bustles with parades, parties, and music. Revelers can also explore the small district of Fat City which has become a popular spot for nightlife. There are also many specialty restaurants, bars, music venues, shops, and galleries that make up Metairie’s unique local flavor.
For those interested in traditional artisanship, there is a thriving community of copper smiths, woodcarvers, weavers, and potters that demonstrate many of their craft methods at The Metairie Museum of Art. Here one can appreciate how history has shaped the unique culture of Metairie as displayed through artwork. Lastly tourists and locals alike can learn more about the diverse cultures at Metairie’s Center for World Culture. The center offers courses and lectures on the global history of New Orleans that provide insight into its various cultural influences.
Whether they are looking to explore traditional crafts or experience the festivities of Mardi Gras, Metairie holds several attractions that allow visitors to explore and celebrate its vibrant culture.
Festivals & Attractions
Each year the city of Metairie celebrates its unique culture with a variety of festivals, events and attractions that make it such a wonderful place to live and visit. From Mardi Gras parades that captivate the entire city to outdoor markets and art fairs, there’s something for everyone in Metairie. Especially popular is the annual Jazz & Heritage Fest that has been running since 1970. This week-long extravaganza captivates locals and tourists alike with an array of musical acts, food vendors and local artist showcases.
Not only is there plenty to see and do in the city but Metairie is home to some of Louisiana’s most renowned attractions including Wetland’s Water Park, which features water slides, wave pools, zip lines and more. Additionally, visitors can experience the excitement of local sporting events including Saints football games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome or try their luck at any one of the nearby casinos.
Endless entertainment awaits in Metairie no matter what time you decide to visit. But if you’re looking for something even more special, you may want to dive into the city’s deep roots by exploring its historic past.
The History of Metairie
Metairie, Louisiana has been providing locals and visitors with a wealth of attractions and culture since the 19th century. Getting its start as an agricultural hub in the parish of Jefferson, Metairie quickly rose to prominence in the latter half of the 1800s after many newly arriving railroad tracks were built through the area. This newfound infrastructure allowed Metairie to develop into a rapidly growing town which included the construction of many large homes and businesses; it was also at this time that churches and schools began cropping up in Metairie’s vicinity.
As the years passed, more transportation routes were built, including bridges, ferries, and waterways; all of which increased the means by which goods could be transported throughout Metairie and surrounding areas. Currently these transportation options are utilized for both convenience and leisure purposes, allowing tourist to traverse the city with ease. The development of this infrastructure set in motion a series of events which would eventually see Metairie transition from an agricultural center to one of cultural significance.
In modern times Metairie is recognized for both its festivals and educational opportunities. However, it’s important to remember that at its core Metairie remains deeply rooted in its fascinating history; a history which contains stories unique not only to its population but also to those who visit year-round for work or play. As we now shift our focus onto exploring other aspects of Metairie keep this grounding knowledge close: no matter what corner of the city you find yourself in, you’re surrounded by a nearly two-century long legacy worth remembering and celebrating.
Exploring the Suburbs of Metairie
Exploring the suburbs of Metairie is an exciting way to further appreciate the history and culture of this unique city. Less visited than the historic downtown core, they offer charming vistas that give a sense of the life that has existed here for centuries.
The prevailing attitude in recent years is one of urban growth into these more rural areas, and many people worry about the changing character of Metairie’s outskirts. On the one hand, development offers access to jobs, amenities, and services that attract both residents and business owners. It would also bring new tax revenues to support economic growth and aid improvement in infrastructure such as roads. On the other hand, urban growth can mean displacement from traditional homelands for people who have lived there for generations. The loss of farmland or wetlands can be detrimental to ecosystems and potentially cause localized flooding.
Ultimately, the decision about whether to encourage or limit growth in Metairie’s suburbs will depend on community values, goals for future development, and concerns about sustainability. These are important factors for all residents to consider—including those already rooted in the area and newcomers alike—as we work together to preserve what makes Metairie so special while also growing our city in a responsible way.
As we turn our attention now to our present day community of both long-term residents and newcomers living and working together, it’s clear that certain things have remained unchanged: vibrant neighborhoods, friendly people, good food, and a deep commitment to preserving Metairie’s place as a beloved destination both inside Louisiana and beyond.
Residents & Businesses
Metairie is one of the most dynamic and growing municipalities within the Greater New Orleans area, boasting a diverse population in terms of ethnicity, income level, and age. With such a wide range of citizens and businesses, it’s no wonder that Metairie has been so successful in establishing itself as an attractive place to live, work, and play.
Residents and businesses of Metairie enjoy conveniences such as excellent schools, a thriving business district, and an abundance of recreational activities. These amenities are just the beginning of what sets Metairie apart from other suburbs and they can be attributed directly to the residents’ commitment to creating a desirable environment for all. Eager entrepreneurs have flocked to the city, opening up new stores, restaurants, and other small businesses that are providing jobs and taxation revenue for the region. The presence of these small businesses also helps promote economic growth by providing additional competition between stores as well as competitive pricing on products and services.
Additionally, Metairie residents appreciate having plenty of transportation options available to them. While car ownership rates remain higher than other cities in Louisiana, city buses provide access to nearby areas such as downtown New Orleans or the Northshore. And with plans for expanding public transportation services underway, Metairie might soon become a bustling hub for travel throughout Louisiana.
