Jean Lafitte

Jean Lafitte is a town located on Bayou Barataria in Jefferson Parish on the periphery of Greater New Orleans.

Understand

Jean Lafitte is named after the famed buccaneer. To the south of here was once a place called Manila Village that was comprised of Filipino fishermen who had jumped ship while under the command of Spanish captains, today commemorated by a plaque in Manila Plaza in Jean Lafitte. All around this town is wetland that unfortunately is in danger of degradation from hurricanes and salination.

See

• 1 Barataria Museum, 4917 City Park Dr. This little museum within the city hall explores the history of privateering and the town of Jean Lafitte and the surrounding wetlands with its respective fauna. It includes a nature trail to a lagoon. (updated Aug 2021)

Do

• 1 Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Boulevard (south of Marrero near Crown Point), ☏ +1 504 589 3882. Open 9a-5p every day except for Christmas and Mardi Gras. Part of the Jean Lafitte National Park system. Trails and elevated boardwalks through forest, wetland, bayous, and swamp. One can often see wild alligators in the water under the foot bridges. Especially impressive in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. From New Orleans: Take the Crescent City Connection Bridge across the Mississippi and get on the West Bank Expressway. Exit at Barataria Boulevard, turn south and follow the signs. Free. (updated Aug 2021)
• 2 Airboat Adventures, 5145 Fleming Park Rd, ☏ +1 504 689 2005. Here you can go on a high thrills adventure through marshland and open water aboard an air boat and explore the fringes of the Mississippi Delta. Just hold onto your hat. (updated Aug 2021)
• 3 Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour, 6601 Leo Kerner Lafitte Pkwy, Marrero, LA, ☏ +1 504 293 2338. Another albeit more leisurely boat tour with the likely prospect of alligator sightings. (updated Aug 2021)

Eat

• 1 Boutte's Bayou Restaurant, 5134 Boutte St, ☏ +1 504 294 2011. For a very authentic fried Gulf Coast seafood experience. (updated Aug 2021)

Sleep

• 1 Jean Lafitte Harbor, 4932 Kenal Rd Suite D, Lafitte, LA (a little south of the town itselfhttp://www.jeanlafitteharbor.com/lodging/), ☏ +1 504 689 2013. Here you can rent a cabin on the water. (updated Aug 2021)