This Vibrant Louisiana Region Is Home To Tranquil Marshlands And Some Of The World's Best Seafood

Northshore, Louisiana, comprises the St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes (similar to counties) in Southern Louisiana. The Northshore area is located on the famous Lake Pontchartrain, just a 40-minute drive north of New Orleans. Northshore is accessed via the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the world's longest (and occasionally terrifying) bridge over water. Travelers headed east from Baton Rouge or west from Mississippi can reach the region's key towns of Mandeville, Slidell, and Covington via I-12. 

The Northshore region is known for its tranquil outdoor recreation, world-class delectable cuisine, and laid-back lifestyle. The area's over 80,000 acres of national wildlife refuge, its wetlands, and pristine lakes make it a hot spot for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers alike. Packed with cafes, breweries, and seafood staples, visitors to the Northshore region of Louisiana can enjoy a relaxed way of life and a flavorful taste of the local culinary artistry.

The unique marshlands of Southern Louisiana have provided the area with not only essential protection from storms but also a booming seafood industry. Louisiana's seafood economy is built on local shrimpers, crawfish farmers, and commercial fishermen, and the waters of Lake Pontchartrain are a massive contributor to the area's overall seafood industry. Visitors come from far and wide to partake in the Northshore's incredible seafood-based cuisine and stay for the area's natural beauty.

The Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge is a 15,000-acre coastal marsh refuge in the Northshore. The area is a popular birding destination and a space for outdoor recreation, with nature trails, outdoor educational programs for children, and more. The nearby Cane Bayou and Tchefuncte River wind through the region's landscape, offering paddling adventures and wildlife spotting opportunities.

For beginner-friendly nature trails, boardwalk strolls through the wetlands, or guided bike rides, the Northlake Nature Center near Mandeville is perfect. The area is located in an ancient pine forest and is home to wood ducks, wild turkeys, and over 125 species of birds. If you're visiting during the spring, the Great Louisiana Birdfest is held in the marshlands of the Northlake Nature Center every year. During this time, millions of birds migrate through the area.

Northshore's wetlands aren't just stunning to experience in person, they're also ecologically vital to the area. One great way to see this is to hop on a guided tour, like the Honey Island Swamp Tour in Slidell that takes visitors on a 250-mile narrated tour to see the moss-covered cypress trees and delicate wetland ecosystems up close. The region has no shortage of swamp tours via boat, canoe, kayak, or trail.

The St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes have long been known for their delicious seafood scene. With Lake Pontchartrain just off the Northshore coast, charming towns like Slidell and Madisonville are full of great seafood. Furthermore, Abita Springs is home to some of Louisiana's most mouth-watering restaurants. Fresh fish, shrimp, crab, and oysters are available daily, and menus are packed with seafood gumbos, shrimp po'boys, and more.

Furthermore, the Northshore town of Mandeville is packed with shops, outdoor adventures, and some of the area's best seafood. The Mandeville Seafood Market & Eatery has been open seven days a week since 1996, offering seafood boils, on-site fish fries, and an array of fresh seafood. Columbia Street Seafood in Covington has a sea-to-table motto with all of its dishes prepared with fresh seafood caught daily in the local Louisiana waters. If you're visiting during one of the area's iconic seafood festivals like the Amite Oyster Festival or the Mandeville City Seafood Festival, you'll discover the rich culture and cuisine Northshore has to offer. With its blend of bayou charm and culinary perfections, Northshore is a must-visit spot to experience Louisiana's natural beauty and amazing cuisine.