Whether it’s a lake sail or bike trail, afternoon views or tasty chews, visitors find their own favorite ways to float a while here
THE NORTHSHORE, LOUISIANA–MARCH 2026–The Northshore is known as Louisiana’s easy escape for very good reason. Just 40 minutes north of New Orleans, halfway between Baton Rouge and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it is a quick escape, easy to get to via Interstate 12. And once there, visitors find it’s an area that is easy to enjoy, any way they choose. On the water and off, along downtown streets or state park trails, families find fun, those looking for soft adventure find a challenge and those hungry for Louisiana cuisine find tasty options-a-plenty.
There is no better feeling than enjoying the perfect vacation in the perfect location. It’s like that feeling of “floating on air.” While it is one everyone loves, it can be a very different experience for different people. On Louisiana’s Northshore, the perfect float is a choose-your-own experience, and the host of options includes a variety of ways to enjoy this diverse destination. From a Wednesday morning farmers market stroll and a beverage at Haven Coffee and Cocktails (534 North New Hampshire Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-875-9390) in Covington, to a Saturday night performance at the historic Dew Drop Jazz and Social Hall (430 Lamarque Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448) in Mandeville. Or from the comradery and brews at Abita Brew Pub (72011 Holly Street, Abita Springs, Louisiana 70420; 985-892-5837) in the center of Abita Springs to the sunset views and exquisite cuisine at Tchefuncte’s (407 St. Tammany Street, Madisonville, Louisiana 70447; 985-323-4800) on the river in Madisonville, The Northshore allows visitors to find their own rhythm and create their own perfect way to float awhile.
Of course, the diverse waterways on The Northshore make the perfect float easy to find. A sunset sail on Lake Pontchartrain is a favorite activity for many. An outing with Delaune Sailing Charters (1298 Madison Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 504-458-1013) or Bayou Sailing Adventures (100 Covington Street, Madisonville, Louisiana 70447; 504-606-9029) guarantees an unforgettable lake excursion with experienced local crews.
For a fun river outing, Tchefuncte River Charters (100 Burkhardt Lane, Madisonville, Louisiana 70447; 504-237-1029) offers pontoon boat cruises on Madisonville’s scenic Tchefuncte River. Custom cruise packages are available to meet any group’s desires. Honey Island Swamp Tours (41490 Crawford Landing Road, Slidell, Louisiana 70461; 504-834-1770) takes visitors into the heart of the beautiful cypress swamp. Amid the natural beauty of this pristine wilderness, native wildlife is the star of the show and the professional crew love to share their knowledge of the flora and fauna. Canoe and Trail Adventures Tours & Rentals (19130 West Front Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 504- 233-0686) offers canoe and kayak swamp tours on the Bogue Falaya River in Covington and Cane Bayou in Mandeville.
To experience The Northshore’s unique character on land, the 31-mile Tammany Trace is a favorite both for serious cyclists and those who just want to get out on the trail for a couple hours. This Hall of Fame Rails-to-Trails route connects Northshore communities and allows visitors to take a path from downtown Covington through Abita Springs, Mandeville and Lacombe, and ends in Slidell. The Trace gives users easy access from town centers to stretches of trail that feel a world away. Bike rentals are available from Brooks’ Bikes/Trikes & Beyond (128 Girod Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-789-5037). Those who want to explore the popular Fontainebleau State Park (62883 Highway 1089, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-624-4443) will find trails, lakefront beaches and much more. Visitors can easily book a kayak from a new rental kiosk or a bike. Canoe and Trail Adventures Tours & Rentals (19130 West Front Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 504-233-0686) offers bike rentals and, to explore the park’s waters, self-serve paddling rental (24380 Ronald Reagan Highway, Lacombe, Louisiana 70445) at kiosks provided by Bayou Adventure (504-754-5300).
