Barataria Preserve

Top choice in Cajun Country


This section of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, south of New Orleans near the town of Marrero (and Crown Point), provides the easiest access to the dense swamplands that ring New Orleans. The 8 miles of boardwalk trails are a stunning way to tread lightly through the swamp, but sadly, the area's wildlife – which does include plenty of alligators – can be tough to spot due to the proliferation of invasive water hyacinth.

Start at the National Park Service Visitor Center (NPS), 1 mile west of Hwy 45 off the Barataria Blvd exit, where you can pick up a map or join a guided wetland walk or canoe trip (call for more information). To rent canoes or kayaks for a tour or an independent paddle, go to Bayou Barn about 3 miles from the park entrance.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cajun Country attractions

1. Fly

8.84 MILES

The Fly is a popular spot for river viewing, picnics, Frisbee tossing, or just plain lazing about. Joggers trot by, families push strollers or release…

2. Alex Beard Studio

8.96 MILES

The lovely paintings of Alex Beard are somewhere between a fairy-tale and dreams given pigment form. From puzzles to children's books to fine art, his…

3. Audubon Zoo

8.99 MILES

This wonderful zoo contains African, Asian and South American landscapes and fauna, as well as the ultra-cool Louisiana Swamp exhibit, full of alligators,…

4. Milton H Latter Memorial Library

9.26 MILES

Poised elegantly above shady stands of palms, the Latter Memorial Library was once a private mansion. The Isaac family – who owned the building from 1907…

5. Audubon Park

9.26 MILES

This lovely spot, riverside of St Charles Ave, is home to Audubon Zoo. A 1.8-mile multi-use paved trail loops around the central golf course, unfurling…

6. Touro Synagogue

9.29 MILES

Despite the fact that Jews were officially banned from New Orleans under the Code Noir (Black Code), which was in effect from 1724 until the Louisiana…

7. Irish Channel

9.49 MILES

The name Irish Channel is a bit of a misnomer. Although this historic neighborhood, which borders the Garden Districts, was settled by poor Irish…

8. Lafayette Cemetery No 1

9.62 MILES

Of all the cemeteries in New Orleans, Lafayette exudes the strongest sense of subtropical Southern Gothic. The stark contrast of moldering crypts and…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "usa/louisiana/the-bayou/attractions/barataria-preserve/a/poi-sig/1459602/1342210",
      "destination": "Cajun-Country",
      "continent": "North-America",
      "country": "USA",
      "region": "Cajun-Country",
      "position": "superzone"
    }