Louisiana's Prime Waterfront Views

Louisiana is a land defined largely by its waterways. The Gulf of Mexico provides world-famous seafood and fishing adventures, while swamps offer an up-close look at unspoiled landscapes. Not to mention, our remote lakes make for great weekend getaways.

There are rivers, too, coursing through most of Louisiana’s metro areas. Visitors interested in waterfront dining and river cruises don’t have to look too far to find them — you have plenty of options, and all of them offer fantastic views. Here are nine of our top favorites:

1. Steamboat Natchez

New Orleans, Mississippi River

What could be a more classic Louisiana experience than boarding an old-school riverboat? How about dining al fresco while being serenaded by a New Orleans jazz band? Enjoy this quintessential Louisiana river experience on the Steamboat Natchez, which docks at the edge of New Orleans’ famous French Quarter. Choose from their lunch, brunch and dinner jazz cruises. 

2. Creole Queen

New Orleans, Mississippi River

Enjoy a luxurious ride on an authentic paddlewheeler, the 800-passenger Creole Queen. Choose from one of three different excursions: the Dinner Jazz Cruise, a traditional affair where you’ll enjoy an elegant Creole dinner while listening to live music; the Historical River Cruise, where you’ll hear a narrated tour describing New Orleans’ fascinating backstory; or the ever-popular Sunday Jazz Brunch.

3. Tchefuncte’s Restaurant

Madisonville, Tchefuncte River

Experience elegance at the Tchefuncte River waterfront, courtesy of its namesake dining destination. Tchefuncte’s Restaurant, located in the Northshore town of Madisonville, offers top-tier dining with a focus on local ingredients. Dine on Louisiana oysters, blackened redfish and other Gulf of Mexico delicacies while overlooking one of the region’s most scenic waterways.

4. Palmettos on the Bayou

Slidell, Bayou Bonfouca

Situated next to the verdant Heritage Park near downtown Slidell, Palmettos on the Bayou offers quiet, intimate dining on the Bayou Bonfouca waterfront. This is a great dining getaway, especially for New Orleans visitors since the restaurant is located just a half-hour’s drive from the Crescent City.  

With its combination of southern Louisiana charm and a menu featuring local seafood, it’s easy to see why the waterfront views are among many of the reasons to dine at Palmettos.

5. The Chimes

Covington, Bogue Falaya River

Situated across the Bogue Falaya River from downtown Covington, The Chimes offers some of the most spectacular views of any waterfront dining destinations you’ll find. The Cajun and Creole traditions are strong here, with menu items that include everything from boudin to alligator. 

Combine your trip to The Chimes with a leisurely paddle down the Bogue Falaya — local outfitter Canoe & Trail Adventures launches from The Chimes’ boardwalk.

6. Trapp’s

West Monroe, Ouachita River

While Cajun cuisine may be more closely associated with south Louisiana than north, Trapp’s brings the flavors of boudin, crawfish, gumbo and beans and rice to West Monroe. The restaurant's culinary history is the stuff of legend, dating back to the 1890s when patriarch Bernard Trappey founded a hot sauce empire that has thrived for decades. 

Learn more about the Trappey family’s deep-Louisiana roots by checking out the family photos on the restaurant’s walls, and enjoy a touch of Trappey with your meal while overlooking the Ouachita River.

7. Waterfront Grill

Monroe, Bayou DeSiard

Situated on a tributary of the Ouachita River, Waterfront Grill is steeped in local history and among the best-known dining destinations in Monroe. This being northeast Louisiana, the cuisine here is more traditionally Southern than Cajun, with its most popular dish — Catfish DeSiard — earning accolades in Southern Living Magazine.