For a little local culture, the Covington’s Tammany Trace trailhead (419 North New Hampshire Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985- 892-1873), Mandeville Trailhead and Cultural Interpretive Center (675 Lafitte Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-624-3147) and Abita Springs Trailhead and Museum (22049 Main Street, Abita Springs, Louisiana 70420; 985-871-5327) tell many local stories and are gathering spots for community activities. Of course, a walk through the downtown streets is the perfect way to experience the personality of these communities.
The Madisonville community is centered on the water and is home to the Maritime Museum Louisiana (133 Mabel Drive, Madisonville, Louisiana 70447; 985-845-9200). Here, the river culture comes to life through exhibits, interpretive displays, boat models and educational programs. Downtown Covington is known for eclectic shops and fine art galleries. The variety includes the colorful abstract paintings at Marianne Angeli Rodriguez Gallery (323 North Columbia Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-238-0842) and the unique, chic and antique finds at the Copper Rooster Antiques and Gifts (222 Lee Lane, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-892-5171), which include home decor, gifts and jewelry.
In Old Towne Slidell, more than a dozen murals display the neighborhood’s creative and whimsical character while specialty stores like the Old Town Slidell Soda Shop (301 Cousin Street, Slidell, Louisiana 70458; 985-649-4806), where ice cream cones, shakes and root beer floats are favorites, provide options for shoppers. The eclectic Abita Mystery House (22275 Highway 36, Abita Springs, Louisiana 70420; 985-892-2624) adds weird and wonder to Abita Springs’ small downtown. This unique roadside attraction is filled with the works of owner and artist John Preble, whose folk art collection includes scenes of Southern life, unique creatures and inventions made from found objects. In Mandeville, the views from the seawall walking path along Lake Pontchartrain are often the center of attention. Majestic oaks and shaded benches are a favorite place for visitors to relax after indulging in the sweets from the nearby nostalgic Candy Bank (201 Carroll Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-778-2750) or taking in the art and antiques at Mae Antiques (420 Girod Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-373-1857).
Of course, Louisiana cuisine is the star of various menus here and is the highlight of the trip for many foodies. The variety of restaurants on The Northshore offers specialties to appeal to any palate. For casual seafood, both Pat’s Rest Awhile (2129 Lakeshore Drive, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-951-2173) and Pearl’s Seafood Market and Restaurant (502 Gause Boulevard, Slidell, Louisiana 70461; 985-214-9014) have mouth-watering temptations not to be missed. International flavors are the fare at Sal and Judy’s (27491 Highway 190, Lacombe, Louisiana 70445; 985-882-9443), with its generations-old Italian recipes and Valencia Restaurant (315 North Vermont Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-900-2151) where the menu pays homage to the traditional dishes of Spain. For fine dining, there are a host of options that combine innovative menus and a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Among the favorites are Dakota Restaurant (310 East Boston Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-892-3712), with its contemporary Louisiana cuisine, Palmettos on the Bayou (1901 Bayou Lane, Slidell, Louisiana 70458; 985-643-0050), where seasonal menus are focused on locally sourced ingredients and Del Porto Ristorante (501 East Boston Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-875-1006), which offers a seasonal, farm-inspired menu.
As if that’s not enough to whet any appetite, The Northshore’s events calendar is filled with fun reasons to visit all year long.
Where to stay
Throughout The Northshore there are unique bed & breakfasts, guest houses and vacation rentals with personality and amenities to meet any need. There are also well-known hotel chains offering familiar amenities along with excellent service.
The Southern Hotel (428 East Boston Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-400-5657), originally opened in 1907, is a stately property once again filled with life. Guests can relax in beautifully appointed luxurious rooms and enjoy the lobby and courtyard, considered the living room of Covington. One-of-a-kind finds like the Abita Springs Hotel (22088 Ann O’Brien Lane, Abita Springs, Louisiana 70420; 985-951-4200) or a cabin on the water or campsite at Fontainebleau State Park (62883 Highway 1089, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-624-4443) round out the lodging options.