Things To Do
in Destrehan
Destrehan is a small riverside community in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, sitting along the east bank of the Mississippi River about 20–25 miles upriver from downtown New Orleans. It is best known for the historic Destrehan Plantation, scenic River Road views, and its mix of suburban neighborhoods and industrial corridors. The town is a convenient base for exploring River Road plantations, swamp ecosystems, and the greater New Orleans cultural and culinary scene.
Visitors can expect Southern hospitality, rich Creole and Cajun influences, and easy access to outdoor activities like swamp tours and fishing.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a guided tour of the Destrehan Plantation, one of the oldest plantations in the lower Mississippi Valley. Marvel at the stunning antebellum architecture and learn about the rich history of the region from knowledgeable guides. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens, taking in the sights and sounds of the picturesque surroundings.
After lunch at a nearby café, continue your journey through history by visiting the nearby St. Charles Parish Historical Society Museum. Here, you can explore exhibits that showcase the unique culture and heritage of the area. Finish the afternoon with a relaxing walk along the Mississippi River, soaking in the scenic views and perhaps spotting some local wildlife.
As the sun sets, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant that specializes in Creole cuisine. Sample local favorites such as gumbo or jambalaya while enjoying live music that reflects the vibrant culture of Louisiana. Spend your post-dinner hours at a cozy café, sipping on coffee and discussing the day's adventures.
Begin your day with an exhilarating airboat tour through the bayous surrounding Destrehan, where you can witness the breathtaking beauty of Louisiana’s wetlands. Feel the rush of the wind as you glide through the waterways, keeping an eye out for alligators and other wildlife. This immersive experience will give you a deeper appreciation for the local ecosystem.
After your thrilling morning, enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot along the bayou, surrounded by cypress trees and Spanish moss. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bonnet Carre' Spillway, where you can hike the trails and observe the diverse flora and fauna in this unique environment. Bring your binoculars for some birdwatching as you explore this natural wonder.
Return to Destrehan for a charming dinner at a local seafood restaurant where you can savor fresh catches from the Gulf. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, enjoying the warm evening breeze and the sounds of crickets and frogs. Wrap up the night at a local tavern with live entertainment, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-80 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Local taxi / short ride-share | $10-25 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to River Road plantation history and scenic Mississippi River views
- Close enough to New Orleans for world-class dining, music, and cultural attractions
- Abundant outdoor and wildlife experiences (swamps, bayous, birding)
- Strong regional food culture centered on fresh seafood and Creole/Cajun dishes
- Limited public transportation and low local nightlife—a car is recommended
- Hot, humid summers and hurricane/flooding risk during the season
- Fewer upscale hotels and amenities in-town compared with New Orleans
- Some industrial areas nearby can be noisy or less scenic
Places to Visit in Destrehan
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic plantation house and formal grounds provide classic antebellum architecture, big oak trees, and photogenic interiors (check visiting hours and photography rules).
Long stretches of River Road offer sweeping river vistas, barges and towboats on the Mississippi, and dramatic sunsets—great for landscape and river photography.
Boardwalks, cypress-tupelo swamps, and abundant birdlife create excellent opportunities for nature and wildlife photography, especially at dawn.
Guided swamp tours put you close to alligators, wading birds, and moss-draped cypress—perfect for atmospheric wildlife shots.
Local storefronts, murals, and community scenes capture everyday life and the region's colors and textures.
Food in Destrehan
Destrehan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A roux-based stew with seafood, sausage, or chicken and okra; widely available at diners and restaurants throughout the region.
Must-Try!
One-pot rice dish with a mix of smoked sausage, chicken, seafood, and Creole seasoning; hearty and easy to find locally.
Classic Louisiana sandwich filled with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef; try local sandwich shops or venture into New Orleans for iconic versions.
