Top 12 Attractions to Experience in Mandeville, Louisiana
Rewritten Article:
Hopping around Louisiana, you'll likely find your heart feeling at home everywhere you go. It's the friendly folks and the peaceful, natural beauty that does it. And if you're looking for a slice of paradise right off the bat, make your way to Mandeville, nestled on the northern end of Lake Pontchartrain. Just a 40-minute drive from the bustling New Orleans, Mandeville offers a serene escape from everyday life. With gentle lake breezes, the dappled sunlight filtering through the moss-covered oak trees, and a slower pace of life, this waterfront town on the Northshore is an instant home away from home.
Loaded with activities and an authentic soul, Mandeville is the perfect getaway for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and foodies alike. Here are 12 ways to fall head over heels for Mandeville.
Soak Up Nature
Live Large in Fontainebleau State Park
Just three miles west of Mandeville, you'll find the sprawling 2,800-acre Fontainebleau State Park, one of Louisiana's most visited parks. With it's stunning ruins of a 1829 sugar mill, endless outdoor adventures, diverse landscapes, and a playground for all, this park has something for everyone. Explore the scenic Tammany Trace hiking/biking trail or rent a kayak and paddle across Lake Pontchartrain. For visitors with limited mobility, an all-terrain, electric-powered chair is available at no charge – just be sure to reserve it 48 hours in advance!
lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fontainebleau-state-park; 62883 Hwy. 1089, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-624-4443
Stroll Through the Swamp at Northlake Nature Center
Less traveled but no less beautiful, the Northlake Nature Center, located across from the park on Bayou Castine, is a hidden gem just waiting for you to explore. Birdwatchers should visit in the spring and catch the Great Louisiana BirdFest.
northlakenature.org; 23135 US-190, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-626-1238
Watch the Sun Go Down at Mandeville Lakefront
When golden hour rolls around, head on over to the Mandeville lakefront. Take a leisurely stroll on the 1.5-mile-long paved walkway, lined with restaurants, moss-draped oak trees, and wooden porch swings. The waterfront picks up at Lakeshore Drive, where a small sandy beach, playground, and charming historic gazebo create the perfect setting for a dreamy sunset.
www.cityofmandeville.com; 2623 Lakeshore Dr, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-626-3144
Immerse in Arts and Culture
Hang Out With the Locals at the Mandeville Trailhead
Get a taste of Mandeville life by visiting the Mandeville Trailhead, a beloved community hub. Climb the lookout tower for a bird's-eye view of the historic district, and learn the town's history at the hands-on cultural interpretive museum. On Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., shop local goods and have a chat with vendors at the Trailhead Community Market. During the summer, dance your cares away to live music at the amphitheater.
cityofmandeville.com/experiencemandeville/page/trailhead-market; 675 Lafitte St, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-624-3148
Get Jazzy at Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall
Since 1895, the historic Dew Drop has been the beating heart of jazz in Mandeville. With intimate, authentic performances, this is the perfect place to tap your feet, sway to the music, and feel the roots jazz brimming from every corner. Concerts run from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., and admission is just $10 (free for children and students). Bring your own chair or snag a seat indoors on a first-come, first-served basis.
dewdropjazzhall.com; 430 Lamarque St, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-264-7401
Boogie All Night Long at Ruby's Roadhouse
Turn your night out into a night to remember at Ruby's Roadhouse. This laid-back live music venue has been rocking Mandeville since 1984. With live music every night of the week, you can dance the night away to rock, country, jazz, and blues with ease. Concert prices rarely exceed $10, making this the perfect place to catch the local talent.
rubysroadhouse.live; 840 Lamarque St, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-626-9748
Savor the Flavors
Feast on Breakfast at Liz's Where Y'at Diner
Kick-start your day at Liz's Where Y'at Diner, voted one of Louisiana's best breakfast spots. This vibrant, yellow-hued diner, owned and operated by Mandeville native Liz Munson, will start your day off right with Southern-inspired classics like the Big Easy Benedict. And if you think you're done after the meal, think again, because a slice of Key Lime Pie waiting for you on Florida Street.
lizswhereyatdiner.com; 2500 Florida St, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-626-8477
Tuck into a Brunch Feast
After you've had your fill of breakfast, don’t stop there – Mandeville brunch game is strong. Sample the extensive brunch offerings at the European-style Odelia, which goes all out with dishes like elevated deviled eggs and berry quinoa. For a more down-home Southern vibe close to the water, head to LaLou, where the menu covers everything from classic waffles to innovative combinations like smothered brie.
Tuck into Fresh, Scratch-made Pasta at Prima Apres
Pasta lovers rejoice! At Prima Apres, pasta is always the main event, and dessert takes a backseat. Choose your pasta, sauce, and toppings, and watch as your gourmet-to-go creation comes to life before your eyes – literally! Served in a foldable takeout box and twirled onto your fork using chopsticks, this unique dining experience is not to be missed.
primaapres.com; 2180 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville, LA 70471; 877-545-0127
Indulge in Lakefront Eats
When dinnertime rolls around and it's time to refuel before sunset, grab a bite at one of the many lakefront eateries. From top-notch seafood to flavorful Italian, there's a little something for everyone's taste. (Pro tip: Take your meal to go and enjoy it on a picnic blanket!). Don't forget to swing by the Candy Bank for a sweet souvenir once you've filled your belly.
Cozy Up in a Historic Inn
Mandeville offers a variety of charming, historic places to stay. The Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast and Guesthouse on Girod offer cozy, country-style accommodations in the heart of Old Mandeville. On the other hand, if you're traveling with a larger group, the de la Bleau B&B, located just steps from Lake Pontchartrain, offers multiple, individually decorated suites with private entrances and bathrooms.
- For nature enthusiasts, visiting Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville is a must, where you can explore the scenic Tammany Trace hiking/biking trail or rent a kayak to paddle across Lake Pontchartrain.
- If you're interested in immersing in local arts and culture, the Mandeville Trailhead is a community hub that offers a cultural interpretive museum, a lookout tower, and live music concerts during the summer.
- For a taste of classic Southern jazz, head to the historic Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall, which has been the beating heart of jazz in Mandeville since 1895.
- To explore Mandeville's food scene, start with Liz's Where Y'at Diner for Southern-inspired breakfast classics or sample the extensive brunch offerings at Odelia. For unique pasta creations, don't miss Prima Apres, known for its gourmet-to-go pasta boxes.
