At Barataria Preserve, bottomland hardwood forest, cypress swamp and various marsh landscapes meet. A National Park Service description dated October 3, 2024, notes that the preserve contains more than 26,000 acres of Louisiana wetlands. These include freshwater marshes and transitional marshes between fresh and brackish water, as well as bayous and canals. This diversity makes clear just how differently wetlands can be shaped within a landscape.
Experience Wetlands and Bird Habitats
Trails and boardwalks provide access to natural areas in Barataria Preserve. Along hiking and canoe routes, visitors can observe native plants, alligators, snakes and more than 200 bird species. Check current trail availability before your trip. Lafreniere Park Bird Sanctuary offers a different focus: this protected habitat for native and migratory birds includes bodies of water, lush vegetation and quiet walking paths. Those especially interested in birds will find a clearly defined focus here; Barataria Preserve, by contrast, combines wildlife viewing with a broad range of wetland types.
The activities also differ. Bayou Segnette State Park offers boating, fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking and picnicking; there are also playgrounds. At Barataria Preserve, fishing is permitted from shore, from a canoe or from a pirogue, and in some areas from motorized boats. A Louisiana fishing license and park rules apply.
The NPS compendium, updated June 25, 2026, describes a limited exception during the temporary closure of Barataria Preserve: Twin Canals Trail and its parking lot are open exclusively for day use, from sunrise to sunset. For the Wetland Trace Boardwalk Trail in Jean Lafitte, the compendium lists daily opening. Check before you arrive to see whether this information still applies.
Gulf Coast and Grand Isle
Grand Isle is a beach ridge formed by the action of Gulf waves. It creates a barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and a network of inland channels connected to the Mississippi’s bayou tributaries. At Grand Isle State Park, swimming in the Gulf surf is one of the activities on offer. Drivers heading south must pay a toll to cross the bridge to Grand Isle; check the accepted payment method before setting out.
Historic Sites and Local Stories
Kenner’s Rivertown is a historic district spanning twelve city blocks along the Mississippi River. Attractions there include the Kenner Planetarium and Megadome Cinema, the Rivertown Space Science Complex, the Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts and LaSalle’s Landing. LaSalle’s Landing commemorates the boxing match between “Gypsy” Jem Mace and Tom Allen, described as the first heavyweight championship bout, held in 1870. Rivertown is also home to a replica of St. Mary’s Church, described as Kenner’s first Catholic church.
In Gretna, the Gretna Historical Society Museum Complex is located at 209 Lafayette Street. It includes three 19th-century Creole cottages, a blacksmith shop and the Louisiana Fire Museum. Gretna’s Downtown Historic District is one of Louisiana’s largest historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places; distinctive architecture and landmarks define its character.
The Gretna Bike Path offers another perspective: it is suitable for walking, jogging and cycling, and provides views of the New Orleans skyline and passing ships. The Louisiana Wetlands Education Center & Museum tells the 200-year history of life in the fishing communities along Bayou Barataria. In this way, outdoor activity, city views and the history of life on the water sit side by side, without the same kind of outing needing to be the focus.
Oysters and Discoveries Along the Way
The Louisiana Oyster Trail leads to sculptures in the parish and meals featuring Louisiana oysters. It brings together public art and a regional food culture closely tied to oysters. Along with the historic districts, wetlands and coastal landscapes, it offers a range of different discoveries: you can focus on wildlife viewing, regional history, outdoor activities or local cuisine.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Kenner, Metairie, Gretna, Jennings, Harahan, Harvey, Westwego, Marrero, Avondale, Grand Isle.
For the main travel overview: Louisiana.