Seasonal shrimp, blue crab, oysters, and catfish offered at shacks and markets along River Road and in nearby towns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small family-run seafood markets and roadside shacks along River Road and in adjacent towns sell fresh-caught shrimp, soft-shell crabs, and prepared meals—buy local catch or order a plate to eat on-site.
If you drive into New Orleans, the French Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods offer street vendors and markets where po'boys, beignets, and market snacks are staples.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally warm and conversational; polite small talk and asking about local recommendations are appreciated.
When visiting plantations, cemeteries, and historic sites, behave respectfully, follow signage, and avoid climbing on structures or touching artifacts.
Meals can be casual and communal; be open to shared dishes, and if invited to a local home, it’s customary to bring a small gift or offer thanks.
During hurricane season, respect local officials and evacuation orders—don’t treat warnings casually.
Safety
Tipping in Destrehan
Ensure a smooth experience
In the United States tipping is customary: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink for bar service, and $2–5 for taxi or ride-share drivers depending on distance. Tip tour guides and tour drivers $5–15 depending on service and group size.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless/mobile payments are common in larger establishments. Smaller seafood shacks, roadside stands or markets may be cash-only—carry some cash for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid, and often rainy with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; expect temperatures in the 80s–90s °F (27–35°C) and prepare for heat, sunscreen, and hydration. Mosquitoes and humidity make early mornings or late afternoons best for outdoor activities. Hurricane season (June–November) peaks mid-August to October—monitor forecasts and have contingency plans.
Generally pleasant with fewer storms and slightly cooler nights; September may still be warm, while October–November brings comfortable temperatures and lower humidity—good time for outdoor tours and festivals.
Mild winters with daytime temperatures often in the 50s–60s °F (10–20°C); occasional cold snaps are possible but snow is extremely rare. Winter is a quieter time for tourists and a good season for exploring plantations and birding.
Warming temperatures, blooming vegetation, and increased insect activity; spring is a great time for wildlife viewing and swamp tours, but afternoon thunderstorms begin to increase toward late spring.
Destrehan at Night
Hiking in Destrehan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Boardwalks and trails through cypress-tupelo swamp and marshland offering easy to moderate hikes, excellent birdwatching, and photographic opportunities; about 30–40 minutes' drive.
Primarily explored by guided boat tours, the swamp is rich in wildlife and atmospheric scenery—combine with short shoreline walks where available.
Located nearer to Westwego, the park offers small trails, picnic areas, and kayaking opportunities—suitable for short hikes and paddle trips within about 30–45 minutes' drive.
Airports
How to reach Destrehan by plane.
Primary commercial airport serving New Orleans and the region; about 15–25 minutes' drive from Destrehan depending on traffic—offers domestic and international flights and rental cars.
Smaller airport near downtown New Orleans with limited commercial service and general aviation; useful for some charter flights, but fewer commercial options than MSY.
Regional airport about 1–1.5 hours' drive northwest of Destrehan—serves as an alternate airport with some commercial flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families with deep roots in the region who maintain local traditions, cuisine, language influences, and community events.
Many residents commute to jobs in Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans, and nearby industrial facilities—mix of suburban professionals and blue-collar workers.
St. Charles Parish includes industrial corridors and petrochemical facilities; a significant portion of the workforce is employed in these sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school football and fan support for the NFL New Orleans Saints are major parts of local sports culture—Friday night high school games draw communities together.
Recreational fishing, crabbing, and boating are extremely popular given the proximity to the Mississippi River, bayous, and Gulf coastal waters.
Local school sports (basketball, baseball, softball) are community focal points and well supported by residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Destrehan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited at traditional seafood shacks; look for salads, rice-and-vegetable dishes, and many New Orleans restaurants that accommodate vegetarian menus.
Vegan choices are growing but still more common in New Orleans than in small local eateries—call ahead to confirm substitutions or visit specialty cafes in the city.
Seafood is central to local cuisine; notify restaurants of allergies and consider inland meat-based options (chicken, pork) or confirming cross-contamination policies.