As Metairie continues its march into the future, so does its commitment to both its residents and businesses alike. While evidence shows that this support has led to positive outcomes in terms of economic development and quality of life, the next step is making sure that those improvements are equitably shared among all segments of the population. Fortunately, with initiatives like cultivating creative entrepreneurship among young people and advocating for affordable housing projects taking hold in Metairie, it looks like a brighter tomorrow is on its way — one made possible through collaboration between citizens and local leadership alike.
From enjoying its suburban ambience to engaging in progressive community initiatives — it’s no surprise that both residents and businesses find great value in being part of Metairie.
Transportation in Metairie
Transportation in Metairie provides easy access to the city’s major attractions. For residents and businesses, having reliable transportation is a crucial factor in daily life and visitors of the area are no exception. With two convenient airports located just minutes away, travelers can easily get to their destination quickly and safely.
One of the main advantages of living or visiting Metairie is its proximity to Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. The airport boasts an impressive array of domestic and international flights, making it an excellent option for anyone needing to travel. It’s only about twenty minutes from downtown Metairie, making it one of the most convenient airports in the Gulf South Region. Additionally, a new light rail system is planned to connect Metairie with both the airport and downtown New Orleans within the next few years.
For those looking for a more localized option, Lakeshore Municipal Airport is another convenient solution for regional transportation needs. Located right on the lakefront, this municipal airport offers direct flights to a variety of destinations within Louisiana and neighboring states. Shuttle services are available to bring visitors back and forth from their accommodations while they take advantage of all that Metairie has to offer.
Reliable public transportation is provided by Jefferson Transit which serves much of the area including Kenner, Harahan, River Ridge, Uptown New Orleans, Independence, and Old Metairie as well as other cities on either side of Lake Pontchartrain. The buses run daily at regular intervals allowing visitors to reach their destinations quickly and conveniently without having to worry about driving around unfamiliar roads. Taxis are also available throughout the area if someone is seeking a more personalized transportation experience or have missed the bus schedule for any reason.
Overall, there is no shortage of transportation options for those visiting or residing in Metairie. Whether seeking airport commuting convenience or more localized trip options with other cities nearby, there are multiple choices readily available that make navigating around this thriving city easy and enjoyable.
Most Common Questions
Are there any special cultural events or festivals celebrated in Metairie, Louisiana?
Yes! Metairie, Louisiana is home to a variety of exciting annual festivals. Every year the city celebrates Mardi Gras with a colorful parade through the streets of Metairie. Every spring the city also hosts Jazz Fest, a four-day celebration of jazz music and culture. Additionally, every July the city celebrates Cajun Fest, featuring zydeco music and traditional Cajun cuisine. Other highlights include the annual Christmas Under the Stars festival at LaFreniere Park in December, and Krewe de Paws Pet Parade held at Esplanade Mall in March.
What is the history of Metairie, Louisiana?
Metairie, Louisiana was founded in 1855 as a suburb of New Orleans, located just 6 miles from the city limits. At that time, Metairie was mostly encompassed by large plantations and family-owned farms. After the Great Depression hit in the 1930s, urbanization enabled Metairie to expand rapidly and by the 1950s, it had become home to several residential neighborhoods, businesses, and industries.
Metairie’s most significant growth came after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. Following the disaster, many people began to settle in Metairie due to its relatively proximity to New Orleans while being largely unaffected by the hurricane. This influx of people caused Metairie’s population to double between 2000 and 2010 and allowed it to further modernize and create further economic opportunities.
Today, Metairie has a strong culture intertwined with Southern hospitality, its own unique form of Creole-style cooking, and is a major shopping center for tourists visiting the area. Additionally, Metairie is still home to many family-owned businesses that have been operating since its inception such as restaurants, retail stores and properties over 100 years old.
What are the top attractions and landmarks in Metairie, Louisiana?
When it comes to attractions and landmarks in Metairie, Louisiana, there are plenty of amazing options to explore. Here are the top five places you shouldn’t miss on your visit to the city:
1) LaFreniere Park: Located at 3000 Downs Boulevard, this 265-acre park offers plenty of recreational fun for families, including a playground, waterpark, disc golf course, walking trails and more.
2) Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge: Spanning 24 miles across Lake Pontchartrain and connecting Metairie with Mandeville, this is the longest continuous bridge over water in the world! You can bike or drive over it and enjoy the picturesque views.
3) Zephyr Field: Home of the New Orleans Baby Cakes AAA baseball team, this stadium in Metairie has been a hub for entertainment since 1997. Catch a game or a live music show here.
4) Lakeside Shopping Center: One of the largest shopping complexes in the region, this mall features stores like Macy’s, JCPenney and Old Navy—as well as eateries like PF Chang’s, Novo Cajun Café and Chipotle Mexican Grill.
5) Longue Vue House and Gardens: This stunning eight-acre estate is an oasis of lush greenery and peaceful gardens that you can explore and admire. The house itself was built in 1942 with Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture.
These are just some of the top attractions and landmarks you will find in Metairie – there are even more hidden gems waiting to be discovered!
