The beauty of Lake Pontchartrain mesmerizes many residents and visitors to Southeastern Louisiana, and after a busy week of work, family responsibilities, and everyday stresses, a quick coastal escape can do wonders. Less than one hour of driving time will take you from New Orleans to St. Tammany Parish, where you can walk, bike, shop, dine, explore and relax. Read on to learn how to make the most of a weekend getaway to St. Tammany Parish.
Enjoy Some Coastal Charm
Those visiting St. Tammany Parish can fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, then enjoy a scenic drive across Lake Pontchartrain. Choose the world-renowned Lake Pontchartrain Causeway or take the I-10 Twin Span Bridge to Slidell, where bayou views lead to waterfront dining and plenty of coastal charm in St. Tammany’s largest city.
Explore the rich plant and animal life of the bayou on a Honey Island Swamp Tour, take a stroll through Olde Towne Slidell for antique shopping and historic architecture, grab a cup of joe at Roots Plants & Coffee and dig into a hearty Southern breakfast at Camellia Cafe.
Relax Before You Explore
A trip to St. Tammany Parish can include plenty of adventure and activity, so starting your weekend getaway with a restful morning will keep you energized for whatever the day has in store. Lace up your sneakers or hiking boots and take a leisurely walk (or bike ride) along the Tammany Trace trail, which provides 31 miles worth of lush greenery and clear lake views from Covington to Slidell. If you’d prefer the sound of lapping waves drifting you off to sleep, stay right on the water in one of Fontainebleau State Park's cabins. Head over to the sandy beach on Lake Pontchartrain shore and catch some sights of seabirds like pelicans and cormorants.
When you’re ready for an invigorating and fun-spirited morning meal, head to Crazy Pig Southern Kitchen in Mandeville for Southern-style brunch plates like shrimp & grits and crab cake Eggs Benedict (along with mimosa pitches and Bloody Marys) or Mattina Bella in Covington for fully loaded omelettes and famous buttermilk pancakes studded with bananas, pecans and chocolate chunks.
Indulge and Play Along the Northshore
St. Tammany Parish gives visitors the opportunity to customize their trip, including as much activity (or as much R&R) as they want and need. If you yearn for the great outdoors, be sure to spend time in and around Lake Pontchartrain. This body of water features a fascinating ecosystem, and you and your family can get up close and personal with some of the lake’s wildlife at the Insta-Gator Ranch & Hatchery in Covington. Avid fishers can board a charter boat and seek out catfish, speckled trout and redfish (among many other species). For a serene day at the beach, set up your blankets and umbrellas at Fontainebleau State Park and settle in for some swimming, paddling, sandcastle-building, and strolls along the waterfront.
Plenty of shopping experiences await you in Downtown Covington, a charming village with gift shops, boutiques and antique vendors. While you’re there, indulge in some unique local art browsing at Downtown Covington’s numerous galleries and showrooms. On Saturdays, Downtown Covington hosts the Covington Farmer’s Market, where local growers sell their produce, meat and dairy and artisanal goods.
St. Tammany Parish prides itself on flavorful restaurants and quality libations, and you can find both at the famous Abita Brewery in Abita Springs. Take a brewery tour to learn more about Abita’s history and beer-making processes then settle in at the Tasting Room bar for a flight of Abita pours. Then, head into Abita and tuck into a plate of fried catfish or a burger with the works at the Abita Brew Pub.
Speaking of dining on the Northshore, the region is home to a wide range of excellent restaurants both new and old, but the tried-and-true local favorites are especially worth a visit. Pat’s Rest Awhile offers a seasonal seafood-focused menu with fresh flavors, historic architecture and beautiful views of Lake Pontchartrain, while The Dakota has been delighting Covington residents and devotees from far and wide for over 30 years with contemporary but accessible spins on classic Louisiana dishes.
Find A Perfect Northshore Hotel
A restorative weekend getaway relies on a hotel with the right amenities and access, and on The Northshore, you’ll find plenty of options. Bed and breakfasts like the De la Bleau B&B in Mandeville give guests a personal touch and a cozy environment; boutique hotels like the Abita Springs Hotel in Abita Springs are both intimate and unique for solo travelers or couples; full-home rentals like Guesthouse on Girod in Mandeville are great choices for families and larger groups; and reliable chain hotels like Holiday Inn Express Slidell and Courtyard by Marriott Covington provide affordable stays with desirable features like pools, fitness centers and airport shuttles.
Seasonal Events for Your Escape
Depending on when you decide to take your Northshore getaway, you can participate in a number of fun seasonal festivals, activations, markets, concerts and other local events. Check out our Events calendar for suggestions that line up with your vacation plans.
The Northshore looks forward to welcoming you for a weekend of rest & relaxation! Head to our Visitor Guide and Trip Builder to put your itinerary together and discover new ideas to make your trip as enjoyable and restorative as possible.
