No matter where you vacation in Louisiana, you’re likely to find yourself feeling right at home. Maybe it’s the people, whose welcomes are always warm, or the nature, which puts your heart at ease with its quiet beauty. Whichever version of home you’re looking for, Mandeville offers just that.

Located just 40 minutes from New Orleans on the northern end of Lake Pontchartrain, this waterfront town on the Northshore is a peaceful escape from the everyday. From the gentle breezes along the Mandeville lakefront to the way the sunlight filters through the moss-draped oak trees, everything here feels serene. The town moves at a slower pace, and invites you to do the same—but there’s no shortage of things to do. 

Nature lovers can explore the 31 miles of the Tammany Trace, a scenic railroad-turned-trail, or spend a day wandering the diverse landscapes at one of the state’s most sought-after parks. And when it comes to culture, Mandeville delivers. With a soulful live music community, and a flavorful food scene, your days—and your dollars—will be well spent. Here are 12 ways to enjoy your time in Mandeville.

Spend Time In Nature

Have Endless Adventures At Fontainebleau State Park

Located just three miles west of Mandeville, this sprawling 2,800-acre preserve is one of Louisiana’s most visited state parks—and for good reason. With campgrounds, kayak rentals, biking trails, and an all-inclusive playground, activities are as abundant as the 400 species that call this park home. Explore the ruins of an 1829 sugar mill, or enjoy outdoor adventures along the Tammany Trace hiking/biking trail. The park also features a man-made beach, where you can sunbathe and watch sailboats roll out onto waters of Lake Pontchartrain. For visitors with limited mobility, an all-terrain, electric-powered chair is available at no charge—just be sure to reserve it 48 hours in advance.

lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fontainebleau-state-park; 62883 Hwy. 1089, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-624-4443

Explore The Bayou At Northlake Nature Center

The paths less traveled are no less beautiful in Mandeville, and that includes the winding wooden trails of the Northlake Nature Center. Located across from the state park on Bayou Castine, this lesser-known gem is another great way to immerse yourself in the swamp and wildlife. Birding enthusiasts will want to visit in the spring, when the center hosts its annual Great Louisiana BirdFest.

northlakenature.org; 23135 US-190, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-626-1238

Watch The Sunset At Mandeville Lakefront

When the clock strikes golden hour, there’s no place locals would rather be than the Mandeville lakefront. Follow the stately Southern homes all the way to the edge of historic Mandeville, where this 1.5 mile stretch, lined with restaurants, mossy oak trees, and wooden porch swings, meets the vast expanse of Lake Pontchartrain. Parallel to the water’s edge, a paved walkway winds toward the east end of Lakeshore Drive, where a small sandy beach, playground, and charming historic gazebo create the perfect backdrop for watching the sun melt into the horizon. 

www.cityofmandeville.com; 2623 Lakeshore Dr, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-626-3144

Dive Into Arts And Culture

Spend Time With Locals At The Mandeville Trailhead

Experience Mandeville as the locals do with a visit to the Mandeville Trailhead, a close-knit community hub where “good food and great people” are celebrated year-round. Climb to the top of the lookout tower for bird’s-eye views of the historic district, and learn the town’s history at the hands-on cultural interpretive museum. On Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., shop from more than 80 vendors at Trailhead Community Market. And in the summer months, you’ll even find people two-stepping and line dancing to live music at the amphitheater. 

cityofmandeville.com/experiencemandeville/page/trailhead-market; 675 Lafitte Str, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-624-3148

Dance To Live Music At Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall

A true neighborhood cornerstone, Dew Drop has been around since the beginning of jazz. In 1895—the same year many scholars believe jazz was born—this historic hall was built by a group of community-focused African American residents called the Dew Drop Social and Benevolent Association. Today, jazz performances at this Old Mandeville venue remain authentic, intimate, and reminiscent of scenes from The Princess and the Frog. Concerts run from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., and admission is just $10 (with free entry for children and students). Grab a seat indoors on a first-come, first-served basis, or bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music under the shade of ancient live oaks.

dewdropjazzhall.com; 430 Lamarque St, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-264-7401

Keep The Party Going At Ruby’s Roadhouse

Not ready to call it a night at 9 p.m? Head over to Ruby’s Roadhouse, a laid-back live music venue that’s been keeping the good times rolling since 1984. Check the event calendar, and dance along to some of the area’s best local talent, performing everything from rock and country to jazz and the blues. Cover charges are typically no more than $10, and many shows are even free. 

rubysroadhouse.live; 840 Lamarque St, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-626-9748

Where To Eat

Enjoy All-Day Breakfast At Liz’s Where Y’at Diner

Every meal is served with a smile at this youthful, bright-yellow diner owned by New Orleans native Liz Munson. Frequently voted some of the best breakfast in the state, Liz’s menu features locally-inspired dishes like the Big Easy Benedict, a combination of fried green tomatoes, grilled crab cakes, and poached eggs topped with signature Cajun Hollandaise sauce. For dessert, finish off with a slice of Key Lime Pie—fitting for this eatery on Florida Street.

lizswhereyatdiner.com; 2500 Florida St, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-626-8477

Indulge In The Brunch Scene

Home to the original Another Broken Egg Cafe, Mandeville knows its way around a brunch table, and you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. At Odelia, a European-style coffee and wine bistro, every detail is as extravagant as the last. Order the deviled eggs—a trio of pimento, bacon and hot honey, and lox—and sip on a specialty cocktail like the hibiscus orange-infused Belle Rose from the bar. For a more homegrown Southern vibe close to the water, head to LaLou. The menu covers all the bases, from classics like waffles and benedicts to unique offerings like berry quinoa and smothered brie.

Taste Pasta Made From Scratch At Prima Apres

At this counter-service restaurant, pasta always comes first (and pavlova—a French meringue dessert—comes second). This unique gourmet-to-go concept allows you to build your own pasta with your choice of scratch-made pasta, homemade sauces, and signature toppings. And when your European-style dish is ready, it’s served to you with chopsticks in a folded takeout box.

primaapres.com; 2180 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville, LA 70471; 877-545-0127

Dine Along The Lakefront

As you make your way to the lake’s edge for sunset, stop for dinner at one of the many restaurants in the neighborhood. (Pro tip: order takeout and bring a picnic blanket). Many of these local digs, like the Rusty Pelican, serve their seafood fresh, non-fussy, and fried. But you’ll also find plenty of options for Italian, like the spirited McClain’s Pizzeria, located just steps away from the water. If you’re looking to dine in, it doesn’t get much more idyllic than the waterfront patio views at Rips On The Lake.

Snag A Sweet Souvenir At The Candy Bank

Housed in the century-old St. Tammany Bank Building, this sweet confectionery is the place to go for homemade fudge and a colorful array of nostalgic candies. Head to the ice cream bar for old-fashioned floats and milkshakes, or enjoy a Nitro coffee beverage infused with vanilla ice cream.

thecandybank.com; 201 Carroll St, Mandeville, LA 70448; 985-778-2750

Where To Stay

Rest Your Head In Historic Mandeville

Southern charm is a specialty of this fun-loving town, and the stays are no exception. Featuring country-style architecture and a serene, garden-lined porch, the Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast puts you right in the heart of Old Mandeville and offers two guest suites, each with a king-sized bed and private bathroom. The four suites at Guesthouse on Girod provide the same cozy atmosphere, conveniently located across the street from LaLou. For larger crowds, consider the individually-decorated suites at de la Bleau B&B, each with its own private bathroom and entrance, perched atop stilts just steps from Lake Pontchartrain.