Jefferson: Wetlands, Coast and Culture

Jefferson opens up an unusually diverse journey through Louisiana’s wetlands, coastal landscapes and cultural history. Between cypress swamps, marshes, bayous, historic districts and the Gulf of Mexico, you can plan very different kinds of vacation days. This makes choosing a vacation rental a matter of deciding on your preferred travel theme: wildlife viewing, water experiences, historic sites or a combination of all three.

Wetlands and Nature Experiences

Barataria Preserve encompasses more than 26,000 acres of Louisiana wetlands. The landscape includes bottomland hardwood forest, cypress swamp, freshwater marshes, intermediate marshes between fresh and brackish water, bayous and canals. Trails and boardwalks provide access to natural areas where you can observe native plants, alligators, snakes and more than 200 bird species. Hiking and canoeing routes make the preserve a destination for anyone who wants not only to view the landscape but also to move through it. Fishing is permitted from the shore, from a canoe or pirogue, and in some areas from motorized boats as well.

For a different combination of nature and recreation, Bayou Segnette State Park offers boating, fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking, picnicking and playgrounds in an ecosystem of swamps and marshland. If you are traveling with children, you can combine outdoor activity and shared breaks there without having to limit your stay to a single activity. Lafreniere Park Bird Sanctuary is a quieter option: The protected habitat for native and migratory birds includes bodies of water, lush vegetation and peaceful walking paths.

When planning a visit to Barataria Preserve, you should also take the temporary construction work into account. Starting February 2, the visitor center and most trails will be temporarily closed due to demolition and construction work. During this closure, the Twin Canals Trail and parking lot will remain open exclusively for day use from sunrise to sunset. Visitor services will be temporarily relocated to the Town of Lafitte visitor center.

Gulf Coast and Waterfront Paths

The coastal landscape is particularly evident in Grand Isle. The beach ridge formed by the action of Gulf waves creates a barrier between the Gulf and a network of inland canals connected to the Mississippi’s bayou tributaries. At Grand Isle State Park, swimming in the surf of the Gulf of Mexico is possible. Drivers heading south should plan for a toll when traveling across the bridge.

The Gretna Bike Path also combines physical activity with scenic views. It is suitable for walking, jogging and cycling and offers views of the New Orleans skyline as well as passing ships. The Louisiana Oyster Trail adds culinary discoveries to the trip: It leads to sculptures in the parish and to meals featuring Louisiana oysters.

Historic Sites and Local Stories

In Kenner, Rivertown is a historic district encompassing twelve city blocks along the Mississippi. It contains several attractions, including the Kenner Planetarium and Megadome Cinema, the Rivertown Space Science Complex, the Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts and La Salle's Landing. La Salle's Landing in Rivertown commemorates the site of the first boxing match described as a world heavyweight championship bout, held in 1870 between “Gypsy” Jem Mace and Tom Allen. Rivertown is also home to a replica of St. Mary's Church, described as Kenner's first Catholic church.

The historic character of Gretna can be explored at several locations. The Gretna Historical Society Museum Complex at 209 Lafayette Street includes three 19th-century Creole cottages, a blacksmith shop and the Louisiana Fire Museum. Gretna's Downtown Historic District is one of Louisiana's largest historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is distinguished by notable architecture and attractions.

Those interested in the history of the wetlands will find a suitable focus at the Louisiana Wetlands Education Center & Museum. It tells the 200-year history of life in the fishing communities along Bayou Barataria. In Jean Lafitte, the Wetland Trace Boardwalk Trail is open daily. Guided excursions featuring a hike and changing nature education activities take place at Wetland Trace Nature Park and the Civic Center.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Style

A vacation rental in Jefferson is particularly well suited to your plans if you want to divide your days flexibly between nature, culture and the coast. If you want to focus on wetlands and birdwatching, the trails and boardwalks of Barataria Preserve and Lafreniere Park Bird Sanctuary are important points of reference when choosing an area. For water experiences, Bayou Segnette State Park and Grand Isle come to the fore. Other places to include in your research are Metairie, Jennings, Harahan, Harvey, Westwego, Marrero and Avondale. This allows you to first decide which landscape and experiences should define your stay, and then search specifically for suitable accommodation.

For the broader travel overview: Louisiana.