Overview
Florida Parishes is a region in the eastern part of Louisiana, running from the east bank of the Mississippi River to the Mississippi state line. It includes the state capital of Baton Rouge and the area on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, just north of Greater New Orleans.
2 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Florida Parishes
Tammany Trace
Bike, hike, or horse ride along this scenic trail that was reclaimed from an old railroad right of way and runs between Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Fontainebleau State Park, Lacombe, and Slidell.
InstaGator
A working alligator farm 7 minutes drive north east of Abita Springs.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 42°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Jan. (climate data from nearby Baton Rouge)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BTR Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, Baton Rouge — 20 mi away. Directions
- MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans — 50 mi away (major hub). Directions
Interstate 10 comes in from the west to Baton Rouge and from the east to Slidell. I-55 comes south from Jackson, Mississippi, and I-59 comes southwest from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Several roads connect from Greater New Orleans.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Sample 3-day trip
- Day 1: Baton Rouge — Louisiana State Capitol, Old State Capitol, Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
- Day 2: Mandeville — Fontainebleau State Park, Dew Drop Hall, Ruby's Roadhouse.
- Day 3: Covington — H J Smith & Sons General Store.
Built from the best-covered destinations in this region; open each for its own day plan.
Photos
Places in Florida Parishes
Understand
The "Florida Parishes" got their name because they were part of the Spanish colonial providence of West Florida until they were made part of Louisiana in 1810. A Louisiana "Parish" is the equivalent of a "county" in other states.
St. Tammany Parish is the easternmost parish, along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, across the lake from New Orleans. With an abundance of pine forests and gently rolling hills, it has been a popular spot for New Orleanians taking a break from city life for more than a century and a half. The area has experienced a boom that has brought a lot of suburban style development and modern conveniences, but St. Tammany still has an abundance of spots with the relaxing atmosphere of charming old Louisiana towns of yesteryear.
Cities
- Abita Springs
- Baton Rouge – largest city
- Covington
- Mandeville
- Slidell
- St. Francisville
Get in
Interstate 10 comes in from the west to Baton Rouge and from the east to Slidell. I-55 comes south from Jackson, Mississippi, and I-59 comes southwest from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Several roads connect from Greater New Orleans.
See
- The old town of Covington.
- Tour the brewery in Abita Springs.
- Fontainebleau State Park – popular park stretching from the lakeshore into the woods. Access from Highway 190 just east of Mandeville.
Do
- Have a meal or beverage overlooking the lakefront in old Mandeville.
Drink
Beer drinkers should be sure to try Louisiana's favorite, Abita Beer, especially when it's on tap. It's brewed at Abita Springs and comes in several varieties.
Go next
- Acadiana region of Louisiana
- Mississippi
- New Orleans
Nearby
Port Allen
City / town · 6 listings · 24 mi away
Plaquemine
City / town · 3 listings · 30 mi away
Donaldsonville
City / town · 3 listings · 31 mi away
Vacherie
City / town · 7 listings · 36 mi away
LaPlace
City / town · 6 listings · 37 mi away
New Roads
City / town · 5 listings · 39 mi away
Kenner
City / town · 5 listings · 49 mi away
Saint Rose
City / town · 1 listings · 50 mi away
My experience
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