Overview
Jean Lafitte is a town located on Bayou Barataria in Jefferson Parish on the periphery of Greater New Orleans.
2 sights · 3 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Jean Lafitte
Barataria Museum
This little museum within the city hall explores the history of privateering and the town of Jean Lafitte and the surrounding wetlands with its respective fauna. It includes a nature trail to a lagoon.
The Bow of the Black Pearl
Looking at the bow of this ship from afar, you might be confused into thinking that it's an actual antique from the 18th century. However, when you walk up close to it, it is apparent that the wooden frame is just a faca…
Barataria Preserve
Part of the Jean Lafitte National Park system. Trails and elevated boardwalks through forest, wetland, bayous, and swamp. One can often see wild alligators in the water under the foot bridges. Especially impressive in th…
Airboat Adventures
Here you can go on a high thrills adventure through marshland and open water aboard an air boat and explore the fringes of the Mississippi Delta. Just hold onto your hat.
Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour
Another albeit more leisurely boat tour with the likely prospect of alligator sightings.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 94°F; winter lows dip to about 46°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby New Orleans)
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.
- MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans — 20 mi away (major hub). Directions
- GPT Gulfport Biloxi International Airport, Gulfport — 78 mi away. Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Barataria Museum, Airboat Adventures, The Bow of the Black Pearl
- Lunch Boutte's Bayou Restaurant
- Afternoon Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour, Barataria Preserve
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Jean Lafitte is named after the famed buccaneer. To the south of here was once a place called Manila Village that was comprised of Filipino fishermen who had jumped ship while under the command of Spanish captains, today commemorated by a plaque in Manila Plaza in Jean Lafitte. All around this town is wetland that unfortunately is in danger of degradation from hurricanes and salination.
See
See The Bow of the Black Pearl
Looking at the bow of this ship from afar, you might be confused into thinking that it's an actual antique from the 18th century. However, when you walk up close to it, it is apparent that the wooden frame is just a facade, built over a metal armature. According to the Jefferson Parish tourism website, it's the bow of the prop ship The Black Pearl from one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Do
Do Barataria Preserve
Part of the Jean Lafitte National Park system. Trails and elevated boardwalks through forest, wetland, bayous, and swamp. One can often see wild alligators in the water under the foot bridges. Especially impressive in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. From New Orleans: Take the Crescent City Connection Bridge across the Mississippi and get on the West Bank Expressway. Exit at Barataria Boulevard, turn south and follow the signs.
Eat
Eat Boutte's Bayou Restaurant
For a very authentic fried Gulf Coast seafood experience.
Sleep
Nearby
Avondale
City / town · 3 listings · 13 mi away
New Orleans
City / town · 33 listings · 15 mi away
Jefferson
City / town · 10 listings · 16 mi away
Chalmette
City / town · 1 listings · 17 mi away
Metairie
City / town · 18 listings · 18 mi away
Luling
City / town · 4 listings · 19 mi away
Saint Rose
City / town · 1 listings · 19 mi away
Kenner
City / town · 5 listings · 20 mi away
My experience
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