Slidell begins where Lake Pontchartrain ends, where the lake forges triumphantly towards the Gulf via a deepwater strait.
At a Glance
Known For: Honey Island Swamp, Olde Towne Slidell, Louisiana’s Northshore, outdoor recreation
Top Things to Do: Tour Honey Island Swamp, explore Olde Towne Slidell, bike the Tammany Trace
Major Events: NOLA Zydeco Fest, Krewe of Bilge Boat Parade
Top Things to Do in Slidell
Start in Olde Towne Slidell, the city’s historic district, where you can browse local shops for antiques, clothing and home décor. Take a self-guided tour of colorful murals throughout the neighborhood, then stop by the Slidell Museum to explore photographs, artifacts and memorabilia that tell the story of the city’s past.
For some time outdoors, rent a bike or e-bike from Brooks' Bike Shop and hit the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile rail trail that winds through communities and natural landscapes across Louisiana’s Northshore.
Then experience one of the area’s best-known natural attractions with Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours. Knowledgeable captains guide visitors through the Honey Island Swamp, sharing stories about Louisiana history and culture while pointing out native plants, wildlife and resident alligators along the way.
Places to Stay
Slidell offers plenty of convenient places to stay, whether you’re spending the weekend exploring the Northshore or using the city as a home base for a greater New Orleans getaway. Familiar options include Holiday Inn & Suites Slidell, Comfort Inn & Suites Slidell, Holiday Inn Express Slidell by IHG and Best Western Slidell Hotel.
Food & Drink
Come hungry — Slidell has everything from old-fashioned sweets and casual neighborhood favorites to fresh Louisiana seafood and waterfront dining. Start with breakfast or lunch at Camellia Café, where the menu includes homemade gumbo and shrimp, corn and crab bisque. Save room for a stop at Old Town Slidell Soda Shop, an old-fashioned sweet shop serving homemade ice cream, sundaes, sodas, shakes, malts and floats.
For laid-back local flavor, head to Southside Café, a longtime neighborhood favorite serving comfort food ranging from alligator balls and soft-shell crab to chicken fingers and mozzarella sticks. Seafood lovers can stop by Kenney Seafood, a seafood market and restaurant known for shrimp po’boys and seasonal Louisiana seafood.
For an upscale meal, Gallagher’s on Front Street, from local chef Pat Gallagher, serves dishes like pecan catfish meunière. Or settle in beside the water at Palmettos on the Bayou, where indoor and outdoor seating complement brunch and dinner menus featuring Louisiana favorites like chicken and andouille gumbo and catfish Creole.
Events & Festivals in Slidell
Experience Louisiana music and Creole culture at NOLA Zydeco Fest, a celebration featuring live music, dancing, food and storytelling. The festival brings generations together to celebrate and preserve zydeco and Creole traditions.
During Carnival season, head to the water for the Krewe of Bilge Boat Parade, when decorated boats make their way through Slidell’s waterways. Instead of traditional floats rolling down the street, boaters toss beads, cups and other Mardi Gras throws to spectators gathered along docks and the shoreline.
Travel Tips & Resources
It's easy to navigate Slidell. If you're flying into town, rent a car or book a rideshare from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Slidell is also a short drive from Gulfport, Mississippi (1 hour), Mobile, Alabama (2 hours), and Beaumont, Texas (4 hours).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Slidell?
Some of the best things to do in Slidell, Louisiana, include taking a Honey Island Swamp tour, exploring the shops, murals and history of Olde Towne Slidell, and biking the Tammany Trace. Visitors can also enjoy waterfront dining, fresh Louisiana seafood and local events throughout the year.
What is Slidell known for?
While there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit Slidell, we’d say the best time is spring and fall, when mild weather pairs with popular events like Mardi Gras. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild and less crowded.
What is the weather like in Slidell?
Slidell typically enjoys hot, humid summers and short, cold winters. Expect average highs of 91° F in July and August, with lows dipping to 41° F in January. Pack layers for winter, and sunscreen and a hat for summer.
Where can I get more travel information about Slidell?
For official travel information about Slidell, Louisiana, head to Visit the Northshore, the area’s official destination marketing organization. The site provides visitor guides, maps, transportation details, hotel and lodging information, event calendars and planning resources to help travelers make the most of their visit. Travelers can also find statewide trip ideas, itineraries and regional guides on Explore Louisiana, Louisiana’s official tourism website.